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It’s always exciting to get your South Houston braces removed after years of wearing them. The countless trips to your South Houston dentist have finally paid off as you showcase your new and improved smile. However, your treatment isn’t over. Retainers are important to prevent relapse of your old, misaligned teeth. After carefully removing the brackets, wires, and excess cement, your dentist will ask you to wear retainers. So why should you have to endure more months—or even years? Read on to know the importance of dental retainers.
Prevents Shifting of Teeth in Kids and Teens
Many of our patients who come in for South Houston braces are children and teenagers. Compared to adults, their bones have not yet fully set in and they are still developing. This means that their teeth could go back to their original state after getting braces removed. In addition, their wisdom teeth have not yet erupted. Retainers are absolutely necessary so that their teeth do not shift in position.
Sets in Newly Aligned Teeth
Retainers are especially necessary for patients who had issues with spacing corrected. Overcrowding is when there is not enough space in your mouth to align your teeth. On the other hand, too much space can result in gaps in your teeth. If you had such cases treated with South Houston braces, then retainers are a must to maintain newly aligned teeth.
Keeps Corrected Bite in Place
Dental braces are also an effective treatment for underbites and overbites. Extra appliances are used, such as elastics and springs, to correct bite problems. Because your jaws were forcibly moved, they could go back to their original positioning after the braces were removed. To prevent this and keep your new bite in place, you must wear retainers.
How Long Should You Wear Retainers?
Most patients wear their retainers anywhere from 4 months to 2 years—sometimes even more. Your South Houston family dentist will determine how long you should wear retainers. The duration will depend on your age, number of years with braces, and severity of your condition.
Keeping Your Retainers Clean
Remember to keep your retainers in a case when you’re not using them, and keep this case accessible to you at all times. You can clean your retainers with a towel or cleaning brush. You may also be directed to soak it in a denture cleaner. Keep your retainers away from extreme heat, pets, and children.
Schedule an Appointment for South Houston Braces Today!
At Centra Dental, we embrace your smiles. We are committed to making your dental experience as stress-free and pleasant as possible. While waiting, you can watch movies and connect to our Wi-Fi while your children play with toys. At our facility, we take hygiene very seriously. We have surgically clean air circulating, and we always sanitize our equipment to ensure the safety of our patients and staff. Ask us about our dental services specials and affordable rates. Visit us today for your concerns with South Houston braces and retainers!
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Achieve a brighter, more confident smile with Houston braces. This dental treatment is an effective way to correct crooked teeth and even bite problems. Not only do they boost your self-esteem, but dental braces also improve your oral health. Now the question remains: which type of braces should you get? Our Houston dentist will perform a full examination to determine the best one for you. To give you an idea, here are the different types of braces available.
Metal Braces
Also known as traditional braces, metal braces have been around for decades. They are made from high-quality stainless steel brackets that are linked together by a thin wire. Because they put strong pressure on the teeth, they are usually recommended for more extreme cases. They are also more visible and cannot be removed. You can choose from different colored bands to go with your Houston braces. An advantage of metal braces is that it is cheaper. Metal braces can also correct oral issues that ceramic or Invisalign braces are not able to treat.
Ceramic Braces
Many adult patients choose ceramic braces because they are less visible. They resemble the natural color of teeth, so they give off a more subtle look. Some patients are able to take pictures or attend events without their braces being too noticeable. Another pro is that ceramic braces move teeth faster than Invisalign. However, take note that ceramic braces are more expensive. They also move teeth more slowly than metal braces. They’re not recommended for young patients because they are less durable, and kids may easily damage them.
Invisalign Braces
A third type of Houston braces that are also very popular is Invisalign. This is a type of clear aligner that you can remove and put back in place. Invisalign resembles mouth guards and are custom-made for you. The biggest advantage of Invisalign is you can remove it when eating, taking pictures, attending events, etc. The downside is they are less effective when treating more complex dental issues. You also need to have new Invisalign braces fit every two weeks. So if you have a busy schedule, you may want to consider other options.
Schedule a Consultation for Houston Braces Today!
