The decision to begin orthodontic treatment marks an exciting step toward better oral health and lasting confidence. Whether you're considering braces for your child, aligners for your teenager, or finally addressing alignment issues you've lived with for years, understanding what lies ahead makes the entire process smoother.
At Alamo City Orthodontics, we've helped generations of San Antonio families achieve healthier, more beautiful smiles. From your first consultation through your final retainer check, our team guides you through every stage of treatment. Here's what you can expect when you begin your orthodontic journey with us.
Why Orthodontic Treatment Matters Beyond Straight Teeth
Many patients initially seek orthodontic care for cosmetic reasons—and there's nothing wrong with wanting a smile you're proud to show off. But the benefits extend far beyond appearance.
Properly aligned teeth are significantly easier to clean, reducing your risk of cavities and gum disease. When your bite functions correctly, you avoid the uneven wear that can lead to cracked teeth, jaw pain, and TMJ problems down the road. For growing children, early intervention can guide jaw development and prevent more complex issues later.
Dr. Cristiana Araujo—or Dr. Kika, as her patients call her—has spent nearly two decades helping patients understand the full-body connection between oral health and overall wellness. As a board-certified orthodontist who earned her specialty training at Saint Louis University's Center for Advanced Dental Education, she approaches each case with both clinical precision and genuine care for long-term outcomes.
Your Initial Consultation: Setting the Foundation
Your first visit establishes everything we need to create a personalized treatment plan. During this appointment, our team reviews your dental and medical history, performs a comprehensive examination of your teeth, jaws, and bite alignment, and captures detailed diagnostic records using advanced imaging technology.
Our imaging capabilities include digital X-rays, panoramic scans, and intraoral cameras that allow us to see exactly what's happening with your teeth and supporting structures. These tools help Dr. Kika identify issues that might not be visible during a standard examination and develop the most effective treatment approach.
This consultation is also your opportunity to discuss goals, ask questions, and understand your options. We'll talk through treatment timelines, explain what each phase involves, and address any concerns you have about the process. Families throughout Alamo Heights, Castle Hills, Crownhill Park, and Olmos Park appreciate our straightforward approach—no surprises, just honest guidance.
Choosing the Right Treatment Option
Every smile is different, which is why we offer multiple orthodontic solutions tailored to individual needs, lifestyles, and preferences.
Traditional Metal Braces remain the gold standard for complex cases requiring precise tooth movement. Modern braces are smaller and more comfortable than older versions, and they're incredibly effective for addressing severe crowding, significant bite issues, and cases requiring detailed control over tooth positioning.
Clear Braces offer the same reliability as traditional braces with a more discreet appearance. The ceramic brackets blend with your natural tooth color, making them popular among adult patients and image-conscious teens who want effective treatment without the look of metal.
Clear Aligners provide a removable, nearly invisible option for straightening teeth. These custom-made trays work well for mild to moderate alignment issues and offer convenience for patients who want to remove their appliances for eating, brushing, and special occasions. Both teens and adults find aligners fit seamlessly into their daily routines.
Dr. Kika, who taught at Jacksonville University's School of Orthodontics before joining our San Antonio practice, evaluates each patient's unique dental anatomy before recommending treatment. Her recommendations consider tooth alignment complexity, bite relationship, lifestyle factors, aesthetic preferences, and budget—ensuring you receive the approach best suited to your specific situation.
Preparing Your Mouth for Treatment
Before orthodontic work begins, your mouth needs to be healthy and ready. This preparation phase addresses any existing dental concerns that could complicate treatment or compromise results.
If you have cavities, gum inflammation, or teeth requiring extraction, we'll coordinate with your general dentist or our team to resolve these issues first. Starting with a healthy foundation ensures your orthodontic treatment progresses smoothly and delivers the best possible outcome.
We'll also discuss practical matters during this phase: dietary adjustments you'll need to make, oral hygiene techniques for keeping teeth clean around brackets or aligners, and what your appointment schedule will look like throughout treatment. Our financial team explains payment options, including in-network insurance benefits, flexible payment plans, and discounts available for uninsured patients.
