metal braces

• Foods To Avoid When Wearing Houston Braces

  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.

• Get that Perfect Selfie Smile with Dental Braces from Our Southwest Houston Dental Office

  In a world where social media reigns supreme, a selfie phenomenon has occurred, where people of all ages are constantly taking selfies to post onto their numerous social media accounts in search of likes and comments. Smartphones have long catered to this phenomenon by providing reversible camera lenses on their phones.

  Straight Teeth: More Important Than Ever

  With the selfie revolution, having straight teeth has become more important than ever. People are looking to achieve a great smile because they understand the attractiveness and pulling power of a warm, endearing smile. In addition, they understand that a great smile is great bait when it comes to fishing for comments and likes.

  Centra Dental in southwest Houston is committed to giving you a perfect selfie smile. We understand that without a perfect smile, there is no perfect selfie.

  Two Dental Braces Options

  There is no greater antagonist to a great smile than crooked teeth, as they can be unsightly and distracting. Thankfully, our Houston dental office can easily rectify this issue. We offer two options to straighten your teeth: traditional metal braces or Invisalign clear plastic trays.

  Traditional Metal Braces

  Centra Dental offers 3M metal braces that permanently fix to your teeth for the entire duration of your treatment plan. While some may find this cumbersome, the advantage of traditional metal braces is that they work round the clock at straightening your teeth. Therefore, as you wear the braces, you can be sure that they are working 24/7.

  Invisalign Clear Braces

  Invisalign clear braces is another option offered at our southwest Houston dental office. Invisalign clear braces are clear plastic tray aligners specifically molded to fit your teeth. These clear plastic trays are virtually unnoticeable, thus allowing wearers to smile more confidently. In addition, the clear plastic tray aligners are removable, thus making teeth easier to clean.

  Whichever teeth straightening option you choose, Centra Dental is your source for Houston braces. As we are in the midst of a selfie revolution, our Houston dental office understands the power of social media, and how important having a great smile is. Contct our southwest Houston office today, and let use get you on your way to that perfect selfie smile!

• Get Your Kid’s Braces at Our Southwest Houston Dental Office This Spring Break

  Here in Houston, your child most likely is currently on spring break or about to start it. If you suspect your child may need braces, contact our southwest Houston dental office to schedule an appointment for a dental braces consultation. Our Houston dentists are ready to examine your child’s teeth and determine if braces are needed, and to prepare a comprehensive treatment plan.

  Spring break is a great time to bring your child into our dental office because it provides an entire week they are not in school. This leaves more options available when it comes to setting an appointment. However, this is also one of our busiest times of the year thus, you should make the appointment as soon as possible.

  SIGNS YOUR CHILD NEEDS BRACES

  If your child has crooked, gapped, or misaligned teeth, chances are they need braces. Our Houston dental office offers 3M metal braces to our kid patients. These braces are not only high quality, but affordable as well. Therefore, you can be sure your kid is getting great orthodontic treatment without hurting your wallet.

  Another great thing about getting braces at Centra Dental is that dental insurance will often pay for the braces. This is due to the fact that dental insurance benefits will pay when it is shown that the benefits your child receives from braces go beyond cosmetic. For instance, if your child suffers from malocclusion – severely crooked teeth, they can also suffer from poor digestion because the crooked teeth prevent food from being properly chewed. In addition, severely crooked teeth can lead to poor oral health because food particles often get stuck in the crevices of crooked teeth, thus leading to plaque buildup, cavities, gum disease, and other issues.

  CALL TO SCHEDULE YOUR CHILD’S SPRING BREAK BRACES APPOINTMENT TODAY

  Serving southwest Houston, Centra Dental is committed to your child’s oral health. This includes providing straight teeth at an affordable price. Take the first step to improving your child’s overall health by contacting our dental office today.

• Good Hygiene While Wearing Houston Braces

  Some patients think that getting Houston braces installed is the hard part. However, any Houston family dentist will tell you that getting braces means making a few lifestyle changes, especially with regard to oral and dental hygiene. But not to worry, these adjustments are relatively minor, and they include habits that patients would like to keep even after their Houston braces have been taken off.

  Oral Hygiene Practices With Houston Braces

  While your Houston braces get to work fixing crooked or misaligned teeth, the patient maintains the responsibility of keeping their smile clean and bright. That means following these tips from their South Houston dentist:

  Brush Your Teeth and Houston Braces After Every Meal or Snack

  This may sound like a hassle, but your teeth will thank you in the long run. South Houston family dentists recommend using a toothbrush with soft and round bristles so that they can reach every crack and crevice in and around your Houston braces. Hold the brush with the bristles pointing towards your gums at an angle of 45 degrees. Aside from brushing your gumline, be sure to pay special attention to the areas above and below the brackets of your braces.

