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About Us

At Astra Orthodontics, each member of our professional orthodontic team is chosen by Dr. Rahimi based upon his or her credentials, chair-side demeanor, and passion for providing the finest in personalized orthodontic care in Houston.
From our front desk staff to our orthodontic assistants, every member of our orthodontic team is dedicated to ensuring the total comfort and satisfaction of each of our patients. If you have any questions regarding your scheduled procedures or your insurance, please ask any member of our staff.
When you become an orthodontics patient you will be seen personally by Dr. Rahimi at every scheduled visit.

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Orthodontics: Your Complete Guide to a Straighter, Healthier Smile

Orthodontics is a specialized field of dentistry focused on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws, also known as malocclusion. Far more than just a cosmetic procedure, it is a crucial investment in your long-term oral health, improving both the function and appearance of your smile. This treatment is not just for teenagers; patients of all ages can benefit from a properly aligned bite.

At our practice, we believe everyone deserves a smile they can be proud of. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about modern orthodontic care.

The Key Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment

The benefits of orthodontic treatment extend far beyond a beautiful smile. While improved aesthetics and a major confidence boost are significant advantages, the health benefits are equally important. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Correcting bite issues can also alleviate problems with chewing, speech, and even jaw pain associated with conditions like TMJ disorders. A straight smile is a healthy smile.

Furthermore, by correcting the alignment, orthodontic care helps distribute bite forces evenly across all your teeth. This prevents excessive wear and tear on specific teeth, protecting them from chipping, cracking, and premature aging over the long term.

Understanding the Orthodontic Process

The orthodontic process is a carefully planned journey tailored to each patient’s unique needs. It generally follows a few key stages. It begins with an initial consultation, where we take X-rays, photos, and impressions of your teeth to create a precise diagnosis. From there, a personalized treatment plan is developed that outlines the best type of appliance for you and an estimated timeline.

Once the plan is set, the braces or aligners are fitted. You will then have regular appointments for adjustments, typically every 4-8 weeks, to ensure your teeth are moving correctly. After the active phase of treatment is complete, the braces are removed, and you will enter the retention phase, which involves wearing a retainer to maintain your new, beautiful smile.

Orthodontics

Common Types of Braces and Orthodontic Appliances

Types of braces and orthodontic appliances have evolved significantly, offering more comfort and aesthetic options than ever before. Choosing the right one depends on your clinical needs, lifestyle, and personal preferences.

  • Traditional Metal Braces: These are the most common type, made of high-grade stainless steel. Modern metal braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more effective than their predecessors.

  • Ceramic Braces: Functioning just like metal braces, these use clear or tooth-colored brackets that blend in with your teeth, making them a more discreet option for patients concerned about appearance.

  • Lingual Braces: These are the ultimate in discretion, as the brackets and wires are placed on the inside of the teeth, making them completely hidden from view.

  • Clear Aligners (e.g., Invisalign): A series of custom-made, clear plastic trays that are virtually invisible. They are removable, allowing you to eat, drink, brush, and floss with ease. This option is popular among adults and older teens.

The benefits of orthodontic treatment

Who is a Candidate for Orthodontics?

A candidate for orthodontics is anyone, child or adult, who is unhappy with the alignment of their teeth or is experiencing functional problems due to their bite. Common issues that we successfully treat include:

  • Crooked or Crowded Teeth: When there isn’t enough space in the jaw for teeth to fit normally.

  • Gaps or Spaces: Unwanted spacing between teeth.

  • Overbite: The upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth.

  • Underbite: The lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth.

  • Crossbite: Some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when biting down.

If you recognize any of these concerns in your own smile, an orthodontic consultation is the first step toward correcting them. It is never too late to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.

Start Your Journey to a Perfect Smile Today!

Orthodontics is a transformative journey that enhances your health, confidence, and quality of life. With modern technology and a dedicated team, achieving a perfectly aligned smile is more comfortable and accessible than ever.

Are you ready to see how orthodontic treatment can change your life? Contact our office today to schedule your complimentary consultation with our orthodontic specialist!

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