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Centra Dental
Retainers are an effective way to maintain your new and improved smile after getting South Houston braces. Many patients ask if they’re required to wear retainers after their orthodontic treatment. The answer is yes. Whether the patient is a child or adult, retainers are an essential part to getting your ideal set of teeth.
Why Do I Need Retainers After Braces?
After your South Houston braces are removed, your teeth have not yet fully set in. Your gums and ligaments that hold your teeth together are still tender for months and even years after braces. This means that your teeth could easily realign and go back to their old position before braces. To prevent your teeth from moving, retainers are a necessity. If you don’t wear retainers, you could lose the beautiful new smile that you waited so long for.
How Long Should I Wear Retainers?
The length of time you should wear your retainers is usually relative to how long you wore South Houston braces for. In other words, patients who wore braces longer may need to wear retainers longer than others with short treatments. Your South Houston dentist will determine how long to wear your retainers. This can last anywhere between 4 months to 2 years—or even more in serious cases.
What Are the Types of Retainers?
There are two types of retainers for your orthodontic treatment. The first type is the permanent or fixed retainer, which is a thin wire installed in the back of your teeth. As the name suggests, this type of retainer cannot be removed by the patient. The other type is a removable retainer made of clear, molded plastic. Your dentist may require you to come in for regular visits to adjust your removable retainer. The advantage of it is that you can take it off when eating and taking pictures,
How to Care for My Retainers?
Since retainers are inside your mouth at all times, bacteria and plaque can build up on them. Retainer care is important for your oral health. Just like brushing your teeth, you must clean your retainers twice a day. Take out your retainers and rinse them with warm water. Use liquid soap and a brush or cloth to clean all the nooks and corners of your retainers before rinsing them. Be careful not to eat anything too hard or sticky when wearing your retainers so that you don’t damage them.
Schedule a Visit for South Houston Braces Today
Looking for a dental clinic where you can get quality South Houston braces treatment? At Centra Dental, we embrace your smiles. Our top-rated dentist performs all vital services, such as teeth cleaning, fillings, and crowns. We have a clean and safe facility where we sanitize all our equipment thoroughly. Surgically clean air circulates our clinic the entire time. Why Centra Dental? We strive to give you the best dental experience possible. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
Centra Dental
Everyone deserves a beautiful smile, no matter what age. South Houston braces aren’t just for children and teens—adults get them too to achieve straighter teeth and improve their oral health. Orthodontic treatment is an effective way of fixing a range of dental issues. But as an adult, you prefer to have a more discreet option other than traditional metal braces. That’s where Invisalign comes in.
What Is Invisalign?
Made from nontoxic, medical-grade plastic, Invisalign is a clear aligner. It is a patented technology that corrects mild to moderate cases of misalignment, crooked teeth, overcrowding, overspacing, and even bite issues. The average duration of treatment is 12 to 18 months or as deemed essential by your South Houston dentist.
Less Conspicuous Than Metal Braces
The most sought-after benefit of Invisalign is how discreet it is compared to metal or ceramic South Houston braces. Since it is made from clear plastic, it isn’t as noticeable when you talk or smile. This is especially appealing to adults who don’t want a drastic change to their everyday look.
Customized to Your Needs
When you go in for your first visit, your dentist will take a 3D impression of your teeth and send this to the lab to create your South Houston Invisalign. This ensures that your aligners are designed specifically for you, thus, your treatment is more effective.
Ensures Consistent Progress
With Invisalign treatment, you visit your dentist at 2-week intervals usually. Every time you come in, new aligners are fitted for you since your teeth have repositioned the last time you were there. This means that your progress is always on track until the end where you get the ideal results.
Can Be Removed
Another perk of having Invisalign is getting to remove them when the need arises. This is practical for special occasions like photoshoots and events. You can also remove them yourself if you want to eat food that is usually avoided if you have metal braces, such as sticky and hard treats. Keep in mind, however, you must wear your Invisalign for 20 to 22 hours a day for your treatment to be effective.
Offers More Comfort
Some patients complain that South Houston metal braces hurt their mouth or are painful the first few days after adjustment. With Invisalign, you get more comfort. There are no sharp brackets or wires to graze the inside of your mouth.
Schedule a Consultation for South Houston Braces Today!
Interested in Invisalign and the benefits it has to offer! Schedule a consultation with our top-rated dentists at Centra Dental. Here at our clinic, we embrace your smiles. We offer all vital dental services, such as South Houston braces, general cleaning, crowns, root canals, and more. You will have a pleasant and stress-free experience at our clean and safe facility. We have surgically clean air circulating the entire time to protect our staff and patients. Feel free to ask us about our dental service specials and insurance we accept. We look forward to hearing from you!
