Braces remain one of the most versatile orthodontic treatment options for correcting tooth alignment and bite concerns in children, teens and adults. At VV Orthodontics, our board-certified orthodontist, Saritha Chary-Reddy, provides personalized braces treatment in North San Antonio, Texas, based on your bite, facial balance, age, treatment needs and goals.
With more than 21 years of orthodontic experience, Dr. Reddy has treated more than 13,000 cases with traditional braces. She personally oversees each patient’s treatment and uses digital imaging and treatment-planning technology to guide tooth movement as accurately and efficiently as possible.
- For All Ages
- Damon™ Smiles
- Types of Braces
- Brushing & Flossing
- Retainer Instructions
- Sports Mouth Guards
- Radiance™ Brackets
What Can Braces Correct?
Braces use brackets and archwires to apply controlled forces that gradually move your teeth into healthier positions. Because braces allow our orthodontist to control individual tooth movement throughout treatment, they can be used for a wide range of orthodontic concerns.
Depending on your diagnosis, braces may be used to address:
- Crooked or rotated teeth
- Crowding
- Gaps or excessive spacing
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Open bites
- Teeth that do not fit together properly
- More complex orthodontic problems requiring detailed tooth movement
Some bite concerns are primarily related to tooth position, while others involve jaw growth or skeletal relationships. Dr. Reddy evaluates both your teeth and your facial and jaw relationships before recommending treatment.
For growing patients with developing jaw concerns, early orthodontics or dentofacial orthopedic treatment may also be considered when appropriate.
Braces Options at VV Orthodontics
Braces are not limited to one style. Dr. Reddy works with several fixed orthodontic systems so treatment can be selected according to your clinical needs and preferences.
Our options include:
- Traditional braces: A reliable fixed treatment option capable of addressing both straightforward and complex tooth movement.
- Clear Radiance™ brackets: A less noticeable fixed-braces option for patients who want a more discreet appearance.
- Gold braces: An alternative for patients who prefer a different aesthetic while receiving fixed orthodontic treatment.
- Damon™ braces: A self-ligating braces system that uses specialized brackets to hold the archwire.
- Signature Collection WildSmiles: Specialty brackets that allow selected patients to personalize the appearance of their braces.
- Meta braces: Another fixed orthodontic system available when it fits the treatment plan.
Learn more about the available types of braces or explore our pages about Damon™ Smiles and Radiance™ brackets.
Traditional vs. Self-Ligating Braces
Traditional and self-ligating braces both use brackets and archwires to move teeth. One difference is how the wire is held within the bracket.
Traditional braces generally use ties to secure the archwire. Self-ligating systems, such as Damon braces, use a built-in mechanism within the bracket instead.
Neither option is automatically right for every patient. The most appropriate system depends on your tooth positions, bite, treatment complexity and Dr. Reddy’s treatment plan. If you are researching self-ligating braces in North San Antonio, TX, we can explain whether this type of bracket offers an appropriate option for your particular case.
Braces for Children, Teens and Adults
There is no single age when braces are appropriate for everyone. Children may benefit from orthodontic evaluation while the jaws and permanent teeth are still developing. Dr. Reddy evaluates children as young as age 6 when there are concerns involving bite development, crowding, crossbites, protruding teeth or jaw growth.
Teenagers commonly begin comprehensive orthodontic treatment after most permanent teeth have erupted, while adults can also receive braces when their teeth and supporting tissues are healthy enough for orthodontic movement.
Our goal is not to fit every patient into the same treatment plan. Your treatment is developed around your individual needs, whether you are beginning orthodontic care for the first time or seeking treatment for a more complicated bite or alignment problem.
Learn more about braces for all ages.
What To Expect During Braces Treatment
Your treatment begins with an orthodontic evaluation. Dr. Reddy reviews your teeth, bite, jaw relationships and facial balance and uses appropriate diagnostic records to determine what needs to be corrected.
If braces are recommended, brackets are attached to your teeth and connected by an archwire. Throughout treatment, Dr. Reddy monitors your progress and makes adjustments to guide your teeth toward their planned positions.
Because every orthodontic problem is different, treatment time varies. Factors such as the complexity of your bite, the amount of tooth movement required, your age and how your teeth respond to treatment can all affect the timeline.
