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Centra Dental
Achieve a brighter, more confident smile when you get dental braces! Centra Dental offers different types of Houston braces to correct crooked teeth and bite problems. Why choose Centra Dental? We embrace your smiles. Our top-rated dentists perform all types of vital dental services while ensuring a stress-free and pleasant experience for you. We have surgically clean air circulating our facility and practice the highest standards when it comes to your safety. If you’re interested in our orthodontic services, continue reading below to know which solution is best for you.
Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces have been around for decades because they are effective in correcting misaligned teeth. Steel brackets are cemented onto the teeth and linked with a thin wire. Metal dental braces are the most common choice for children and teens.
- Pros – Puts the strongest pressure on teeth compared to other types, making them the most effective for severe cases. Metal braces are highly durable and the cheaper option.
- Cons – They are the most visible and easily noticeable in public and in pictures. The steel material can cause discomfort in the inside of the cheeks but is addressable using dental wax. Metal braces may be harder to clean than the other types.
Ceramic Braces
More and more adults are choosing the ceramic type for their Houston dental braces. Ceramic Houston braces are translucent in color, making them less obvious than metal ones. However, they’re not recommended for very young patients because they are less durable, and kids may easily damage them.
- Pros – More effective than Invisalign in addressing serious dental issues. Ceramic braces are more comfortable because there are no wires. They resemble the natural color of teeth, so they are less noticeable.
- Cons – More expensive than traditional braces. They move teeth more slowly and may not be recommended for extremely crooked teeth.
Invisalign
The latest type of Houston braces to be invented is Invisalign. This type is very popular among adults because they can barely be seen and they are removable. Invisalign resembles mouth guards and are custom-made for you. They are considered as clear aligners, which you can remove when eating, taking pictures, attending events, etc.
- Pros – The biggest advantage of Invisalign is its clear appearance. You can easily remove them and put them back in place.
- Cons – Invisalign is less effective in treating severe cases of misalignment and bite issues. You also need to have new Invisalign braces fit every two weeks. So if you have a busy schedule, you may want to consider other options.
Which Houston Braces Are Right for You?
Now that you have more information on the pros and cons of the three types of Houston braces, which one do you think will best suit you? Visit Centra Dental to get a better assessment! Our Houston family dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth and may need to take a mold and X-ray. Start your treatment toward a brighter smile! Schedule an appointment with our Houston dentist today.
Centra Dental
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.
Centra Dental
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!
Centra Dental
Achieve a brighter, more confident smile with Houston braces. This dental treatment is an effective way to correct crooked teeth and even bite problems. Not only do they boost your self-esteem, but dental braces also improve your oral health. Now the question remains: which type of braces should you get? Our Houston dentist will perform a full examination to determine the best one for you. To give you an idea, here are the different types of braces available.
Metal Braces
Also known as traditional braces, metal braces have been around for decades. They are made from high-quality stainless steel brackets that are linked together by a thin wire. Because they put strong pressure on the teeth, they are usually recommended for more extreme cases. They are also more visible and cannot be removed. You can choose from different colored bands to go with your Houston braces. An advantage of metal braces is that it is cheaper. Metal braces can also correct oral issues that ceramic or Invisalign braces are not able to treat.
Ceramic Braces
Many adult patients choose ceramic braces because they are less visible. They resemble the natural color of teeth, so they give off a more subtle look. Some patients are able to take pictures or attend events without their braces being too noticeable. Another pro is that ceramic braces move teeth faster than Invisalign. However, take note that ceramic braces are more expensive. They also move teeth more slowly than metal braces. They’re not recommended for young patients because they are less durable, and kids may easily damage them.
Invisalign Braces
A third type of Houston braces that are also very popular is Invisalign. This is a type of clear aligner that you can remove and put back in place. Invisalign resembles mouth guards and are custom-made for you. The biggest advantage of Invisalign is you can remove it when eating, taking pictures, attending events, etc. The downside is they are less effective when treating more complex dental issues. You also need to have new Invisalign braces fit every two weeks. So if you have a busy schedule, you may want to consider other options.
Schedule a Consultation for Houston Braces Today!
Now that you have an idea of the different types of Houston braces, it’s time to consult with a Houston family dentist. Our top-rated Houston dentist at Centra Dental will take X-rays and molds to determine the right Houston dental braces for you. At our clinic, we strive to give you a pleasant and stress-free dental experience. We have surgically clean air running the whole day to ensure the safety of our patients and staff. We embrace your smiles. As such, we offer a variety of amenities and entertainment to keep you happy during your entire visit. You may also ask us about our dental service specials and insurance we accept. Contact us today to book an appointment!
Centra Dental
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.
Centra Dental
Good oral health is essential for optimum well-being. Aside from practicing dental hygiene at home, regular trips to a Houston dentist is a must. Getting a dental cleaning every 6 months has many benefits. You can prevent cavities and tooth decay instead of going through the stress of treating them. If you’re thinking of booking your last cleaning of the year, turn to the experts at Centra Dental. We embrace your smiles as we keep your teeth and gums healthy. Here’s more information on our dental services.
Should I Book Before the Year Ends?
If you have outstanding appointments to a Houston dentist, it’s a good idea to book them before the year ends. Most insurance plans don’t roll over to the new year. You wouldn’t want your hard-earned dollars to go to waste. Another reason to book now is for a post-holiday cleaning. After all the delicious food you ate in the last few weeks, it’s time to get your teeth cleaned. Preventive oral care can even save you money in the long run. Instead of waiting for plaque to build up, you and your family can get dental cleanings.
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 - Before anything else, your Houston dentist will examine your teeth and gums. If there are any causes of concern, your dentist will detect them. They will make sure that everything looks good before proceeding with cleaning.
- Plaque removal - Your dentist will use a scaler to remove all tartar and plaque around your teeth and gums. Sometimes, plaque gets so hard that it takes longer to remove. The dentist may need to scrape a particular spot longer than others.
- Toothpaste cleaning - Once all the plaque and tartar have been removed, your dentist will apply a special toothpaste. They will then use an electric brush to make sure all of your teeth are treated. This is an effective way of getting a deep clean.
- Professional flossing - Your dentist will get in between hard-to-reach places in your teeth. These are areas you normally can’t get through regular flossing alone.
- Fluoride treatment - After rinsing off the debris, your dentist will apply fluoride. This protects your teeth from potential cavities for several months.
Book a Cleaning With a Houston Dentist
Visit our top-rated South Houston dentist at Centra Dental for a range of services. We offer Houston dental braces, teeth whitening, dental crowns, bridges, and more. What sets us apart is our commitment to keeping our clients and staff safe. We have surgically clean air circulating the entire time. We strive to make the dental experience as pleasant and stress-free as possible. Your kids can watch movies, play with toys, or use the WiFi while waiting. Ask us about our dental service specials. We also accept dental insurance!
Centra Dental
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 is to the brackets. Our South Houston dentist uses an adhesive to affix the brackets to each tooth, and sometimes they 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!
Centra Dental
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!