Now that you have an idea of the different types of Houston braces, it’s time to consult with a Houston family dentist. Our top-rated Houston dentist at Centra Dental will take X-rays and molds to determine the right Houston dental braces for you. At our clinic, we strive to give you a pleasant and stress-free dental experience. We have surgically clean air running the whole day to ensure the safety of our patients and staff. We embrace your smiles. As such, we offer a variety of amenities and entertainment to keep you happy during your entire visit. You may also ask us about our dental service specials and insurance we accept. Contact us today to book an appointment!
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With the start of a new year, it’s common to make resolutions designed to improve ourselves and our lives. As we usher in 2023, don’t forget the importance of regular dental cleanings with our top-rated South Houston dentist. These visits ensure your teeth and gums are healthy by removing plaque and tartar and catching any issues like cavities early. If you or your child have South Houston braces, regular dental cleanings are especially vital for successful treatment. Keep reading to see how a dental cleaning with our South Houston family dentist is the best way to start your year and embrace your smile.
The Importance of Regular Dental Cleanings with Our South Houston Dentist
Even those with meticulous dental hygiene need to schedule regular dental cleanings to maintain their overall health. When you visit our South Houston family dentist for a dental cleaning, it gives us a chance to thoroughly polish and floss your teeth, remove plaque and tartar build-up and identify any signs of decay. For those with South Houston braces, regular dental cleanings are imperative to remove food particles and build-up that can get stuck under wires and between brackets. Our South Houston dentist can also offer techniques to improve dental hygiene routines, if necessary.
Clean, strong teeth and gums aren’t only important for your oral health, but your overall health as well. Signs of certain illnesses like gum disease, some cancers, and heart disease first appear in the mouth.
What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning
Some plaque cannot be removed through brushing alone. Dental cleanings are needed to prevent root canals and dental fillings, especially if you have Houston braces. Here are some of the steps you can expect from your Houston family dentist.
Physical Checkup
To begin, our South Houston family dentist will examine your teeth and gums and identify any causes for concern before proceeding with the dental cleaning.
Plaque Removal
Our South Houston dentist will use a small tool called a scaler to remove all tartar and plaque around your teeth and gums. Sometimes, plaque gets so hard that it takes longer to remove, which requires more scraping in a particular spot and should serve as a sign that you may need to see our South Houston family dentist more often.
Toothpaste Polishing
Once all the plaque and tartar have been removed, our South Houston dentist will apply a special, gritty toothpaste and an electric brush to clean and polish your teeth. The unique rounded head of this toothbrush cleans more thoroughly than you can at home.
Professional Flossing
Next, we’ll floss in between each tooth to remove plaque from the hard-to-reach places. We can also clean areas you normally can’t get through regular flossing at home.
Fluoride Treatment
After rinsing off the debris, a fluoride treatment will be applied, much like a mouthwash. This protects your teeth from potential cavities for several months.
Book a Cleaning With Our South Houston Dentist
At Centra Dental, our top-rated South Houston dentist provides a range of services, such as South Houston braces, teeth whitening, dental crowns, bridges, and more. We are committed to your safety and comfort, which is why we continuously circulate surgically clean air. We strive to make the dental experience as pleasant and stress-free as possible. Patients have access to movies and wi-fi in order to make your experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Give us a chance to embrace your smile and ask us about our dental service specials.
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If our South Houston dentist has recommended dental braces for you or your child, you’re likely wondering what options are available. In the past, clunky metal dental braces were the only choice to correct malocclusion, but today there are a number of different types of South Houston dental braces to fit each patient’s needs and budget. Knowing which one is right for you begins by learning more about each option and discussing them with our South Houston dentist. Keep reading to learn all the ways we can address malocclusion and embrace your smile with uniquely-tailored treatment plans for you or your child.
Dental Braces Options with our South Houston Dentist
Centra Dental offers three different dental braces treatment options: metal braces, ceramic braces, and Invisalign. Not every option is right for every patient, however, as treatment is based on your needs.
Metal Dental Braces
Metal braces are the most cost-effective and versatile option, which is why they are the most popular South Houston dental braces choice. Metal braces are durable and work to treat nearly every form of malocclusion. There are two main components of metal dental braces: brackets and wires. The brackets are attached to the front of the tooth using a strong, but nontoxic adhesive. These brackets are then connected by a wire, which our South Houston dentist places and tightens to shift your teeth into the proper place. Whether you have minor or severe malocclusion, metal dental braces will be effective in correcting it.
