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The holidays are a time for traveling to visit family and friends. But when you’re away from your dentist, emergencies can arise with your Houston braces. It’s important to know what to do in these situations to minimize discomfort and damage to your Houston braces or Invisalign. Our top-rated dentists at Centra Dental have some tips to get you ready for the holiday season.

Pack a Braces Care Kit

When traveling for the holidays, it’s essential to pack a kit with everything you need for braces care. Make sure to bring the basics, including your toothbrush, dental floss, and fluoride toothpaste. Because Houston braces need special care, you may want to bring specific tools like interdental brushes or a water flosser. If you have Houston Invisalign, bring your case. 

Bring Wax for Accidents

If you wear metal braces, accidents can happen, such as damaging your brackets and wires. You’re now left with sharp points that can injure the inside of your cheeks and gums. Because your Houston dentist isn’t nearby, you don’t have a place to rush to for emergencies. We recommend packing your ortho wax in case of an accident. This way, you can temporarily relieve the pain or discomfort until you find a dental clinic near you.

Eat Braces-Friendly Food

The holidays are a time for delicious feasts, but it’s important to be mindful of the specific foods you eat. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that can damage your wires and brackets, leading you to need emergency dental care. Stick to soft foods that are easy on your Houston metal braces. If you’re strict about what you eat when you have traditional braces, the chances of you damaging your braces lessen.

Keep a Houston Dentist’s Contact Handy

If you’re going to be away from your dentist, make sure to look for dental clinics in the city you’re traveling to. Do your research and call the clinics ahead of time. Centra Dental is located in an accessible area and caters to a wide range of cases. We’re ready to serve your entire family should you need vital dental services.

Finish Your Dental Appointments

Before leaving for your trip, we suggest you finish all your scheduled dental appointments. Doing so lessens the chances of you needing emergency dental care. Our Houston dentist will make sure every bracket is in place and in good shape. If you have Invisalign, make sure you’re wearing your latest set of aligners. Getting your appointments done before the holidays ensures your treatment progress.

Schedule an Appointment for Houston Braces Today

Do you need dental assistance before you travel for the holidays? At Centra Dental, we embrace your smiles. Our top-rated dentists provide all vital services, such as teeth cleaning, Houston braces, fillings, and more. We have a clean and safe facility where you can feel comfortable and have a stress-free dental experience. We also accept dental insurance. Contact us today to schedule a visit!

Dental braces are an effective way to align and straighten teeth, correcting their position based on a patient’s bite. If you or your child is considering getting Houston braces and you want to know more about them, Centra Dental has prepared answers to frequently asked questions.

What are the types of Houston braces? 

There are three main types of dental braces: traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, and clear aligners like Invisalign. Metal and ceramic braces involve brackets that are cemented onto your teeth and connected together using wires. They are recommended for moderate to severe dental issues. Invisalign is the removable kind and is suitable for milder cases.

Which type is right for me?

Our Houston dentist will do a thorough examination and create a treatment plan that will get you the best results. The type of braces we’ll recommend will depend on several factors, such as the severity of your case. Age also plays a role, as clear aligners aren’t recommended for young children whose teeth have not yet set in. Your preferences will also be taken into account; metal braces are a lot more visible than Invisalign.

How do Houston braces work?

Dental braces work by applying constant pressure on the teeth, causing them to move slowly into their correct positions over time. The bones and tissue surrounding the teeth also change formation. Regular monthly adjustments made by our Houston dentist ensure continued pressure and guidance for the teeth to move in the desired direction.

Do Houston dental braces hurt?

Patients will feel pressure and discomfort on their teeth for 3 to 4 days after an adjustment. This means that the braces are working. Metal braces also tend to cause more pressure than clear aligners. Constant tightening is important to keep your treatment on the right track.

How long do I need to wear braces?

Treatment duration will vary depending on the severity of your dental issues and the type of braces you’re wearing. Patients usually wear Houston braces for a year, which could extend to 3 years or more. Make sure to show up for your appointments so you don’t extend your treatment period more than necessary.

Are there foods I can’t eat?

If you’re wearing metal or ceramic braces, there are certain foods that you should avoid, including sticky and hard treats. When you’re wearing braces, food tends to get stuck more easily, leading to bacterial growth. You should also avoid biting into hard food so you don’t damage your braces. If you’re wearing Invisalign, there are less food restrictions since your aligners are removable.

Schedule an Appointment for Houston Braces

Want to learn more about Houston braces? Feel free to contact Centra Dental today! At our dental practice, we embrace your smiles. Our top-rated Houston family dentist provides all essential dental services, including cleaning, implants, and crowns. At our clean and safe facility, we strive to give you the best dental experience possible. Book an appointment with us today to start your journey toward your best smile. We accept dental insurance.

