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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! 

Getting braces can be nerve-wracking if you don’t know what to expect. After all, treatment with braces is a long-term commitment that requires monthly visits to the dentist’s chair. But the sacrifice soon pays off, as you’re rewarded with a more confident, beautiful smile. South Houston metal braces are effective in correcting crooked or misaligned teeth as well as bite issues. To alleviate some of your stress, our South Houston dentist has laid out what you can expect from the entire experience.

Referral and Initial Consultation

Usually, a South Houston family dentist is the first to notice if you or your child needs braces. They will refer you to an orthodontist who specializes in your dental concern. During the first consultation, your orthodontist will carefully examine your teeth and take X-rays or impressions. They will also ask you about your dental history to create a treatment plan fit for your needs. 

Placement of Braces

During your fitting, your dentist will place a cheek retractor to keep your teeth visible and dry. They will prep your teeth by polishing, conditioning, and priming them for protection. Metal brackets are placed on each of your teeth using dental cement. Your dentist strategically places the brackets and wires to correct any gaps, overcrowding, and bite issues. The entire fitting procedure may take 1 to 2 hours.

Regular Visits

It’s important to visit your dentist regularly, at least once a month to ensure your progress. During each visit, your dentist will tighten the wires or reposition brackets as they see fit. You can expect mild pain or discomfort shortly after an adjustment, as your teeth are being moved to their proper position. The pain is temporary and usually goes away after 3 to 4 days. 

Maintaining Your Braces

Your dentist will teach you about proper hygiene and care for your South Houston metal braces. You’re still required to come in for regular dental cleaning to prevent cavities and tooth decay. You may also be asked to wear dental elastics to aid in your treatment. If you feel sharp pain due to your braces chafing your skin, you can ask for dental wax.

Removal of Braces

The average duration of treatment is 1 to 3 years, depending on the severity of your condition. Removal is relatively fast and painless. You’ll be happy with the results of your new and improved smile.

Schedule Your South Houston Metal Braces Treatment Today!

Thinking of getting South Houston metal braces? Turn to Centra Dental where we embrace your smiles! Our facility takes cleanliness and the safety of our patients and staff very seriously. We have surgically clean air circulating as well as amenities to keep your family entertained. We strive to make your dental experience as stress-free and pleasant as possible. Book a consultation with our top-rated dentist today!

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!

Getting your Houston braces removed after a significant amount of time wearing them is in itself a reward. Doing so allows you to fully appreciate the improvement your Houston family dentist has done on your pearly whites. Our helpful and caring staff are familiar with the glowing smile radiating from patients who have just had their Houston braces removed. However, your treatment is not yet over because you will most probably have to wear a retainer. In this article, our top-rated Houston dentist will discuss why Houston braces patients need to wear a retainer after their treatment.

How Houston Braces Work?

As you probably may well know, your Houston braces work by applying constant force to your teeth and jaw to slowly coax them into the desired position. These forces are applied to your teeth through brackets that are glued to them and the archwire that are tethered to the brackets. As your braces move your teeth, your top-rated Houston family dentist performs regular adjustment to get your teeth to move to the target position.

We think of teeth and jaws as fairly fixed parts of our mouth and are quite immovable. So how do your teeth move during a Houston braces treatment? Your teeth are attached to your jaw through your gums and fibrous ligaments. The gums and fibrous ligaments are what is being acted upon by the forces coming from your Houston ceramic braces.

What Does a Retainer Do After Houston Braces?

During the treatment, the gums and fibrous ligaments that hold your teeth become loose. When the braces are removed, the gums don’t tighten for a while so they offer no resistance to your teeth moving around. This is why almost all patients who have undergone a Houston Braces treatment will have to wear a retainer.

The length of time you will need to wear a retainer after your Houston metal braces treatment will vary depending on your Houston family dentist’s assessment of your situation but it is typically for several months to a year or longer. Wearing a retainer will help your teeth keep their new positions. Retainers help prevent this from happening by holding your teeth in place until your gums and fibrous ligaments stabilize and adapt to the new tooth positions.

When It Comes to Houston Braces, Work Only with the Top-Rated Dentists

Here at Centra Dental, we believe that everyone deserves to have a smile they are proud to wear. That is why we have come up with a wide range of dental services that can cater to the specific needs of their customers. We have pooled top-rated general and family dentistry practitioners to provide the highest quality of dental care. We have assembled a team of helpful and caring staff to guarantee that your visits to our clinic are pleasant and stress-free. Call us now and let us help you embrace your smile.