Ceramic Dental Braces
Ceramic braces are a good choice for those who have moderate-severe malocclusion, but prefer a more discreet treatment option. This type of South Houston dental braces is similar to metal dental braces, but is made of a different material. As the name implies, they are composed of ceramic, which is designed to blend in with the natural color of your teeth, making them less noticeable than metal dental braces. They are more expensive than traditional metal South Houston dental braces, but it may be worth the added cost to have a more discreet option for your South Houston dental braces.
Houston Invisalign
If you have minor to moderate malocclusion and are looking for a less-noticeable South Houston dental braces option, then you should consider Invisalign. South Houston Invisalign shifts teeth to their proper position using a series of clear aligners that are worn at least 22 hours per day. These aligners may be removed when eating, drinking, and on special occasions, making them the preferred choice for adults. They are the most expensive option, however, and may not address more severe forms of malocclusion. If you want more information about Invisalign, schedule an appointment with our South Houston dentist.
Embrace Your Smile With South Houston Dental Braces from Centra Dental
If you or your child need to address malocclusion with South Houston dental braces, call us to schedule an appointment. Our top rated South Houston dentist has years of experience with all types of dental braces and would be pleased to assist you in our clean and safe environment. We offer numerous services and pride ourselves on practicing dentistry for the whole family, making us the number one choice for families in South Houston. We look forward to embracing your smile!
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Good oral health is essential for optimum well-being. Aside from practicing dental hygiene at home, regular trips to a Houston dentist is a must. Getting a dental cleaning every 6 months has many benefits. You can prevent cavities and tooth decay instead of going through the stress of treating them. If you’re thinking of booking your last cleaning of the year, turn to the experts at Centra Dental. We embrace your smiles as we keep your teeth and gums healthy. Here’s more information on our dental services.
Should I Book Before the Year Ends?
If you have outstanding appointments to a Houston dentist, it’s a good idea to book them before the year ends. Most insurance plans don’t roll over to the new year. You wouldn’t want your hard-earned dollars to go to waste. Another reason to book now is for a post-holiday cleaning. After all the delicious food you ate in the last few weeks, it’s time to get your teeth cleaned. Preventive oral care can even save you money in the long run. Instead of waiting for plaque to build up, you and your family can get dental cleanings.
What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning
Some plaque cannot be removed through brushing alone. Dental cleanings are needed to prevent root canals and dental fillings, especially if you have Houston braces. Here are some of the steps you can expect from your Houston family dentist.
- Physical checkup - Before anything else, your Houston dentist will examine your teeth and gums. If there are any causes of concern, your dentist will detect them. They will make sure that everything looks good before proceeding with cleaning.
- Plaque removal - Your dentist will use a scaler to remove all tartar and plaque around your teeth and gums. Sometimes, plaque gets so hard that it takes longer to remove. The dentist may need to scrape a particular spot longer than others.
- Toothpaste cleaning - Once all the plaque and tartar have been removed, your dentist will apply a special toothpaste. They will then use an electric brush to make sure all of your teeth are treated. This is an effective way of getting a deep clean.
- Professional flossing - Your dentist will get in between hard-to-reach places in your teeth. These are areas you normally can’t get through regular flossing alone.
- Fluoride treatment - After rinsing off the debris, your dentist will apply fluoride. This protects your teeth from potential cavities for several months.
Book a Cleaning With a Houston Dentist
Visit our top-rated South Houston dentist at Centra Dental for a range of services. We offer Houston dental braces, teeth whitening, dental crowns, bridges, and more. What sets us apart is our commitment to keeping our clients and staff safe. We have surgically clean air circulating the entire time. We strive to make the dental experience as pleasant and stress-free as possible. Your kids can watch movies, play with toys, or use the WiFi while waiting. Ask us about our dental service specials. We also accept dental insurance!
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The holidays are upon us, as are the sticky, sugary treats common to the season. While these indulgences are typically fine in moderation, if you or your child is undergoing South Houston braces treatment, some items are best left alone. That’s because certain foods and drinks can damage or break both South Houston metal braces and South Houston ceramic braces. Keep reading to learn some of the ways you can protect your braces this holiday season, thanks to helpful tips from our South Houston dentist.
