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Approaching the end of your Houston braces treatment is so exciting! Before you know it, you’ll be showing off your brand new smile, but remember that you still need to wear retainers after your Houston braces come on in order to ensure your new smile sticks around. Don’t worry, though. Retainers are removable and offer more flexibility than dental braces. In this article, our South Houston family dentists will explain the importance of wearing retainers after concluding your braces treatment.
Orthodontic Retainers Prevent Your Teeth From Shifting Again
Believe it or not, after braces, your teeth will try to shift again. This occurs because your teeth haven’t had a chance to fully settle into the soft tissues of your mouth. Remember that, for at least an entire year, your teeth have been 100% reliant on metal, ceramic, or even plastic from your Invisalign Clear Aligners in order to hold them in place. To mitigate this and let them settle into their new alignment, you should wear your retainers day and night for at least a year, but this will also depend on the individual’s case.
Orthodontic Retainers Protect Your Investment In Your New Smile
Wearing retainers after completing your Invisalign, metal braces, or ceramic Houston braces treatment is a sure way to make your investment in your smile well worth it. As frustrating as it is to realize that you need to take another step to allow your teeth to stay in their alignment, remember that dental braces from our Houston and South Houston dentist offices prevented (or got rid of) some serious complications with your dental health.
By diligently wearing your retainers day and night and then transitioning to only wearing them most nights, you will strengthen your teeth so they remain straight for years and years to come. You might even get to enjoy your new, perfectly aligned smile for the rest of your life.
Get Fitted For Retainers at Centra Dental In Houston And South Houston
When you’re near the end of your Houston braces treatment, please book an appointment with us so we can confirm that you’re ready for your braces to be removed soon. At this appointment, we will also take impressions of your new smile so we can fit you for your retainers and educate you and how to wear them and how to best take care of them. Houston braces and orthodontic retainers won’t last forever, but with adequate care, your new smile can last as long as you let it!
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Invisalign has been growing in popularity over the last several years, especially for adults who prefer a subtle Houston braces treatment to correct the alignment of their teeth. Unfortunately, despite its growing popularity some of our patients at our Houston and South Houston family dentist offices still question how well Invisalign works. In this article, we will debunk 3 common myths and misconceptions that patients have about Invisalign Houston braces.
Invisalign Takes A Lot Longer To Correct A Malocclusion Than Regular Houston Braces Do
Because Invisalign Clear Aligners are made of plastic, they are mistakenly seen as a less effective method of correcting a malocclusion–the term we use to describe a poorly aligned bite–than metal Houston braces or ceramic Houston braces. In reality, Invisalign treatment lasts about 12-18 months on average, just like ceramic and metal dental braces treatments. However, much like our other Houston braces, how severe your malocclusion is and how well you maintain health and hygiene during braces treatment will affect how long your treatment lasts.
Invisalign-Like Clear Aligners Bought Online Are Also Effective And Much More Affordable
Within recent years, online businesses that claim to offer custom clear aligners if you simply submit some photos of your teeth have begun to emerge. They are marketed as cheap and effective in the comfort of your home, but their cheap pricing and lack of in-person orthodontic appointments spell trouble for people who buy into them. Photos are not enough to design an entire Invisalign (or any Houston braces) treatment. When we prepare you for Houston braces treatment at our Houston and South Houston dentist offices, we gather impressions and x-rays as well. Photos will simply never be enough to get a close look at the anatomy of your mouth, which means the aligners you receive will not provide accurate, effective treatment or results.
Everyone Can Undergo Invisalign Treatment
Although Invisalign is a good alternative to metal and ceramic Houston braces for both teenagers and adults, not every case may do well with Invisalign. If a patient’s particular case is extremely complicated, Invisalign may not work as effectively, so they should invest in one of the other forms of Houston braces treatment we offer at our Houston and South Houston dentist offices.
Outstanding Invisalign Treatment At Our Houston And South Houston Dentist Offices
At Centra Dental in Houston and South Houston, we are proud to offer outstanding Invisalign treatment for various malocclusions. Now that we have debunked these myths and misconceptions, please book an appointment with our Houston and South Houston dentists if you are considering Houston braces treatment. We will start with a Houston braces consultation to start designing your custom treatment plan.