Centra Dental
Everyone deserves a beautiful smile. If you aren’t confident about yours, dental braces can soon change that. Orthodontic treatment enhances your teeth’s cosmetics or how they look, as well as your oral health or how you feel. Houston braces are available in different types, such as metal braces, ceramic braces, and Invisalign. Whichever type you choose, as long as you’re diligent about your dental visits, you’d enjoy the benefits of dental braces.
Corrects Misaligned Teeth
Do you find yourself smiling with your mouth closed or covering your mouth when you laugh? Perhaps it’s because of crooked or misaligned teeth? Don’t worry; Houston braces are an effective way to fix these types of dental issues. They reposition your teeth using force until you achieve the desired outcome.
Treats Spacing Issues
Overcrowding occurs when there isn’t enough space in your mouth, causing your teeth to gather in an undesired way. On the other hand, too much space in your mouth leads to gaps where bacteria can grow. Visit your Houston dentist to diagnose these problems and start you on your treatment with braces.
Fixes Bite Problems
Patients with underbites and overbites have difficulty chewing, talking, and even breathing. They are also aesthetically undesirable, leaving people with self-esteem issues. Improve the way you look and feel through Houston braces. They are an effective treatment for all types of bite bite problems.
Enhances Oral Health
Aside from their cosmetic value, Houston braces address health concerns that could be affecting your entire life. We sometimes take basic functions, such as eating and breathing, for granted. Patients with dental problems mentioned above are at-risk for oral injuries. Braces can improve the quality of their lives by reducing conditions like sleep apnea and snoring.
Timely and Effective Treatment
Houston braces are not that big of a nuisance in your daily life, considering the benefits you gain from them. Visit your Houston family dentist at least once a month to keep you on track. Remember to care for your braces to prevent damaging them and throwing off your progress. The average duration of your treatment is around 2 years, depending on the severity of your condition. Braces have been around for a long time, and as such, the technology is a proven way to fix your dental issues.
Schedule a Visit for Houston Braces Today!
Whether you need Houston braces to achieve a more confident look or to improve your oral health, you can get your desired results at Centra Dental. We embrace your smiles. Our top-rated South Houston dentist offers a range of vital services, including root canals, whitening, and general cleaning. We have a clean and safe facility to make sure your dental experience is stress-free and pleasant. Surgically clean air circulates all throughout our office. While waiting, the whole family can watch movies, play with toys, and connect to our WiFi. Ask us about our dental service specials and accepted insurance! We look forward to serving you.
Centra Dental
While braces are an effective way to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted, they come with sacrifices regarding your diet. Houston braces correct crooked or misaligned teeth as well as bite issues, but only if you’re disciplined in caring for them. One important aspect of orthodontic maintenance is being mindful of the things you eat. Whether you’re wearing metal or Houston ceramic braces, you could damage them if you aren’t careful about the following types of food.
Food That Gets Stuck
Since braces are composed of tiny brackets and wires, food gets easily stuck in practically any corner. Avoid nuts, seeds, and popcorn, as they can settle in areas that are hard to reach with a toothbrush. Food that gets stuck in your Houston braces means creating a breeding ground for bacteria. These bacteria are what cause cavities, tartar, and other tooth caries.
Food That Is Sticky
Examples of sticky food that your Houston dentist will tell you to avoid are chewing gum, candy, taffy, and licorice. If you have a sweet tooth for these treats, it’s time you consume them in moderation. Especially for children, it’s important to remind them to brush their teeth immediately after eating these sticky delights. As a parent, you can offer them only after mealtime instead of serving them as a snack.
Food That Is Too Crunchy
Even though your Houston family dentist made sure to cement your brackets in place, they can still get damaged from food that is too hard. Crunchy stuff like chips, tacos shells, pretzels, tough vegetables, and even ice should be avoided. They can cause the wires and brackets to loosen and break. Although your Houston braces can be repaired, it’s still an inconvenience having to visit the dentist for emergency purposes.
Honorable Mentions
Another food type to avoid are those that you have to bite into, such as corn on the cob, whole apples, and hard bread. You can easily lose a bracket or two for these foods. Instead, slice them into bite-size pieces to save yourself an unexpected trip to the dental office.
Food You Can Enjoy
Having Houston braces doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy delicious food that you love. There is still a wide assortment of food that is good for your dental treatment. Mashed potatoes, pasta, yogurt, soft fruit, cheese, and peanut butter are just a few examples. Being informed on what can damage your braces will get you to your desired smile faster.
Schedule an Appointment for Houston Braces
Are you considering getting Houston braces to boost your confidence and improve your oral health? Visit Centra Dental where we embrace your smiles. Our top-rated Houston dentist provides all vital dental services, such as cleaning, filings, root canals, and more. We have surgically clean air circulating for your protection. We prioritize cleanliness and the safety of our patients and staff. Why visit Centra Dental? We strive to make your dental experience as pleasant and stress-free as possible. Ask us about dental insurance we accept as well as dental service specials!
