Displaying items by tag: South Houston braces

Every time you go in for an appointment with your Houston dentist, they will tighten your braces to maintain your progress. Metal dental braces put pressure on your teeth in order to make it move. Your dentist positions the brackets and wires in a way that would make you one step closer to your ideal set of teeth. The discomfort is worth it, as braces are effective in correcting a range of dental issues. 

Over-the-Counter Pain Meds

One way to manage the pain is to take drug store medication. Usually, you can take pain relief an hour before your dental appointment. Oral anesthetic gels are also a good option if the pain becomes intolerable.

Ice Pack

Place an ice pack on the outside of your cheek to reduce inflammation. Ideally, you should do this for 20 minutes. The cold provides temporary pain relief by numbing the area involved.

Cold and Soft Foods

After having your South Houston braces tightened, treat yourself to a nice bowl of ice cream. The cold temperature will help numb your gums and teeth. While you have discomfort, stick with soft food, like soup, mashed potatoes, and smoothies.

Ortho Wax

Especially for first-time patients, the wires on your metal braces can cause abrasions to the inside of your cheeks. Orthodontic wax is a great way to prevent sharp ends from irritating your mouth.

How Long Does the Pain Last?

You will feel pressure immediately after getting your South Houston braces tightened. The pain will peak from about 6 hours onwards. It usually lasts for 4 days, with the pain lessening as each day passes. Houston dental braces shouldn’t hurt for more than 7 days after getting an adjustment. If this happens, consult with your Houston family dentist.

Book an Appointment for South Houston Braces

Thinking about getting South Houston braces to achieve a more confident smile? Centra Dental’s top-rated dentists provide personalized care to make the whole experience pleasant for you. At Centra Dental, we embrace your smiles. We offer all vital dental services, including orthodontic treatments. You can feel safe at our clinic with our surgically clean air circulating the entire time. Why else should you choose Centra Dental? We have amenities and entertainment to make sure your visit is as stress-free as possible. Ask us about our dental service specials and insurance! We look forward to your visit.

Dental braces are effective in correcting crooked teeth to give you a more confident smile. They also address bite issues, overcrowding, and too much space. If you have braces, chances are, you’d need to wear rubber bands at some point in your treatment. Elastics work by applying additional force to your teeth. Here are some reasons why you may need elastics. 

Corrects Too Much Space

South Houston braces can be used to treat spacing problems. If you have too much space in your teeth or wide gaps, your dentist may recommend rubber bands. Your elastics provide extra pressure to make sure unwanted gaps close. They are connected horizontally by hooking them onto your brackets. 

Corrects Overbites and Underbites

Elastics are used to treat both overbites and underbites. An overbite is when the upper teeth protrude too much over the lower teeth. Rubber bands are connected to the upper jaw and lower molars to correct overbites. An underbite is the opposite; it’s when the lower jaw sticks out too much. A South Houston dentist may connect elastics from your lower jaw to the upper molars to treat an underbite.

Corrects Open Bites and Crossbites

Patients who had the habit of thumbsucking may develop an open bite. This is when your upper teeth don’t touch your lower teeth when your mouth is closed. Linking your upper and lower teeth together usually treats open bites. Meanwhile, a crossbite is when a group of upper teeth are positioned behind a group of lower teeth. Your South Houston family dentist may recommend crossing elastics over your front teeth to correct a crossbite.

Types of Rubber Bands for Dental Braces

Elastics come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. They are available in light, medium, and heavy gauges. Your South Houston dentist will tell you which one to use, depending on the severity of your condition. You may be given a mix of sizes, as some elastics need to stretch farther than others. Whichever variety you’re prescribed, make sure to use them exactly as directed for the best results.

What to Expect With Dental Elastics

Rubber bands lose their elasticity throughout the day. You will need to change elastics once or multiple times a day. The duration of use will be determined by your South Houston family dentist. Remember to follow their instructions carefully.

Book a Treatment for South Houston Braces

Achieve the smile you’ve always wanted by booking a treatment with Centra Dental. We offer a pleasant and stress-free dental experience while ensuring you get the best possible treatment. Our top-rated dentist performs all vital services, including South Houston braces with rubber bands. Why choose Centra Dental? We embrace your smiles. We put a premium on the safety of our patients and staff. We have surgically clean air circulating all throughout as well as entertainment for the whole family. Ask us about our dental service specials! We look forward to serving you.

Your child’s smile has always brought you joy, so you’ve likely done all you can to protect it and keep it healthy. Sometimes, however, regular checkups with our South Houston dentist may not be enough to ensure your child's smile continues to shine. This is especially true in cases of malocclusion, which refers to a bad bite. If you’ve noticed your child’s teeth look crowded or crooked, you might be wondering if it’s time to get South Houston braces treatment. Keep reading to understand when our South Houston family dentist typically recommends beginning braces treatment and what to expect from the process.