How Do South Houston Braces Work?
South Houston dental braces are made up of brackets, which are cemented to each tooth and connected by a wire. Our South Houston dentist adjusts this wire periodically to slowly shift your teeth and jaw into the proper position. If your treatment plan calls for it, your South Houston dental braces may also include coils, hooks, and/or ligatures to improve effectiveness. Because these different parts of your South Houston metal braces all work together to create a straighter smile, damage to any one of these parts may delay treatment and must be fixed by our South Houston family dentist immediately.
How Do South Houston Braces Break?
While our South Houston metal braces and South Houston ceramic 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. While this damage can occur with any one of the many small parts that comprise your South Houston braces, 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–like those found during the holidays—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 for now.
Protect your South Houston Braces by Avoiding These Foods
Our South Houston family dentist recommends you or your teen avoid these items in order to protect your teeth and keep your orthodontic treatment on schedule. Whether you’re wearing South Houston metal braces or South Houston ceramic braces, steer clear of these items from the holiday party snack table:
- Hard candy, lollipops, and candy canes
- Hard or crunchy foods like carrot sticks, nuts, or pretzels
- Sticky foods like toffee, taffy, and caramel
Centra Dental Can Protect Your South Houston Braces
Even the best intentions can sometimes lead to damaged South Houston braces. If that’s the case, let our top rated South Houston dentist correct the problem in our clean and safe office. Since all Houston braces components work together to shift teeth to the proper position, damage to one part could place undue stress on the surrounding components and delay treatment.. Call our office to schedule an appointment with our South Houston family dentist before the holiday season gets even busier. At Centra Dental, we work hard to embrace your smiles!
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Metal braces used to be the only choice in correcting misaligned teeth. But now, ceramic braces have become just as popular. Both have their pros and cons in your dental treatment. Your South Houston dentist at Centra Dental will help you make an informed decision. At our clinic, we embrace your smiles. Our dental service specials aim to provide quality and affordable dentistry to children and adults. Not sure which South Houston braces to choose? Read on to know more about both types.
Pros of Ceramic Braces
More and more adults are getting South Houston braces to fix crooked teeth and bite issues. They choose ceramic braces over metal ones because of appearance. South Houston ceramic braces are translucent in color. They are significantly less visible than metal braces. Ceramic braces are also more comfortable. A common complaint among those who wear metal braces is that the inside of their mouths get chafed. Since ceramic braces have no metal wires, this abrasiveness is reduced.
Cons of Ceramic Braces
South Houston ceramic braces are not meant for extreme dental problems. They address mild to moderate cases. They may be less effective than metal ones if you are looking for dramatic changes. Our South Houston family dentist will assess if you will benefit more from ceramic braces. This type of South Houston braces may also be more pricey than traditional ones.
Pros of Metal Braces
The main advantage of South Houston metal braces is their durability. They are meant to fix severe cases of misalignment and bite problems. Metal braces offer total control. They allow your South Houston dentist to fix minute details. This type is less likely to show discoloration. Ceramic braces may get stains from coffee and tea. Since metal braces come in a darker material, discoloration is less noticeable.
Cons of Metal Braces
The downside of metal braces is that they are more likely to cause discomfort. The wires and brackets may irritate the inside of your mouth. This can be addressed by using dental wax. Metal braces are also more noticeable. They are immediately visible in person and photos. Metal braces may be harder to clean. Your dentist at Centra Dental will make sure to educate you on proper hygiene and maintenance of your metal braces.
Which Type of South Houston Braces Should You Choose?
The short answer is that it depends on your case. There are those who will benefit more from metal braces. For some, ceramic braces are the better option for them. Our top-rated dentist in South Houston will thoroughly examine your teeth to determine the best treatment for you. You’ll feel at ease at our clean and safe facility. We operate with surgically clean air around the clock. If you are choosing between the two options, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with us. We accept dental insurance plans. Contact us today!
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Getting Invisalign is a great way to boost your confidence. It corrects misaligned teeth, bite problems, and other dental issues. At Centra Dental, we embrace your smiles. Our top-rated South Houston dentist performs quality Invisalign treatments to achieve your ideal look. We have a clean and safe facility, as we take hygiene very seriously. We have surgically clean air circulating, and we always sanitize our equipment. Interested in getting Invisalign at our clinic? Read on to know the benefits this treatment offers.