  Make Flossing Your Houston Braces a Daily Habit

  Unfortunately, brushing your teeth alone won’t clean every nook and cranny of your teeth or your braces. That’s why any Houston dentist will recommend that you learn to floss your teeth. If your traditional dental floss is uncomfortable or inconvenient, consider interdental brushes or even a water flosser to clean the areas between each tooth and the hard-to-reach components of your braces.

  Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash to Keep Your Houston Braces Fresh and Clean

  To round out your dental hygiene routine, an antimicrobial mouthwash can provide lasting protection between meals. It can also reach areas of your teeth or surfaces of your braces that you might be unable to with either a toothbrush or floss.

  Keep Your Houston Braces Tuned With Regular South Houston Family Dentist Appointments

  Your Houston braces will need to be adjusted and maintained over time to make sure that they’re doing their job. This is especially true for younger patients, who need a South Houston pediatric dentistry expert to account for a child or teenager’s behaviors and natural growth.

  Foods to Avoid While Wearing Houston Braces

  As a general rule, your Houston family dentist will tell you that hard and sticky foods are a no-no when wearing Houston braces. Those who defy these restrictions will find themselves paying the price either through the inconvenience of cleaning their teeth and braces, or through discomfort when such foods knock their braces out of alignment, needing a visit to the Houston family dentist to set them right. The most common examples of food to avoid include hard candies, chewing gum, taffy, caramel, jellybeans, nuts, and popcorn.

  Get Affordable Braces from a Trustworthy South Houston Family Dentist

  At Centra Dental, we believe in making visits to the dentist as stress-free and as pleasant as possible. Our team of highly-skilled and experienced dental professionals believes in being as helpful and caring as they can to each of our patients. Centra Dental accepts most PDP, DPPO, and PPO dental insurance plans, as well as CHIP and both Adult and Children's Medicaid, allowing us to be your trusted source for affordable braces. Call today to set an appointment and experience the Centra Dental difference!

• Houston Braces for Adults

  Malocclusion is a term used to refer to an incorrect bite, improper tooth alignment, crowded teeth, and irregular teeth spacing. It’s a very common condition most often treated with dental braces, usually during a patient’s adolescent or teen years. But did you know that our South Houston cosmetic dentist offers braces for adults, too? Keep reading to learn why Houston braces might be recommended for adult patients and what options are best for you and your lifestyle. 

  When Our South Houston Dentist May Suggest Adult Dental Braces

  Houston braces for adults are becoming more and more popular now that this treatment has become more streamlined, affordable, and varied in its methods. Sometimes adult braces are prescribed to correct malocclusion that wasn’t treated in childhood for any number of reasons. Other times, it’s to correct a minor alignment issue that has recently become more severe. Even recent trauma or injury can lead to a need for Houston adult braces. But no matter the cause, untreated malocclusion is an unsightly and uncomfortable problem that can cause migraines, gum disease, speech impediments, and improper digestion due to difficulties chewing food. Our South Houston cosmetic dentist can explain the best plan of care for you and your needs.

  Houston Braces Options for Adults with Our South Houston Dentist

  Our South Houston family dentist offers a variety of treatments for adults living with crooked or misaligned teeth. After your initial consultation, we may recommend one of the following types of Houston braces for adults:

  Metal Dental Braces 

  The most popular and cost-effective option, these Houston braces for adults feature metal brackets that are glued to each tooth’s surface and connected by a metal wire that our South Houston family dentist tightens periodically over the course of treatment to straighten teeth. Metal dental braces have a noticeable appearance, but are effective at correcting nearly all malocclusion issues.

  Ceramic Dental Braces

  South Houston ceramic dental braces are composed of brackets and wires that are adjusted in order to move crooked teeth into a straighter line over time, just like metal braces. The difference is that they are constructed of clear or tooth-colored ceramic, making them less noticeable. 

  Houston Invisalign

  An appealing option for adults due to a virtually invisible and noninvasive design is Houston Invisalign. This treatment plan features a series of clear plastic aligners that gradually straighten teeth. They must be worn at least 22 hours each day in order to work effectively, but are removed when eating and drinking. They are more expensive than either of the options above and may not be recommended for those with severe malocclusion. 

  Achieve a Winning Smile With Houston Braces For Adults 

  Don’t dismiss your chance to have the confident smile you deserve! Instead, schedule an appointment with our South Houston dentist to discuss your braces for adults options and establish the treatment plan that’s right for you. Centra Dental strives to provide the highest quality care for all our patients, so come see why we’re the number one choice in South Houston family dentistry. 