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If you’re currently undergoing Houston braces treatment, or plan to very soon, you may be wondering what you can do to ensure your treatment goes by smoothly. In this article, our Houston family dentists will offer some of our best tips to help you get the most out of your dental braces treatment.
Be Mindful Of The Food You Eat When Wearing Houston Braces
No, this doesn’t mean to go on a diet. This just means that you need to be careful that you don’t eat foods that will damage your braces.
Some foods you should avoid, especially early on in your Houston braces treatment, include:
- Crunch foods, such as chips and popcorn
- Sticky foods, such as candy and bubble gum
- Foods that you usually bite directly into, such as carrots, corn, and apples. Instead, we recommend you chop these beforehand.
Not only will avoiding these foods reduce the pain and discomfort you feel shortly after getting dental braces, but doing so will also protect your braces from breaking over the course of your treatment.
Play Sports Safely
Most of our Houston braces patients are children, which means plenty of them regularly participate in after-school sports. Even some of our adult patients participate in sports in their free time. Regardless of how old our patients are, everyone who practices a close contact sport may benefit from wearing a protective mouthguard that is custom-fitted to their teeth. This way, if there is some trauma during a game, your teeth will be far better protected and we can address it in a timely manner.
Practice Good Dental Braces Hygiene
Good dental hygiene is a must, but Houston braces patients must be extra cautious with how well they take care of their teeth. You can read more about proper dental hygiene when wearing Houston braces here.
Get Affordable Houston Braces At Centra Dental
Our dentists, who treat families in Houston and South Houston, offer exceptional dental braces treatment, including ceramic braces, metal braces, and Invisalign Clear–all at an affordable price starting as low as $99/month. Please book an appointment with us so we can assess the health of your teeth and get you started with a Houston braces consultation. We look forward to giving you a healthy, beautiful smile!
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So you’ve decided it might be time for Houston braces. That’s great news! You are well on your way to a beautiful, healthier smile. However, before you get your Invisalign, ceramic dental braces, or metal dental braces, you must first undergo a Houston braces consultation so that our family dentists in Houston and South Houston can design a customized treatment plan that will change your smile. In this article, we will discuss when is the best time to come in for a consultation, what you can expect at this appointment, and what the next steps will be.
When To Get A Houston Braces Consultation
When it comes to dental braces treatment, the earlier the better! If you’re a parent looking into Houston braces for your child, then you will be glad to know that they can come in for a consultation once all their baby teeth have fallen out and their permanent teeth have emerged.
If you’re an adult looking into adult dental braces treatment in Houston, then you can come in for a consultation as soon as you’d like.
What To Expect At Your Dental Braces Consultation At Our Houston And South Houston Family Dentist Office
When you visit us for your first consultation, a few tasks need to be completed:
- Gathering X-rays
- Taking dental photographs
- Taking impressions
We will also take the time to learn more about your needs and preferences. Once we have these materials, we will review them and determine whether Invisalign, ceramic dental braces, or metal dental braces may be best for your particular case. Once you decide on which type of Houston braces treatment you will undergo, we will map out the course of your treatment or that of your child’s utilizing our state-of-the-art dental braces technology.
What Happens After Your Houston Braces Consultation
Once we know what dental braces treatment you will undergo, it’s time to book your fitting. If you will undergo Invisalign, we will get your aligner trays made at our lab before you come into our office to wear them for the first time.
If you are undergoing ceramic dental braces or metal dental braces treatment, your next appointment will be the one in which we actually attach the braces to your teeth, which will last about 1-2 hours. You can learn more about what to expect when first getting braces here.
Ready For Dental Braces? Visit Us At Our Houston Or South Houston Family Dentist Offices
If you believe that it’s about time for you or your child to get braces, then please book an appointment with our dentist so we can begin with our dental braces consultation and design an effective treatment plan. We look forward to giving your teen a beautiful smile they are proud to show off!