Benefits of Invisalign Braces
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign is removable. You can remove it when you’re eating, taking pictures, or attending events. The treatment period is also shorter. Moderate cases will take 12 to 18 months, while more severe ones may last 24 months. South Houston Invisalign is considered more comfortable than its metal and ceramic counterparts. There are no sharp brackets and wires that can cut your cheek. It also allows for better oral hygiene since you can brush your teeth the regular way.
What Is the Recommended Age for Invisalign Braces?
Some children can wear Invisalign as early as 7 years old. We have every kind of adult coming in for Invisalign, from stay-at-home moms to grandparents. It’s also a popular choice among busy adults. In traditional braces, dental visits may be monthly. Invisalign requires fewer visits. This way, you can get Houston dental braces without making big changes to your schedule.
Preparing for Your Invisalign
Once our dentist concludes that South Houston Invisalign is the best option for you, treatment can begin. We will take X-rays and impressions of your teeth. These will be sent to our lab so they can design Invisalign braces to perfectly suit you. Your Invisalign is tailor-made to address your dental concerns. Once your South Houston braces are ready, you will come back to our clinic to have them fit.
What to Expect During Treatment
It will take around three visits to complete your therapy. During each visit, our dentist will refine your Invisalign to make sure it’s constantly doing its job. They will track your progress and make any tweaks necessary. You can also expect to be educated by our South Houston dentist in proper hygiene and care for your Invisalign. At the end of the treatment, our Houston family dentist will do a complete assessment to ensure you’re happy with the final results.
Schedule a Consultation for South Houston Invisalign
If you’re thinking about getting South Houston Invisalign, you may ask: why Centra Dental? We strive to make your dental experience as pleasant and stress-free as possible. You can watch movies and connect to our Wi-Fi while your children play with toys. We have dental services specials so you can receive superb dental services at affordable rates. Schedule a consultation with us today!
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With Halloween just around the corner, your kid is ready to gobble up tons of candy. But did you know that some treats are worse for the teeth than others? The sticky kind of candy is more likely to cause cavities. This is especially true if your child has Houston braces. Prevent tooth decay by visiting Centra Dental. At our clinic, we embrace your smiles. Our top-rated dentist in South Houston will make sure your kid is safe from cavities, even if they have braces.
Why Sticky Candy Is Bad for the Teeth
Kids love all kinds of candy, including the sticky kind. Tootsie rolls, taffy, licorice, and gummies are all popular choices. Kids love them when they go trick or treating. However, they are more likely to cause cavities. They tend to get stuck between the brackets and wires of a child who has dental braces. Also, they take longer to consume. As a result, your kid is exposed to sugar for a longer time. Candy that is faster to eat, let’s say a chocolate ball, may be the healthier option. It easily washes off from Houston braces as opposed to sticky treats.
How Sticky Candy on Braces Causes Cavities
Houston braces are an effective treatment for a range of oral issues. They straighten crooked teeth and fix bite issues. They help with jaw alignment and resolve speech impediments. If your kid has braces, it is important to stress oral hygiene. Food gets trapped easily between the brackets and wires. Sticky candy, in particular, can more likely cause plaque and tartar. Braces with sugar can become a breeding ground for bacteria if not properly cleaned. It can even progress into gingivitis or swelling of the gums.
How to Prevent Tooth Decay If Your Child Has Braces
Avoid letting your child eat sticky candy if they have braces. If they do consume a sticky treat or two, make sure they brush their teeth straight after. The ideal time to give them candy is after a meal. Avoid giving them one before a meal since it can ruin their appetite. Remember that moderation is important. Also make sure to take them in for a dental cleaning every 6 months. Centra Dental provides a clean and safe facility to keep our patients and staff protected. Surgically clean air is running 24/7, and we sanitize each equipment thoroughly.
Schedule a Visit to Clean Houston Braces
Why choose Centra Dental? We make every dental experience as pleasant and stress-free as possible. Our Houston dentist performs all vital dental services, from dental braces cleaning to root canals. We also offer dental service specials for patients of all ages. Affordable and quality dentistry is our expertise. If your kid has a sweet tooth, make sure to schedule regular dental cleanings with us. Our family dentist will educate you and your child on proper oral hygiene, especially with braces. Contact us today for an appointment!