What Happens During Active Treatment
Once your braces are placed or you receive your first set of aligners, your teeth begin their gradual movement toward optimal positioning. Understanding what to expect during this active phase helps you stay on track.
Appliance Placement: Whether you're receiving brackets and wires or custom aligners, our team ensures everything fits comfortably. We take time to explain how your appliances work and demonstrate proper care techniques.
Regular Progress Visits: You'll return to our office every few weeks for adjustments (with braces) or to receive new aligner sets. These appointments allow Dr. Kika to monitor your progress, make necessary modifications, and ensure treatment stays on schedule.
Ongoing Monitoring: Using digital imaging and bite evaluations, we track how your teeth respond to treatment. This close monitoring allows us to catch any concerns early and adjust your plan if needed.
Treatment duration varies based on your specific case, but most patients wear braces or aligners for 12 to 24 months. Consistency matters—attending scheduled appointments and following care instructions directly impacts how quickly you achieve your final results.
Keys to Treatment Success
Your daily habits during treatment significantly influence your outcome. Following these guidelines helps keep everything on track:
Thorough brushing and flossing after every meal removes food particles that can cause decay or irritate gums around brackets. With aligners, cleaning your teeth before reinserting trays prevents trapping bacteria against enamel.
Avoiding problematic foods protects your appliances. Sticky candies, hard nuts, popcorn kernels, and chewy foods can damage brackets, bend wires, or crack aligners. Our team provides a complete list of foods to avoid and alternatives that won't compromise your treatment.
Following instructions on elastic wear or aligner usage ensures your teeth move as planned. Skipping elastics or wearing aligners fewer hours than prescribed extends treatment time and can affect final results.
If something feels wrong—a wire poking your cheek, a loose bracket, or unusual discomfort—contact us promptly. We offer same-day emergency appointments to address issues before they become bigger problems.
The Retention Phase: Protecting Your Investment
When your braces come off or you finish your final aligner set, treatment isn't quite complete. The retention phase begins immediately and continues indefinitely to maintain your results.
Teeth naturally want to shift back toward their original positions, especially in the months following active treatment. Wearing your retainer as prescribed prevents this movement and protects the time, effort, and investment you've made in your smile.
Our FOREVERSMILE retainer program provides ongoing support for patients committed to lifelong results. This program includes annual replacement retainers, discounts on additional replacements, emergency repair access, and periodic check-ins to ensure your smile stays aligned for years to come.
Dr. Kika emphasizes that retention is just as important as active treatment. "We've seen too many patients whose beautiful results relapsed because they stopped wearing their retainers," she notes. "FOREVERSMILE is our commitment to protecting your investment for life."
Why San Antonio Families Choose Alamo City Orthodontics
Choosing an orthodontist means trusting someone with your smile—or your child's smile—for months or even years. Families across San Antonio return to our practice generation after generation for several reasons.
Dr. Cristiana Araujo brings nearly two decades of experience, board certification, and a teaching background that informs her patient-centered approach. She maintains active membership in numerous national and international orthodontic associations, staying current with the latest techniques and technologies.
Our advanced imaging technology ensures accurate diagnosis and precise treatment planning. Digital X-rays, panoramic scans, and intraoral cameras give us complete visibility into your oral structures, allowing for better outcomes.
We understand that orthodontic care represents a significant investment. That's why we work with many insurance plans, offer flexible payment options, and provide discounts for patients without coverage. Quality orthodontic care should be accessible to every family.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
Ready to take the first step toward a healthier smile? We're here to answer your questions, evaluate your needs, and help you understand your treatment options.
Alamo City Orthodontics has proudly served Alamo Heights, Castle Hills, Crownhill Park, Olmos Park, Hollywood Park, Hill Country Village, and the greater San Antonio area for generations. Our centrally located office makes quality orthodontic care convenient for families throughout the community.
Call (210) 405-2599 or email info@alamocityorthodontics.com to schedule your complimentary consultation. Visit us at 1100 Northwest Loop 410 #560, San Antonio, TX 78213. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
