910 N Earl Rudder Fwy #100 Bryan, TX 77802
Correcting Misalignment and Bite Concerns
At Element Dental & Orthodontics Bryan, braces and orthodontic care are led by Dr. Matthew Rushing, Orthodontist, who plans every case based on your bite, crowding, spacing, jaw alignment, and personal smile goals. Treatment is never one-size-fits-all, and you'll be followed closely through every check-in, adjustment, and progress visit from the day braces are placed to the day they come off.
Whether you're seeking treatment for your teen or yourself, Dr. Matthew Rushing's goal is to create a healthy, well-aligned smile that supports long-term dental health and confidence. Patients from Bryan, College Station, and across the Brazos Valley choose our practice for orthodontic care that's planned carefully, monitored closely, and supported by the added convenience of a multi-specialty office.
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Orthodontic Issues We Treat
Braces and orthodontic treatment help correct structural alignment issues that may affect daily function.
Common concerns include:
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbite or underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
- Jaw alignment irregularities
Signs You May Benefit From Braces
Not every alignment concern is obvious, and some patients have lived with bite issues for years without realizing orthodontic treatment could help.
You may be a candidate for braces if you notice:
- Crowded, overlapping, or crooked teeth
- Visible gaps or spacing between teeth
- An overbite, underbite, or crossbite
- An open bite where front teeth don't meet when you close your mouth
- Jaw discomfort, clicking, or fatigue when chewing
- Uneven wear on certain teeth
- Difficulty cleaning between teeth due to crowding
If any of these sound familiar, a consultation with Dr. Matthew Rushing is the right next step. He'll evaluate your bite and alignment, explain what he sees, and give you a straightforward recommendation, no pressure, no guesswork.
Braces for Teens
The teenage years are the most common time to begin orthodontic treatment, and there's good clinical reason for that. Most permanent teeth have erupted, the jaw is still developing, and teeth tend to move more efficiently at this stage. That often means shorter treatment times compared to adults and an opportunity to guide bite development while growth is still happening.
For teens, orthodontic treatment isn't just cosmetic. Correcting crowding, spacing, and bite issues during these years supports long-term oral health, makes brushing and flossing easier, reduces uneven enamel wear, and helps prevent jaw strain down the road.
We see teenage patients from Bryan, College Station (77840, 77843, 77845), Brenham (77833), and surrounding communities throughout the Brazos Valley. If your teen is approaching adolescence, a consultation with Dr. Matthew Rushing is a good first step, even if treatment isn't needed yet.
Braces for Adults
A growing number of Dr. Matthew Rushing's orthodontic patients are adults. Some never had treatment growing up. Others wore braces years ago but experienced shifting after retainer wear lapsed. Many simply want to address alignment issues they've lived with for a long time and finally have the time and means to do something about it.
The clinical process is the same as for teens, it just takes slightly longer in some cases because adult bone is denser. The results are equally effective, and the benefits go well beyond appearance:
- A straighter, more confident smile
- Improved bite function and chewing comfort
- Easier brushing and flossing, which supports gum health
- Reduced strain on the jaw joints
- Lower risk of uneven enamel wear and chipped teeth
- A healthier foundation for future dental work
If you've been putting off orthodontic treatment, a consultation is the right first step. Adult patients travel to Dr. Matthew Rushing from Caldwell (77836), Navasota (77868), Hearne (77863), Madisonville (77864), Centerville (75833), and across the Brazos Valley, and his team works to make every appointment worth the trip.
When Braces May Make More Sense Than Invisalign
Clear aligners like Invisalign work well for many patients, but they aren't the right fit for every case. Braces may be the better recommendation when:
- The case involves significant bite correction (severe overbite, underbite, or crossbite)
- Teeth need to be rotated substantially or moved vertically
- Crowding is severe enough that aligners would require extensive refinement
- A patient is unlikely to wear aligners the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day
- Complex tooth movements need the control that fixed brackets provide
- Treatment outcomes depend on consistent, uninterrupted force on the teeth
Dr. Matthew Rushing will walk you through which option fits your case best and explain why. If braces are the stronger clinical choice, he'll tell you. If aligners would work equally well, you'll have that choice too.
What to Expect at Your Consultation
Your first visit is about understanding your concerns and giving Dr. Matthew Rushing the information he needs to recommend the right path forward. At your consultation, you can expect:
- A conversation about what you'd like to change or improve about your smile
- Digital imaging and a bite analysis to assess alignment and jaw positioning
- A clinical examination of your teeth, gums, and jaw function
- An honest recommendation, whether that's braces, aligners, monitoring, or no treatment at all
- Time to ask questions and understand what's involved before committing
- A discussion of estimated timeline and what your treatment plan would look like
- An overview of insurance coverage and financing options if treatment is recommended
Our Orthodontic Treatment Process
Orthodontic care is carefully planned and guided through each stage to deliver consistent, predictable results.