Personalized Orthodontic Treatment
At VV Orthodontics, braces treatment is personally overseen by Dr. Reddy, the practice’s sole orthodontist. She has completed more than 15,000 orthodontic cases overall, including more than 13,000 cases involving traditional braces. Her experience includes routine orthodontic treatment as well as difficult referred cases, impacted teeth, significant bite concerns and orthodontic treatment coordinated with jaw surgery when needed.
Dr. Reddy is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and has completed more than 350 hours of continuing orthodontic education. Her treatment philosophy emphasizes individualized planning rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Digital Technology in Braces Treatment
Our office uses digital technology throughout orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning.
Depending on your needs, this may include digital imaging, 3D imaging and intraoral scanning. These tools allow Dr. Reddy to evaluate tooth positions, bite relationships and treatment progress while maintaining detailed digital records throughout your care.
Technology supports the treatment process, but it does not replace clinical judgment. Dr. Reddy personally evaluates your progress and adjusts treatment according to how your teeth are responding.
Caring for Your Teeth With Braces
Good oral hygiene becomes especially important while wearing braces because plaque and food can collect around brackets and wires.
Patients should carefully brush around the brackets, along the gumline and between the teeth. Daily flossing or other orthodontic cleaning aids can help clean areas that are more difficult to reach.
Our team provides ongoing oral-hygiene guidance during treatment, and professional dental cleanings every three to four months may be recommended when appropriate.
Visit our brushing and flossing with braces page for additional guidance.
Protecting Your Braces During Sports
If you participate in sports, protecting your teeth, lips and orthodontic appliances is important. Depending on the activity, an orthodontic or custom sports mouth guard may be recommended.
Our office uses digital scanning and 3D-printing technology to create custom appliances, including sports mouth guards.
Learn more about sports mouth guards.
What Happens After Braces Come Off?
Finishing active orthodontic treatment does not mean your teeth will remain in their new positions without support. Retainers are used after braces to help maintain your results.
Dr. Reddy recommends lifelong retention because teeth can continue to shift over time. Our office provides retainers and replacement retainers, including for patients who completed treatment at another practice.
Read more about retainers and retainer care.
Schedule a Braces Consultation in North San Antonio, TX
If you are considering braces for yourself or your child, an orthodontic evaluation can help determine which treatment option best fits your needs.
Call VV Orthodontics at 830-266-9555 or contact our office to schedule a consultation with our orthodontist in North San Antonio, Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces
What types of braces do you offer?
We offer several fixed orthodontic options, including traditional braces, Meta braces, clear Radiance brackets, gold braces, Damon self-ligating braces and Signature Collection WildSmiles. The best option depends on your orthodontic needs, treatment complexity and preferences.
How do braces move teeth?
Braces use brackets and archwires to apply controlled pressure to your teeth. Over time, the surrounding bone remodels so your teeth can gradually move toward their planned positions. Dr. Reddy monitors this movement throughout treatment and makes adjustments as needed.
Are braces only for teenagers?
No. Braces can be used for children, teens and adults. The appropriate timing depends on your tooth development, bite, jaw growth and treatment needs rather than age alone.
What are self-ligating braces?
Self-ligating braces use brackets with a built-in mechanism that holds the archwire instead of relying on traditional ties. Damon braces are one type of self-ligating system available at our practice. Whether they are appropriate for you depends on your treatment needs.
How long do braces take?
There is no universal treatment length. Your timeline depends on factors such as the severity of your alignment or bite problem, how much tooth movement is required and how your teeth respond to treatment. Dr. Reddy can provide a more individualized estimate after evaluating you.
Do braces hurt?
You may experience temporary pressure or tenderness when braces are first placed or after certain adjustments. The amount varies from person to person and generally changes as you become accustomed to treatment.
How often should I clean my teeth while wearing braces?
You should maintain careful daily brushing and flossing throughout treatment. Our team provides instructions for cleaning around brackets and wires, and more frequent professional dental cleanings may be recommended when appropriate.
Do I need a retainer after braces?
Yes. Retention is an important part of maintaining orthodontic results. Dr. Reddy recommends lifelong retention because teeth can shift over time, even after successful orthodontic treatment.
Can adults get braces?
Yes. Adults can receive braces when their teeth and supporting tissues are healthy enough for orthodontic treatment. Braces can be particularly useful when precise or complex tooth movement is needed.
How do I know which type of braces is right for me?
The best system depends on your diagnosis rather than appearance alone. Dr. Reddy evaluates your teeth, bite, facial balance and treatment goals before recommending the braces option that fits your case.