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Malocclusion is a term used to refer to an incorrect bite, improper tooth alignment, crowded teeth, and irregular teeth spacing. It’s a very common condition most often treated with dental braces, usually during a patient’s adolescent or teen years. But did you know that our South Houston cosmetic dentist offers braces for adults, too? Keep reading to learn why Houston braces might be recommended for adult patients and what options are best for you and your lifestyle.
When Our South Houston Dentist May Suggest Adult Dental Braces
Houston braces for adults are becoming more and more popular now that this treatment has become more streamlined, affordable, and varied in its methods. Sometimes adult braces are prescribed to correct malocclusion that wasn’t treated in childhood for any number of reasons. Other times, it’s to correct a minor alignment issue that has recently become more severe. Even recent trauma or injury can lead to a need for Houston adult braces. But no matter the cause, untreated malocclusion is an unsightly and uncomfortable problem that can cause migraines, gum disease, speech impediments, and improper digestion due to difficulties chewing food. Our South Houston cosmetic dentist can explain the best plan of care for you and your needs.
Houston Braces Options for Adults with Our South Houston Dentist
Our South Houston family dentist offers a variety of treatments for adults living with crooked or misaligned teeth. After your initial consultation, we may recommend one of the following types of Houston braces for adults:
Metal Dental Braces
The most popular and cost-effective option, these Houston braces for adults feature metal brackets that are glued to each tooth’s surface and connected by a metal wire that our South Houston family dentist tightens periodically over the course of treatment to straighten teeth. Metal dental braces have a noticeable appearance, but are effective at correcting nearly all malocclusion issues.
Ceramic Dental Braces
South Houston ceramic dental braces are composed of brackets and wires that are adjusted in order to move crooked teeth into a straighter line over time, just like metal braces. The difference is that they are constructed of clear or tooth-colored ceramic, making them less noticeable.
Houston Invisalign
An appealing option for adults due to a virtually invisible and noninvasive design is Houston Invisalign. This treatment plan features a series of clear plastic aligners that gradually straighten teeth. They must be worn at least 22 hours each day in order to work effectively, but are removed when eating and drinking. They are more expensive than either of the options above and may not be recommended for those with severe malocclusion.
Achieve a Winning Smile With Houston Braces For Adults
Don’t dismiss your chance to have the confident smile you deserve! Instead, schedule an appointment with our South Houston dentist to discuss your braces for adults options and establish the treatment plan that’s right for you. Centra Dental strives to provide the highest quality care for all our patients, so come see why we’re the number one choice in South Houston family dentistry.
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You know the importance of regular visits to our South Houston dentist to keep teeth clean and healthy. This is especially true if you're wearing Houston dental braces. Not only is it easy for food to get stuck in and around the brackets and wires, but it’s just as easy to miss those hard-to-reach spots during at-home brushing and flossing. Over time, plaque can develop and cavities can form, which is why those with braces need to maintain regular dental cleanings with our Houston dentist.
Dental Cleanings While Wearing Houston Braces
Dental cleanings with Houston braces aren’t much different than regular cleanings with our Houston family dentist. We’ll do a brief oral exam to ensure all brackets and wires are intact and survey the overall health of the teeth and gums. When we begin brushing and polishing teeth with braces, our South Houston family dentist will place extra focus on the spaces between the brackets and wires where plaque and decay-causing bacteria may be building.
Our Houston dentist’s dental cleaning with braces typically follows these steps:
- Oral Exam: this identifies any obvious issues, such as large cavities, irritation, or tooth damage before the other steps of the dental cleaning can occur.
- Tooth Scaling: our South Houston dentist or dental hygienist will use a small metal tool to remove plaque and tartar buildup along and in between the teeth, paying special care to braces brackets.
- Tooth Polishing: using a rounded, rubber-capped toothbrush and gritty toothpaste, we will deeply clean and polish the teeth around the brackets and wires.
- Flossing and Flouride Treatment: finally, we’ll floss the teeth by weaving the floss under the Houston braces wires and between brackets. We may also include a fluoride rinse treatment to strengthen teeth in between dental cleanings.
