Your Family Orthodontist in Houston, TX

The principle advantage of orthodontic care is to boost self-esteem. Studies have shown that people who own a stunning smile have a higher quality of life including higher self-confidence, better social skills, and even higher academic performance.

You might also notice improvements in your bite, making it easier to enjoy your favorite foods. Further, orthodontics can also make it easier to keep your teeth clean and prevent gum disease. If you need an implant due to missing or damaged teeth, Dr. Cooper also works with local specialists to create the space for an implant. Finally, Dr. Cooper works with cosmetic specialists to create the spacing necessary for patients considering veneers.

Orthodontic treatment is a great option if you notice any of the following:

• Teeth not fitting together well when biting,
• Crowding or space between teeth,
• Rotated teeth,
• Teeth too long or too short,
• Crooked or misshapen teeth,
• Gum display when smiling, or
• General dissatisfaction with the appearance of the teeth.

Not at all! New technological advancements have made many options available for those who do not wish to have traditional metal braces. Alternative options include:

• Clear braces
• Invisalign
• Lingual braces (placed on the behind your teeth)

The average treatment time is 12-24 months. However this can vary depending on the issues you want addressed. We can be a lot more specific about how long treatment will take after Dr. Cooper completes her free consultation.

The majority of treatment time is painless. You might notice some dull pain for a few days after your bonding appointment and occasionally after other appointments. You can take mild pain medications like Tylenol to alleviate any discomfort. And who doesn’t want to have a good excuse to enjoy a milkshake, jello, or your other favorite indulgence?!

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends having an orthodontist perform a screening at age 7. We can start monitoring younger patients, even if you and Dr. Cooper ultimately decide to wait on treatment. Better to be sure than to find out later that something could have been done to help, right?

In certain cases, early treatment can be very beneficial for children. It can even save money in the long-term by addressing issues before they worsen. While the images below are extreme examples, if you notice anything that concerns you, we’re happy to discuss your concerns during a free consultation. Just make an appointment today.

No! It is never too late to upgrade your smile. You can always make your teeth straighter with the appliance of your choice. Traditionally, orthodontists have recommended braces for teens because their bottom jaws are still growing. But today, orthodontists like Dr. Cooper are treating more and more adults. In fact, more than 50% of our patients are adults!

If you’re thinking about orthodontics for yourself, it is important to have an examination from a general dentist to check for the presence of gum disease or cavities before starting orthodontic treatment.

We accept all PPO insurances, but if you’re not sure, give us a call.

If you don’t have PPO insurance, don’t worry! You also have the option of paying before treatment or in monthly installments. If you decide you’d prefer to pay in monthly installments, we will work with you to set up manageable payments. We can also set up automatic payments, so you don’t have to worry about seeing another bill.

The simplest treatment begins around $5-6000, but every plan is different because we always provide customized treatment.  

Prices for retainers start at $1500, and go up from there depending on desired retainers and results. 

In general, the treatment fee is based on the complexity of the case – not the method Dr. Cooper uses. Hybrid-clear aligners (clear aligners + some brackets), clear, and lingual braces do cost more than the same type of case in metal brackets.  However, while our prices may be similar, some insurance plans cover Invisalign and clear braces differently than traditional braces. The easiest way to find out is to give us a call to schedule a free consultation, and let us contact your insurance company to figure out what options are available.

Our goal is to offer you a variety of treatment options, so you can decide what suits your lifestyle. If you’re interested in lingual braces, schedule your appointment today – our prices are some of the best in town!

Cooper Orthodontic’s Privacy Practices can be found online here.