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If you’re near the end of your Houston braces treatment, then our South Houston family dentists have probably already spoken to you about why you must wear an orthodontic retainer after your Houston braces treatment. There are multiple types of orthodontic retainers available to patients, and which we recommend to you will depend on your particular case. The most common type of orthodontic retainer is the Hawley retainer–sometimes called a wire retainer. In this article, we will discuss how to wear your Hawley wire retainer and take care of it.
What Is A Hawley Retainer?
Hawley retainers–also referred to as removable retainers or wire retainers–are made up of two components:
- Acrylic Base: This base is custom shaped to fit the roof of your mouth and behind your lower teeth. Patients can pick what color they want their base to be.
- Metal Wire: The wire component runs across your teeth, similar to the archwire of your South Houston metal braces or South Houston ceramic braces.
Together, these retainers hold your teeth in place while your teeth settle in the soft tissues of your mouth. How long you wear your retainers will depend on your particular case, but our South Houston family dentist often recommends you wear them 24/7 for 6 months to a year (with the exception of mealtimes) and then only at night afterward.
Taking Care Of Your Wired Retainer After Houston Braces Treatment At Our South Houston Dentist Office
Much like how you have to take care of your teeth while wearing braces in order to enjoy the best results, you also have to take care of your retainers. Here’s how.
Brushing Your Removable Retainers
Brush your Hawley retainer with lukewarm water after every meal with a soft toothbrush. You don’t need to use toothpaste, as this can damage the acrylic, but do be sure to gently scrub it,
Soak Your Hawley Retainer
At your next appointment with our South Houston family dentist, ask if soaking your retainers in a special cleaning solution is an option. We can recommend what works best for your retainers and the best way to do so.
Our South Houston Family Dentist Will Determine If Hawley Retainers Are Right For You
As you near the end of your Houston braces treatment, please book an appointment with our South Houston family dentist so we can take impressions of your teeth. Following the impressions, we will send them to our lab to make your retainers. If we determine that Hawley retainers are right for you, we will have them made and provide you with detailed instructions on how to wear them.
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Good oral hygiene means coming to dental cleanings with us twice a year, brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste, and flossing every night. With Houston braces, though (as well as Invisalign) you have to take extra care of your teeth and implement a stricter daily Invisalign hygiene routine. In this article, our Houston braces dentist will offer our top tips for maintaining adequate dental hygiene while undergoing Invisalign treatment.
Brush Your Teeth More Often If You Wear Houston Invisalign
First and foremost, it’s important to brush your teeth more often when you are undergoing Houston braces treatment. If you wear Invisalign Clear Aligners, you may be more prone to cavities if you don't brush your teeth enough due to the fact that food can more easily get stuck between your teeth and trapped in the aligners. When food gets stuck between your teeth, this creates a barrier between the Invisalign trays and your natural teeth, impeding how Invisalign does its job.
Our South Houston dentists recommend that, in addition to brushing your teeth twice a day, you also brush after each meal and snack you eat. This will help ensure no food particles get stuck in between your teeth, which not only makes certain that your Invisalign can do its job but also serves as a great preventative measure against cavities!
Our South Houston braces dentists recommend you carry a travel toothbrush and toothpaste with you so you can always have a toothbrush handy. This way you can be sure to brush as often as needed, whether you’re at work, a restaurant, or anywhere else.
Do Thorough Oral Rinses
Our South Houston braces dentist recommends that you use a fluoridated mouthwash before bed after you’ve finished brushing and flossing your teeth, as this encourages stronger, healthier teeth while you undergo Houston Invisalign treatment. Using a fluoridated mouth rinse has been proven to protect against cavities and strengthen the enamel in both our Houston and South Houston dentist patients.
Our South Houston Braces Dentists Can Help You Maintain Proper Hygiene During Invisalign Treatment
If you are currently undergoing Invisalign treatment at one of our dental offices in Houston or South Houston, then please book an appointment so that we can complete a dental check-up. We will perform a thorough teeth cleaning and check that you’re maintaining adequate hygiene and health throughout your treatment. There is a lot that goes into Invisalign hygiene, but it's very well worth it when you're teeth are straight and your smile is the healthiest its ever been!
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Centra Dental is a family dentist based in the cities of South Houston and Houston. Specializing in dental braces for children and adult patients, we find that, ahead of treatment, patients have a lot of the same questions regarding their dental braces treatment. In this article, our Houston dentists will address and answer your FAQ’s about Houston braces.
Do Houston Braces Hurt?
Houston braces should NOT hurt too badly. However, some mild discomfort and achiness are to be expected within the first few days after you get your dental braces or Invisalign. The discomfort will subside over the course of a few days and from then on, you’ll barely notice them until it’s time to tighten your wires (if you wear metal or ceramic Houston braces) or when you get a new set of Invisalign Clear Aligners. For those few days following your braces fitting, here are our favorite tips for managing Houston braces pain.
