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Don't Hesitate; Houston Braces Are A Great Idea

Approximately 4 million Americans wear some form of dental braces, and 80% of these patients are children. At our Houston and South Houston family dentist offices, we recommend that all of our patients who suffer from a malocclusion–i.e., a bad bite, overbite, underbite, etc–treat it with Houston braces, regardless of if the patient is an adult or a child. In this article, we will explain why braces are such a great investment, what you can expect to pay, and how to manage treatment.

Why Houston Braces Are A Fantastic Idea

Straightening your teeth is not purely cosmetic. Misaligned teeth can lead to multiple issues, including (but not limited to):

  • Lisp
  • Migraine
  • Gingivitis (gum disease)
  • Poor digestion
  • Tooth decay
  • Speech issues

By getting Houston braces, we will relieve these issues for our patients and they will feel healthier and more confident as a result.

How Much Do Houston Braces Cost

When our patients hear dental braces, they automatically associate this with high costs and may refrain from getting dental braces because they may be too expensive for what they need. However, at Centra Dental in Houston and South Houston, our family dentists strive for transparent communication and will educate our patients with guidance and expertise. 

If the cost of Houston braces is causing stress and/or hesitation, then you’ll be glad to know that we offer a variety of different Houston braces with treatments customized to your unique needs for as low as $99/month.

Managing Pain From Houston Braces Treatment

Many patients–adults and children–worry about the pain they may experience over the course of their dental braces treatment, but the truth is that there is only some mild pain and discomfort when you first get your braces fitted. If you wear metal or ceramic dental braces, you will experience some discomfort again when you get your wires tightened every so often, but this discomfort is much more minimal and should only last about a day. With Invisalign, you may feel a slight discomfort every time you get a new set of alignment trays. Here are some of our favorite tips for managing Houston braces pain.

Affordable Houston Braces At Our Houston And South Houston Dentist Offices

We understand some of the hesitations about getting dental braces, but they truly are more than a cosmetic improvement to your smile–they are essential to good oral health. With our great pricing and great quality care, we are proud to be Houston’s top choice for dental braces, so please book an appointment with us today so we can move forward with a Houston braces consultation and design a treatment plan that works for you!

Does Your Teen Need Houston Braces?

Although our dental braces are effective no matter how old you are, there are some benefits to considering Houston braces treatment at a younger age. With that said, you may be wondering if it’s time for your teenager to get Houston braces. In this article, we will offer insight to help you determine whether it might be time, as well as what you and your teen can expect.

Have All Your Teen’s Baby Teeth Fallen Out?

If your teen’s baby teeth have fallen out and all their permanent teeth have emerged, then you will be able to take a quick look to see if they might need braces. Houston braces treat overbites, underbites, open bites, teeth crowding, and more, so if your child is exhibiting (to any degree) any of these in their smile, then this is a good indicator that they might need correction with Houston braces.

See Our Family Dentists In Houston And South Houston For A Houston Braces Consultation

Now, it’s time to come in for a braces consultation, at which point we’ll gather x-rays, photographs, and impressions of your child’s teeth. Our family dentists will review this information and then discuss our evaluation with you and your teen.

We’ll explain how we expect your treatment to go and which of our Houston braces–Invisalign, metal dental braces, or ceramic dental braces–is suitable for your teen’s unique case. This will be a lot of information at once, but we will continue to be communicative and explain how their teeth are moving over the course of treatment.

Getting Fitted For Dental Braces At Our Houston And South Houston Dentist Offices

After the consultation, we’ll schedule another appointment where we will place the braces on their teeth. Here’s what you and your child will expect at this appointment.

  • Step 1: Our South Houston family dentist will thoroughly clean and dry your teeth so that the process goes by smoothly.
  • Step 2: We will apply orthodontic glue to your teeth and attach the brackets (either metal or ceramic) to the front of your teeth, one tooth at a time. We will follow this by drying the glue before we move onto the next bracket.
  • Step 3: Lastly, we will place the archwire across your teeth, which will apply gentle pressure to the brackets. This is how dental braces move your teeth.

This process usually takes about 2 hours and isn't painful, but your teenager’s mouth may feel sore afterward. This is normal and will gradually fade away after a few days. If your teen will undergo Invisalign treatment, this is what you can expect.

In Need of Houston Braces? Visit Our Family Dentists In Houston And South Houston

If you believe that your teenager may need Houston braces, then please book an appointment with us so we can begin with our dental braces consultation and design a treatment plan. We look forward to giving your teen a beautiful smile they are proud to show off!

