News

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 the perfect smile of your dreams is no longer a distant dream with Centra Dental’s Houston clear aligners. If you’ve been contemplating a solution to your dental misalignment, these modern marvels might be the answer you’ve been searching for. At Centra Dental, your trusted partner in general and family dentistry in Southwest Houston, we bring you the latest advancement in orthodontic treatment, making your journey to a straighter smile not only effective but also remarkably affordable.

Houston Dentist Discusses Clear Aligners

Houston clear aligners are a revolutionary alternative to traditional braces. Crafted from transparent, medical-grade plastic, these aligners are custom-made to fit snugly over your teeth, gently nudging them into the desired position. Unlike metal braces, clear aligners provide a discreet solution to dental misalignment, allowing you to confidently showcase your smile throughout the entire treatment process.

Advantages of Clear Aligners over Traditional Houston Braces

Discrete

One of the most significant advantages of Houston clear aligners is their discreet nature. Virtually invisible, they enable you to undergo orthodontic treatment without the self-consciousness often associated with Houston traditional braces.

Pain-Free

Houston clear aligners are remarkably comfortable to wear. Made from smooth, irritation-free material, they eliminate the discomfort caused by wires and brackets, ensuring a pain-free orthodontic experience.

No Frequent Visits Needed

Unlike traditional braces that require frequent adjustments, clear aligners reduce the need for regular in-person visits to your Houston dentist. You can enjoy the flexibility of fewer appointments, allowing you to manage your time effectively.

Cost-Effective

Opting for clear aligners can be a cost-effective choice in the long run. With fewer appointments and a shorter treatment period for many cases, clear aligners offer an affordable way to achieve a beautifully aligned smile.

Who Are Candidates for Houston Clear Aligners?

Clear aligners are an excellent option for individuals with mild to moderate dental misalignments. Whether you have crowded teeth, spacing issues, or mild bite problems, Houston clear aligners can effectively address these concerns. During an initial consultation at Centra Dental, our experienced Houston dentists will assess your dental condition and determine if clear aligners are the right solution for you.

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

At Centra Dental, we're committed to enhancing your self-confidence through excellent dental care. With our affordable clear aligner option priced at just $2,495, achieving the smile you’ve always desired has never been more accessible. Reach out today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards your perfect 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!

Using your dental insurance before the year ends is a smart choice because you’re taking advantage of what you already paid for. Dental insurance policies expire every year whether you use them or not. If you don’t book an appointment with your South Houston dentist this year, then you’re at a loss financially and health-wise. Here are some reasons why our top-rated dentists at Centra Dental advise that you book your treatment before the year ends. 

Maximize the Benefits You Paid For

Dental insurance plans have an annual maximum benefit, which is the maximum amount your insurance company will cover for dental procedures within a year. If you don’t use your benefits before the year expires, then you’re not utilizing the full amount of your coverage. Dental insurance doesn’t carry over to the next year—it resets at the start of the new year. You’ll miss out on taking full advantage of your current year's benefits.

Take Care of Your Oral Health

Many dental insurance plans cover preventive care, such as teeth cleaning, checkups with your South Houston dentist, and X-rays. These procedures that contribute to your optimum health will cost you little to nothing. Preventive services are important in catching potential issues that would otherwise require serious treatment. Regular checkups prevent more extensive and expensive dental problems in the future. More importantly, you’re taking care of your oral health and maintaining a good quality of life.

Reduce Unnecessary South Houston Dentist Bills

Many dental treatments, such as fillings, crowns, and Houston braces can be expensive without insurance. In today’s time, it’s important to be practical so you can allocate your budget on other essentials. Using your dental insurance saves you a lot of money that you can spend to make your family’s life better. Avoid out-of-pocket expenses when you can take advantage of what you are already entitled to. Visiting your South Houston family dentist before the years ends is the most cost-efficient option for your dental needs.

Book a Treatment With a South Houston Dentist Before the Year Ends

Using your dental insurance before it expires is the financially responsible thing to do. You’re preventing benefit waste and utilizing what you’re entitled to as the policy holder. Make sure that you understand your policy to optimize its value. Feel free to book a dental procedure with Centra Dental, where we embrace your smiles. We have a clean and safe facility where you can have a pleasant and stress-free dental experience. Why choose Centra Dental? We strive to make the entire family feel comfortable. You can use our WiFi and entertainment systems while waiting. Visit our South Houston dentist at Centra Dental today!