family dentist

• 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!

• Alleviating Your Child's Worry About Their Upcoming Houston Braces Treatment

  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.

• Back To School With Houston Braces

  If you’ve read our article about why kids should get Houston braces early on, then chances are you agree that, with the school year starting again soon, now is a great time to start asking about having your child undergo Houston braces treatment. Our family dentist–which treats children and their parents at our dental offices in Houston and South Houston–offers various types of Houston braces. Keep reading to learn more about them.

  Metal Houston Braces

  Metal dental braces are the most common Houston braces treatment our Houston and South Houston dentists offer. Metal braces are very strong and feature up to four components:

  • Metal brackets
  • Gray archwire
  • O-rings
  • Rubber bands (if necessary; they are perfect for correcting overbites)

  Our affordable metal Houston braces even allow our patients to enjoy some creative freedom by customizing the colored rings we place around their brackets.

  Ceramic Dental Braces

  Similar to metal Houston braces, ceramic braces forgo the metal (as their name suggests) and are, instead, made up of:

  • Ceramic brackets
  • Frosted/light gray archwire
  • O rings
  • Rubber bands (if necessary)

  Ceramic Houston braces are well-favored because they mimic the natural color of our patients’ teeth, making for a far more subtle dental braces treatment while still effectively correcting the alignment of mild to moderate malocclusions (bad bites).

  Invisalign South Houston Braces

  Our third option for Houston braces treatment is Invisalign Clear Aligners. Though this method of correcting a bad bite is newer than metal dental braces, it is highly effective and recommended for patients who have a mild malocclusion. Invisalign braces only consist of the plastic clear aligners, but rather than tightening the archwire–as we would with ceramic or metal dental braces–we simply give our Houston braces patients a brand new set of Invisalign clear aligners that will continuously re-shape the bite until it is straight.

  Which Type Of Houston Braces Are Right For Your Child?

  Our dental practice in Houston and South Houston is known for its affordable Houston braces, but with so many options, how do you know which is right for your child as they embark on their new school year? If you’re ready to learn more about dental braces treatment, please book an appointment with our Houston and South Houston family dentists so we can initiate a Houston braces consultation. At this consultation, we will assess your child’s bite and discuss their needs/wants. Depending on all of these factors, we will determine which type of Houston braces treatment is best for them and for how long they may expect to wear their braces. We look forward to giving your child a beautiful, healthy smile they are proud to show off!

• Can You Get Invisalign Instead Of Ceramic Houston Braces?

  At our Houston and South Houston family dentist offices, we offer a variety of Houston braces treatments: Invisalign, ceramic dental braces, and metal dental braces. In this article, we will discuss why many of our patients consider undergoing Invisalign treatment instead of ceramic Houston braces.

  Benefits Of Undergoing Houston Braces Treatment

  Houston braces, no matter what type you undergo treatment with, work wonders at straightening your teeth for a beautiful, healthier smile. Which type of Houston braces you wear will depend on your particular case as well as your needs.

  Why Patients Prefer Invisalign Treatment

  Invisalign/Invisalign Clear Aligners are clear plastic trays that are specifically designed and fitted for your teeth. Here are some of the reasons why many of our Houston braces patients take a liking to Invisalign:

  Invisalign Is Virtually Unnoticeable

  As its name suggests, the transparent nature of Invisalign Clear Aligners means that our Houston dentist patients get to enjoy a subtle treatment. While ceramic Houston braces are also subtle due to the fact that the color of the ceramic tends to blend into the teeth, Invisalign is certainly the subtlest option for Houston braces treatment.

  Invisalign Trays Are Removable

  Ceramic dental braces are cemented to the teeth and can only be removed by our South Houston dentist, but Invisalign Clear Aligners can (and should) be removed by the patient at mealtimes. Further, if worn correctly, patients may skip their Invisalign for a special occasion.

  Invisalign Is More Comfortable Than Ceramic Dental Braces

  Although today’s dental braces are far thinner and lighter than they once were, the fact remains that ceramic dental braces utilize metal wires, whereas Invisalign doesn’t, creating an overall more comfortable experience. 