• Houston Metal Braces For Children

  Approximately 4 million Americans wear braces at any given time in order to fix what is classified as a malocclusion. A malocclusion is what we call a “bad bite”, such as crowded teeth, underbites, and overbites. Metal dental braces are an effective and affordable method our dentists in Houston and South Houston use to correct a malocclusion, especially for younger children who prefer to take advantage of early Houston braces treatment. In this article, we will discuss how metal dental braces work so you and your child know what to expect.

  What Are Metal Braces Made Of?

  Our metal Houston braces feature 3 key components:

  • Metal brackets, which are glued to the front of the teeth with a semipermanent dental cement
  • Archwire, which is placed across the brackets
  • O-rings, which keep the archwire attached to the metal brackets

  How Houston Braces Straighten Your Child’s Teeth

  Our Houston and South Houston family dentists offer metal braces that are thinner (and therefore far lighter in weight) than most other metal braces available. 

  All types of Houston braces that we offer do the same job in principle: they apply pressure to the teeth, which gradually moves them to their desired position. When it comes to metal dental braces, our South Houston braces dentist will tighten the archwire on a regular basis. Tightening the archwire in a certain way helps push the teeth in the direction we intend for them to go, thanks to the help of our state-of-the-art 3D modeling software.

  In some cases, especially if you have an overbite or an underbite, we will incorporate rubber bands into your Houston braces treatment.

  Is Your Child Ready For Houston Braces? Centra Dental Is Your Go-To Braces Expert!

  Whether you are in Houston or South Houston, our family dentists are here for your dental braces needs. We offer affordable dental braces for as low as $99/month and our caring staff and advanced technology ensure that you have the best possible experience every time you visit us. If you think your child might benefit from metal dental braces, then please book an appointment with us at one of our offices so we can begin with a braces consultation. We look forward to embracing your smile!

• How Do I Know if My Kid Needs Braces?

  Determining when their child should be checked for braces is a dilemma parents often face. Some parents take their kids as early as 6, while others wait until their kids are in their pre-teen or teen years. Also, with the exploding popularity of Invisalign clear braces, there are even those whose parents never took them to get checked for braces, who are now opting to straighten their teeth in their adult years.

  Although there is no set age for when a parent needs to take their kids to see the orthodontist for the first time to check for braces, at Centra Dental, our Houston dentists recommend bringing your child in around the age of 7, as this is typically when a child’s permanent teeth start coming in. When their permanent teeth start coming in, issues such as an uneven bite and overcrowding become visible. Bringing your child in at 7 does not mean he or she will be getting braces right away. This just allows us to discover any issues and determine the best time to start a comprehensive treatment plan.

  Come To Our Southwest Houston Dental Office To Get Your Kid Checked for Braces

  At Centra Dental, our dental experts often use dental braces to resolve your child’s crooked or misaligned teeth. It is important to address these issues, as straight teeth are easier to clean and enable better digestion, thus leading to better overall health. When you bring your child to our Houston dental office for a cleaning, our dental experts will also check for any orthodontic issues your child may have, and determine whether or not dental braces are needed.

  Centra Dental is committed to your child’s overall health. A big part of this includes determining whether dental braces will be necessary in the future. As providers of great dental and orthodontic services, you can be sure your child is in great hands. Contact our southwest Houston dental office today to book an appointment.

• How Metal Houston Braces Work

  Approximately 4 million Americans wear braces at any given time due to malocclusions. A malocclusion is what we refer to as a “bad bite” or an “unideal bite”. Although we offer ceramic dental braces and even Invisalign in addition to metal Houston braces, we like to recommend metal dental braces for a variety of cases, simply because they are the strongest and are effective on virtually all malocclusions. In this article, our South Houston dentist will explain how metal dental braces work to correct malocclusions. 

  What Are Metal Braces Made Of

  In order to understand how metal dental braces work, we first have to explain how they are designed. At their most basic level, metal Houston braces are made up of 3 components.

  • Metal brackets, which are glued to the front of the teeth utilizing dental cement.
  • Archwire, which is laid across the brackets.
  • O-rings, which help attach the archwire to the brackets and keep everything in place.

  How Metal Houston Braces Straighten Your Teeth

  Whether you’re an adult in need of dental braces or are doing some research because your child may need braces soon, metal braces are a great method to correct a bad bite that any of our South Houston family dentist patients may have, regardless of their age. Today, metal braces are thinner and lighter in weight, which creates a far more pleasant experience.

  The way metal dental braces correct the alignment of your teeth lies in how all three components work together. With the o-rings connecting both the metal brackets and the archwire, our South Houston braces dentist will tighten the archwire in different ways that will place specific amounts of pressure on your teeth and jaw at any given time. This guides your teeth to the proper alignment, thanks to the help of our 3D modeling software. Every so often, you will come back to our Houston dentist office so we can re-tighten the archwire, continuously guiding your teeth until we have helped you achieve a straight smile.