Achieving a straight and beautiful smile with South Houston Invisalign is an exciting journey, and maintaining excellent dental hygiene is crucial throughout the process. Invisalign offers a discreet and convenient alternative to traditional South Houston braces, allowing you to align your teeth without the hassle of metal wires and brackets. At Centra Dental, your trusted provider of general and family dentistry in Southwest Houston, we understand the importance of proper dental care, especially for our Invisalign patients. Here are four essential dental hygiene best practices to ensure your Invisalign treatment progresses smoothly:

South Houston Dentist Recommends Maintaining an Oral Hygiene Routine

Maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine is vital when undergoing Invisalign treatment. South Houston Invisalign aligners are removable, so be sure to brush your teeth after every meal before placing the aligners back in your mouth. Your South Houston dentists advises flossing daily as it is equally important to remove food particles and prevent plaque buildup, ensuring your teeth and gums stay healthy throughout the process.

Clean Your South Houston Invisalign Aligners Regularly

Keeping your South Houston Invisalign aligners clean is crucial for both your oral hygiene and the effectiveness of the treatment. Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water every time you remove them. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to gently clean them, avoiding hot water, which could distort the aligners' shape. Regular cleaning prevents bacteria growth and maintains their transparency, ensuring they remain discreet while straightening your teeth.

Avoid Foods and Drinks That Can Stain Your South Houston Invisalign

Certain foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, and colored sauces, can stain your South Houston Invisalign aligners, making them more noticeable. To maintain their discreet appearance, it's best to avoid these staining substances. If you do consume them, be diligent about cleaning your teeth and aligners immediately afterward to prevent discoloration.

Regular Dental Check-ups with Your South Houston Dentist

Regular dental check-ups are essential during your Invisalign treatment. Schedule appointments with your South Houston dentist to monitor your progress, address any concerns, and ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy. Your South Houston dentist can provide valuable insights and adjustments to your treatment plan, ensuring optimal results and a beautiful smile at the end of your Invisalign journey.

Get Your Invisalign Retainers from the South Houston Dentist You Can Trust

Here at Centra Dental, our helpful and caring staff is dedicated to making your Invisalign experience as pleasant and stress-free as possible. By following these best practices and maintaining excellent dental hygiene, you can achieve the smile you've always dreamed of with South Houston Invisalign. Book your consultation today and embark on the path to a confident and radiant smile.

Achieve a more beautiful smile with Invisalign treatment from Centra Dental. Our Houston clear aligners are ideal for teens and adults who want straighter teeth to give them a boost of confidence. South Houston Invisalign is effective for correcting malocclusions, bite problems, and teeth spacing issues. Learn more about what to expect from your entire treatment.

Pre-Treatment Consultation and Diagnosis

During your initial visit to our clinic, our top-rated South Houston dentist will assess whether Invisalign is suitable for your specific case. We are highly experienced and trained to provide orthodontic care with all types of Houston braces, including clear aligners. We will take 3D digital scans of your teeth to create the perfect aligners custom-made to you. After that, our dentist and Invisalign experts will design a step-by-step treatment plan to show how your teeth will move over time. This will give you a better idea of how long your treatment will last.

Wearing Your South Houston Invisalign

After creating your treatment plan, we will produce a series of custom-made South Houston Invisalign made of a flexible thermoplastic material. Just like metal braces, Invisalign puts pressure on your teeth to move them into their desired positions. As you move from one set of aligners to the next, your teeth will gradually keep getting better and better until we get to the end results.

For the treatment to be effective, you will need to come back for a new set of aligners every 1 to 2 weeks. Your South Houston dentist will always make sure that your progress is going as planned and make adjustments as needed. Although South Houston Invisalign is removable, remember to wear them for at least 20 to 22 hours a day. Being compliant with your checkups and Invisalign care ensures that your treatment is always on track.

Post-Treatment Care and Maintenance

Once you complete your series of custom clear aligners, which may take 6 months to one year or so, your teeth should be in their proper positions. To maintain your new and improved smile, you may need to wear retainers during the day, at night, or both. Retainers prevent your teeth from gradually shifting back to their original positions. The type of retainer you wear and how long to wear it will vary from patient to patient.

Book a Consultation for South Houston Invisalign Today!

Are you interested to learn more about how South Houston Invisalign can enhance your smile and improve your oral care? Feel free to reach out to Centra Dental, where we embrace your smiles. Our top-rated South Houston dentist is ready to answer any questions. We have a clean and safe facility where we strive to give you the best dental experience possible. While waiting, you and your family can enjoy our WiFi, toys, and entertainment system. We accept dental insurance plans. Schedule your appointment with Centra Dental today!