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At Centra Dental in Houston and South Houston, we offer various types of dental braces at an affordable price, including Invisalign. Though sometimes mistaken as a less-effective way to straighten your teeth, Invisalign Clear Aligners are actually very successful at correcting the alignment of your bite, so long as you follow our recommendations for the best way to take care of your teeth while undergoing Invisalign treatment. In this article, our South Houston family dentist will discuss a couple do’s and don’t’s that will impact how well Invisalign works for you.
What To Do When Wearing Invisalign Clear Aligners From Our South Houston Braces Dentist
Here are things you should do if you are a South Houston Invisalign patient:
Wear Your Invisalign For At Least 20 Hours A Day
Compared to our other Houston braces, Invisalign is a more delicate and subtle method of shifting the teeth, which means it can take a little longer in some cases. We recommend wearing your Clear Aligners for 20-22 hours a day to provide as much time for your aligner trays to do their job.
Keep Track Of Your Invisalign Clear Aligners
Because Invisalign isn’t glued to your teeth like ceramic Houston braces and metal dental braces, some patients run the risk of losing their aligners. If you lose them, you won’t wear them for as long as you need to in order to straighten your teeth. When you begin Invisalign treatment, be sure to store your Clear Aligners in your Invisalign case each time you remove them for meals and when you brush your teeth. Not only does this prevent you from losing them, but this also keeps them safe from damage and prevents excessive dirtiness.
What Not To Do As A South Houston Invisalign Patient
Avoid the following when undergoing Houston Invisalign:
Skip Cleaning Your Invisalign Clear Aligners
Just because you don’t have to wear your aligners 24/7 does not mean you should forgo good dental braces hygiene. When you finish eating and put your aligners back on, they will collect the plaque and bacteria in your mouth. It’s imperative that you clean them by gently brushing them with a soft-bristled toothbrush in the morning and before bed. This will keep your aligners from getting smelly and will protect your mouth from cavities.
Switch To Your Next Set Of Aligners If You Lose Your Current Pair
Sometimes mistakes happen and our Houston Invisalign patients lose a set of aligners. Do not jump to the next set if you’ve lost your current set because the aligners won’t fit properly, which means they won’t move your teeth the way they are supposed to. Instead, call our Houston braces dentists so we can determine the best course of action.
Think You Need Houston Braces? Visit Our South Houston Dentist
If you think it might be time to get dental braces, please book an appointment for a Houston braces consultation so we can determine if Invisalign is right for you and proceed with a treatment plan. We will provide you with further education on how to get the most out of your Invisalign Clear Aligners.
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Houston braces are a big deal, and we are proud to offer affordable metal braces, ceramic braces, and even Invisalign Clear Aligners. In monitoring our patients’ progress during their dental braces treatment, we take note of how well they take care of their dental health and often get asked what they can do to reduce their chance of getting cavities. 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
When wearing braces, it is easy to miss a few spots when brushing your teeth, so 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.
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 after brushing. We recommend using them after each time you brush 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 floss can easily remove. Today, there are several types of floss available, including floss designed to be used while wearing dental braces. Although flossing can be tricky with 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 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. 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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At our Houston and South Houston family dentist offices, we offer a variety of Houston braces treatments: Invisalign, ceramic dental braces, and metal dental braces. In this article, we will discuss why many of our patients consider undergoing Invisalign treatment instead of ceramic Houston braces.
Benefits Of Undergoing Houston Braces Treatment
Houston braces, no matter what type you undergo treatment with, work wonders at straightening your teeth for a beautiful, healthier smile. Which type of Houston braces you wear will depend on your particular case as well as your needs.
Why Patients Prefer Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign/Invisalign Clear Aligners are clear plastic trays that are specifically designed and fitted for your teeth. Here are some of the reasons why many of our Houston braces patients take a liking to Invisalign:
Invisalign Is Virtually Unnoticeable
As its name suggests, the transparent nature of Invisalign Clear Aligners means that our Houston dentist patients get to enjoy a subtle treatment. While ceramic Houston braces are also subtle due to the fact that the color of the ceramic tends to blend into the teeth, Invisalign is certainly the subtlest option for Houston braces treatment.