Centra Dental
Getting your braces removed after months or even years of sacrifice is an exciting feeling. Finally, your new and improved smile is ready to make its debut. But your orthodontic journey isn’t over just because your South Houston braces are off; aftercare is another important stage. If you want your beautiful set of teeth to maintain its glory, you must stay disciplined and follow your South Houston dentist’s tips. Here are a few things you can do after removal of braces.
Right After Removal
Immediately after your brackets and wires have been removed, your dentist will perform a thorough cleaning to make sure no cement is left. This also ensures that no tartar or cavity develops. During the first few hours after your visit, it’s common to have slightly swollen gums and sensitive teeth. Take it easy on the first few days with the food you eat. Don’t consume hard and sticky food right away, no matter how eager you are. You might also notice discoloration on the spots where your brackets used to be—this is normal. They may fade over time, but if the discoloration still bothers you after 6 months, you can ask your South Houston family dentist about teeth whitening.
Caring for Your Retainers
Once your South Houston braces are removed, your teeth are still prone to movement and repositioning. To prevent a relapse, you’ll need to wear dental retainers. They can either be fixed or removable retainers, depending on your dentist’s recommendation. Some patients may need to wear retainers for less than a year, while some may need to wear it for several years. Being diligent about your retainers ensures that you maintain the corrections done on your teeth. Also remember to clean your retainers daily using soap and water or whatever your dentist instructs.
Establishing Healthy Habits
There’s no doubt that you should maintain good oral hygiene with or without South Houston braces. Remember to brush twice a day and floss at least once a day. Continue visiting your dentist twice a year for a general cleaning. You should also visit your orthodontist regularly to check on your retainers. Also be mindful of pain in your wisdom teeth because they can alter the position of the rest of your teeth.
Schedule a Consultation for South Houston Braces Today!
Need more information on caring for your teeth after getting your South Houston braces removed? At Centra Dental, we embrace your smiles! Feel free to consult with our top-rated dentist. We offer all vital services, such as implants, root canals, fillings, South Houston Invisalign, and more. Our clean and safe facility has surgical-grade air circulating all throughout. Why visit Centra Dental? We strive to make your dental experience as pleasant and stress-free as possible. Ask us about our dental service specials and accepted insurance!
Centra Dental
If you’re wearing dental braces, then you’re on your way to achieving a more confident, beautiful smile. South Houston dental braces are an effective treatment for misaligned teeth and bite problems. To keep you on the right track, make sure you’re taking care of your braces by practicing good oral hygiene. Patients with braces, especially children, need to pay extra attention to hygiene to prevent cavities and gum disease. Read on for tips on how to care for your braces.
Brush Your Teeth Regularly
If you wear South Houston braces, you’re at risk for cavities since food gets easily stuck in the metal wires and brackets. This is why the importance of brushing at least twice a day can’t be stressed enough. You can use a special orthodontic brush to get into every corner of your metal dental braces. Make sure to brush each bracket in a circular motion then go across until you get to every tooth. Rinse well with water or mouth wash.
Floss Every Day
Having South Houston dental braces means there are areas that can’t be reached with regular brushing alone. Make sure to floss once a day to get rid of all food particles. Pay extra attention to stubborn areas to prevent the growth of bacteria.
Avoid Certain Food
The downside of metal braces is that there are some food you should avoid. Certain food can damage your brackets, leading you to an unexpected visit to your South Houston family dentist. For your convenience, be extra careful when consuming the following:
- Hard foods like candy, apples, and nuts
- Sticky foods like caramel, chewing gum, and licorice
- Sugar foods that can cause cavities
- Crunchy foods like popcorn and chips
Visit Your Dentist Monthly
When undergoing treatment with South Houston dental braces, you will need to visit the dentist’s chair around once a month. Your South Houston dentist will need to keep adjusting your braces to make sure of your progress. They can also recommend you for general cleaning once every 6 months. If you have any questions about caring for your braces, don’t hesitate to ask them. They’ll be more than happy to keep your oral health in the best state possible.
Schedule an Appointment for South Houston Dental Braces
Are you thinking of getting South Houston dental braces for the first time? Or perhaps you need a follow up appointment? Centra Dental is looking forward to serving you. At our dental clinic, we embrace your smiles. Our top-rated Houston dentist performs all vital services, such as cleaning, root canals, implants, and more. We have surgically clean air circulating our facility because your well-being is our priority. We strive to make your dental experience as pleasant and stress-free as possible the moment you enter through our doors. Feel free to ask us about our dental service specials! We also accept dental insurance.
