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Getting that perfect smile takes just a little more work for others. Sometimes it requires a visit to your Houston dentist to correct crooked or misaligned teeth. However, today’s Houston braces are different from those of yesteryear. As dental technology advances, patients now have different types to choose from, each with its own set of advantages and considerations. Today, we take a look at the three most common options: Metal braces, Ceramic braces, and Invisalign. This way, you’ll have a good idea of why your Houston family dentist might recommend a particular option for you.

What are Metal Houston Braces?

Metal braces are the traditional option, consisting of metal brackets and wires. While they may not be the most aesthetically pleasing choice, they remain highly effective and are suitable for a wide range of orthodontic issues.

Pros of Houston Metal Braces

Cost-Effective: Metal braces are generally more affordable than their alternatives, making them a budget-friendly option.

Versatility: They can address complex orthodontic issues, such as severe misalignment and bite problems.

Effective Results: Metal braces have a proven track record of achieving successful and predictable results over time.

Cons of Houston Metal Braces

Appearance: Many patients are hesitant to choose metal braces due to their noticeable appearance.

Discomfort: The brackets and wires can cause mild discomfort and irritation, especially shortly after adjustments.

Oral Hygiene Challenges: Proper oral hygiene requires extra attention due to the presence of brackets and wires, which can make brushing and flossing more challenging.

What are Ceramic Houston Braces?

Ceramic braces offer a more discreet alternative to metal braces. They function similarly but feature brackets made from tooth-colored or clear ceramic material.

Pros of Houston Ceramic Braces

Aesthetics: Ceramic braces are less noticeable than metal braces, making them a popular choice among individuals who value the appearance of their braces.

Effective Treatment: Like metal braces, ceramic braces can effectively correct a wide range of orthodontic issues.

Stain Resistance: Modern ceramic materials are designed to resist staining, ensuring the brackets maintain their discreet appearance.

Cons of Houston Ceramic Braces

Cost: Ceramic braces are usually more expensive than metal braces due to the materials used.

Fracture Risk: The ceramic material can be more brittle than metal, increasing the risk of brackets chipping or breaking.

Maintenance: While they are less conspicuous, ceramic braces may require additional maintenance to prevent staining or discoloration.

What is Houston Invisalign?

Invisalign represents a revolutionary approach to orthodontic treatment, utilizing a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually shift teeth into their desired positions.

Pros of Houston Invisalign

Aesthetics: Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, offering the utmost discretion during treatment.

Removability: Aligners can be easily removed for eating, brushing, and special occasions, providing greater flexibility.

Comfort: Invisalign aligners are made from smooth plastic, reducing the likelihood of irritation or discomfort.

Cons of Houston Invisalign

Compliance: Successful treatment with Invisalign relies on wearing the aligners for 20-22 hours a day. Non-compliance can lead to prolonged treatment times or compromised results.

Limited Severity: Invisalign may not be suitable for severe orthodontic cases or complex bite issues.

Cost: Invisalign treatment can be more expensive than traditional braces due to the advanced technology involved.

Find the Right Houston Braces for You at Centra Dental

At Centra Dental we believe that everyone deserves to have a smile they are proud to share. As your Houston family dentist, we know that selecting the right type of braces is an important personal decision influenced by factors such as treatment goals, lifestyle, budget, and aesthetic preferences. That’s why you should visit the Houston dentist that will make your visit as pleasant and stress-free as possible. Give us a call and set an appointment today if you want to get a healthy, beautiful smile!

Gaining self-confidence during your formative years is important because it lets you make positive decisions about the rest of your life. One of the best ways to boost your image of yourself is to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Centra Dental understands this and embraces your smile. We offer Houston Invisalign to not only boost your self-esteem but to also improve your dental health.

Achieve a More Beautiful and Confident Smile

One of the biggest insecurities of teenagers is their smile. Crooked or misaligned teeth as well as bite problems lower self-esteem starting from a young age. It’s understandable because your smile is the first thing that people may notice. Fortunately, Houston Invisalign is an effective way to correct dental problems that you may be insecure about. You can get the following benefits from your Invisalign treatment:

• No drastic change to your appearance since Invisalign is made of clear plastic unlike metal braces
• You can remove your Invisalign when eating, drinking, or taking pictures
• You can eat many types of food since Invisalign is removable
• Treatment is relatively quick, ranging from 6 months to 18 months
• You’ll experience minimal discomfort since there are not metal wires and brackets
• Your aligners are customized to your specific needs, ensuring your progress

Improve Your Overall Oral Health

Houston Invisalign isn’t just for aesthetic purposes; it’s also meant to improve your dental health. Issues like crooked teeth, underbites, overspacing, and more can cause moderate to severe medical conditions. They can cause speech impediments and even difficulty chewing, which greatly lowers your quality of life. Your Houston family dentist may recommend Invisalign to achieve one or more of the following:

• Corrects issues associated with speech or talking
• Prevents teeth from wearing out quickly due to improper alignment
• Helps with chewing by treating bite issues
• Reduces risk of tooth decay and cavities due to crooked teeth
• Lessens the buildup of bacteria in cases of overcrowding and overspacing

Houston Invisalign for teens has long-term health benefits not only for your teeth and gums but also for the rest of your well-being. Some studies have shown that braces may improve difficulty in sleeping by correcting misaligned jaws. There are also certain types of headaches and neck pain that are associated with dental issues. By correcting these issues with braces, your overall wellness is put on the right path. 

Schedule an Appointment for Houston Invisalign Today!