Invisalign Trays Are Removable
Ceramic dental braces are cemented to the teeth and can only be removed by our South Houston dentist, but Invisalign Clear Aligners can (and should) be removed by the patient at mealtimes. Further, if worn correctly, patients may skip their Invisalign for a special occasion.
Invisalign Is More Comfortable Than Ceramic Dental Braces
Although today’s dental braces are far thinner and lighter than they once were, the fact remains that ceramic dental braces utilize metal wires, whereas Invisalign doesn’t, creating an overall more comfortable experience.
Our South Houston Family Dentist Can Help Determine Whether Invisalign Or Ceramic Houston Braces Are Better For You
There are many advantages of undergoing Invisalign treatment, but ceramic braces also provide fantastic results. Keep in mind that Invisalign works best on very mild cases, whereas ceramic Houston braces work best for moderate cases due to the additional strength of the ceramic. If you think it might be time for dental braces and you want to find out which is best for you, please book an appointment with our Houston family dentist so we can begin with a Houston braces consultation. We will assess your bite, needs, and preferences so we can recommend the best dental braces option for you. We look forward to embracing your smile!
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Approximately 4 million Americans wear some form of dental braces, and 80% of these patients are children. At our Houston and South Houston family dentist offices, we recommend that all of our patients who suffer from a malocclusion–i.e., a bad bite, overbite, underbite, etc–treat it with Houston braces, regardless of if the patient is an adult or a child. In this article, we will explain why braces are such a great investment, what you can expect to pay, and how to manage treatment.
Why Houston Braces Are A Fantastic Idea
Straightening your teeth is not purely cosmetic. Misaligned teeth can lead to multiple issues, including (but not limited to):
- Lisp
- Migraine
- Gingivitis (gum disease)
- Poor digestion
- Tooth decay
- Speech issues
By getting Houston braces, we will relieve these issues for our patients and they will feel healthier and more confident as a result.
How Much Do Houston Braces Cost
When our patients hear dental braces, they automatically associate this with high costs and may refrain from getting dental braces because they may be too expensive for what they need. However, at Centra Dental in Houston and South Houston, our family dentists strive for transparent communication and will educate our patients with guidance and expertise.
If the cost of Houston braces is causing stress and/or hesitation, then you’ll be glad to know that we offer a variety of different Houston braces with treatments customized to your unique needs for as low as $99/month.
Managing Pain From Houston Braces Treatment
Many patients–adults and children–worry about the pain they may experience over the course of their dental braces treatment, but the truth is that there is only some mild pain and discomfort when you first get your braces fitted. If you wear metal or ceramic dental braces, you will experience some discomfort again when you get your wires tightened every so often, but this discomfort is much more minimal and should only last about a day. With Invisalign, you may feel a slight discomfort every time you get a new set of alignment trays. Here are some of our favorite tips for managing Houston braces pain.
Affordable Houston Braces At Our Houston And South Houston Dentist Offices
We understand some of the hesitations about getting dental braces, but they truly are more than a cosmetic improvement to your smile–they are essential to good oral health. With our great pricing and great quality care, we are proud to be Houston’s top choice for dental braces, so please book an appointment with us today so we can move forward with a Houston braces consultation and design a treatment plan that works for you!
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Although our dental braces are effective no matter how old you are, there are some benefits to considering Houston braces treatment at a younger age. With that said, you may be wondering if it’s time for your teenager to get Houston braces. In this article, we will offer insight to help you determine whether it might be time, as well as what you and your teen can expect.
Have All Your Teen’s Baby Teeth Fallen Out?
If your teen’s baby teeth have fallen out and all their permanent teeth have emerged, then you will be able to take a quick look to see if they might need braces. Houston braces treat overbites, underbites, open bites, teeth crowding, and more, so if your child is exhibiting (to any degree) any of these in their smile, then this is a good indicator that they might need correction with Houston braces.
See Our Family Dentists In Houston And South Houston For A Houston Braces Consultation
Now, it’s time to come in for a braces consultation, at which point we’ll gather x-rays, photographs, and impressions of your child’s teeth. Our family dentists will review this information and then discuss our evaluation with you and your teen.