  Ready For Metal Houston Braces? Visit Our South Houston Dentist Office

  Now that you know more about metal dental braces, if you think they’re suitable for you please book an appointment so we can begin with our braces consultation.

• How Old Kids Need To Be Before They Get Houston Braces: Is Earlier Treatment Possible and Recommended?

  Although we get many adult patients who seek Houston braces treatment, particularly with Invisalign Clear Aligners, our South Houston family dentist sees children more often. When families come in for their semiannual teeth cleaning, parents often ask us when their kid might be ready for braces, if early treatment is possible, and/or how much longer they should wait to avoid needing another alignment treatment in the future. This is what our South Houston family dentists recommend.

  Early Houston Braces Treatment Is Good; A Second Treatment Is Rarely Necessary

  Before we get into anything else, we want to address the common concern that many patients have: if their kid gets braces too young, won’t they need to get them straightened again in the future? 

  Getting braces early, when your child is young, is a great idea because they're still growing, so their jaws are too. This makes their teeth easily moveable, which may help shorten the duration of their treatment. Some patients, however, require even earlier treatment known as an interceptive treatment. This type of treatment involves using orthodontic appliances to complete early treatment if a patient’s malocclusion is one that can worsen the longer it is left untreated. This may take place as a two-part treatment, but it’s possible for these cases to be resolved at once and they won’t need Houston braces again. On the other hand, the teeth will need to be corrected again if the patient wasn't responsible when it came to wearing their orthodontic retainers, and this is regardless of age.

  The Youngest Age At Which Houston Braces Treatment Can Begin

  Dental braces treatment usually takes place between the ages of 8 and 14 because by then, children have lost all or most of their baby teeth. That said, when your child should get dental braces also depends on how severe their malocclusion is and, consequently, which type of treatment they’ll need (Invisalign, metal dental braces, ceramic Houston braces). Some children may need Houston braces for longer due to a really bad bite, so we might recommend they start closer to 8. Other children may not have as bad a case, so they can wait a bit before getting braces and by then, it’s up to their personal preference.

  Houston Braces For Kids at Centra Dental in South Houston

  Today’s dental braces are much lighter in weight and more subtle than they used to be. With the many types of Houston braces we offer, we’ll find the method that works best for your child to have healthy, straight teeth. If you’re considering Houston braces treatment for your child, please book an appointment with us so we can start with an orthodontic evaluation. This will give our trained dentists, who regularly further their education, the opportunity to determine how your child's teeth and jaw will develop, and how dental braces will help. 

• How Our South Houston Invisalign Patients Can Ensure Effective Treatment

  Invisalign Clear Aligners have certainly risen in popularity for our teenaged patients, as well as our adult patients since it initially emerged in the early 2000’s. Although metal dental braces are effective on all types of malocclusions–minor or severe, that isn’t to say that clear aligners are not just as effective for a minor malocclusion, which is the technical term we use to refer to a “bad bite”. Here is what our South Houston family dentists recommend in order for our Invisalign patients to get the most out of their treatment.

  Remove Your Clear Aligners When It’s Time to Eat

  Invisalign is known as a more flexible orthodontic treatment, so it’s no surprise that one of the greatest perks that come with Invisalign is that the clear aligners are removable, unlike the metal Houston braces that we fuse to the teeth with a dental cement. Because clear aligners are made of plastic, you should not chew with them.

  However, just because you don’t chew with them does not mean you can eat whatever you want. On the contrary, each time a patient receives a new set of clear aligners, their teeth feel more tender, so it is imperative to avoid crunchy and chewy foods. This is especially crucial within the first 48 hours of wearing new aligners.

  Our South Houston Dentist Patients Need to be Responsible

  Invisalign must be worn for 20-22 hours a day, which includes the time you spend sleeping overnight. This helps ensure that your teeth are constantly being shifted into the necessary position to create a straight smile. Now, if you wear them as directed and maintain exceptional dental hygiene, you may be able to wear them a little less by only skipping them on special occasions, such as a school dance or a wedding.

  What is exceptional hygiene? Essentially, you need to take care to brush your teeth after every meal and snack to ensure no food gets stuck in between your teeth and held in by the aligners. Additionally, flossing nightly is crucial, and more dental cleanings may be necessary.

  This all requires a lot of discipline, which is why some younger patients may instead wear metal or ceramic dental braces. In order to wear your Invisalign clear aligners as directed, you have to ensure you don’t lose them, misplace them, or become a little too comfortable to a point where you wear them less than the time our South Houston dentists recommend.

