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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!
Centra Dental
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.
Centra Dental
Do you want straighter teeth without having to get metal braces? Invisalign is a great option for adults who want to correct dental issues using a subtle, clear aligner. Made from a flexible thermoplastic material, South Houston Invisalign makes orthodontic treatment less conspicuous. But does Invisalign really work? Let’s take a look at the benefits of this advanced dental treatment.
Pros of Invisalign
Less Visible
A selling point of South Houston Invisalign is its near transparency. Compared to traditional South Houston braces, Invisalign is not easily noticeable when worn. Many adults choose Invisalign so they can go about their lives without a drastic change in appearance.
Fixes Dental Issues
Just like other types of braces, Invisalign treats a range of misaligned and crooked teeth. It also corrects bite problems, such as overbites and underbites. If you have mild to moderate overcrowding or too much spacing, your South Houston dentist may recommend Invisalign over other types of braces.
Can Be Removed
Metal and ceramic braces are fixed to your teeth, but South Houston Invisalign can be removed. If you have an important event or photo shoot, you can take off your Invisalign for an hour or so. You must also remove it when eating and brushing. Keep in mind though not to remove it for more than 2 hours or it may affect your treatment progress.
Customized to You
Invisalign is effective because it is customized specifically to your orthodontic needs. Your South Houston family dentist takes an accurate 3D scan of your teeth. After your first set of Invisalign does its job, you will graduate from them and move on to the next custom set. This way, they are fitted according to your evolving bite until you get the desired results.
Ways to Make Invisalign More Effective
Keep in mind that Invisalign is not designed for complex dental issues. These are reserved for traditional braces that put stronger pressure on teeth. To maintain the progress of your Invisalign treatment, you must strictly comply with your dentist’s instructions. Invisalign requires daily cleaning. Make sure not to subject your aligners to unsuitable conditions, as the plastic can warp. If you think you altered the fit in any way, visit your dentist so your treatment is not held back. Also remember to wear your Invisalign for 20 to 22 hours a day to achieve its full benefits.
Start Treatment With South Houston Invisalign
Book your appointment for South Houston Invisalign with only a reputable dental clinic. At Centra Dental, we embrace your smiles. Our top-rated dentist provides all vital services, including dental cleaning, root canal, implants, and more. We have a modern and safe facility with surgically clean air circulating throughout. Why Centra Dental? We offer a variety of amenities to make sure your visit is as pleasant and stress-free as possible. Schedule a dental service with us today!
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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.
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South Houston Dentists rely on time-tested dental interventions such as South Houston Braces to correct common problems with teeth spacing issues (crowded teeth or close existing gaps) and jaw and teeth alignment issues (overbite and underbite). Aside from correcting functional dental issues, South Houston Metal Dental Braces can also be used to aesthetically improve your smile. In this article, our South Houston family dentist will discuss in depth the different dental issues your South Houston braces can address.
How Traditional South Houston Braces Work
South Houston metal braces work by moving your teeth gradually as a result of force and pressure. The constant force and pressure over time slowly moves your teeth to its intended position. Scheduled adjustments are made by your South Houston dentist to direct and calibrate these forces to attain your desired smile.
Individual brackets are installed on your teeth that will serve as anchor points. These anchor points are attached to an arch wire using ligature elastics that resemble rubber bands. If you are familiar with the look of a traditional South Houston metal braces, the arch wires are the most prominent part of your metal braces and span all lower or upper teeth.
Patients who prefer dental appliances that are less noticeable may opt for South Houston ceramic braces. Ceramic braces use brackets that have the same shade as your tooth and arches that are thin and transparent. You can also avail of South Houston Invisalign, a retainer-type aligner that you can take off when eating, taking pictures, or attending events. Invisalign is perfect for minor teeth issue correction.
Dental Issues Your South Houston Braces Can Correct
As mentioned above, there are a multitude of dental issues that can be corrected by using South Houston braces. Your South Houston dentist recommend the use of dental braces for the following
Crooked, Crowded, or Gapped Tooth – South Houston braces can help straighten crooked or crowded teeth as well as close excessive gaps in between teeth.
Bite Issues – With the help of dental braces, your South Houston family dentist can correct teeth alignment issues that result in either an overbite or an underbite.
Jaw Problems – South Houston metal braces can also address problems stemming from jaw alignment such as overjet (upper front teeth protrude outward) also referred to as “buck teeth” and crossbite (upper teeth fit inside of lower teeth when mouth is closed).
Speech difficulties – In severe cases, dental problems can affect speech. South Houston dental braces can be used to restore ease of enunciating and proper flow of speech.
Work with Your Top-Rated South Houston Dentist to Get the Smile You Deserve
Centra Dental believes that everyone deserves to have a smile that they are proud of. A renewed and restored self-confidence is one of the most notable benefits of working with a top-rated dentist such as Centra Dental. Our helpful and caring staff will ensure your next visit is pleasant and stress-free. Call us now and schedule a consultation.
Centra Dental
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.
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.