Understanding South Houston Braces

When our South Houston dentist recommends dental braces, it’s usually to address malocclusion. That means your child’s bite is not aligned properly, resulting in crooked, poorly-spaced, and/or crowded teeth. The best way to correct these issues is with South Houston braces, which can be composed of metal or ceramic.

South Houston Metal Braces

The most popular and affordable option, South Houston metal braces are what most people think about when they think about dental braces. They are composed of a thin metal wire threaded through metal brackets, which are affixed to the front of each tooth using a special glue. Our South Houston family dentist will adjust this wire’s tension over the course of treatment in order to properly shift your child’s teeth into the proper position. 

South Houston Ceramic Braces

South Houston ceramic braces are similar to South Houston metal braces in terms of form and function. The main difference between the two lies in the material used to make them. South Houston ceramic braces are, as the name implies, made of ceramic brackets that blend better with your child’s natural tooth color. They are as effective as South Houston metal braces, but are more expensive and slightly less durable. Ask our South Houston family dentist if your child is a good candidate for this option.

When Your Child Should Get South Houston Braces

Our South Houston dentist will typically wait until all your child’s baby teeth have fallen out and all adult teeth have erupted before beginning South Houston braces treatment, which is usually between the ages of 10 and 14. At this age, the newly-erupted adult teeth move easier than years later, when they have more firmly set in the jaw. On occasion, our South Houston family dentist will recommend two rounds of braces treatment, the first of which will make room in the jaw for adult teeth to erupt, the second to straighten those adult teeth once they’ve come in. This typically reduces the need for more invasive procedures later.

Centra Dental Is Your Choice for South Houston Braces

If you think it’s time for your child to get South Houston braces, call us today to schedule an appointment. We’re here to answer your questions and provide our best recommendations for you and your family’s dental care. We strive to make the dental experience as pleasant and stress-free as possible with a comfortable setting, surgically-clean air, and access to movies and wi-fi. Give us a chance to embrace your smile and ask us about our dental service specials.

It’s always exciting to get your South Houston braces removed after years of wearing them. The countless trips to your South Houston dentist have finally paid off as you showcase your new and improved smile. However, your treatment isn’t over. Retainers are important to prevent relapse of your old, misaligned teeth. After carefully removing the brackets, wires, and excess cement, your dentist will ask you to wear retainers. So why should you have to endure more months—or even years? Read on to know the importance of dental retainers.

Prevents Shifting of Teeth in Kids and Teens

Many of our patients who come in for South Houston braces are children and teenagers. Compared to adults, their bones have not yet fully set in and they are still developing. This means that their teeth could go back to their original state after getting braces removed. In addition, their wisdom teeth have not yet erupted. Retainers are absolutely necessary so that their teeth do not shift in position. 

Sets in Newly Aligned Teeth

Retainers are especially necessary for patients who had issues with spacing corrected. Overcrowding is when there is not enough space in your mouth to align your teeth. On the other hand, too much space can result in gaps in your teeth. If you had such cases treated with South Houston braces, then retainers are a must to maintain newly aligned teeth.

Keeps Corrected Bite in Place

Dental braces are also an effective treatment for underbites and overbites. Extra appliances are used, such as elastics and springs, to correct bite problems. Because your jaws were forcibly moved, they could go back to their original positioning after the braces were removed. To prevent this and keep your new bite in place, you must wear retainers.

How Long Should You Wear Retainers?

Most patients wear their retainers anywhere from 4 months to 2 years—sometimes even more. Your South Houston family dentist will determine how long you should wear retainers. The duration will depend on your age, number of years with braces, and severity of your condition. 

Keeping Your Retainers Clean

Remember to keep your retainers in a case when you’re not using them, and keep this case accessible to you at all times. You can clean your retainers with a towel or cleaning brush. You may also be directed to soak it in a denture cleaner. Keep your retainers away from extreme heat, pets, and children.

Schedule an Appointment for South Houston Braces Today!

At Centra Dental, we embrace your smiles. We are committed to making your dental experience as stress-free and pleasant as possible. While waiting, you can watch movies and connect to our Wi-Fi while your children play with toys. At our facility, we take hygiene very seriously. We have surgically clean air circulating, and we always sanitize our equipment to ensure the safety of our patients and staff. Ask us about our dental services specials and affordable rates. Visit us today for your concerns with South Houston braces and retainers!

With the start of a new year, it’s common to make resolutions designed to improve ourselves and our lives. As we usher in 2023, don’t forget the importance of regular dental cleanings with our top-rated South Houston dentist. These visits ensure your teeth and gums are healthy by removing plaque and tartar and catching any issues like cavities early. If you or your child have South Houston braces, regular dental cleanings are especially vital for successful treatment. Keep reading to see how a dental cleaning with our South Houston family dentist is the best way to start your year and embrace your smile.