  Centra’s South Houston Family Dentists Want to Ensure Your Treatment Goes as Planned

  If you are planning to start Invisalign, or have recently begun treatment, please book a Houston braces appointment with us so we can examine your teeth and further explain a more detailed treatment plan. We want to ensure Invisalign gives you the straight, healthy smile you deserve.

• How To Care For A Hawley Retainer After Houston Braces

  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.

• How To Get The Most Out Of Metal Houston Braces

  As a family dentist in Houston and South Houston specializing in dental braces, patients often ask us what they can do in order to get the most out of their Houston braces treatment. In this article, our dentists will offer advice on how to best take care of your teeth while undergoing treatment so you can be proud of your beautiful smile for years to come.

  Keep Up With Proper Oral Hygiene

  When wearing dental braces, you might become more prone to cavities due to the fact that the braces may be “in the way” when you’re trying to keep your teeth clean. In order to minimize your risk of tooth decay, we encourage our Houston braces patients to follow a stricter braces hygiene routine. 

  A stricter hygiene routine entails the following:

  • Swishing water in your mouth after every snack and meal
  • Thoroughly brushing your teeth after eating each of your snacks and meals
  • Using an interdental brush to remove any food from between your teeth and wires until you floss that night. Please remember that an interdental brush is not a substitute for flossing. 
  • Flossing nightly

  By following these steps down to a T, your smile will be healthy while you wear braces and shine brighter when the metal braces come off.

  Get Regular Teeth Cleanings

  It’s no secret that teeth cleanings are critical to your dental health as a whole, but this is especially true when you wear metal dental braces so that our team can give you a deeper clean than you would get at home. Additionally, a cleaning enables us to check on your oral health beyond how your teeth are shifting. 

  We accept several dental insurances, but know that your dental benefits (coverage for certain treatments) will expire at the end of the month. Now is your last chance to book a dental cleaning while your insurance still covers it.

  Avoid Certain Textured And Sticky Foods

  Your Houston braces, though very tough when it comes to straightening your teeth, are sensitive to damage. Sticky foods, such as bubble gum, or crunchy foods, such as popcorn or chips, must be avoided when you wear your braces, or else your archwire could pop out of place and cause you a great deal of discomfort while also hindering the treatment process.

  Our Family Dentists In Houston And South Houston Want to Ensure Effective Treatment

  If you are planning to undergo metal Houston braces treatment, or have recently started treatment, then this blog should be helpful in making certain that you have impressive results following the end of your treatment. Please also make sure to book an appointment with us so we can clean your teeth, answer any questions you may have about your treatment, and examine the health of your teeth and mouth before your dental benefits expire.

• How To Protect your Houston Braces this Holiday Season

  The holidays are upon us, as are the sticky, sugary treats common to the season. While these indulgences are typically fine in moderation, if you or your child is undergoing South Houston braces treatment, some items are best left alone. That’s because certain foods and drinks can damage or break both South Houston metal braces and South Houston ceramic braces. Keep reading to learn some of the ways you can protect your braces this holiday season, thanks to helpful tips from our South Houston dentist. 

  How Do South Houston Braces Work? 

  South Houston dental braces are made up of brackets, which are cemented to each tooth and connected by a wire. Our South Houston dentist adjusts this wire periodically to slowly shift your teeth and jaw into the proper position. If your treatment plan calls for it, your South Houston dental braces may also include coils, hooks, and/or ligatures to improve effectiveness. Because these different parts of your South Houston metal braces all work together to create a straighter smile, damage to any one of these parts may delay treatment and must be fixed by our South Houston family dentist immediately. 

  How Do South Houston Braces Break?

  While our South Houston metal braces and South Houston ceramic braces are sturdy and often resistant to the kind of wear and tear that can cause them to break, they are not immune to damage. While this damage can occur with any one of the many small parts that comprise your South Houston braces, the most common is to the brackets. Our South Houston dentist uses an adhesive to affix the brackets to each tooth, and sometimes they can be jarred loose. Broken brackets are most often caused by patients eating sticky and/or hard foods–like those found during the holidays—that stick the bracket and pull it from the tooth. Our South Houston family dentist advises that it’s best for you or your teen to avoid these items for now.