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A common question that clients ask us is: should they get a dental cleaning with braces? The answer is yes! In fact, it’s even more important to get regular cleanings from a South Houston Dentist if you have braces. Bacteria and dirt can get trapped in the brackets and wires. Our top-rated dentist performs vital dental services, such as teeth cleaning. We embrace your smiles. We love to see happy clients after a good dental cleaning. Read on to know more about what you can expect from the procedure.
The Importance of Getting Your Teeth Cleaned With Braces
Houston braces can last for a while, usually between 6 months to 2 years—or more. During this time, plaque can build up around your brackets. This leaves unsightly white stains. They are also harmful to your overall oral health. Plaque and tartar like to hide near the brace mount and under the wires. If they are not removed, you could end up with cavities. Our helpful and caring staff will make sure that your dental cleaning is as pleasant and stress-free as possible.
How Many Times a Year Should You Get a Cleaning?
As it could get hard to give yourself a thorough cleaning with brushing alone, make sure to visit our clinic regularly. We offer a clean and safe environment to ensure the protection of our patients and staff. We recommend coming in for a cleaning every 6 months if you have Houston braces. Some patients may require more or less, depending on certain factors. Our South Houston dentist will assess your case to advise you on how often you should get a cleaning.
The Difference Between a Regular Cleaning
Our clients ask us if their cleaning with braces will be any different from a regular one. Generally, both involve the same steps. However, it may take longer for our South Houston dentist to clean your teeth if you have braces. They need to make sure that every bracket and wire is free from dirt. Don’t worry though, it will only be a bit longer than the regular procedure.
What to Expect From Dental Cleaning With Braces
When you visit Centra Dental, you will notice that we sanitize all of our equipment. We have strict safety measures, as we put a priority on hygiene. We strive to make the dental experience as stress-free as possible for the entire family. Our amenities and entertainment should make you feel more at ease. During your dental cleaning, our South Houston dentist will remove all the plaque and tartar on your teeth and braces. They will apply a fluoride treatment for maximum protection. This will also help strengthen your enamel. After the procedure, do not eat or drink for at least an hour to achieve the maximum benefits of the fluoride.
Visit Our South Houston Dentist for Cleaning With Braces
Centra Dental provides quality dentistry for clients of all ages, at affordable prices. Make sure to get regular dental cleaning if you have braces. We will strive to give you the best oral care. Contact us today to schedule a visit!
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Braces have been around for decades and have helped millions of people achieve better smiles. Not only do they straighten crooked teeth, but they also improve oral health. Houston braces correct overcrowding, gaps, underbites, and overbites. They also promote better digestion and prevent dental caries. Both teens and adults can get Houston dental braces. But many wonder if this orthodontic treatment hurts. Centra Dental is committed to making your dental experience as stress-free and pleasant as possible.
During Your Visit
A week or two before getting braces, our Houston dentist may apply spacers between your molars. You might feel slight pressure and soreness in the first few days. The discomfort will eventually go away. During the actual application of Houston braces, our dentist will clean your teeth with a solution that tastes a bit sour. They will also apply glue to put the brackets in place. These steps do not cause pain. The dentist will then mount brackets onto your teeth and connect them with a wire. You will feel a gentle pressure a few hours after your visit.
2 to 3 Days After Your Visit
Dental braces work by slowly pulling teeth into alignment. As such, you will feel discomfort throughout the week after your visit. This is a sign that your treatment is working. Your gums and teeth will feel sore. You may have difficulty chewing solid food for the first few days. There will also be times when the brackets and wires scrape against the inside of your cheeks. This is normal as long as everything is in place.
A Week After Your Visit
You will notice the discomfort gradually decreasing as the days pass. After a week, you may not feel any pain at all. Our Houston family dentist may advise you to come in for monthly visits. During your visits, they will tighten the wires and springs, and may put bands to keep the treatment going. Expect tolerable discomfort after your visits. This means that you are achieving progress and well on your way to your treatment goals.
