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Houston, Texas' Trusted Orthodontist!
The orthodontic practice of Houston orthodontist Dr. Larry A. Rose serves patients in the areas of Houston, Katy, Sugarland, Cinco Ranch, Bear Creek, Stafford, Missouri City, Alief, Memorial, and Spring Branch, Texas (TX), serving zip codes, 77079, 77077, 77083, 77084, 77024, 77055, 77063, 77043, 77041, 77450, 77449, and 77478.
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 What is
orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the dental specialty that treats dental and orofacial irregularities.
What is an orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has completed an American Dental Association recognized advanced postgraduate level of orthodontic education. This post-graduate training teaches the special skills required to manage tooth movement and guide facial development. The specialty training occurs following the earning of a dental degree, and that is what the letters DDS, or in some cases, DMD represent. Many graduate level orthodontic programs offer a Master of Science degree in Orthodontics, designated as MS, which Dr. Rose has earned. Because Dr. Rose holds that advanced degree, he is listed as Larry A. Rose, DDS, MS. Orthodontists who have demonstrated advanced orthodontic education and orthodontic skill, over and above the specialty degree earned in a graduate level dental school program, are certified by American Board of Orthodontics. These select orthodontists are recognized as being Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO); Dr. Rose has been a Diplomate of the ABO for over 24 years.
 What are some possible benefits of orthodontic treatment?
- A more attractive smile
- Reduced appearance-consciousness during critical development years
- Better fit and function of the teeth
- Increased self-confidence
- Enhanced ability to clean the teeth
- Improved long-term health of teeth and gums
- Guide permanent teeth into more favorable positions
- Reduce the risk of injury to protruding front teeth
- Aid in optimizing other dental treatment
What are some signs that orthodontic treatment may be needed?
- Upper front teeth protrude excessively over the lower teeth, or are “bucked”
- Upper front teeth cover the majority of the lower teeth when biting together (deep bite)
- Upper front teeth are behind or inside the lower front teeth (underbite/anterior crossbite)
- The upper and lower front teeth do not touch when biting together (anterior openbite)
- Crowded or overlapped teeth
- The center of the upper front teeth and the center of the lower front teeth do not line up (sometimes this is caused by facial, dental, or skeletal development, which orthodontic treatment alone may not correct)
- Finger- or thumb-sucking habits which continue after seven years of age
- Difficulty chewing
- Teeth wearing unevenly or excessively
- The lower jaw shifts to one side or the other when biting together (may be an indication of a posterior crossbite)
- Gaps between the teeth
At what age should orthodontic treatment occur?
Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age before jaw growth has slowed. Sometimes early orthodontic treatment may allow a patient to be treated without removing permanent teeth in order to resolve the dental crowding.
Orthodontic problems can be broken down into two components; one is the skeletal component, which may appear as a narrow upper jaw, or jaws that do not “match up.” The other component is dental, where the teeth may appear crowded or not in correct position with one another when the patient closes.
The patient may exhibit excessive overjet, a condition in which the upper front teeth severely protrude over the lower front teeth.
The patient may have an anterior open bite, a condition in which the upper front teeth may not touch the lower front teeth when the mouth is closed.
Anterior open bite is typically seen in patients who suck their thumb or fingers.
Some children are unhappy with their dental appearance and may be teased or embarrassed by their dental appearance.
Children know when their smile is unattractive and are appreciative when their parents make an appointment to see Dr. Rose.
Not all young patients need to start early and if treatment is not indicated at the time of evaluation, Dr. Rose will place the patient on a recall schedule and offer to check the child on a regular basis to observe the development of the teeth and jaws.
It is not necessary for a child to have lost all their baby teeth before an orthodontic evaluation appointment is set with Dr. Rose.
What is Phase I and Phase II treatment?
Phase I, or early interceptive orthodontic treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (i.e., expander or partial braces) that takes place before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Such orthodontic treatment usually occurs between the ages of seven and ten. This orthodontic treatment is sometimes recommended to create more space for developing teeth, correction of crossbites, overbites, underbites, or harmful oral habits. Phase II orthodontic treatment is sometimes referred to as comprehensive orthodontic treatment. Comprehensive orthodontic treatment not only involves additional orthodontic appliances and orthodontic treatment when the permanent teeth have erupted, but also includes retainers. Phase II or comprehensive orthodontic treatment usually occurs between the ages of eleven and thirteen.
Would an adult patient benefit from orthodontics?
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at almost any age. Twenty to twenty-five percent of orthodontic patients today are adults.
How does orthodontic treatment work?
Braces use steady, gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into their proper positions. The brackets that are placed on the teeth and the archwire that connects them are the main components producing the pressure used to guide the teeth. When the archwire is placed into the brackets, it attempts to return to its original shape. As it does, it applies pressure to move the teeth to their new, more ideal positions.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Orthodontic treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis, but the average time is about two years. However, treatment time is greatly influenced by the type orthodontic appliance selected. Dr. Rose offers an advanced orthodontic appliance that typically treats in a shorter amount of time and with less discomfort when compared to a “standard” orthodontic appliance. Actual treatment time can be affected by the rate of growth and severity of the orthodontic correction necessary. Treatment length is also dependent upon patient compliance. Maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping regular appointments are important in keeping treatment time on schedule.
Do braces hurt?
The placement of bands or brackets on teeth is not considered to be a painful procedure. Once the braces are placed and connected with the archwires there may be some soreness of the teeth for a few days. All orthodontic appliances are not the same. Dr. Rose uses advanced orthodontic appliances and archwires to help minimize patient discomfort and orthodontic treatment time.
Will braces interfere with playing sports?
Generally not. It is recommended, however, that patients protect themselves by wearing a special orthodontic mouthguard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouthguards that are heated in water and bitten into should not be used while wearing orthodontic appliances. Orthodontic mouthguards are comfortable, and come in a variety of colors, and are available for Dr. Rose's patients.
Will braces interfere with playing musical
instruments?
Generally not. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment.
Should I see my general dentist while I have
braces?
Yes, the patient should continue to see their general dentist every four to six months for cleanings and dental checkups, unless another cleaning schedule has been recommended. |
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