Do I Need To Get My Teeth Cleaned More Often When I Wear Houston Braces?
Although you will need to follow a more thorough Houston braces hygiene routine at home, you will only need to come into our Houston or South Houston dentist office for a dental cleaning twice a year–just as you did before dental braces.
Are Metal Dental Braces Better Than Invisalign?
Many believe that metal Houston braces are better because they are made of metal, so they have to be stronger. Although metal dental braces are stronger than Invisalign, one is not better than the other. We recommend either with complete confidence; it just depends on each patient’s unique case. You can read more about how both types of Houston braces compare here.
Will My Teeth Be Permanently Straight After My Houston Braces Treatment Is Over?
Dental braces at our Houston and South Houston family dentist offices do give you the opportunity to enjoy straight teeth for the rest of your life...but only if you wear your orthodontic retainers as directed. Without them, your teeth will just shift to their prior position. No worries though–you only need to wear them for 24 hours a day for a short period of time, and you can remove them when you eat. Afterward, you should wear your retainers only while you sleep.
Considering Houston Braces? Book An Appointment With Our Houston Family Dentist
If you think it’s almost time for you or your child to undergo Houston braces treatment, please book an appointment with us so we can begin with a Houston braces consultation. We look forward to embracing your smile!
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Kids have just finished up their semesters or they are almost done with them, which means summer fun is soon to begin! In many cases, parents and their children would prefer to begin Houston braces treatment in the summer and if that’s the case, our Houston dentist is ready to examine your child’s teeth to determine if Houston braces are needed.
Getting braces at the start of summer break is great because your child won’t be in school anymore, which allows for more flexible scheduling. Further, children will get a significant portion of their treatment done over the summer, resulting in a notably straighter smile when the next school year starts!
Signs Your Child Might Need Houston Braces
Does your child exhibit any of the following with their smile?
- Crooked teeth
- Gaps in their smile
- Crowded teeth
- Underbite
- Overbite
If so, then chances are they need braces, and 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 dentist 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. Not to worry, though! 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 It Might Be 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 putting your child on a dental braces treatment plan, then 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, and we can’t wait to embrace their smile!
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Invisalign is a popular method for correcting a malocclusion. A malocclusion occurs when your teeth are misaligned due to crowing, excessive teeth, overbites, underbites, and other abnormalities in your bite. At Centra Dental in Houston and South Houston, we offer metal dental braces, ceramic dental braces, and even Invisalign Clear Aligners to cater to different needs. In this article, we will discuss what makes a good candidate for Invisalign by our South Houston dentist.
Invisalign Versus Other Houston Braces
Our Houston braces dentist offers multiple dental braces because, although one is not technically better than the other, one type of Houston braces treatment may be more effective than the other for each unique individual. Invisalign tends to work best for patients with mild cases, while metal Houston braces are effective for mild to severe bad bites. Further, ceramic Houston braces will work for moderate cases. Here is how metal and ceramic dental braces compare in more detail.
The Pros and Cons of Invisalign Houston Braces To Consider
Here are some things to consider if you are considering Invisalign treatment with our South Houston dentist to improve your smile.
Pros Of South Houston Invisalign
The greatest benefit of Invisalign is that hardly anyone actually realizes that you are undergoing the treatment. This makes Invisalign ideal for teenagers who feel rather self-conscious about dental braces or for adults who would prefer a subtle treatment.
Additionally, Invisalign Houston braces offer flexibility in that you can remove them at mealtimes and, if you’ve followed our tips on how to get the most out of your South Houston braces treatment, you can also skip a few hours of treatment for a special occasion.
Cons Of South Houston Invisalign Treatment
Most cons associated with Invisalign tend to have to do with each patients’ discipline. Since Invisalign offers more flexibility than our other Houston braces, patients need to exercise more discipline. Don’t misplace or lose your clear aligners, and be sure to keep up proper South Houston braces hygiene.
If You’re Considering Invisalign Houston Braces, Visit Our Dentists At Centra Dental In Houston And South Houston
If you would like to improve the appearance and the health of your smile, then Invisalign might be right for you. To be sure, however, please book an appointment with our South Houston dentist so we can begin with a Houston braces consultation.
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When wearing Houston braces, it’s important to be mindful of how you eat. There are certain foods that just don’t go well with dental braces treatment for various reasons. In this article, our South Houston dentist will discuss what foods to avoid when wearing metal Houston braces or ceramic Houston braces and why.