  Our South Houston Family Dentist Can Help Determine Whether Invisalign Or Ceramic Houston Braces Are Better For You

  There are many advantages of undergoing Invisalign treatment, but ceramic braces also provide fantastic results. Keep in mind that Invisalign works best on very mild cases, whereas ceramic Houston braces work best for moderate cases due to the additional strength of the ceramic. If you think it might be time for dental braces and you want to find out which is best for you, please book an appointment with our Houston family dentist so we can begin with a Houston braces consultation. We will assess your bite, needs, and preferences so we can recommend the best dental braces option for you. We look forward to embracing your smile!

• Dental Cleanings with Houston Braces

  You know the importance of regular visits to our South Houston dentist to keep teeth clean and healthy. This is especially true if you're wearing Houston dental braces. Not only is it easy for food to get stuck in and around the brackets and wires, but it’s just as easy to miss those hard-to-reach spots during at-home brushing and flossing. Over time, plaque can develop and cavities can form, which is why those with braces need to maintain regular dental cleanings with our Houston dentist.

  Dental Cleanings While Wearing Houston Braces 

  Dental cleanings with Houston braces aren’t much different than regular cleanings with our Houston family dentist. We’ll do a brief oral exam to ensure all brackets and wires are intact and survey the overall health of the teeth and gums. When we begin brushing and polishing teeth with braces, our South Houston family dentist will place extra focus on the spaces between the brackets and wires where plaque and decay-causing bacteria may be building. 

  Our Houston dentist’s dental cleaning with braces typically follows these steps:

  1. Oral Exam: this identifies any obvious issues, such as large cavities, irritation, or tooth damage before the other steps of the dental cleaning can occur.
  2. Tooth Scaling: our South Houston dentist or dental hygienist will use a small metal tool to remove plaque and tartar buildup along and in between the teeth, paying special care to braces brackets.
  3. Tooth Polishing: using a rounded, rubber-capped toothbrush and gritty toothpaste, we will deeply clean and polish the teeth around the brackets and wires.
  4. Flossing and Flouride Treatment: finally, we’ll floss the teeth by weaving the floss under the Houston braces wires and between brackets. We may also include a fluoride rinse treatment to strengthen teeth in between dental cleanings.

  Houston Dental Braces Oral Hygiene

  Our South Houston dentist has some tips for maintaining proper oral hygiene during Houston braces treatment:

  • Brush after every meal: pack a travel toothbrush and toothpaste in your purse or backpack so you have it with you at all times. Since food can easily get stuck in and around your Houston braces, you should brush your teeth every time you’ve finished eating to remove those food particles and prevent decay.
  • Floss regularly: new crevices and spaces may develop as your teeth shift into their correct position, creating breeding grounds for decay-causing bacteria. Regular flossing can aid in removing food particles and plaque from the gum line and between teeth. 
  • Avoid certain foods: overly sticky, sugary, or crunchy foods can get stuck to the different parts of your Houston braces, leading to damage or slowing treatment. 

  Our South Houston Dentist Is Here for Your Dental Cleaning!

  Here at Centra Dental, your smile is our top priority! If you’re wearing Houston braces (and even if you’re not!), we encourage you to maintain regular dental cleanings. Our kind and compassionate South Houston family dentist is here to address all your oral health needs in a comfortable setting designed to make you feel at ease, so schedule an appointment to see us as soon as possible!

• Different Types of Houston Braces at Our South Houston Family Dentist office

  In Houston, braces are quickly becoming a necessity for many reasons. The standard metal dental braces for kids are no longer the only way the consumer views braces. Style and timeline for utilization has changed with the times. At Centra Dental we value quality in the treatment planning, attachment of actual braces, and the process of creating your most beautiful and functional smile. Dr. Nguyen and Dr. Perschke are innovative and thoughtful practitioners that put patients so they can have the perfect smile. In this article, our South Houston dentists will explain the different types of affordable Houston braces we offer.