Houston Dental Braces Oral Hygiene
Our South Houston dentist has some tips for maintaining proper oral hygiene during Houston braces treatment:
- Brush after every meal: pack a travel toothbrush and toothpaste in your purse or backpack so you have it with you at all times. Since food can easily get stuck in and around your Houston braces, you should brush your teeth every time you’ve finished eating to remove those food particles and prevent decay.
- Floss regularly: new crevices and spaces may develop as your teeth shift into their correct position, creating breeding grounds for decay-causing bacteria. Regular flossing can aid in removing food particles and plaque from the gum line and between teeth.
- Avoid certain foods: overly sticky, sugary, or crunchy foods can get stuck to the different parts of your Houston braces, leading to damage or slowing treatment.
Our South Houston Dentist Is Here for Your Dental Cleaning!
Here at Centra Dental, your smile is our top priority! If you’re wearing Houston braces (and even if you’re not!), we encourage you to maintain regular dental cleanings. Our kind and compassionate South Houston family dentist is here to address all your oral health needs in a comfortable setting designed to make you feel at ease, so schedule an appointment to see us as soon as possible!
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Dental braces work wonders to correct alignment issues such as crooked teeth or an improper bite by slowly shifting your teeth and jaw to their proper position. This is done through a series of brackets and wires that our South Houston dentist affixes to your teeth. And while Houston braces are sturdy and often resistant to the kind of wear and tear that can cause them to break, they are not immune to damage. If you or your teen just got braces with our South Houston family dentist, this article will help ensure they remain in good shape for the duration of your treatment.
How Do Houston Braces Work?
Braces are comprised of metal brackets that our South Houston family dentist cements to each tooth, then connects with a wire. The width and tension of this wire are adjusted periodically to slowly shift the teeth and jaw to their ideal locations. Our South Houston dentist may also include coils, hooks, and/or ligatures depending on your individual treatment plan. These different parts of your Houston braces all work together to create a straighter smile, so if any one of these parts is damaged or breaks, it delays the effectiveness of your treatment and must be fixed by our South Houston family dentist immediately.
Common Reasons Houston Braces Might Break
Because they’re made up of so many different parts, “broken” Houston braces can refer to damage seen to any of those parts, but the most common damage is to the brackets. Our South Houston dentist uses an adhesive to affix the brackets to each tooth, and sometimes these brackets can be jarred loose. Broken brackets are most often caused by patients eating sticky and/or hard foods that stick the bracket and pull it from the tooth. Our South Houston family dentist advises that it’s best for you or your teen to avoid these items while wearing Houston braces. Another common cause of a broken bracket on your Houston braces is from being too rough while brushing or flossing. Gentle, fluid motions work well to keep your teeth clean and your Houston braces intact.
Our South Houston Dentist Can Fix Your Broken Braces
If you or your teen have sustained damage to your Houston braces, it’s best to address it right away. The longer you wait, the more you’re delaying your treatment. And since all Houston braces components work together to shift your teeth, damage to one part could place undue stress on the surrounding components, leading to additional damage. Call our office to schedule an appointment with our South Houston family dentist as soon as possible. We can reaffix your broken bracket and check the strength of the adhesive on surrounding brackets to make sure they’re still firmly attached. We look forward to fixing your Houston braces damage and seeing you smile!
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We all know the importance of oral hygiene for fresh breath, healthy teeth, and a whiter smile, but dental braces can impede one’s ability to keep teeth clean. Since issues like tooth decay and cavities are more common while wearing braces, Our South Houston pediatric dentist has some tips for keeping your teeth clean while undergoing dental braces treatment.
Tip 1: Brush and Floss Your Teeth After Each Meal
Brushing and flossing twice each day is the norm in oral hygiene, but when you have Houston braces, you need to brush and floss your teeth after every meal to remove food particles that can lodge between the brackets and under the wire, leading to tooth decay. If your child has braces, our South Houston pediatric dentist recommends that you closely monitor your child’s brushing and flossing routine at the beginning of braces treatment to ensure proper technique. Assemble a small to-go kit with a travel toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss to keep with you at work or school so you always have the tools you need to keep your teeth clean while wearing Houston braces.