We’ll explain how we expect your treatment to go and which of our Houston braces–Invisalign, metal dental braces, or ceramic dental braces–is suitable for your teen’s unique case. This will be a lot of information at once, but we will continue to be communicative and explain how their teeth are moving over the course of treatment.
Getting Fitted For Dental Braces At Our Houston And South Houston Dentist Offices
After the consultation, we’ll schedule another appointment where we will place the braces on their teeth. Here’s what you and your child will expect at this appointment.
- Step 1: Our South Houston family dentist will thoroughly clean and dry your teeth so that the process goes by smoothly.
- Step 2: We will apply orthodontic glue to your teeth and attach the brackets (either metal or ceramic) to the front of your teeth, one tooth at a time. We will follow this by drying the glue before we move onto the next bracket.
- Step 3: Lastly, we will place the archwire across your teeth, which will apply gentle pressure to the brackets. This is how dental braces move your teeth.
This process usually takes about 2 hours and isn't painful, but your teenager’s mouth may feel sore afterward. This is normal and will gradually fade away after a few days. If your teen will undergo Invisalign treatment, this is what you can expect.
In Need of Houston Braces? Visit Our Family Dentists In Houston And South Houston
If you believe that your teenager may need Houston braces, then please book an appointment with us so we can begin with our dental braces consultation and design a treatment plan. We look forward to giving your teen a beautiful smile they are proud to show off!
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At our family dentist offices in Houston and South Houston, we treat both adults and children with Houston braces in order to correct the alignment of the teeth. Although it’s never too late to undergo Houston braces treatment, there are certainly some benefits to getting dental braces early on. In this article, we will explain why we recommend and encourage treatment while our patients are still children.
If Possible, Don’t Wait Until Adulthood To Get Houston Braces Treatment
Getting braces as an adult, though less common, is completely acceptable, and we don’t want any of our patients to feel insecure while they are undergoing Houston braces treatment. However, keep in mind that adult braces treatment takes longer than braces treatment for children.
This isn’t to say our Houston braces are ineffective for adults. The reason why adults may wear their dental braces for longer is that children’s jaws are still growing, so their teeth are incredibly easy to shift with metal braces, ceramic braces, or Invisalign. As an adult, your jaw has long settled into its placement and so have your teeth, so it takes more time to ensure that your teeth shift to the right position.
Early Houston Braces Treatment Begins With An Early Dental Braces Evaluation
In many cases, especially if we have been your family’s dentist for years and have been able to see how your child’s teeth develop, we might recommend your child comes in for an orthodontic evaluation when they’re about 7 years old. Even though most of our patients get dental braces between 10-14 years old, our Houston family dentists are able to determine how the teeth and jaw will develop when your child is as young as 7 years old. Your child’s initial Houston braces evaluation will give us insight on whether or not interceptive orthodontic treatment will be necessary, when it will be a good time to begin treatment, and which Houston braces will work best for your child.
Houston Braces For Kids at Centra Dental
Today, dental braces are subtler and more comfortable than they used to be, and although you can get Houston braces at any age, an earlier start makes for a shorter treatment period and more time to enjoy your new smile. If you think it might be time for your child to get Houston braces, then please book an appointment at our Houston or South Houston family dentist offices so we can assess your child’s bite.
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When most people think of Houston braces–either Invisalign, ceramic dental braces, or metal dental braces–they associate these appliances with kids and teenagers. However, adults are also able to wear Houston braces, and we even encourage it! In this article, we’ll explain why adults should get Houston braces and how our different options can help different cases.
If Children Don’t Get Houston Braces, They Keep Their Malocclusion In Adulthood
A “malocclusion” is the technical term for a bad bite, such as an overbite, underbite, and even crowding teeth. However, just because Houston braces are seen as a cosmetic dental treatment, doesn't mean their purpose is exclusive to cosmetics. Malocclusions are genuine medical conditions that can lead to other problems such as migraines, tooth decay, gum disease, lisp, and difficulty chewing and digesting food. It is imperative that you get the alignment of your teeth corrected if you suffer from the aforementioned conditions.