Tips on Managing Discomfort
Discomfort from dental braces is perfectly normal and manageable. For pain relief, you may take over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen. Only take this if you don’t have an allergy. You may also rinse with salt water to lessen the soreness of the gums. If you’re getting cuts from the metal, you can apply dental wax. Place them on the trouble spots to remove the friction.
Schedule an Appointment for Houston Braces
Centra Dental offers a full range of quality dental services for the whole family. From teeth cleaning to Houston braces, our goal is to provide you with a comfortable visit. We prioritize your safety. As such, we operate in the most hygienic way and sanitize all of our equipment. You don’t have to worry when you visit Centra Dental. We will guide you through the entire process of your orthodontics treatment. Call us today for an appointment!
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After you’ve finished your treatment with Houston braces or Invisalign, your South Houston dentist will next prescribe the use of retainers to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their previous location. At first, they will likely need to be worn 24/7, but after your teeth have settled, they can be worn only while you sleep. Two of the most common types of retainers used by patients after their dental braces come off are the Hawley retainer and clear retainers. Both are effective designs whose costs are roughly the same, with the final price depending on the specific case. As you will see below, each type of retainer has its pros and cons. It’s best to consult with your South Houston dentist which is best for your specific needs once you’ve completed your Houston braces treatment.
Why A South Houston Dentist Would Recommend a Hawley Retainer
The Hawley retainer, being an older type that has been in common use for a long time, is easily recognizable by the single metal wire that runs across the front of the patient’s teeth when worn. That metal wire is attached to a plastic or acrylic piece that is custom molded to fit either the roof of your mouth or along the bottom of your lower teeth. This design allows your upper and lower teeth to naturally come into contact with one another. You can also ask your South Houston dentist to make slight adjustments to the fit of a Hawley retainer should the need arise. A Hawley retainer can last for years with proper care, and can even be repaired when damaged.
Cons of Wearing a Hawley Retainer After Houston Braces
The potential disadvantages of the Hawley retainer include an adjustment period with the exposed wire component, as it may irritate your inner cheeks and lips at the beginning. The wire also makes it more noticeable than clear retainers. Lastly, Hawley retainers may affect your ability to speak, especially in the beginning. However, these are all short-term concerns.
Why A South Houston Dentist Would Recommend a Clear Retainer
Clear plastic retainers, in contrast, are almost invisible. They are molded to fit the exact new position of your teeth. Because of their perfect fit, clear retainers are less bulky and therefore less likely to affect how you speak. These two advantages make them more likely to be worn consistently by patients, in turn improving the clear retainer’s overall effectiveness.
Cons of Wearing a Hawley Retainer After Houston Braces
However, clear retainers do come with their own disadvantages. First of all, because they are worn over the teeth, they prevent your top and bottom teeth from having natural contact with one another. Further, should the need arise, your South Houston dentist cannot realign or readjust your clear retainers. They also cannot be repaired. If their fit is uncomfortable or if they become damaged in any way, they will need to be replaced entirely. Another thing to consider is that as you use them, clear retainers may become discolored over time, making them more visible to other people. Another thing to look out for is that their closed design might trap liquids and food particles against your teeth, which increases the risk of forming cavities. However, if you take proper care of your clear retainers, most of these issues can be avoided.
Houston Braces and Retainers From the South Houston Dentist You Can Rely On
At Centra Dental, we’re challenging the idea that visits to your South Houston dentist are something to dread. Our staff is dedicated to making each appointment a relaxing and stress-free occasion. We also accept most PDP, DPPO, and PPO dental insurance plans, as well as CHIP and both Adult and Children's Medicaid, making us your trusted source for affordable dental braces and retainers. Contact us today and let’s book an appointment at your next earliest convenience!
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Dental braces are used by your South Houston Dentist to align and straighten teeth primarily to correct a patient’s bite to treat conditions such as crowded teeth, underbite, overbite, and other jaw and teeth alignment issues. However, Houston braces can also be used to aesthetically improve a patient’s smile. Here in Centra Dental, we take pride in fostering open communication with our patients so we can educate them on how to best take care of their teeth. In this article, our South Houston family dentist will discuss the differences between ceramic braces and metal braces so that our patients can decide for themselves which is best suited for their needs.