  Protect your South Houston Braces by Avoiding These Foods

  Our South Houston family dentist recommends you or your teen avoid these items in order to protect your teeth and keep your orthodontic treatment on schedule. Whether you’re wearing South Houston metal braces or South Houston ceramic braces, steer clear of these items from the holiday party snack table:

  • Hard candy, lollipops, and candy canes
  • Hard or crunchy foods like carrot sticks, nuts, or pretzels
  • Sticky foods like toffee, taffy, and caramel

  Centra Dental Can Protect Your South Houston Braces 

  Even the best intentions can sometimes lead to damaged South Houston braces. If that’s the case, let our top rated South Houston dentist correct the problem in our clean and safe office. Since all Houston braces components work together to shift teeth to the proper position, damage to one part could place undue stress on the surrounding components and delay treatment. Call our office to schedule an appointment with our South Houston family dentist before the holiday season gets even busier. At Centra Dental, we work hard to embrace your smiles!

• Invisalign: A Great Alternative to Metal Braces

  Having straight teeth is a highly valued esthetic in American culture. So much so that for many kids, wearing dental braces is a question of “when” rather than “if. Still, there are also many adults who may not have worn braces when they were younger that now wish to straighten their teeth. However, many adults often do not want to have to deal with the permanence of metal braces, or are afraid braces will make them look like a kid. Thankfully, Centra Dental in southwest Houston offers Invisalign clear braces as a great alternative to metal braces.

  Invisalign clear braces are practically unnoticeable, thus allowing patients to straighten their teeth without feeling self-conscious about looking like a child. In addition, as opposed to metal braces, Invisalign clear plastic trays are removable, thus allowing patients a greater degree of freedom when eating, drinking, or having romantic encounters. Such benefits have caused a boom in the Invisalign market in recent years. In fact, the number of Invisalign treatments has tripled over the last five years, with an expectation that the number of treatments will only continue to increase.

  HOW INVISALIGN CLEAR PLASTIC TRAYS WORK

  The process of getting fitted for Invisalign at our dental clinic begins with a consultation with one of our Houston dentists. Here, the dentist will learn about your needs, while answering any questions you may have regarding the process. Our dentist will then conduct a thorough examination of your teeth to determine the severity of misalignment or crookedness. If the dentist concludes Invisalign would be a good option for you, we will then take X-rays of your dental structure. This allows us to make custom braces that fit your teeth perfectly. After each session, you will be provided new clear plastic trays that will continue to adjust your teeth until they are completely straightened.

  Book Your Invisalign Consultation with Centra Dental

  It used to be that the only option to straighten your teeth was traditional dental braces. This deterred many adults and teens from getting their teeth straightened because they did not want to deal with the look and hassle of traditional braces. Now, with Invisalign, these are no longer issues. Therefore, if you or your loved one is looking to straighten their teeth sans metal braces, contact our southwest Houston dental office today.

• Is it Too Late For Adults to Get Houston Braces?

  At our South Houston family dentist office, we are often asked by our adult patients if they can benefit from Houston braces just as much as our younger patients do. The short answer is: yes. In fact, we highly encourage adults to wear dental braces if they have crooked teeth and/or a malocclusion, otherwise known as a “bad bite”.

  Malocclusions Affect Kids and Adults Just the Same

  There are different kinds of malocclusions, each with different dental braces treatments. If you had a malocclusion as a teenager, then chances are it did not go away when you became an adult. 

  If you do not fix your bad bite, this will cause an array of dental health issues. This problems may include, but are not limited to:

  • Headaches
  • Tooth decay
  • Gum disease
  • Speech impairment
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Difficulty digesting

  As adults, getting Invisalign Clear Aligners, ceramic braces, or metal braces will certainly correct these issues, though it may or may not take longer than it would for a child. Regardless, properly aligned teeth are vital, no matter how long it takes to achieve this.

  Centra Dental in South Houston Offers Different Houston Braces Options for Different Adult Cases

  Invisalign Clear Aligners

  For adults with minor cases, Invisalign may be ideal because it is not only flexible in terms of wear and maintenance, but it is also the most subtle treatment we offer. This is great for adults who may not be pleased with the idea of wearing metal braces.

  Ceramic Houston Braces

  As an alternative treatment plan, adults with mildly to moderately bad bites may benefit from ceramic dental braces. This method is the next most subtle treatment option, since both the brackets and the archwire easily blend in with the color of your natural teeth. 

  Metal Dental Braces

  Metal braces are the least subtle treatment. However, they are lighter in weight and more comfortable than they used to be. Metal Houston braces work on all malocclusions, especially on the more severe cases. Our metal braces can move teeth vertically, align teeth that are higher than they should be, and also rotate the teeth. This sounds rather painful, but rest assured you will not feel any pain. You will only feel slight soreness whenever we tighten the wire, but this should not last long.

  Centra Dental in South Houston Gives Adults Straight, Healthy Teeth

  If you're an adult hoping to correct your bite, then please book an appointment with us. We will complete our orthodontic evaluation, address your concerns, and design the best treatment plan for you.

• Is South Houston Invisalign Really Effective?