Our Houston Braces Can Correct A Bad Bite And Promote Healthy Teeth
Because our Houston family dentist treats families in Houston and South Houston, we offer three different types of dental braces treatments in order to cater to every family member’s needs as best as possible. Our Houston braces options include:
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Invisalign Clear Aligners are clear trays that vary slightly in shape over the course of your treatment in order to guide your teeth to the correct alignment. We favor Invisalign for mild cases, as they would get the job done in a timely manner. Learn more about South Houston Invisalign here.
Metal Houston Braces
Metal Houston braces have been available since the 19th century with significant updates since then. Today, they are far more lightweight and comfortable and continue to be the traditional braces treatment that we recommend, as they are the most versatile. If you would like to learn more about metal Houston braces at our South Houston family dentist office, read this article.
Ceramic Dental Braces
Our ceramic South Houston braces are designed to blend in with the natural color of your teeth. This type of Houston braces treatment is efficient in treating moderate cases. Though ceramic braces are somewhat similar to metal braces, there are a few differences between ceramic and metal braces.
Adult Dental Braces at Centra Dental In Houston And South Houston
If you’re ready for a straighter, healthier smile, then please book an appointment with us at our Houston or South Houston dentist offices so we can evaluate your bite and help you determine which method of dental correction is best for you. We look forward to embracing your smile!
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Today, more and more dentists are offering Invisalign Clear Aligners in addition to traditional metal braces and ceramic Houston braces. In this article, we will discuss how Invisalign differs from metal dental braces and what to keep in mind if you are considering inquiring about Invisalign treatment.
The Difference Between Invisalign And Metal Houston Braces
Metal braces are the traditional method of straightening the teeth and have been for many decades now. This is precisely why they are still trusted by many of our South Houston dentists’ patients today.
Metal braces are, of course, made of metal, so they are rather prominent. However, the good news is that today’s metal dental braces are much lighter in weight and color, so they are more comfortable to wear. Over the course of metal Houston braces treatment, our South Houston family dentist will regularly tighten the patient's archwire in order to guide the teeth to the correct position.
Invisalign, on the other hand, involves no wires. As their name implies, they are nearly invisible. Our patients’ custom aligner trays are made by doing a 3D scan of the patient's mouth and sending it, along with impressions, to our dental lab. Instead of tightening the archwire, we simply give patients a new aligner tray each time, which is slightly different in shape in order to move the teeth to the desired alignment.
The Pros Of Houston Invisalign Treatment
There are a number of “pros” that encourage patients to undergo Invisalign treatment, such as the fact that:
- Hardly anyone notices that a patient is undergoing any treatment, thanks to their clear design
- Invisalign Clear Aligners are removable anytime a patient wants to eat
- There are fewer (and shorter) appointments because our patients just need to put on their newest set instead of having to come in to get their wires cut and tightened
The Cons Of South Houston Invisalign Treatment
Along with many benefits, there are some downsides of Invisalign to consider before you decide you would like to undergo this treatment, including that:
- Their clear design means food particles are easily spotted when stuck between the teeth
- Food getting stuck between the teeth impedes the aligners from putting the right amount of pressure on the teeth
- The ability to remove Invisalign Clear Aligners means they can be lost if patients aren’t careful
- Invisalign must be strictly worn for 20-22 hours a day or else the desired alignment will not be achieved without extending the duration of treatment
Our South Houston Family Dentist Will Help You Decide If Invisalign Is Right For You
If you think you or your child may be a great candidate for Invisalign Clear Aligners, then please book an appointment with us so we can begin with an evaluation. At this Houston braces evaluation, we will examine your teeth to determine which is the best treatment plan for your smile.
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One of the greatest worries our Houston and South Houston patients experience when it’s time to start their Houston braces treatment is that there will be plenty of pain involved. We understand where their worry is coming from, too. After all, the idea of moving your teeth sounds rather daunting. However, don’t let this turn you away from necessary dental braces treatment; although some pain or discomfort with metal dental braces, ceramic dental braces, and Invisalign Clear Aligners is common, it is not permanent and can easily be managed. In this article, we will talk about our favorite ways to help you manage your Houston braces pain.
What Causes Houston Braces Pain?