Traditional South Houston Metal Braces
Metal dental braces are an effective and affordable way of correcting even the most severe of bite issues. Traditional Houston braces are composed of three parts: metal brackets, metal wire, and elastic ties. Metal brackets are glued by your South Houston Dentist to your front teeth with dental cement. An elastic tie anchors each metal bracket to the arch wire. The constant pressure coming from the interaction of the metal brackets and the arch wire slowly moves the teeth to the desired position.
Ceramic South Houston Braces
Ceramic dental braces function pretty much like a traditional metal brace but have gained some advancements in subtlety. We all know that traditional South Houston metal braces are quite noticeable because of its heft and dark gray metal color. Ceramic braces are recommended by your South Houston family dentist to patients who want a more discreet dental brace. Ceramic dental braces use tooth-colored ceramic brackets that blend with your teeth. These ceramic brackets are also designed to attach with the arch wire directly thus removing the need for elastic ties. Ceramic Houston braces also use an arch wire but it is usually lightly colored (silver or frosted) which further decreases its visibility.
Pros and Cons: Metal Braces vs Ceramic South Houston Dentist
Here in Centra Dental, we believe that everyone deserves to have a smile they are proud to wear. That is why we offer a variety of dental braces that our patients can choose from based on their needs and budget. In the list below, our South Houston Dentist will evaluate both metal and ceramic braces on different categories:
- Cost - Traditional metal braces are more affordable than ceramic South Houston braces.
- Aesthetically pleasing - Ceramic braces are less noticeable than metal dental braces and as such are preferred by patients who put a premium on visual appearance.
- Major bite issues - Traditional metal braces are sturdier than ceramic dental braces and and as such are recommended for correcting major teeth and jaw alignment issues. While ceramic braces are suitable for most patients, extreme cases where major movements of the teeth are involved would require dental braces.
Work with your Trusted South Houston Dentist for a Stress-Free Experience
One of our priorities here in Centra Dental is ensuring a pleasant and stress-free experience for the whole family. The facility has free wi-fi and family-friendly movies are being shown in the lobby and examination rooms so mom and dad can relax while their kids are being treated. We have also implemented measures to surgically clean circulating indoor air for the benefit of our patients and staff. Call us now to schedule an appointment.
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Houston braces can be a cumbersome and uncomfortable experience. While our staff at Centra Dental try our utmost to ensure that your visits and treatments with us are as pleasant and stress-free as possible, the truth is that rubber bands may be a necessary part of a patient’s treatment. It makes sense that patients with braces would like to minimize the number of parts and components in their mouth that they need to take care of and clean. That’s why one of the most common questions asked by Houston braces patients of their South Houston family dentist is whether or not they need rubber bands, also sometimes called elastics, installed on their braces. The short answer is: It depends.
Why Do Houston Braces Have Rubber Bands Anyway?
Houston braces work through the firm and constant application of pressure on your teeth and jaw to correct misalignments, straighten crooked teeth, and resolve tooth crowding issues. Most of the work is done through wires and brackets, but sometimes, these are not enough. Your South Houston dentist must resort to adding strategically located rubber bands among your braces in order to add a little more force and pressure in the right direction. This additional hardware is understandably a source of discomfort and inconvenience to patients, as these rubber bands can make eating more difficult and make cleaning their braces more complicated. However, South Houston pediatric dentistry experts say that the discomfort from braces and rubber bands tends to go away within 2-3 days, and while cleaning braces will always be tedious, they will teach patients to better clean and care for their teeth.
When Are Rubber Bands Not Needed With Houston Braces
In general, rubber bands are employed in Houston braces to correct misaligned jaw conditions such as overbite, underbite, open bite, and crossbite. If you do not suffer from any of these conditions, you may not need rubber bands at all on your braces. Additionally, even in the case that you do need rubber bands installed on your braces, your Houston family dentist may determine that they only need to be part of your treatment for only a few months of the one to two years of the total time that you are wearing braces.
Get Your Houston Braces Stress-Free From the South Houston Family Dentist You Can Trust
At Centra Dental, we’re fighting the perception of visits to your South Houston Dentist being occasions of fear and dread. Our staff puts in the utmost effort to make each visit a relaxing and productive affair. We also accept most PDP, DPPO, and PPO dental insurance plans, as well as CHIP and both Adult and Children's Medicaid, making us your trusted source for affordable braces. Give us a call and let’s schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience!
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