  Metal Dental Braces Are What's Hot in the Houston Dental Braces Game

  Just like candy, there are many styles of available braces for our clients. At Centra dental we are as skilled at attaching metal dental braces on as well as Invisalign, and Ceramic dental braces. The Snickers of the Houston dental braces world is metal dental braces. In the past you might be called a “brace-face", but now a patient is lucky enough to accessorize colors with rubber bands to be in the height of schoolyard fashion. This is the traditional view of dental braces that shows up in your mind, but we assure you, times have changed.

  It’s Never Too Late to Use Houston Invisalign Braces to Build Confidence

  Invisalign is more of the sour patch kid of the bunch, they are newer compared to metal bracket braces, but they are great for a responsible adult who wants to mold their professional image without advertising their braces. At Centra Dental, we use state-of-the-art technology to make perfectly fitting digital imprints to help mold your smile for beauty, and maybe a touch of confidence that might be all you need to take the next step professionally. Invisalign braces utilize adjustments just like metal bracket braces but do allow for some provided relief since the braces are removable. Just like sour patch kids don’t melt in your hands, Invisalign dental braces offer convenience to the client that other braces systems can’t.

  Ceramic Dental Braces Are Less Noticeable And Can’t Be Lost

  Ceramic dental braces are less noticeable than metal braces. They are the M&Ms of the Houston brace’s world the melt in your mouth and not in your hands. They offer a less noticeable style then metal braces. That is the convenience, but they are attached. You get a more subtle process and look than metal braces but can’t lose them like Invisalign braces. Houston dental braces can be gotten in this fashion or the metal braces and Invisalign styles at Centra Dental.

  Brace Yourself And Get Housto Braces At Centra Dental

  If you're ready to embrace your smile and give it the care it deserves, then please book an appointment with us to start the path to a prettier smile. Centra Dental has willing team members ready to get you started!

• Do All Houston Braces Patients Have To Wear Rubber Bands?

  You may have seen ceramic and metal dental braces patients wearing rubber bands at some point during the course of their treatment. If you or your child is about to undergo Houston braces treatment at one of our family dentist offices in Houston and South Houston, then you might be wondering if you (or your child) will also have to wear rubber bands. In this article, we will answer this question while also explaining the importance of rubber bands. 

  What Are Rubber Bands Used For

  Rubber bands are primarily used as a way to correct your bite, specifically if you have an overbite or an underbite. These rubber bands apply additional pressure to your jaw in order to guide it to the right placement in a more accelerated manner than your braces would without rubber bands.  

  Wearing Rubber Bands With Your Dental Braces

  Because rubber bands accelerate the correction of your malocclusion, getting to this phase in your Houston braces treatment is a pretty big, exciting deal! They are a major milestone in your overall treatment, but not everyone has to wear rubber bands. Typically, if our Houston braces patients don’t have an overbite or underbite, but do experience crowding in their teeth, then they may not need rubber bands. However, they are still an option that we will recommend based on each individual patient case. 

  Similar to wearing retainers after braces, it is critical to the success of your treatment that you wear your rubber bands as directed if you want to complete your braces treatment on time (or, in some cases, earlier!). Most of the time, our South Houston family dentists recommend you wear your rubber bands at least 10-12 hours a day, but in some cases, we recommend wearing them for 24 hours except for when you’re eating, brushing your teeth, and flossing. It isn’t rare for patients to begin wearing bands 24/7 and then switch to just a few hours a day.

  Our Houston Family Dentists Will Recommend Rubber Bands If Your Treatment Requires It

  If you’re about to undergo braces treatment, or if you are curious about if/when you might need rubber bands, then please book an appointment with us so we can perform a teeth cleaning before your dental benefits expire and evaluate your bite before making a recommendation. We can’t wait to embrace your smile!

• Do All Houston Braces Patients Need Rubber Bands?

  Houston braces can be a cumbersome and uncomfortable experience. While our staff at Centra Dental try our utmost to ensure that your visits and treatments with us are as pleasant and stress-free as possible, the truth is that rubber bands may be a necessary part of a patient’s treatment. It makes sense that patients with braces would like to minimize the number of parts and components in their mouth that they need to take care of and clean. That’s why one of the most common questions asked by Houston braces patients of their South Houston family dentist is whether or not they need rubber bands, also sometimes called elastics, installed on their braces. The short answer is: It depends.