Tip 2: Add an Interdental Toothbrush to Your Houston Braces Hygiene Routine
Interdental brushes are designed to clean those hard-to-reach spots under wires and between brackets that your regular toothbrush may miss. Interdental toothbrushes can be found in most drugstores and provide an extra opportunity to remove plaque and food particles.
Tip 3: Use Wax To Protect Your Mouth from Irritation
Those metal brackets work beautifully to straighten your teeth, but they can rub on the inside of your mouth, causing irritation. If left unaddressed, that irritation can lead to sores or even infection. Our South Houston dentist suggests using braces wax over the surface of the brackets, especially when you first get your braces and after each tightening.
Tip 4: Avoid Foods That Can Get Stuck In Your Houston Braces
Gum, candy, nuts, and chips are a no-no when wearing braces, not only because they can cause a bracket to pop off and require an immediate visit to our South Houston dentist, but also because these foods can easily get stuck under the wires or around the brackets. When this occurs, it can easily be overlooked during your brushing and flossing routine and lead to bad breath and tooth decay.
Tip 5: Maintain Regular Visits To Our South Houston Family Dentist
While wearing Houston braces, it’s imperative that you visit our office according to the schedule recommended by our South Houston cosmetic dentist. These routine appointments are intended to monitor your treatment, ensuring your teeth are clean, healthy, and shifting properly. In the rare event that issues arise, we can catch them early and respond more effectively.
Learn Why Centra Dental Is Houston’s Choice for Quality Dental Care
Our South Houston Family dentist strives to offer top-notch, compassionate care in a clean and modern environment. Your comfort is our top priority, and we’d love to show you why we’re one of Houston’s highest-rated dentists. We offer a variety of dental services and treatments, so contact us today to schedule an appointment with our South Houston dentist that will keep your entire family smiling.
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Houston braces are a common way to correct alignment issues like crooked or improperly-spaced teeth, using wires and brackets to apply pressure that shifts your teeth into the proper position. Oftentimes, our South Houston dentist will add rubber bands to your metal or ceramic braces treatment plan in order to increase the force applied and shift the teeth faster and more effectively.
Why Our South Houston Dentist Uses Rubber Bands With Braces
Dental braces work by applying pressure to the teeth through a series of brackets and wires, which gradually shift teeth to where they should be. If our South Houston family dentist adds rubber bands to you or your child’s braces treatment, it provides added tension. This not only eases the teeth’s movement but also accelerates this process. These rubber bands attach to the brackets themselves and can be applied in a variety of configurations designed for your unique orthodontic needs. Rubber bands with Houston braces are most often used to correct these issues:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Spacing issues
- Crooked teeth
- Other jaw alignment issues
How to Use Rubber Bands with Houston Braces
When our South Houston dentist first applies rubber bands to your braces during your visit, you’ll learn where to place them and how. They are easy to put on and remove, the latter of which should be done when eating, brushing, and flossing. Our South Houston dentist will send you home with a large supply of rubber bands, as a new set should be used each day to ensure proper hygiene is maintained. It’s possible that the placement of your rubber bands will change over the course of your dental braces treatment in order to place pressure on different teeth and parts of the jaw so that your teeth shift at the right pace and into the right position.
Sometimes rubber bands with braces can cause discomfort, especially when first applied or when our South Houston family dentist changes their position in your mouth. This is usually eased with over-the-counter pain medication. It’s also recommended that certain foods, like sticky candy and gum, be avoided, just as with dental braces alone.
See Why So Many Families Choose Centra Dental For Their Houston Braces
We know you have many options when it comes to South Houston family dentistry, which is why we strive to provide the kind of expert care that cultivates long-lasting relationships through regular visits and life-long dental support. When you choose Centra Dental for your South Houston family dentistry needs, you’re part of our family! If you think it’s time for you or your child to begin Houston braces treatment, call us to schedule an appointment. Our South Houston Family Dentist will complete a thorough dental exam and provide you with the best recommendations for orthodontic treatment. We provide a wide array of dental services to meet the needs of everyone in your family, keeping your teeth healthy and your smile bright.
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We all know the importance of oral hygiene for fresh breath, healthy teeth, and a whiter smile, but dental braces can impede one’s ability to keep teeth clean. Since issues like tooth decay and cavities are more common while wearing braces, Our South Houston pediatric dentist has some tips for keeping your teeth clean while undergoing dental braces treatment.
