For some, getting braces is an exciting experience. Some kids can’t wait to have fun with changing the color of their Houston braces. Others can’t wait to see their brand new smiles. Some children start their treatment when they are younger, so they can’t wait to feel like one of the big kids. For other children, though, the mere idea of having braces is anxiety-inducing. Our South Houston family dentists want to assure you that, while your child’s fear and worry are normal, our dental braces are really nothing to fret over. Here are some things your child may like to know that may help them feel less scared.

Braces Are Really Common These Days

Years ago, not many children would get braces. Today, though, 4.5 million young children and teenagers undergo dental braces treatment. Braces serve more than just a cosmetic purpose–once the teeth are straight, children are much less at risk of getting cavities. By now, dental braces have become necessary in order to solve many problems that result from a malocclusion, otherwise known as a bad bite. 

Braces Are More Efficient When You’re a Kid

While adults can also get Houston braces, treatment is shorter and more efficient when it comes to children because they are still growing, which makes their jaw and teeth more moldable. Plus, the younger your child gets braces, the sooner they can show off their new smiles with confidence.

Braces Don’t Hurt

A common misconception about braces is that they hurt really badly. Rather than a painful, everlasting sensation, our South Houston dentist patients may feel some soreness when they first get their braces fitted, but this will gradually subside over the next few days. However, because everyone’s pain threshold is different, just know that the mild discomfort is nothing that over-the-counter painkillers and possibly an ice pack can't ease. 

We know that the idea of Houston braces “moving your child’s teeth” sounds scary, but this is done ever so gently and gradually. Kids don’t even notice or feel that their teeth are straightening until one day they wake up and see for themselves that their teeth are straighter. Additionally, today’s metal dental braces and ceramic dental braces are even lighter in weight than they used to be, so discomfort is much more minimal. We also offer Invisalign, which is as subtle as Houston braces treatment can get.

Come See Our South Houston Family Dentist When It's Time for Dental Braces

If you plan on getting your child fitted for Houston braces soon, please book an appointment. We will conduct our initial consultation, which will help us in developing their treatment plan. We will also further discuss any worries your child may have so they feel safe and positive when they get their braces for the first time.

Most people receive dental benefits through their employers, but it may be confusing to some. Here is all that you need to know about your dental insurance and the benefits that come with it.

Dental Insurance is a Necessary Expense

You cannot obtain dental insurance unless both you and your employer pay a substantial premium upfront. However, this premium is what gets you the many benefits you can take advantage of during the year. Without dental insurance and its benefits, you put your teeth at risk of severe damage and/or rot. Additionally, many of the earliest signs of illness and disease first appear in the mouth, so it's crucial that our family dentists see you regularly.

Dental Benefits Will Expire by the End of the Year

There is one condition, though. If you haven’t used your benefits before December 31st, then you will lose those benefits. Keep in mind that If you do not use them by the time the year is over, there is no carry-over, meaning you are unable to reserve multiple treatments for the next year when both your insurance and premium reset. 

How Do Your South Houston Dental Benefits Work?

Because the premium is paid upfront before you obtain dental insurance, the money invested is completely wasted if you don’t take the time to visit the dentist enough throughout the year. 

There are multiple kinds of dental insurance plans, each with their own benefits. Benefits are what we refer to as coverage offered by your insurance for different dental procedures and treatments, meaning your insurance will pay a portion of the services you seek from our South Houston dentist office. Most plans offer substantial or complete coverage for routine teeth cleanings every 6 months, which serves as the perfect incentive to get the preventative care you need to achieve the healthy smile you deserve. Other benefits may come in the form of coverage for root canals, x-rays, dental caps/crowns, and possibly dentures or dental bridges, since these are restorative procedures that protect the rest of your teeth.

Centra Dental in South Houston Wants Your Family to Have Healthy Smiles

Although it may seem early in the year, it’s never too early for your entire family to have healthy teeth. Now is a great time to start planning and scheduling necessary treatments with our South Houston family dentist. This way we can help ensure you get the most out of your allotted benefits early on, so you aren’t scrambling at the last minute during the busy holidays. Because we want you to take the best care of your teeth, we are in-network with several insurance plans, including Aetna, Cigna, Delta, Guardian, United, and much more. If you have an outstanding treatment or teeth cleaning, please book an appointment with us so we can see you before the end of the year.