Which Foods To Avoid If You Wear Dental Braces
Once the initial soreness of getting Houston braces has subsided, you will be able to eat the diet you have for most of your life–at least to an extent. There are some foods that we recommend you avoid eating. These foods include:
- Chips
- Popcorn
- Hard taco shells
- Bubble gum
- Ice
- Corn chips
- Hard pretzels
- Sticky candy
- Hard candy
Other foods, though hard, can still be eaten as long as you prepare them accordingly by cutting them into smaller pieces. Be sure to cut these foods into smaller pieces:
- Carrots
- Corn
- Broccoli
- Apples
- Croutons
- Meat
- Sandwiches
Why You Should Avoid Certain Foods When Undergoing Houston Braces Treatment At Our South Houston Dentist Office
If you don’t follow our Houston dentist’s advice on which foods to avoid eating during your dental braces treatment, you will risk hurting your teeth–especially in the early stages of treatment and after each adjustment appointment–and damaging your braces.
Because your dental braces feature an archwire, these hard foods are notorious for causing the wire to come loose. This not only causes great discomfort as the wire pokes at the soft tissues in your mouth, but you also run the risk of reducing the effectiveness of your dental braces altogether.
In the worst-case scenario, you will break off an entire ceramic or metal bracket–and remember that ceramic brackets are more fragile–which needs to be addressed immediately so as not to disrupt your Houston braces treatment.
Did You Snap A Dental Braces Wire While Eating Hard Foods? Contact Our South Houston Dentist Immediately
If you loosen a wire, it is imperative that you book an appointment with us immediately so that we can have our Houston dentist take a look at your dental braces. In the meantime, you can use dental braces wax to cover the affected areas until we can see you and fix your wire.
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Dental braces–such as metal Houston braces and ceramic Houston braces–are fairly common these days. Pre-teens, teenagers, and even adults wear them for an average of 1-2 years in order to get a healthier smile that they can show with pride. Invisalign is also gaining popularity, especially due to its subtlety, but it works slightly differently than our aforementioned dental braces. In this article, we will explain how South Houston Invisalign works.
How Invisalign Houston Braces Work
First and foremost, Invisalign is made up of plastic–unlike its metal and ceramic counterparts–but the general logic behind how Invisalign works is the same as our other Houston braces. Essentially, we are pressing a strong material against your teeth in order to apply pressure that will gradually move them to the correct alignment.
Gathering Your Information
When you come in for your South Houston braces consultation, we will discuss what we need from you in order to put you on Invisalign treatment. Some of the things we gather include:
- X-rays
- Photos of your teeth
- Impressions
These materials will aid us in designing the right treatment for you that addresses how your teeth should move over time. Next, we will send this to our dental lab so they can design your custom Invisalign Clear Aligner trays, which are unique to your bite and how it should change throughout the course of your treatment.
What You Can Expect For Your South Houston Invisalign Treatment
When it comes to Invisalign trays, your clear aligner trays are all shaped slightly differently, and you will wear one set at a time for a few weeks, depending on your unique treatment plan. Once you finish wearing one set of clear aligners, you will come into our South Houston dentist office so we can assess the progress of your Invisalign treatment, and then we will give you your new set, which will help guide your teeth to the next phase in their alignment.
Considering Invisalign? Visit Our South Houston Dentists At Centra Dental!
If you’re interested in wearing Invisalign as opposed to ceramic or metal Houston braces, then please book an appointment with our dentist. We will schedule a Houston braces consultation with you and discuss what your unique needs and preferences are, and then we will move forward with giving you a smile you’re eager to show off!
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Houston braces at Centra Dental in Houston and South Houston not only improve your smile, but they also improve your overall dental health. As great as Houston braces are, many children are rather hesitant about getting dental braces because they are self-conscious or concerned about pain. However, being more informed about our various Houston braces treatments may aid in their hesitation. In this article, we offer some of our tips for helping your child warm up to the idea of getting braces.
Understand What Exactly Causes Your Child To Feel Hesitant About Houston Braces
The best way to address your teen’s concerns about dental braces is to understand the root cause of their concerns. Let them express their worries and acknowledge that their hesitation is valid, but can be overcome.
Reassure Them That Dental Braces Are Common
Dental braces are already common. In 2015, about 4 million Americans wore dental braces, but they keep growing in popularity. Today, even adults are becoming more open to wearing dental braces thanks to the subtle treatments that Invisalign and ceramic Houston braces offer. Even celebrities undergo dental braces treatment, and chances are someone your child knows and admires–famous or not–is also wearing dental braces. If your friend knows someone who wears Houston braces, it wouldn’t hurt to encourage them to speak to their peer about their experience
Let Your Child Know That Houston Braces Don’t Cause As Much Pain As They Think
We get it–metal in your mouth looks very intimidating, but today’s dental braces are so much more lightweight than they were 10 years ago, which significantly reduces how much pain a child may experience. Sure, there is some pain in the very beginning, but if you follow our tips for managing Houston braces pain, they will feel much more comfortable.
Visit Centra Dental In Houston Or South Houston For A Dental Braces Consultation
Dental braces are well worth it for a healthier, more beautiful smile, especially with our caring family dentists. If you think it’s time for your child to get braces, then please book an appointment for a Houston braces consultation. We look forward to giving your child a healthier smile and aiding in overcoming their hesitation about braces.
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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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