Tip 1: Brush and Floss Your Teeth After Each Meal
Brushing and flossing twice each day is the norm in oral hygiene, but when you have Houston braces, you need to brush and floss your teeth after every meal to remove food particles that can lodge between the brackets and under the wire, leading to tooth decay. If your child has braces, our Houston family dentist recommends that you closely monitor your child’s brushing and flossing routine at the beginning of braces treatment to ensure proper technique. Assemble a small to-go kit with a travel toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss to keep with you at work or school so you always have the tools you need to keep your teeth clean while wearing Houston braces.
Tip 2: Add an Interdental Toothbrush to Your Houston Braces Hygiene Routine
Interdental brushes are designed to clean those hard-to-reach spots under wires and between brackets that your regular toothbrush may miss. Interdental toothbrushes can be found in most drugstores and provide an extra opportunity to remove plaque and food particles.
Tip 3: Use Wax To Protect Your Mouth from Irritation
Those metal brackets work beautifully to straighten your teeth, but they can rub on the inside of your mouth, causing irritation. If left unaddressed, that irritation can lead to sores or even infection. Our South Houston dentist suggests using braces wax over the surface of the brackets, especially when you first get your braces and after each tightening.
Tip 4: Avoid Foods That Can Get Stuck In Your Houston Braces
Gum, candy, nuts, and chips are a no-no when wearing braces, not only because they can cause a bracket to pop off and require an immediate visit to our South Houston dentist, but also because these foods can easily get stuck under the wires or around the brackets. When this occurs, it can easily be overlooked during your brushing and flossing routine and lead to bad breath and tooth decay.
Tip 5: Maintain Regular Visits To Our South Houston Family Dentist
While wearing Houston braces, it’s imperative that you visit our office according to the schedule recommended by our South Houston dentist. These routine appointments are intended to monitor your treatment, ensuring your teeth are clean, healthy, and shifting properly. In the rare event that issues arise, we can catch them early and respond more effectively.
Learn Why Centra Dental Is Houston’s Choice for Quality Dental Care
Our South Houston family dentist strives to offer top-notch, compassionate care in a clean and modern environment. Your comfort is our top priority, and we’d love to show you why we’re one of Houston’s highest-rated dentists. We offer a variety of dental services and treatments, so contact us today to schedule an appointment with our South Houston dentist that will keep your entire family smiling.
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Dental braces are designed to help to straighten your child’s teeth and bite issues, improving their smile and oral health, which is why many parents ask our South Houston dentists when to begin such a beneficial treatment. While dental braces can be an effective treatment at any age, there are significant advantages to getting braces at a young age.
When To Begin Braces Treatment WIth Our South Houston Family Dentist
Dental braces take time to shift teeth into the proper position, and the older the patient, the longer that process takes. Children’s jaws are still growing, which means their teeth move with more ease than those of an adult, making it possible for metal braces and even Invisalign to be effective treatments in a shorter period of time. For this reason, we recommend your child receive their first orthodontic evaluation when they’re around 7 years old, as this is when our South Houston family dentist can begin to determine how your child’s teeth and jaw will develop. While most patients won’t get their dental braces for another few years (typically when they’re between 10-14 years old), it’s important to monitor ongoing changes in your child’s bite and alignment, as well as establish a trusting relationship between our South Houston dentist and your family.
Which Houston Braces Are Right for My Child?
There are a few options for dental braces at our South Houston pediatric dentistry office:
- Metal Braces: metal dental braces are the most common option to correct your child’s malocclusion. They are composed of metal brackets that our South Houston family dentist affixes to each tooth, which are then connected through a thin wire that is tightened every few months to slowly shift your child’s teeth into the proper position.
- Ceramic Braces: Ceramic braces are very similar to metal braces but they are made from clear or tooth-colored ceramic, so they aren't as noticeable as metal braces, making them a popular choice for parents and kids.
- Invisalign: Invisalign is a series of clear retainers that are custom-designed and manufactured to fit your child’s teeth and gradually realign them over time. Because they are virtually invisible and can be removed for eating and drinking, Houston Invisalign is a less invasive option for minor or moderate malocclusion. That said, these retainers can easily be lost by younger patients, so keep that in mind when weighing this option.