Centra Dental embraces your smiles and wants you to feel more confident about yourself. We help our patients boost their self-esteem and oral health through our vital dental services. Our top-rated Houston dentist offers everything, from general cleaning to orthodontics and teeth whitening to fillings and crowns. We have a clean and safe facility where you can enjoy our WiFi and entertainment system. Surgically clean air is circulating our clinic the entire time. Why choose Centra Dental? We strive to make your dental experience as pleasant and stress-free as possible. Book your appointment for Houston Invisalign today!

Braces are an effective way to achieve straighter teeth and a more confident smile. They correct a range of dental problems, including crooked teeth, underbites, overbites, overcrowding, and more. Your orthodontist will discuss with you different types of braces you can get, including South Houston Invisalign. Which one is right for you? Our top-rated Houston dentist at Centra Dental discusses the pros and cons below.

Why Choose South Houston Invisalign?

Invisalign is a popular option among teens and adults because it’s less noticeable than metal braces. It’s made of clear plastic, making them practically invisible at a distance. You can also remove South Houston Invisalign when eating, taking pictures, or attending big events. They are considered more comfortable since no metal brackets and wires are present to chafe the inside of your cheeks. Your South Houston dentist will customize Invisalign for you every visit to ensure your treatment progress.

Does Invisalign Have Limitations?

Although South Invisalign has many pros, it’s not recommended for moderate to severe cases. Clear aligners have limitations when repositioning your teeth, which is why they aren’t as effective for serious dental problems. They are, however, effective for mild cases that can be treated between 6 to 18 months. You also have to be diligent when wearing your Invisalign and take extra care not to lose them.

Pros of Traditional Braces

For severely crooked teeth and bite issues, traditional South Houston braces are recommended. Metal applies much more force on the teeth than plastic can, making repositioning easier. An example of a dental problem that metal braces can treat is a malocclusion or a bad bite. Your dentist may even ask you to wear elastic bands to help with your treatment.

Downside of Metal Braces

Metal braces take some getting used to, and patients usually need an adjustment period. First of all, your appearance will change since metal is much more visible than South Houston Invisalign. You will also need to avoid certain foods, such as hard and sticky treats. If metal grazes your cheeks, you can use orthodontic wax. You will also feel discomfort for up to 4 days after your monthly adjustment.

Which Is Right for Me?

Our experienced dentists at Centra Dental will determine if South Houston Invisalign or metal braces are better suited for your needs. We embrace your smiles, so we will provide the best dental services until you’re happy with your results. Our state-of-the-art facility has all the equipment we need to create the most effective treatment plan for you.

Visit Our Clinic for South Houston Invisalign

Centra Dental is a clean and safe facility for all your dental needs. Our top-rated dentist provides all vital services, including cleaning, implants, teeth whitening, and orthodontics. Centra Dental embraces your smiles. We strive to make your experience as pleasant and stress-free as possible for the whole family. Feel free to ask us about our dental service specials and insurance we accept. We look forward to serving you.

More and more teenagers are getting South Houston Invisalign because it is a proven way to achieve a more beautiful, confident smile. Here at Centra Dental, we embrace your smiles. Our top-rated South Houston dentist will give you the treatment you need in a stress-free and pleasant manner. Continue reading to learn more about why you should get Invisalign.

Benefits of Invisalign

Invisalign effectively corrects misaligned or crooked teeth, bite issues, and other dental problems. Aside from that, here are other advantages you can enjoy:

• Less visible than metal braces: Teens love getting South Houston Invisalign because it isn’t as noticeable as traditional braces. There’s no drastic change to their look in person and in pictures.
• Personalized treatment: Your South Houston dentist will take impressions of your teeth every visit so the lab can create your custom aligners. Having a personalized treatment makes it more effective in less time. 
• Less discomfort: Invisalign is made of clear plastic, so this means there are no sharp wires and metal brackets. You won’t have to worry about chafing or cutting the insides of your cheek. 
• Eat anything: Because Invisalign can be removed, you can eat all kinds of foods. You don’t have this luxury with traditional braces.

Maximize Your Treatment Success With These Tips

The last thing you want is for your South Houston Invisalign treatment to go to waste, so you need to keep these rules in mind.

Wear Your Aligners Diligently

You should wear your Houston Invisalign for at least 22 hours a day even when you’re sleeping. The only time you can take them off is when you’re eating or drinking. When they’re not inside your mouth, remember to keep them in a case to prevent loss and damage.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Just like traditional Houston braces, your Invisalign needs to be cleaned daily to prevent bacteria growth. Wash them with antibacterial soap and warm water twice a day or use a special cleaner prescribed by your South Houston dentist. Avoid using a toothbrush on your aligners, as this can be too abrasive.

Go In for Your Regular Visits

You should avoid missing your dental appointments because your progress depends on the adjustments made to your Invisalign. In every trip to the dentist, your aligners are customized to keep your treatment moving forward. Missing a visit means your teeth won’t be repositioned to the latest phase of your treatment.

Be Patient With Your Treatment

It will take a few months and even a year until you see the desired results from your South Houston Invisalign. You might even feel discomfort every now and then. Don’t be discouraged by these, as these are all normal. Be patient with your treatment, and you’ll achieve your ideal smile pretty soon.

Schedule an Appointment for South Houston Invisalign

Centra Dental embraces your smiles, and as such, we provide all the essential dental services. At our clean and safe facility, you’ll feel right at home. Your whole family can enjoy the WiFi, toys, and entertainment system while waiting. We have surgically clean air circulating the entire time because we prioritize hygiene. Feel free to ask us about our dental service specials and the insurance we accept. Contact us today to book an appointment!