The Importance of Regular Dental Cleanings with Our South Houston Dentist 

Even those with meticulous dental hygiene need to schedule regular dental cleanings to maintain their overall health. When you visit our South Houston family dentist for a dental cleaning, it gives us a chance to thoroughly polish and floss your teeth, remove plaque and tartar build-up and identify any signs of decay. For those with South Houston braces, regular dental cleanings are imperative to remove food particles and build-up that can get stuck under wires and between brackets. Our South Houston dentist can also offer techniques to improve dental hygiene routines, if necessary.

Clean, strong teeth and gums aren’t only important for your oral health, but your overall health as well. Signs of certain illnesses like gum disease, some cancers, and heart disease first appear in the mouth. 

What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning 

Some plaque cannot be removed through brushing alone. Dental cleanings are needed to prevent root canals and dental fillings, especially if you have Houston braces. Here are some of the steps you can expect from your Houston family dentist.

Physical Checkup

To begin, our South Houston family dentist will examine your teeth and gums and identify any causes for concern before proceeding with the dental cleaning.

Plaque Removal

Our South Houston dentist will use a small tool called a scaler to remove all tartar and plaque around your teeth and gums. Sometimes, plaque gets so hard that it takes longer to remove, which requires more scraping in a particular spot and should serve as a sign that you may need to see our South Houston family dentist more often.

Toothpaste Polishing

Once all the plaque and tartar have been removed, our South Houston dentist will apply a special, gritty toothpaste and an electric brush to clean and polish your teeth. The unique rounded head of this toothbrush cleans more thoroughly than you can at home.

Professional Flossing

Next, we’ll floss in between each tooth to remove plaque from the hard-to-reach places. We can also clean areas you normally can’t get through regular flossing at home.

Fluoride Treatment

After rinsing off the debris, a fluoride treatment will be applied, much like a mouthwash. This protects your teeth from potential cavities for several months.

Book a Cleaning With Our South Houston Dentist

At Centra Dental, our top-rated South Houston dentist provides a range of services, such as South Houston braces, teeth whitening, dental crowns, bridges, and more. We are committed to your safety and comfort, which is why we continuously circulate surgically clean air. We strive to make the dental experience as pleasant and stress-free as possible. Patients have access to movies and wi-fi in order to make your experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Give us a chance to embrace your smile and ask us about our dental service specials.

If our South Houston dentist has recommended dental braces for you or your child, you’re likely wondering what options are available. In the past, clunky metal dental braces were the only choice to correct malocclusion, but today there are a number of different types of South Houston dental braces to fit each patient’s needs and budget. Knowing which one is right for you begins by learning more about each option and discussing them with our South Houston dentist. Keep reading to learn all the ways we can address malocclusion and embrace your smile with uniquely-tailored treatment plans for you or your child. 

Dental Braces Options with our South Houston Dentist

Centra Dental offers three different dental braces treatment options: metal braces, ceramic braces, and Invisalign. Not every option is right for every patient, however, as treatment is based on your needs. 

Metal Dental Braces

Metal braces are the most cost-effective and versatile option, which is why they are the most popular South Houston dental braces choice. Metal braces are durable and work to treat nearly every form of malocclusion. There are two main components of metal dental braces: brackets and wires. The brackets are attached to the front of the tooth using a strong, but nontoxic adhesive. These brackets are then connected by a wire, which our South Houston dentist places and tightens to shift your teeth into the proper place. Whether you have minor or severe malocclusion, metal dental braces will be effective in correcting it. 

Ceramic Dental Braces

Ceramic braces are a good choice for those who have moderate-severe malocclusion, but prefer a more discreet treatment option. This type of South Houston dental braces is similar to metal dental braces, but is made of a different material. As the name implies, they are composed of ceramic, which is designed to blend in with the natural color of your teeth, making them less noticeable than metal dental braces. They are more expensive than traditional metal South Houston dental braces, but it may be worth the added cost to have a more discreet option for your South Houston dental braces.

Houston Invisalign 

If you have minor to moderate malocclusion and are looking for a less-noticeable South Houston dental braces option, then you should consider Invisalign. South Houston Invisalign shifts teeth to their proper position using a series of clear aligners that are worn at least 22 hours per day. These aligners may be removed when eating, drinking, and on special occasions, making them the preferred choice for adults. They are the most expensive option, however, and may not address more severe forms of malocclusion. If you want more information about Invisalign, schedule an appointment with our South Houston dentist. 

Embrace Your Smile With South Houston Dental Braces from Centra Dental

If you or your child need to address malocclusion with South Houston dental braces, call us to schedule an appointment. Our top rated South Houston dentist has years of experience with all types of dental braces and would be pleased to assist you in our clean and safe environment. We offer numerous services and pride ourselves on practicing dentistry for the whole family, making us the number one choice for families in South Houston. We look forward to embracing your smile!