Our South Houston dentist can discuss each of these options with you and help you decide which type of Houston braces are right for your child.
Centra Dental Is Your Best Choice For South Houston Pediatric Dentistry
When you’re ready to talk about the next best steps for your child’s Houston braces treatment, schedule a consultation with our South Houston family dentist today. We can weigh the pros and cons of each treatment option, as well as examine your child’s mouth to determine which approach is best for his/her individual needs. Don’t put off the opportunity to give your child a confident, healthy smile!
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Our Houston dentist sees countless patients each year who want to straighten their teeth and improve their quality of life. While many initially consider this to be a purely cosmetic issue, malocclusion (the medical term for crooked teeth and/or a misaligned bite) can also cause significant health problems if left untreated. There are a few options available to correct this issue, including metal dental braces, Invisalign, and ceramic dental braces. Determining which treatment is right for you is best determined by a visit to our South Houston dentist, as each option has its own benefits and drawbacks depending on your needs, budget, and lifestyle. One of these aforementioned options–Houston ceramic dental braces–is an increasingly popular choice for many patients due to a number of factors.
Ceramic Braces With Our South Houston Family Dentist
South Houston ceramic dental braces are much like metal dental braces in that they are made up of brackets that are affixed to each tooth and connected by a wire that is tightened periodically to shift your teeth into the proper position. The difference is that Houston ceramic dental braces are designed to match the color of your teeth, making them less noticeable than traditional metal dental braces. They are made from aluminum oxide, a material that is often touted for its strength and hypoallergenic qualities.
How Ceramic Dental Braces Compare to Metal Dental Braces and Invisalign
If you’re considering Houston ceramic dental braces, you need to understand how they compare to other treatment options so you can be sure you’re making the right decision for yourself.
Metal Houston Braces
The most popular and cost-effective option, these Houston braces are composed of metal brackets that are glued to each tooth’s surface and connected by a metal wire that our South Houston family dentist tightens periodically over the course of treatment to straighten teeth. Metal dental braces have a noticeable appearance, but are effective at correcting malocclusion issues.
Ceramic Houston Braces
Much like metal dental braces, South Houston ceramic dental braces are composed of brackets and wires that are adjusted in order to move crooked teeth into a straighter line over time. They are much less noticeable than traditional metal braces because they are clear or tooth-colored, though they do cost more.
Invisalign
The most aesthetically pleasing and least-invasive option is Houston Invisalign. This treatment plan features a series of virtually invisible plastic aligners that straighten teeth over time. They are removed when eating and drinking, but must be worn at least 22 hours each day in order to work effectively. They are more expensive than either of the options above and not suitable for those with severe malocclusion.
Our South Houston Dentist Offers Ceramic Dental Braces
Because they are less visible than metal braces but less expensive than Invisalign, our South Houston family dentist considers ceramic dental braces the perfect compromise for patients seeking an attractive, yet moderately-priced way to effectively straighten their teeth. If you’d like to learn how South Houston ceramic dental braces can correct your alignment and build your confidence, call us to schedule an appointment with our Houston dentist today. We’ll discuss all your Houston braces options and determine the right treatment plan for your individual needs. We look forward to meeting you!
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Patients who chose Houston Invisalign to correct issues with teeth alignment are well aware of the benefits this treatment can provide. It’s easy-to-use, barely visible, and not as unsightly as traditional metal braces. One of the most common questions our Houston dentist receives is in reference to proper Invisalign hygiene. If you’re new to South Houston Invisalign or are considering the option for your misalignment, knowing the best methods to keep your teeth and aligners clean can help you achieve successful results and maintain your overall oral health.
What Is Houston Invisalign?
Invisalign is designed for patients who want to correct malocclusion, which occurs when teeth are not properly aligned, resulting in an improper bite. The treatment features clear, flexible plastic aligners that gradually shift your teeth to the proper place, typically in less time than traditional metal braces. South Houston Invisalign is an appealing option for many due to its sleek and virtually invisible appearance.