Centra Dental
Choosing the right dental treatment for you can be a challenge because all types of braces have their benefits. You can achieve a straighter, more confident smile whichever way you go. However, not all Houston braces are perfect for your lifestyle and dental condition. Both Invisalign and traditional braces have their cons, but both can be effective. To find out which one suits you better, continue reading below.
Traditional Braces
Also known as metal braces, this type involves brackets that are cemented to your teeth and connected with a wire. Most kids and teens get this kind of Houston braces, particularly when their bones are just starting to set in.
Pros of Traditional Braces
Houston metal braces are suitable even for the most serious overcrowding and crooked teeth. They treat other dental issues, such as overbites, underbites, and overspacing, which are too severe for Invisalign. Traditional braces are considered to be the more powerful method when repositioning teeth. They also get the desired results in a shorter amount of time compared to other braces.
Cons of Traditional Braces
Some people aren’t too keen about the appearance of metal braces since they look too obvious. They may also get uncomfortable if the wires scrape against the inside of your cheek. This can be addressed using dental wax. If you’re getting metal braces, you’d have to get them adjusted every month, which may be painful for up to 4 days after each visit. You will also need to be careful of what you eat, as some food may damage metal braces.
Invisalign
Made from flexible plastic, Invisalign is popular among adults with mild to moderate dental issues. They are clear aligners custom made for you and replaced when it’s time to move up your progress.
Pros of Invisalign
The biggest advantage of Invisalign is its appearance. They are far less obvious than metal braces, so they are perfect for adults who don’t want a drastic change to their look. You can also remove Invisalign when you’re eating or taking pictures as long as you wear them for 20 to 22 hours a day. They are much more comfortable to wear and won’t cause abrasions to your mouth.
Cons of Invisalign
This type of Houston braces is not meant for challenging cases that can only be solved by metal braces. They are also more expensive and require strict discipline. It’s important to visit your Houston family dentist as instructed to keep you on the right track.
Schedule a Treatment for Houston Braces Today!
Looking to get either metal Houston braces or Invisalign? Visit Centra Dental, where we embrace your smiles! Our top-rated Houston dentist provides all vital and cosmetic services to improve your confidence and oral health. We have surgically clean air circulating through our entire facility because your safety is our priority. We strive to make your visit as stress-free and pleasant as possible. Ask us about our dental service specials and insurance!
Centra Dental
Orthodontic treatments aren’t just for kids; they are perfectly suitable even for adults. If you’re someone who wants to improve their smile and feel more confident, Invisalign could be the solution you’re looking for. They effectively treat a range of dental issues, such as crooked teeth and bite problems. Even as an adult with teeth that have already set in, you will still get noticeable results. Continue reading below to know more about South Houston Invisalign.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign are clear aligners made from BPA-free plastic that are custom-designed for the patient. They reposition teeth without the use of metal, such as in traditional braces. Invisalign offers a comfortable and precise way for you to achieve your ideal smile.
Benefits of Invisalign
Effectively Treats Dental Issues
South Houston Invisalign corrects crooked teeth as well as bite issues, like overbites and underbites. They treat overcrowded teeth and close unwanted gaps not only for aesthetic purposes but also to improve your oral health. Take note that Invisalign only treats mild to moderate cases. Severe cases may call for traditional South Houston braces.
Less Visible Than Metal Braces
If you’re looking for a less conspicuous dental treatment, then your South Houston family dentist may recommend Invisalign. Since they are virtually transparent, they aren’t as noticeable in person and in pictures. This is especially convenient for teens and adults who don’t want a drastic change to their appearance.
Can Be Removed by the Patient
Patients can remove their Invisalign as they choose. This is handy when you have a photoshoot or a big event coming up. However, your South Houston dentist will instruct you to wear them for 20 to 22 hours a day. If you aren’t diligent about your wear time, your Invisalign won’t be as effective.
Offers Results in a Shorter Time Frame
Invisalign is personalized to you, which is why treatment duration can be shorter. During your first visit, your dentist will take 3D impressions of your teeth. When you come back, you’ll have your Invisalign fitted. After that, you will return every 2 weeks to have new Invisalign customized so that your progress is kept on track.
Schedule Your South Houston Invisalign Treatment Today!
Achieve the beautiful set of teeth you’ve always wanted through South Houston Invisalign treatment. Centra Dental is committed to making your experience as pleasant and stress-free as possible. We have surgically clean air circulating our facility to ensure the safety of our staff and patients. We have strict cautionary measures for your protection the moment you walk through our doors. At Centra Dental, we embrace your smiles. Allow our top-rated dentist to provide you with vital dental services, such as cleaning, root canals, fillings, and whitening. Schedule an appointment with us today!