Can your teeth be as clean when wearing dental braces as they are without them? Absolutely. In fact, when you undergo your Houston braces treatment, your teeth will likely be cleaner than you would have ever imagined. You may have known how to take care of your teeth prior to braces, but when wearing either metal braces, ceramic dental braces, or Invisalign, your routine will change. This is what our South Houston family dentists recommend to ensure your teeth remain in pristine condition.

Brush Your Teeth More Often

It is crucial that you brush your teeth more often when you are undergoing Houston braces treatment because the surfaces of your teeth are no longer fully exposed, thanks to the plastic aligners covering them or the metal or ceramic brackets glued to the surface of your teeth. Our South Houston dentists recommend that you carry a travel-size toothbrush and toothpaste with you so that you can always have a toothbrush handy, even when you’re running errands or are at school or work. 

Rather than only brushing twice a day, we recommend that you first do a thorough oral rinse after each meal and then brush your teeth after each of them. Doing so ensures there is no food left between your teeth, protecting you against decay. We also recommend swishing a fluoridated, alcohol-free mouthwash before bed once your teeth are well-brushed. This will encourage stronger, healthier teeth while you undergo your Houston braces treatment. Yes, it may be extra work, but your teeth will thank you. 

Gently Floss Every Day

Nowadays there are several different kinds of floss that are dental braces-friendly available on the market. You must floss your teeth every night before bed, just like you did before your dental braces. While we understand it may be harder to floss with braces, flossing keeps your teeth squeaky clean and healthy. If you are unclear on how to floss effectively, please let us know. Our team of dentists will happily show you.

Visit Centra Dental in South Houston For Your Dental Check-Up Every Six Months

Much like how your dental cleanings are important when you don't have braces, they are even more important if you are currently undergoing braces treatment so that we can keep an eye on your progress and your health. If you are wearing Houston braces, please book an appointment today so that, together, we can give you the straight, beautiful smile you deserve.

Invisalign Clear Aligners are quickly becoming the go-to alternative for certain patients who would prefer this method over metal or ceramic Houston braces, but many others still prefer to rely on traditional metal braces. Because of this, does that mean metal dental braces are better than Invisalign?

Metal Braces Compared to Invisalign Clear Aligners

Metal Braces

Metal Houston braces are the most traditional method for correcting a malocclusion. They are made up of brackets and wires and may involve rubber bands later in your treatment. Brackets are bonded to the teeth with a special dental-grade glue and then a wire is placed across the brackets in order to put pressure on the teeth so that they move toward their correct alignment, which we determine at your initial braces consultation.

Over the course of your treatment, our South Houston dentists will tighten your wires in order to continue to add subtle pressure, little by little. Eventually, you will have a beautiful, straight smile that you can feel confident in.

Invisalign Clear Aligners

Invisalign is very different from traditional metal dental braces. First and foremost, Invisalign doesn’t utilize any wires or brackets. Instead, this Houston braces treatment utilizes clear plastic molded to your teeth in such a way that gradually improves their alignment. You will get a new set of clear plastic aligners every few weeks, each of which shifts your teeth a little more.

So, Do You Pick Metal Braces or Invisalign? Which is More Effective?

One isn’t necessarily more effective than the other. Both methods work, but they simply suit different patient cases.

Invisalign works best for those patients who have a mild malocclusion. Metal braces, on the other hand, are more versatile and work on virtually all kinds of cases–from mild and simple to severe and complex.

When it comes to maintenance, metal braces are easier to deal with because they are glued to your teeth, so you just need to make sure you brush and floss enough. With Invisalign Clear Aligners, though, you need to be careful to wear them as directed, remove them only when necessary, clean them properly, and make sure not to lose them. This extra level of discipline makes some of our South Houston patients more inclined to investing in metal braces instead.

Our South Houston Family Dentists at Centra Dental Will Help You Determine Which Orthodontic Appliance Works Best For You

With the varied options we offer for Houston braces treatment, we understand wanting to be sure of your investment regardless if you are an adult looking into braces or are doing some research for your kids. If braces are in the near future, please book an appointment with us. We will complete a consultation to help you determine if metal braces or Invisalign will work best for you.