Consider Early Houston Braces Treatment

At our family dentist offices in Houston and South Houston, we treat both adults and children with Houston braces in order to correct the alignment of the teeth. Although it’s never too late to undergo Houston braces treatment, there are certainly some benefits to getting dental braces early on. In this article, we will explain why we recommend and encourage treatment while our patients are still children.

If Possible, Don’t Wait Until Adulthood To Get Houston Braces Treatment

Getting braces as an adult, though less common, is completely acceptable, and we don’t want any of our patients to feel insecure while they are undergoing Houston braces treatment. However, keep in mind that adult braces treatment takes longer than braces treatment for children. 

This isn’t to say our Houston braces are ineffective for adults. The reason why adults may wear their dental braces for longer is that children’s jaws are still growing, so their teeth are incredibly easy to shift with metal braces, ceramic braces, or Invisalign. As an adult, your jaw has long settled into its placement and so have your teeth, so it takes more time to ensure that your teeth shift to the right position.

Early Houston Braces Treatment Begins With An Early Dental Braces Evaluation

In many cases, especially if we have been your family’s dentist for years and have been able to see how your child’s teeth develop, we might recommend your child comes in for an orthodontic evaluation when they’re about 7 years old. Even though most of our patients get dental braces between 10-14 years old, our Houston family dentists are able to determine how the teeth and jaw will develop when your child is as young as 7 years old. Your child’s initial Houston braces evaluation will give us insight on whether or not interceptive orthodontic treatment will be necessary, when it will be a good time to begin treatment, and which Houston braces will work best for your child.

Houston Braces For Kids at Centra Dental

Today, dental braces are subtler and more comfortable than they used to be, and although you can get Houston braces at any age, an earlier start makes for a shorter treatment period and more time to enjoy your new smile. If you think it might be time for your child to get Houston braces, then please book an appointment at our Houston or South Houston family dentist offices so we can assess your child’s bite.

Adults Can Benefit From Houston Braces, Too

When most people think of Houston braces–either Invisalign, ceramic dental braces, or metal dental braces–they associate these appliances with kids and teenagers. However, adults are also able to wear Houston braces, and we even encourage it! In this article, we’ll explain why adults should get Houston braces and how our different options can help different cases.

If Children Don’t Get Houston Braces, They Keep Their Malocclusion In Adulthood

A “malocclusion” is the technical term for a bad bite, such as an overbite, underbite, and even crowding teeth. However, just because Houston braces are seen as a cosmetic dental treatment, doesn't mean their purpose is exclusive to cosmetics. Malocclusions are genuine medical conditions that can lead to other problems such as migraines, tooth decay, gum disease, lisp, and difficulty chewing and digesting food. It is imperative that you get the alignment of your teeth corrected if you suffer from the aforementioned conditions. 

Our Houston Braces Can Correct A Bad Bite And Promote Healthy Teeth

Because our Houston family dentist treats families in Houston and South Houston, we offer three different types of dental braces treatments in order to cater to every family member’s needs as best as possible. Our Houston braces options include:

Invisalign Clear Aligners

Invisalign Clear Aligners are clear trays that vary slightly in shape over the course of your treatment in order to guide your teeth to the correct alignment. We favor Invisalign for mild cases, as they would get the job done in a timely manner. Learn more about South Houston Invisalign here.

Metal Houston Braces

Metal Houston braces have been available since the 19th century with significant updates since then. Today, they are far more lightweight and comfortable and continue to be the traditional braces treatment that we recommend, as they are the most versatile. If you would like to learn more about metal Houston braces at our South Houston family dentist office, read this article.

Ceramic Dental Braces

Our ceramic South Houston braces are designed to blend in with the natural color of your teeth. This type of Houston braces treatment is efficient in treating moderate cases. Though ceramic braces are somewhat similar to metal braces, there are a few differences between ceramic and metal braces.

Adult Dental Braces at Centra Dental In Houston And South Houston

If you’re ready for a straighter, healthier smile, then please book an appointment with us at our Houston or South Houston dentist offices so we can evaluate your bite and help you determine which method of dental correction is best for you. We look forward to embracing your smile!

Wearing South Houston Invisalign Instead Of Metal Braces

Today, more and more dentists are offering Invisalign Clear Aligners in addition to traditional metal braces and ceramic Houston braces. In this article, we will discuss how Invisalign differs from metal dental braces and what to keep in mind if you are considering inquiring about Invisalign treatment.