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 damage is to the brackets. Our South Houston dentist uses an adhesive to affix the brackets to each tooth, and sometimes these brackets 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!

Metal braces used to be the only choice in correcting misaligned teeth. But now, ceramic braces have become just as popular. Both have their pros and cons in your dental treatment. Your South Houston dentist at Centra Dental will help you make an informed decision. At our clinic, we embrace your smiles. Our dental service specials aim to provide quality and affordable dentistry to children and adults. Not sure which South Houston braces to choose? Read on to know more about both types.

Pros of Ceramic Braces

More and more adults are getting South Houston braces to fix crooked teeth and bite issues. They choose ceramic braces over metal ones because of appearance. South Houston ceramic braces are translucent in color. They are significantly less visible than metal braces. Ceramic braces are also more comfortable. A common complaint among those who wear metal braces is that the inside of their mouths get chafed. Since ceramic braces have no metal wires, this abrasiveness is reduced.

Cons of Ceramic Braces

South Houston ceramic braces are not meant for extreme dental problems. They address mild to moderate cases. They may be less effective than metal ones if you are looking for dramatic changes. Our South Houston family dentist will assess if you will benefit more from ceramic braces. This type of South Houston braces may also be more pricey than traditional ones.

Pros of Metal Braces

The main advantage of South Houston metal braces is their durability. They are meant to fix severe cases of misalignment and bite problems. Metal braces offer total control. They allow your South Houston dentist to fix minute details. This type is less likely to show discoloration. Ceramic braces may get stains from coffee and tea. Since metal braces come in a darker material, discoloration is less noticeable.

Cons of Metal Braces

The downside of metal braces is that they are more likely to cause discomfort. The wires and brackets may irritate the inside of your mouth. This can be addressed by using dental wax. Metal braces are also more noticeable. They are immediately visible in person and photos. Metal braces may be harder to clean. Your dentist at Centra Dental will make sure to educate you on proper hygiene and maintenance of your metal braces.

Which Type of South Houston Braces Should You Choose?

The short answer is that it depends on your case. There are those who will benefit more from metal braces. For some, ceramic braces are the better option for them. Our top-rated dentist in South Houston will thoroughly examine your teeth to determine the best treatment for you. You’ll feel at ease at our clean and safe facility. We operate with surgically clean air around the clock. If you are choosing between the two options, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with us. We accept dental insurance plans. Contact us today!

Getting Invisalign is a great way to boost your confidence. It corrects misaligned teeth, bite problems, and other dental issues. At Centra Dental, we embrace your smiles. Our top-rated South Houston dentist performs quality Invisalign treatments to achieve your ideal look. We have a clean and safe facility, as we take hygiene very seriously. We have surgically clean air circulating, and we always sanitize our equipment. Interested in getting Invisalign at our clinic? Read on to know the benefits this treatment offers.

Benefits of Invisalign Braces

Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign is removable. You can remove it when you’re eating, taking pictures, or attending events. The treatment period is also shorter. Moderate cases will take 12 to 18 months, while more severe ones may last 24 months. South Houston Invisalign is considered more comfortable than its metal and ceramic counterparts. There are no sharp brackets and wires that can cut your cheek. It also allows for better oral hygiene since you can brush your teeth the regular way.

What Is the Recommended Age for Invisalign Braces?

Some children can wear Invisalign as early as 7 years old. We have every kind of adult coming in for Invisalign, from stay-at-home moms to grandparents. It’s also a popular choice among busy adults. In traditional braces, dental visits may be monthly. Invisalign requires fewer visits. This way, you can get Houston dental braces without making big changes to your schedule.

Preparing for Your Invisalign

Once our dentist concludes that South Houston Invisalign is the best option for you, treatment can begin. We will take X-rays and impressions of your teeth. These will be sent to our lab so they can design Invisalign braces to perfectly suit you. Your Invisalign is tailor-made to address your dental concerns. Once your South Houston braces are ready, you will come back to our clinic to have them fit.

What to Expect During Treatment

It will take around three visits to complete your therapy. During each visit, our dentist will refine your Invisalign to make sure it’s constantly doing its job. They will track your progress and make any tweaks necessary. You can also expect to be educated by our South Houston dentist in proper hygiene and care for your Invisalign. At the end of the treatment, our Houston family dentist will do a complete assessment to ensure you’re happy with the final results.

Schedule a Consultation for South Houston Invisalign 

If you’re thinking about getting South Houston Invisalign, you may ask: why Centra Dental? We strive to make your dental experience as pleasant and stress-free as possible. You can watch movies and connect to our Wi-Fi while your children play with toys. We have dental services specials so you can receive superb dental services at affordable rates. Schedule a consultation with us today!