Your Journey to Proper Orthodontic Treatment: Regular Braces at Showtime Orthodontics

At Showtime Orthodontics, we provide traditional braces—also popularly called regular braces—as a proven, tested, and trusted treatment for correcting many orthodontic conditions. Regardless of whether you are a teenager just acquainting yourself with the world of high school or an adult eager to move forward and tend to your smile, our board-qualified orthodontist, Dr. Jeff Shao, and our passionate staff provide attention to address your specific oral issues.

---

What Are Traditional Braces?

Regular braces are made up of metal brackets glued to each tooth and linked by a wire, which is tightened periodically to slowly push your teeth into perfectly aligned positions. Rubber bands can be attached to provide extra pressure and limit jaw movement if needed. All these parts combine to correct problems like:

• Overlapping or crowded teeth
• Spaces between teeth
• Overbites, underbites, and crossbites
• Jaw misalignment
• General bite correction

This mechanism has evolved over decades to be as effective as possible. With the advancement of technology, metal braces are now more comfortable, compact, and aesthetic than ever before.

---

Why Regular Braces?

Although we have numerous orthodontic options today, traditional braces are among the most efficient and proven modalities for straightforward and complex cases. We like to write for traditional braces at Showtime Orthodontics in the following situations:

• Accuracy of control over tooth movement is the most critical
• The patients desire a sturdy, fixed appliance that does not depend upon cooperation
• Cost-effectiveness is an important consideration
• Orthodontic cases are complex or consist of several tooth movements

Dr. Shao closely monitors the progress of all patients and makes modifications to the braces as necessary to provide continued, effective progress throughout the treatment process.

---

What to Expect During Treatment

Initial Consultation and Placement

Your orthodontic treatment starts with a complimentary FREE consultation and diagnostic records. Dr. Shao performs a comprehensive evaluation using the most advanced technology, such as i-CAT 3D imaging, to evaluate your bite and structure. After a personalized treatment plan is established, your braces are installed in your first visit. The brackets are bonded, the archwire is seated, and any required elastics are installed.

Adjustment Visits

Regular follow-up appointments are typically scheduled every 4–8 weeks. During these visits, Dr. Shao will adjust the wires to maintain controlled pressure, guiding your teeth into their proper positions. Each visit is a step closer to achieving healthy alignment.

Treatment Duration

The average treatment time with conventional braces is between 18 and 30 months, depending on your condition's severity and cooperation level. Age, bone density, and adherence to rubber band wear (if ordered) all affect the treatment time.

---

Living With Braces

It is a short learning experience well worth the investment in long-term happiness. Your braces work well and are comfortable when properly maintained.

Oral Hygiene

Brackets and bands have a better chance of food and plaque being trapped, so keeping your mouth as healthy as possible is extremely important. Brushing after meals with an orthodontic toothbrush, flossing with threaders or an irrigator, and mouthwashing with fluoride mouthwash are routine daily procedures.

Foods to Avoid

• Sticky foods such as gum and caramel
• Hard foods such as hard candy, popcorn, and nuts
• Crunchy items such as raw carrots and potato chips
• Chewy foods like bagels or licorice

The chewy, soft foods are the easiest to tolerate, particularly on the initial days after adjustments.

Soreness & Adjustments

It may be anticipated that a certain amount of soreness can be experienced upon receiving or tightening braces. These could be eased through warm salt water rinses or over-the-counter pain medicines. Also, orthodontic wax may be used to alleviate the irritation caused by brackets or wires.

Dealing with Emergencies

If a broken bracket or looseness in the wire happens, contact our office immediately. In the meantime, try using a clean eraser on your pencil to re-alter wires delicately or wax over rough places for comfort.

---

Traditional Braces for Reliable Results

At Showtime Orthodontics, we offer traditional metal braces as a time-tested and effective solution for correcting many orthodontic concerns. These braces use high-grade stainless steel brackets and wires to gradually move teeth into proper alignment. Modern metal braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more efficient than ever, making them a popular choice for children, teens, and adults seeking dependable treatment outcomes.

For those who prefer a less noticeable option, we also offer clear ceramic braces, which blend in with your natural tooth color while delivering the same reliable results. Our orthodontic team customizes every braces treatment plan to ensure optimal alignment, bite correction, and long-term stability.

---

Meet the Doctor: Dr. Jeff Shao

Dr. Jeff Shao offers unmatched ability and passion for orthodontic treatment. As one of the four board-certified orthodontists in The Woodlands, Dr. Shao brings technical proficiency with an energetic, patient-protective bedside manner.

Following the culmination of his Doctorate of Dental Surgery and Master of Science degrees at the U.S. News & World Report 1-ranked dental school, the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Dr. Shao became an exceptionally conscientious board-certified orthodontist by the American Board of Orthodontics, which is a status only achieved by a few hundred orthodontists in the United States.

Through his dedication to patient care and ongoing education, he has been awarded many honors, including:

• The Anurag Patel Award for Excellence in Predoctoral Education
• Certificate of Distinction in Research
• Omicron Kappa Upsilon Academic Scholarship
• Award for Excellence in Clinical Dentistry

---

Payment and Insurance Options

We also welcome most major insurance coverage and provide flexible financing terms to make treatment as convenient as possible. Our office will help with forms and work directly with your insurance company to secure maximum benefits. We also provide monthly payment terms to make your treatment as affordable as possible.