Proper Invisalign Hygiene, According To Our South Houston Family Dentist
If you or your teenager has decided to begin the Invisalign process with our South Houston dentist, it’s important to keep your aligners and your teeth clean in order to achieve the best results. This can be accomplished by adhering to the following:
Clean Your Aligners Several Times Per Day
Our South Houston family dentist recommends cleaning your aligners with antibacterial soap whenever you brush your teeth. You should also soak them at least once a day in Invisalign cleaning crystals, which are designed to provide a deep clean that kills bacteria and prevents stains.
Brush Your Teeth After Eating
Since the aligners are designed to be removed while eating, but also only placed on freshly-brushed teeth, it’s wise to brush your teeth after every meal and snack. Pack a travel toothbrush and toothpaste in your purse or backpack so you have it with you at all times.
Floss Regularly
As your teeth shift into their proper position, new crevices and spaces may develop that can become breeding grounds for decay-causing bacteria. Regular flossing can aid in removing food particles and plaque from the gum line and between teeth.
Avoid Items That Could Cause Stains
Drinks like coffee or tea, as well as beauty products that may come into contact with your aligners, such as lipstick or gloss, should be avoided during your South Houston Invisalign treatment. Should these items stain your aligners or get between the aligner and your tooth’s surface, it could result in a permanent stain on either surface.
Will Our Houston Dentist Recommend Invisalign, Braces, or Something Else?
Our South Houston dentist takes many factors into consideration before recommending Invisalign, Houston braces, or other possible interventions for a malocclusion. Metal Houston braces have long been the standard for severe alignment issues, but Invisalign is more effective than most think, even for those with significant bite problems. There are times in which certain teeth need to be removed in order to make room for the remaining teeth to shift into their proper position. If you’re wondering which treatment is best for you, our South Houston family dentist can provide you with the answers you need.
Our Houston Family Dentist Knows The Best Treatment for You
If you or your teen is ready to correct existing alignment issues, Centra Dental is proud to help you on your way to a brighter, more confident smile. We offer cutting-edge treatment in a clean environment designed to keep your family safe and healthy. Call us today to schedule an appointment!
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In Houston, braces are quickly becoming a necessity for many reasons. The standard metal dental braces for kids are no longer the only way the consumer views braces. Style and timeline for utilization has changed with the times. At Centra Dental we value quality in the treatment planning, attachment of actual braces, and the process of creating your most beautiful and functional smile. Dr. Nguyen and Dr. Perschke are innovative and thoughtful practitioners that put patients so they can have the perfect smile. In this article, our South Houston dentists will explain the different types of affordable Houston braces we offer.
Metal Dental Braces Are What's Hot in the Houston Dental Braces Game
Just like candy, there are many styles of available braces for our clients. At Centra dental we are as skilled at attaching metal dental braces on as well as Invisalign, and Ceramic dental braces. The Snickers of the Houston dental braces world is metal dental braces. In the past you might be called a “brace-face", but now a patient is lucky enough to accessorize colors with rubber bands to be in the height of schoolyard fashion. This is the traditional view of dental braces that shows up in your mind, but we assure you, times have changed.
It’s Never Too Late to Use Houston Invisalign Braces to Build Confidence
Invisalign is more of the sour patch kid of the bunch, they are newer compared to metal bracket braces, but they are great for a responsible adult who wants to mold their professional image without advertising their braces. At Centra Dental, we use state-of-the-art technology to make perfectly fitting digital imprints to help mold your smile for beauty, and maybe a touch of confidence that might be all you need to take the next step professionally. Invisalign braces utilize adjustments just like metal bracket braces but do allow for some provided relief since the braces are removable. Just like sour patch kids don’t melt in your hands, Invisalign dental braces offer convenience to the client that other braces systems can’t.
Ceramic Dental Braces Are Less Noticeable And Can’t Be Lost
Ceramic dental braces are less noticeable than metal braces. They are the M&Ms of the Houston brace’s world the melt in your mouth and not in your hands. They offer a less noticeable style then metal braces. That is the convenience, but they are attached. You get a more subtle process and look than metal braces but can’t lose them like Invisalign braces. Houston dental braces can be gotten in this fashion or the metal braces and Invisalign styles at Centra Dental.
Brace Yourself And Get Housto Braces At Centra Dental
If you're ready to embrace your smile and give it the care it deserves, then please book an appointment with us to start the path to a prettier smile. Centra Dental has willing team members ready to get you started!