The Difference Between Invisalign And Metal Houston Braces

Metal braces are the traditional method of straightening the teeth and have been for many decades now. This is precisely why they are still trusted by many of our South Houston dentists’ patients today.

Metal braces are, of course, made of metal, so they are rather prominent. However, the good news is that today’s metal dental braces are much lighter in weight and color, so they are more comfortable to wear. Over the course of metal Houston braces treatment, our South Houston family dentist will regularly tighten the patient's archwire in order to guide the teeth to the correct position. 

Invisalign, on the other hand, involves no wires. As their name implies, they are nearly invisible. Our patients’ custom aligner trays are made by doing a 3D scan of the patient's mouth and sending it, along with impressions, to our dental lab. Instead of tightening the archwire, we simply give patients a new aligner tray each time, which is slightly different in shape in order to move the teeth to the desired alignment.

The Pros Of Houston Invisalign Treatment

There are a number of “pros” that encourage patients to undergo Invisalign treatment, such as the fact that:

  • Hardly anyone notices that a patient is undergoing any treatment, thanks to their clear design
  • Invisalign Clear Aligners are removable anytime a patient wants to eat
  • There are fewer (and shorter) appointments because our patients just need to put on their newest set instead of having to come in to get their wires cut and tightened

The Cons Of South Houston Invisalign Treatment

Along with many benefits, there are some downsides of Invisalign to consider before you decide you would like to undergo this treatment, including that:

  • Their clear design means food particles are easily spotted when stuck between the teeth
  • Food getting stuck between the teeth impedes the aligners from putting the right amount of pressure on the teeth
  • The ability to remove Invisalign Clear Aligners means they can be lost if patients aren’t careful
  • Invisalign must be strictly worn for 20-22 hours a day or else the desired alignment will not be achieved without extending the duration of treatment

Our South Houston Family Dentist Will Help You Decide If Invisalign Is Right For You

If you think you or your child may be a great candidate for Invisalign Clear Aligners, then please book an appointment with us so we can begin with an evaluation. At this Houston braces evaluation, we will examine your teeth to determine which is the best treatment plan for your smile.

Managing Houston Braces Pain

One of the greatest worries our Houston and South Houston patients experience when it’s time to start their Houston braces treatment is that there will be plenty of pain involved. We understand where their worry is coming from, too. After all, the idea of moving your teeth sounds rather daunting. However, don’t let this turn you away from necessary dental braces treatment; although some pain or discomfort with metal dental braces, ceramic dental braces, and Invisalign Clear Aligners is common, it is not permanent and can easily be managed. In this article, we will talk about our favorite ways to help you manage your Houston braces pain.

What Causes Houston Braces Pain?

There are a few causes of braces pain, including:

The Initial Fitting

In general, pain during your Houston braces treatment is the worst on the day you get them. This is because you have likely never worn an orthodontic appliance before, so this is a very new sensation. Over the next following days, the pain will gradually become a slight discomfort, eventually fading as you get used to them.

Certain Foods

If you eat the foods we recommend you avoid, you may get them stuck in your braces or Invisalign Clear Aligner trays, which causes tension and pain in your teeth. You could also snap your wire if you wear other types of Houston braces, which can poke at your cheek.

Tightening Your Braces

Throughout your Houston braces treatment, we will regularly tighten your wires. If you wear Invisalign, we will regularly give you a new set of aligners. When you undergo this adjustment, you may feel some discomfort but it won’t last nearly as long as the first time you got your braces.

Different Ways to Manage Pain While Wearing Dental Braces

Over-The-Counter Pain Killers

OTC pain medication is very effective when you first get your braces. If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort after we tighten your wires at our Houston and South Houston family dentist offices, then consider taking some medication prior to your appointments.

Ice Packs Or Frozen Veggies

If you are feeling any soreness in the early stage of your dental braces treatment, we recommend icing the outside of your cheek where you feel discomfort. This will greatly reduce swelling and numb your mouth a little so you get some much-needed braces pain relief.

Dental Braces Wax

We give all of our Houston braces patients some orthodontic wax, which should be used if a wire or a bracket is causing pain. You can mold the wax and fit it around the affected area in order to create a barrier between the wires and the tissues in your mouth.

Our Houston Family Dentists Will Help You Manage Dental Braces Pain

Now that you know more about the adjustment period when you first get Houston braces, please book an appointment with us at our Houston or South Houston dentist offices if your pain isn’t going away, or if you are thinking about getting braces. We will gladly do an exam and give you further guidance on what to expect and how to manage your discomfort. 

Which Is Better: Ceramic Or Metal Houston Braces?