There are a few causes of braces pain, including:
The Initial Fitting
In general, pain during your Houston braces treatment is the worst on the day you get them. This is because you have likely never worn an orthodontic appliance before, so this is a very new sensation. Over the next following days, the pain will gradually become a slight discomfort, eventually fading as you get used to them.
Certain Foods
If you eat the foods we recommend you avoid, you may get them stuck in your braces or Invisalign Clear Aligner trays, which causes tension and pain in your teeth. You could also snap your wire if you wear other types of Houston braces, which can poke at your cheek.
Tightening Your Braces
Throughout your Houston braces treatment, we will regularly tighten your wires. If you wear Invisalign, we will regularly give you a new set of aligners. When you undergo this adjustment, you may feel some discomfort but it won’t last nearly as long as the first time you got your braces.
Different Ways to Manage Pain While Wearing Dental Braces
Over-The-Counter Pain Killers
OTC pain medication is very effective when you first get your braces. If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort after we tighten your wires at our Houston and South Houston family dentist offices, then consider taking some medication prior to your appointments.
Ice Packs Or Frozen Veggies
If you are feeling any soreness in the early stage of your dental braces treatment, we recommend icing the outside of your cheek where you feel discomfort. This will greatly reduce swelling and numb your mouth a little so you get some much-needed braces pain relief.
Dental Braces Wax
We give all of our Houston braces patients some orthodontic wax, which should be used if a wire or a bracket is causing pain. You can mold the wax and fit it around the affected area in order to create a barrier between the wires and the tissues in your mouth.
Our Houston Family Dentists Will Help You Manage Dental Braces Pain
Now that you know more about the adjustment period when you first get Houston braces, please book an appointment with us at our Houston or South Houston dentist offices if your pain isn’t going away, or if you are thinking about getting braces. We will gladly do an exam and give you further guidance on what to expect and how to manage your discomfort.
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You and/or your child has likely seen other people wearing dental braces. If someone’s braces are fairly grey in color, then chances are they're wearing metal dental braces–the most common method of correcting a malocclusion. If you see someone who appears to be wearing braces that are off-white in color and blend into the teeth very well, then they are usually wearing ceramic Houston braces. They both achieve the same goal: healthy, perfectly straight teeth, but, what’s the difference between them? Which is better? In this article, our Houston dentists–who treat families in Houston and South Houston–will answer these commonly asked questions.
Metal Houston Braces
Metal dental braces have been around for hundreds of years, though today they are much more subtle and lightweight than they used to be, which makes them much more comfortable and effective. However, because they’re metal, their natural dark grey color is quite obvious on teeth.
Metal dental braces are made up of three components:
- Metal square-shaped brackets, fixed to the front of your teeth
- Metal dark gray archwire, placed across the brackets
- O-rings, which are placed around the bracket and can be of different colors
When Our Houston Family Dentists Recommend Metal Braces
Metal dental braces work on just about any malocclusion, mild or severe. This means they have superior strength in order to reduce how long treatment would last, compared to other alternatives.
Ceramic Houston Braces
Though less common than metal braces, ceramic dental braces have risen in popularity over the years due to the fact that they are a good compromise between Invisalign and metal Houston braces, as well as for their increased subtlety over metal braces.
Ceramic braces consist of the following components:
- Ceramic brackets fixed to the front of your teeth, which blend into your natural tooth color
- Light-colored archwire placed across the brackets (silver or frosted in color)
When Our South Houston Family Dentists Recommend Ceramic Braces
Though still strong enough to move your teeth to the proper alignment, ceramic isn’t as strong as metal, so we don’t typically recommend ceramic Houston braces for severe malocclusions. They do, however, work wonders for mild to moderate malocclusions on patients of all ages.
Affordable Dental Braces At Our Houston Family Dentist Offices
Whether you are considering Houston braces for yourself or for your child, Centra Dental in Houston and South Houston is proud to be a top-rated office for braces as low as $99 per month. If you plan on getting Houston braces soon, please book an appointment with us so we can conduct an evaluation and determine which method of correction is best for you. In this case, neither ceramic braces nor metal braces are considered a generally "better option". It really comes down to what each individual patient needs and what their priorities are.
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