  Do you want straighter teeth without having to get metal braces? Invisalign is a great option for adults who want to correct dental issues using a subtle, clear aligner. Made from a flexible thermoplastic material, South Houston Invisalign makes orthodontic treatment less conspicuous.  But does Invisalign really work? Let’s take a look at the benefits of this advanced dental treatment.

  Pros of Invisalign

  Less Visible

  A selling point of South Houston Invisalign is its near transparency. Compared to traditional South Houston braces, Invisalign is not easily noticeable when worn. Many adults choose Invisalign so they can go about their lives without a drastic change in appearance.

  Fixes Dental Issues

  Just like other types of braces, Invisalign treats a range of misaligned and crooked teeth. It also corrects bite problems, such as overbites and underbites. If you have mild to moderate overcrowding or too much spacing, your South Houston dentist may recommend Invisalign over other types of braces.

  Can Be Removed

  Metal and ceramic braces are fixed to your teeth, but South Houston Invisalign can be removed. If you have an important event or photo shoot, you can take off your Invisalign for an hour or so. You must also remove it when eating and brushing. Keep in mind though not to remove it for more than 2 hours or it may affect your treatment progress.

  Customized to You

  Invisalign is effective because it is customized specifically to your orthodontic needs. Your South Houston family dentist takes an accurate 3D scan of your teeth. After your first set of Invisalign does its job, you will graduate from them and move on to the next custom set. This way, they are fitted according to your evolving bite until you get the desired results.

  Ways to Make Invisalign More Effective

  Keep in mind that Invisalign is not designed for complex dental issues. These are reserved for traditional braces that put stronger pressure on teeth. To maintain the progress of your Invisalign treatment, you must strictly comply with your dentist’s instructions. Invisalign requires daily cleaning. Make sure not to subject your aligners to unsuitable conditions, as the plastic can warp. If you think you altered the fit in any way, visit your dentist so your treatment is not held back. Also remember to wear your Invisalign for 20 to 22 hours a day to achieve its full benefits.

  Start Treatment With South Houston Invisalign

  Book your appointment for South Houston Invisalign with only a reputable dental clinic. At Centra Dental, we embrace your smiles. Our top-rated dentist provides all vital services, including dental cleaning, root canal, implants, and more. We have a modern and safe facility with surgically clean air circulating throughout. Why Centra Dental? We offer a variety of amenities to make sure your visit is as pleasant and stress-free as possible. Schedule a dental servicewith us today!

• Managing Houston Braces Pain

  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. 

• Myths and Facts About Houston Braces

  Are you, or your child, the type of person who is excited about getting Houston braces and is looking forward to a brand new smile that can be worn confidently? Perhaps you or your child are worried about whether Houston braces treatment will be painful, especially if either of you has heard horror stories or believes some common myths. In this article, we will address some more myths about dental braces and explain the facts so you can feel more confident before you begin your South Houston braces treatment. 

  Myth #1: If Houston Braces Move My Teeth, They Must Hurt

  We aren’t surprised that this myth is still commonly shared today, since the idea of metal pushing your teeth sounds like it would hurt. However, today braces are far thinner and lighter in weight than they used to be, which has greatly minimized discomfort over the years. Now, regardless of if you choose Invisalign Clear Aligners, ceramic dental braces, or metal dental braces, there will be some minor soreness when you first get them since your teeth aren’t used to them. This will only be temporary though and shouldn’t be intolerable. If it comes down to it, this discomfort is nothing that icing and possibly over-the-counter painkillers can’t alleviate.

  After a few days, you will adjust and feel just fine.

  Myth #2: After Houston Braces, Your Teeth Will Be Straight For the Rest of Your Life

  Although braces do straighten your teeth, all that hard work can be reversed if you don’t follow our recommendations for caring for and maintaining your new smile. This is where retainers come in. Retainers are an orthodontic appliance that must be worn after you finish your Houston braces treatment. We typically tell our patients to wear them all day and all night–except when they’re eating–for at least a year. Afterward, we recommend wearing them every night. This ensures your teeth remain straight and don’t easily become misaligned again.

  Myth #3: You Have to Give Up a Lot of Your Favorite Foods When Wearing Dental Braces or Invisalign Clear Aligners

  We do recommend you avoid sugary, sticky foods and drinks, as well as crunchy snacks, as this will minimize your risk of cavities and your risk of breaking your braces. Otherwise, you can eat as you normally would, but definitely take smaller bites of your food.

  Ready for Houston Braces? Schedule a Consultation With Our South Houston Family Dentist

  If you think it’s time for you or your child to begin South Houston braces treatment, then please book an appointment with us so we can begin with a consultation to develop the appropriate treatment plan.