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Houston braces are for absolutely anyone who suffers from a malocclusion–a bad bite. We are proud to offer affordable metal braces, ceramic braces, and even Invisalign Clear Aligners to meet various patient needs. In monitoring our patients’ progress during their dental braces treatment, we are often asked how they can keep their teeth as clean as possible, so in this blog, our Houston family dentists will offer our top tips for maintaining your best dental health possible while undergoing Houston braces treatment.
Tip 1: Brush Your Teeth More Frequently If You Wear Houston Braces
When you don’t wear Houston braces, we advise you to brush your teeth twice a day–once in the morning and again right before bed. When wearing braces, however, it is easy to miss a few spots when brushing your teeth, potentially resulting in cavities. To avoid this, our South Houston dentist recommends carefully brushing your teeth after every meal and snack. It may seem excessive, but this is the best way to prevent food from getting stuck in the brackets of your metal and ceramic dental braces, or behind the plastic of your Invisalign Clear Aligners. Remember that food left behind impedes your treatment from working properly and will put you at greater risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Tip 2: Consider Using Interdental Brushes
Interdental brushes, also known as brush picks, are a great step between brushing your teeth and flossing because it gets rid of any stray food particles that were left behind in between your teeth after brushing. We recommend using them after you brush throughout the day and then switching to string floss at night before bed, which brings us to our next tip...
Tip 3: Floss Your Teeth Every Night
Even if you use a brush pick, there might be smaller, harder-to-reach food particles that you may have still missed, but the good news is that floss can easily remove these. Today, there are several types of floss available, including floss designed to be used while wearing dental braces. Although flossing can be tricky with Houston braces, patience helps and so can we the next time you come to our South Houston dentist office for a cleaning and a check-up.
Tip 4: Get A Houston Braces Teeth Cleaning At Our Houston And South Houston Dental Offices Every 6 Months
By coming into our Houston family dentist office for your teeth cleanings twice a year, we can check on your overall dental health and clean your teeth more deeply and thoroughly than you would at home. Additionally, this gives us a chance to ensure your teeth are shifting as they should and that you aren’t developing any oral health concerns. If it’s time to get a dental cleaning, please book an appointment so we can schedule one as soon as possible and assess the health of your teeth.
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If you’ve read our article about why kids should get Houston braces early on, then chances are you agree that, with the school year starting again soon, now is a great time to start asking about having your child undergo Houston braces treatment. Our family dentist–which treats children and their parents at our dental offices in Houston and South Houston–offers various types of Houston braces. Keep reading to learn more about them.
Metal Houston Braces
Metal dental braces are the most common Houston braces treatment our Houston and South Houston dentists offer. Metal braces are very strong and feature up to four components:
- Metal brackets
- Gray archwire
- O-rings
- Rubber bands (if necessary; they are perfect for correcting overbites)
Our affordable metal Houston braces even allow our patients to enjoy some creative freedom by customizing the colored rings we place around their brackets.
Ceramic Dental Braces
Similar to metal Houston braces, ceramic braces forgo the metal (as their name suggests) and are, instead, made up of:
- Ceramic brackets
- Frosted/light gray archwire
- O rings
- Rubber bands (if necessary)
Ceramic Houston braces are well-favored because they mimic the natural color of our patients’ teeth, making for a far more subtle dental braces treatment while still effectively correcting the alignment of mild to moderate malocclusions (bad bites).
Invisalign South Houston Braces
Our third option for Houston braces treatment is Invisalign Clear Aligners. Though this method of correcting a bad bite is newer than metal dental braces, it is highly effective and recommended for patients who have a mild malocclusion. Invisalign braces only consist of the plastic clear aligners, but rather than tightening the archwire–as we would with ceramic or metal dental braces–we simply give our Houston braces patients a brand new set of Invisalign clear aligners that will continuously re-shape the bite until it is straight.
Which Type Of Houston Braces Are Right For Your Child?