You and/or your child has likely seen other people wearing dental braces. If someone’s braces are fairly grey in color, then chances are they're wearing metal dental braces–the most common method of correcting a malocclusion. If you see someone who appears to be wearing braces that are off-white in color and blend into the teeth very well, then they are usually wearing ceramic Houston braces. They both achieve the same goal: healthy, perfectly straight teeth, but, what’s the difference between them? Which is better? In this article, our Houston dentists–who treat families in Houston and South Houston–will answer these commonly asked questions.

Metal Houston Braces

Metal dental braces have been around for hundreds of years, though today they are much more subtle and lightweight than they used to be, which makes them much more comfortable and effective. However, because they’re metal, their natural dark grey color is quite obvious on teeth.

Metal dental braces are made up of three components:

  • Metal square-shaped brackets, fixed to the front of your teeth
  • Metal dark gray archwire, placed across the brackets
  • O-rings, which are placed around the bracket and can be of different colors

When Our Houston Family Dentists Recommend Metal Braces

Metal dental braces work on just about any malocclusion, mild or severe. This means they have superior strength in order to reduce how long treatment would last, compared to other alternatives.

Ceramic Houston Braces

Though less common than metal braces, ceramic dental braces have risen in popularity over the years due to the fact that they are a good compromise between Invisalign and metal Houston braces, as well as for their increased subtlety over metal braces.

Ceramic braces consist of the following components:

  • Ceramic brackets fixed to the front of your teeth, which blend into your natural tooth color
  • Light-colored archwire placed across the brackets (silver or frosted in color)

When Our South Houston Family Dentists Recommend Ceramic Braces 

Though still strong enough to move your teeth to the proper alignment, ceramic isn’t as strong as metal, so we don’t typically recommend ceramic Houston braces for severe malocclusions. They do, however, work wonders for mild to moderate malocclusions on patients of all ages. 

Affordable Dental Braces At Our Houston Family Dentist Offices

Whether you are considering Houston braces for yourself or for your child, Centra Dental in Houston and South Houston is proud to be a top-rated office for braces as low as $99 per month. If you plan on getting Houston braces soon, please book an appointment with us so we can conduct an evaluation and determine which method of correction is best for you. In this case, neither ceramic braces nor metal braces are considered a generally "better option". It really comes down to what each individual patient needs and what their priorities are.

How To Get The Most Out Of Metal Houston Braces

As a family dentist in Houston and South Houston specializing in dental braces, patients often ask us what they can do in order to get the most out of their Houston braces treatment. In this article, our dentists will offer advice on how to best take care of your teeth while undergoing treatment so you can be proud of your beautiful smile for years to come.

Keep Up With Proper Oral Hygiene

When wearing dental braces, you might become more prone to cavities due to the fact that the braces may be “in the way” when you’re trying to keep your teeth clean. In order to minimize your risk of tooth decay, we encourage our Houston braces patients to follow a stricter braces hygiene routine

A stricter hygiene routine entails the following:

  • Swishing water in your mouth after every snack and meal
  • Thoroughly brushing your teeth after eating each of your snacks and meals
  • Using an interdental brush to remove any food from between your teeth and wires until you floss that night. Please remember that an interdental brush is not a substitute for flossing. 
  • Flossing nightly

By following these steps down to a T, your smile will be healthy while you wear braces and shine brighter when the metal braces come off.

Get Regular Teeth Cleanings

It’s no secret that teeth cleanings are critical to your dental health as a whole, but this is especially true when you wear metal dental braces so that our team can give you a deeper clean than you would get at home. Additionally, a cleaning enables us to check on your oral health beyond how your teeth are shifting. 

We accept several dental insurances, but know that your dental benefits (coverage for certain treatments) will expire at the end of the month. Now is your last chance to book a dental cleaning while your insurance still covers it.

Avoid Certain Textured And Sticky Foods

Your Houston braces, though very tough when it comes to straightening your teeth, are sensitive to damage. Sticky foods, such as bubble gum, or crunchy foods, such as popcorn or chips, must be avoided when you wear your braces, or else your archwire could pop out of place and cause you a great deal of discomfort while also hindering the treatment process.

Our Family Dentists In Houston And South Houston Want to Ensure Effective Treatment

If you are planning to undergo metal Houston braces treatment, or have recently started treatment, then this blog should be helpful in making certain that you have impressive results following the end of your treatment. Please also make sure to book an appointment with us so we can clean your teeth, answer any questions you may have about your treatment, and examine the health of your teeth and mouth before your dental benefits expire.