• Pros and Cons of Traditional Orthodontic Retainers After Houston Braces

  You’re approaching the end of your Houston braces treatment and whether you’re wearing Invisalign Clear Aligners, metal Houston braces, or ceramic dental braces, you are going to need to wear retainers after your treatment. You may wear them with reluctance, but you must wear your retainers in order to protect your investment in South Houston braces and keep your teeth straight. However, there are different types of orthodontic retainers that will meet different needs. In this blog post, we will discuss traditional retainers, otherwise known as Hawley retainers. 

  What Are Hawley Retainers

  Hawley retainers are also referred to as removable retainers or wire retainers. They are made of two parts and two components–the acrylic plastic and the metal wire components. The acrylic plastic is shaped to fit the roof up your mouth and behind your lower teeth. The wire component runs across your teeth. Together, these retainers hold your teeth in place while your teeth settle in the soft tissues of your mouth. How long you wear it will depend on your particular case, but our South Houston family dentist will recommend what works best for you.

  Pros and Cons of Wearing Hawley Retainers

  As with our Houston braces, there are pros and cons associated with each option.

  Pros of Removable Retainers

  • Hawley retainers can be adjusted in case you need a better fit or if your teeth need a slight touch up in their alignment. 
  • Much like the wire that is placed across your Houston braces may break sometimes, Hawley retainers may break on a rare occasion as well, but the good news is that they are easily reparable. 
  • Both rows of your teeth will touch naturally, which makes this option a more comfortable one. 

  Cons of Removable Wire Retainers

  • Because these retainers feel slightly bulky, your speech may sound off when wearing them.
  • The way the wire is laid across your teeth makes it rather noticeable when you speak
  • The wire may irritate your lips or cheeks when you first wear a removable retainer after your Houston braces treatment.

  Our South Houston Family Dentist Will Determine Whether Traditional Removable Retainers Are Suitable For You

  As you near the end of your Houston braces treatment, our South Houston family dentist will take impressions of your teeth so our lab can make your retainers. If we determine that Hawley retainers will work best for you, we will provide you with wearing guidelines. Please book an appointment with us for your next dental check-up so we can make the appropriate recommendation.

• Reasons to Consider Getting Houston Braces

  South Houston Dentists rely on time-tested dental interventions such as South Houston Braces to correct common problems with teeth spacing issues (crowded teeth or close existing gaps) and jaw and teeth alignment issues (overbite and underbite). Aside from correcting functional dental issues, South Houston Metal Dental Braces can also be used to aesthetically improve your smile. In this article, our South Houston family dentist will discuss in depth the different dental issues your South Houston braces can address.

  How Traditional South Houston Braces Work

  South Houston metal braces work by moving your teeth gradually as a result of force and pressure. The constant force and pressure over time slowly moves your teeth to its intended position. Scheduled adjustments are made by your South Houston dentist to direct and calibrate these forces to attain your desired smile.

  Individual brackets are installed on your teeth that will serve as anchor points. These anchor points are attached to an arch wire using ligature elastics that resemble rubber bands. If you are familiar with the look of a traditional South Houston metal braces, the arch wires are the most prominent part of your metal braces and span all lower or upper teeth.

  Patients who prefer dental appliances that are less noticeable may opt for South Houston ceramic braces. Ceramic braces use brackets that have the same shade as your tooth and arches that are thin and transparent. You can also avail of South Houston Invisalign, a retainer-type aligner that you can take off when eating, taking pictures, or attending events. Invisalign is perfect for minor teeth issue correction.

  Dental Issues Your South Houston Braces Can Correct

  As mentioned above, there are a multitude of dental issues that can be corrected by using South Houston braces. Your South Houston dentist recommend the use of dental braces for the following

  Crooked, Crowded, or Gapped Tooth – South Houston braces can help straighten crooked or crowded teeth as well as close excessive gaps in between teeth.

  Bite Issues – With the help of dental braces, your South Houston family dentist can correct teeth alignment issues that result in either an overbite or an underbite.

  Jaw Problems – South Houston metal braces can also address problems stemming from jaw alignment such as overjet (upper front teeth protrude outward) also referred to as “buck teeth” and crossbite (upper teeth fit inside of lower teeth when mouth is closed).

  Speech difficulties – In severe cases, dental problems can affect speech. South Houston dental braces can be used to restore ease of enunciating and proper flow of speech.

  Work with Your Top-Rated South Houston Dentist to Get the Smile You Deserve

  Centra Dental believes that everyone deserves to have a smile that they are proud of. A renewed and restored self-confidence is one of the most notable benefits of working with a top-rated dentist such as Centra Dental. Our helpful and caring staff will ensure your next visit is pleasant and stress-free. Call us now and schedule a consultation.