Comprehensive Examination
Digital imaging and bite analysis help Dr. Matthew Rushing assess alignment and jaw positioning. This gives him a complete picture of what needs to move and how.
1
Customized Treatment Plan
Dr. Matthew Rushing develops a plan based on the complexity of your case and an estimated treatment timeline. You'll know what to expect before anything is placed.
2
Active Treatment Phase
Braces are placed and adjusted at scheduled visits to move teeth gradually. Our orthodontist monitors your progress at every appointment and makes adjustments as your teeth respond.
3
Retention Phase
After alignment is achieved, retainers help maintain results and prevent shifting. Dr. Matthew Rushing will walk you through your retainer options and how long to wear them to protect your outcome.
4
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
Straightening teeth provides both functional and structural advantages. Orthodontic care helps:
- Improve bite efficiency: Proper alignment ensures that teeth meet evenly, making it easier to chew and bite without discomfort.
- Reduce strain on jaw joints: Correcting bite issues reduces pressure on the jaw, which can alleviate discomfort or prevent temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
- Lower risk of uneven enamel wear: Straight teeth wear down evenly, reducing the risk of tooth damage caused by misalignment and improving long-term oral health.
- Support easier brushing and flossing: Aligned teeth are easier to clean, helping to prevent cavities, gum disease, and plaque buildup in hard-to-reach areas.
- Enhance smile balance: Orthodontic treatment creates a symmetrical smile, boosting both appearance and confidence.
Insurance and Financing for Orthodontic Treatment
Braces are an investment in your health and confidence, and Dr. Matthew Rushing's team wants the financial side to feel as clear as the clinical side. Because orthodontic treatment unfolds over many months, the payment pathway should feel predictable, not stressful.
Insurance Benefit Review
If you have orthodontic coverage, our team will review your benefits before treatment begins and explain what your plan may cover, including any lifetime orthodontic maximums or waiting periods.
Treatment Estimates Discussed in Advance
Before braces are placed, you'll receive a clear estimate so you know what to expect. No surprise costs introduced mid-treatment or unexpected fees added later.
Payment Options and Financing
Flexible payment options, CareCredit, and Sunbit financing help make dental treatment costs easier to manage over time and fit your budget.
Talk With Our Team About Options
You don't have to figure out the financial side on your own. At your consultation, a team member will walk you through what's available and help you build a plan that works.
Creating Balanced, Healthy Smiles
Orthodontic treatment requires careful planning and consistent follow-up. At Element Dental & Orthodontics in Bryan, TX, Dr. Matthew Rushing's focus on precision and patient education is designed to support successful outcomes for every patient, from straightforward crowding corrections to more involved bite cases.
We provide orthodontic care for patients throughout the Brazos Valley, including Bryan (77802, 77803, 77807), College Station (77840, 77843, 77845), Brenham, Caldwell, Navasota, and surrounding communities. Our goal is to improve your alignment while protecting your overall oral health for the long term.
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FAQs About Braces & Orthodontics
At what age should orthodontic treatment begin?
Children are often evaluated around age seven, though treatment timing varies based on development. An early evaluation doesn't always mean early treatment. Dr. Rushing will tell you honestly whether intervention is needed now or whether monitoring is the better approach. Early evaluations are open to patients from Bryan, College Station, Brenham, and across the Brazos Valley.How long does treatment with braces take?
Treatment time depends on case complexity but typically ranges from one to two years. Simpler cases can be shorter; adults may be on the longer end of that range. Dr. Rushing will give you a realistic estimate at your consultation based on your specific starting point, not a generic range.Are braces only for children and teens?
No. Adults can benefit from orthodontic treatment at any age, and a growing number of our patients are adults addressing crowding, spacing, or bite concerns they've had for years. As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, age is not a barrier to treatment.Do braces cause discomfort?
Mild soreness may occur after placement and following adjustment appointments but usually resolves within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods help during those first days. Dr. Rushing and our team will make sure you know what to expect at each stage of treatment.How often will I come in for appointments during treatment?
Most patients are seen every four to eight weeks for adjustments and progress checks. These visits are typically short, and they're how Dr. Matthew Rushing keeps treatment on track and makes refinements as your teeth respond.Will I need a retainer after braces?
Yes. Retainers help maintain alignment after active treatment ends. Skipping retainer wear is the most common reason teeth shift back after braces. Dr. Rushing will prescribe the right retainer for your case and explain exactly how long to wear it to protect your results.