Traditional metal braces are the most common of the different types of braces. They work by wearing metal brackets and an orthodontic wire that is held in place by rubber bands or ligatures, slowly moving your teeth into place. Metal braces provide you with the option for adding colored elastics for a unique, colorful smile. The colored bands are changed periodically throughout the course of treatment. Clear elastics may be used instead of colored bands and are slightly more conservative in appearance, but the orthodontic wire and brackets are still very visible. The orthodontic wire helps to shape the position of the teeth by creating tension between the brackets. Different sized wires aid in the movement of the teeth depending on the phase of treatment.

Made of clear materials, ceramic braces are less visible than traditional braces. Older teenagers and adult patients with cosmetic concerns are the most frequent users of ceramic braces. Though ceramic braces are visually less prominent, they are also larger than traditional braces. Ceramic braces tend to be used on upper front teeth rather than on lower teeth.

When: Brush after every meal and rinse after snacks.With: A soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.How: Use a dry brush with a small amount of toothpaste. Use circular motions around the gum lines and the surfaces of your teeth, 10 Seconds on each tooth. At an angle, work bristles of brush over, under and past the wire that runs From one tooth to another. Then brush the chewing surfaces of your teeth and brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth as well. Rinse thoroughly.

When: At least 3 times a week.With: Dental floss and floss threader.How: Insert floss into threader. Place threader between gums or under the wire. Floss using an up and down motion along the teeth. When you are finished look in the mirror to be sure your teeth and braces are shiny and your gums are firm. If your gums are sore and/or bleeding, rinse them with salt water. These problems will quickly disappear with proper oral hygiene.

Invisalign takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using a custom-made series of aligners created for you and only you. These aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible plastic that you wear over your teeth. Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place, based on the exact movements Dr. Brown plans for you. You just pop in a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks, until your treatment is complete.

With Invisalign, the aligner trays are not only smooth and comfortable to wear, but theyre also removable. That means you can continue doing all the things you normally would, from brushing and flossing, to eating whatever you like.

We will take x-rays, pictures and impressions of your teeth, which Invisalign will use to create a digital 3-D image of them. From these images Dr. Brown will map out a precise treatment plan, including the exact movements of your teeth, and tell you the approximate length of treatment. Using the same technology Dr. Brown will be able to show you a virtual representation of how your teeth will move with each stage of treatment. While every case is unique to each patient, treatment typically takes approximately a year for adults. For teens the length of treatments is comparable to that of braces.

Based on your individual treatment plan, a series of custom-made, clear aligners is then created specifically for you. These aligners are made of a smooth, comfortable, BPA-free plastic that won't irritate your cheeks and gums. Simply wear them throughout the day, and remove them when you eat or to brush and floss your teeth. As you wear each set of aligners, your teeth gently and gradually begin to shift into place. And because they're virtually invisible, most people won't even notice you're wearing them.

Approximately every two weeks, you will begin wearing a new set of aligners, advancing you to the next stage of your treatment. To monitor your progress, you will also have checkups with Dr. Brown. For best results and a timely outcome, you should wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, throughout your entire treatment.

There are three basic types of retainers available today; each works best in particular situations. The most common is the Hawley retainer a thin, tongue-shaped piece of acrylic molded to fit your mouth, with a wire that holds your teeth in position. The Hawley retainer is simple, durable and easily removed. It's even possible to personalize it by choosing different colors and designs for the plastic arch. It can also be adjusted to correct minor tooth movements.

Another popular style of retainer is the clear aligner-type, which looks similar to the Invisalign tray system. These retainers are custom-made of thin, transparent plastic which is designed to fit precisely over your teeth. Their main advantage is that they're invisible, with no wire to show. These retainers are also easy to remove, but they may be somewhat less durable than the Hawleys. They aren't recommended for patients with certain conditions, like teeth grinding.

Finally, fixed retainers may be an option for some people, especially on the lower front teeth. As their name implies, they aren't removable by the wearer but they aren't visible either. This system uses a wire which is bonded to the tongue side of the teeth. It may remain in place for months, or longer. This type of retainer is sometimes recommended when there's a high risk that teeth could revert to their former position.

Dr. April Brown was born and raised in Hope, Arkansas. In 2001, she graduated from Hope High School as valedictorian of her class. She attended Ouachita Baptist University and earned her Bachelor of Science degree with Summa Cum Laude status. In 2004, she attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry in Kentucky and received her Doctorate of Dental Medicine and also completed her Masters in Oral Biology at the same time.

While in dental school, Dr. Brown was involved in the Louisville American Student Dental Association, the Christian Medical/Dental Association, and the Alpha Omega dental fraternity. She was appointed to a position on the Dental School Admissions Committee and was the Colgate liaison for the entire school in her junior and senior years.

In 2008, Dr. Brown continued her education at the University of Texas at San Antonio Health Science Center with the completion of a three year orthodontic residency. While in residency, she treated a range of patients from ages 7 to 71, with a variety of orthodontic needs.

Dr. Brown is married to her childhood sweetheart, Jesse Brown. They have a son, Jack, who was born in January 2013, and a daughter, Ava, who was born in April 2015. Dr. Brown enjoys hunting and fishing. She also likes to cook and sing.

Born and raised in Ingram TX, Joanna graduated from Ingram Tom Moore High School in 2013. She later attended the College of Health Care Professions in San Antonio, TX and received her Registered Dental Assistant Certification in September of 2015. Joanna joined the Hill Country Smiles team in September 2015, where she also completed her externship. During her free time she enjoys going on road trips and being outdoors.

Virginia Lozano was raised in the Hill Country. She graduated in 2005 from Center Point High School and also married her high school sweetheart Ernesto that same year. They have 3 children: Joel, Marissa, and Alexa. She loves reading, running, listening to podcasts, and spending time with her family. She keeps busy attending her kids basketball, volleyball, and track events.

Paola Machuca joined our Hill Country Smiles team in May 2016, as an extern. Paola is originally from Mexico City. She moved to Kerrville in 2012. Paola graduated from Concorde Career College with her Registered Dental Assistant Certificate. She is the oldest of five siblings (all girls). On her spare time she likes to spend time with her family and friends and loves working with Dr. Brown & her staff.