Our dental practice in Houston and South Houston is known for its affordable Houston braces, but with so many options, how do you know which is right for your child as they embark on their new school year? If you’re ready to learn more about dental braces treatment, please book an appointment with our Houston and South Houston family dentists so we can initiate a Houston braces consultation. At this consultation, we will assess your child’s bite and discuss their needs/wants. Depending on all of these factors, we will determine which type of Houston braces treatment is best for them and for how long they may expect to wear their braces. We look forward to giving your child a beautiful, healthy smile they are proud to show off!
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Now that summer break is in full swing, parents may be thinking about having their children begin South Houston braces treatment. If that’s the case with your family, our South Houston dentist is ready to examine your child’s teeth and determine if Houston braces are needed.
Summer Is The Perfect Time For Braces
Getting braces during summer break is great because your child isn’t in school anymore, which allows for more flexible scheduling. Further, children will have this time away from school to get used to their new dental braces, meaning any discomfort won’t be a distraction during classes. When Houston braces are worn correctly, patients notice a significant difference in their teeth, so when the next school year comes, your child will feel more confident when showing off their smile.
Signs Your Child Might Need Houston Braces By Our Dentists In Houston Or South Houston
Does your child’s smile exhibit any of the following?:
- Crooked teeth
- Gaps in their smile
- Crowded teeth
- Underbite
- Overbite
Then chances are they need braces. Our dentists in Houston and South Houston offer ceramic dental braces, metal dental braces, and even Invisalign, all of which are made affordable! Getting a straighter, healthier smile doesn’t have to break the bank when you entrust our dentists with your Houston braces treatment.
Which Houston Braces Should Your Child Get?
With our various dental braces options, it can be difficult to figure out which one is right for your child this summer. When we start discussing Houston braces treatment, we will move forward with a Houston braces consultation that will give us insight on whether Invisalign, metal Houston braces, or ceramic Houston braces are right for your child’s unique case.
Think This Summer Is The Right Time For Your Child To Undergo Houston Braces Treatment? Visit Centra Dental In Houston And South Houston!
Serving families in Houston and South Houston, we are proud to be the top-rated choice for affordable Houston braces. If you’re wondering about having your child undergo dental braces treatment, please book an appointment with us so we can begin with a consultation. We accept various insurance plans and dedicate ourselves to helping your child achieve their best dental health. We can’t wait to embrace your child’s smile this summer!
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Most of our South Houston dentist patients who undergo dental braces treatment are children, but did you know that we also get a fair amount of adult patients? Just because we recommend getting braces when you’re a child does not mean getting braces later is out of the question. Adults can and should wear Houston braces if they have a malocclusion.
Malocclusions Affect People of All Ages
Different malocclusions warrant different Houston braces treatments. If you had a malocclusion–which is defined as a bad bite–as a kid, then chances are it did not go away when you became an adult. If left unaddressed, malocclusions will cause multiple problems for your dental health. Such problems that our adult patients come to our South Houston dentist for include:
- Headaches
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Speech impairments
- Difficulty chewing and digesting.
Dental braces at our Houston and South Houston dentist offices help correct these issues, even if the correction takes a little longer.
Centra Dental Offers Multiple Houston Braces Options for Adults
Today, Houston braces are much more subtle and lightweight than they used to be, so adults and teenagers alike can wear them without feeling as self-conscious. We offer metal braces, ceramic braces, and Invisalign to suit different types of malocclusions, as well as different patient preferences.
South Houston Invisalign
For adults with minor malocclusions, Invisalign may be favorable as the most flexible and subtle treatment option because it helps adults feel less worried about having a smile covered by metal.
South Houston Ceramic Dental Braces
On the other hand, adults who suffer more moderate malocclusions may benefit more from either metal braces or ceramic braces. Ceramic braces are the next most subtle treatment option, as both the brackets and the archwire blend in with the color of the teeth more easily while being a little stronger than Invisalign.
South Houston Metal Dental Braces
Metal braces, while more subtle and comfortable than they used to be, are still a bit noticeable. However, they work on all malocclusions, especially the most severe cases. Our metal braces can move teeth vertically, align teeth that are higher than they should be, and also rotate teeth.
Centra Dental In South Houston Helps Adults Achieve A Healthy Smile With Houston Braces
If you are an adult hoping to straighten your teeth, please book an appointment with us so our South Houston dentists can complete your orthodontic evaluation. We will address your concerns and determine the best treatment plan for you.
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