  Why Do Houston Braces Have Rubber Bands Anyway?

  Houston braces work through the firm and constant application of pressure on your teeth and jaw to correct misalignments, straighten crooked teeth, and resolve tooth crowding issues. Most of the work is done through wires and brackets, but sometimes, these are not enough. Your South Houston dentist must resort to adding strategically located rubber bands among your braces in order to add a little more force and pressure in the right direction. This additional hardware is understandably a source of discomfort and inconvenience to patients, as these rubber bands can make eating more difficult and make cleaning their braces more complicated. However, South Houston pediatric dentistry experts say that the discomfort from braces and rubber bands tends to go away within 2-3 days, and while cleaning braces will always be tedious, they will teach patients to better clean and care for their teeth.

  When Are Rubber Bands Not Needed With Houston Braces

  In general, rubber bands are employed in Houston braces to correct misaligned jaw conditions such as overbite, underbite, open bite, and crossbite. If you do not suffer from any of these conditions, you may not need rubber bands at all on your braces. Additionally, even in the case that you do need rubber bands installed on your braces, your Houston family dentist may determine that they only need to be part of your treatment for only a few months of the one to two years of the total time that you are wearing braces.

  Get Your Houston Braces Stress-Free From the South Houston Family Dentist You Can Trust

  At Centra Dental, we’re fighting the perception of visits to your South Houston Dentist being occasions of fear and dread. Our staff puts in the utmost effort to make each visit a relaxing and productive affair. We also accept most PDP, DPPO, and PPO dental insurance plans, as well as CHIP and both Adult and Children's Medicaid, making us your trusted source for affordable braces. Give us a call and let’s schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience!

• 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!

• Don't Procrastinate on Dental Treatments - Use Your Insurance Benefits or Lose Them

  Your dental insurance comes with benefits. These benefits are available in the form of coverage for a variety of dental procedures and treatments. However, it’s important to use your coverage before the end of the year, or else you and your family will lose it.

  Dental Insurance Benefits For Your Family

  Most insurance plans offer impressive coverage for procedures and treatments that are preventative in order to maintain proper dental health. These procedures typically include your dental cleanings, and your insurance covers two a year for everyone in your family. Your annual x-rays are most likely also covered as preventative care.

  Other procedures, such as dental crowns, may also have substantial coverage with your insurance plan because they protect and strengthen a damaged tooth so that it doesn’t need to be extracted. Missing teeth can negatively impact your jaw and even your facial structure if not addressed in a timely manner.

  Understand Your Dental Insurance Limitations

  Most insurance companies may set a limit on how much they will pay out per year, per person. If you haven’t used their money’s worth of treatments by December 31, there is no rollover.

  In addition to knowing your insurance’s limit, it’s also important to understand the deductible. With a deductible, your insurance will not offer coverage until you’ve spent the amount of your deductible. After it’s been paid, your coverage is good for the calendar year. Essentially, you’re paying a premium, so you must use your coverage benefits in order to get the most out of the money you have paid. 

  Don’t Procrastinate on Treatments

  We highly recommend that now that it’s December, you don’t avoid essential dental treatments. In doing so you not only waste money by having to deal with paying an all-new deductible to regain your benefits, but you also lose out on the opportunity to have your treatments at least partially paid for by your insurance. Not using your benefits before the end of the year also puts your overall dental health at risk by avoiding necessary treatments such as dental crowns, bridges, or root canals.

  Centra Dental Accepts Different Insurances For Your Family Dental Needs

  We want our south Houston patients to get the most out of their insurance so they can take the best care of their teeth. This is why we accept many in-network dental insurance plans, such as Aetna, Cigna, Delta, Guardian, Lincoln, United, and much more. If you and your family have any outstanding dental treatments, then please book an appointment with us so we can schedule a visit with you before the end of the year.

• Good Hygiene While Wearing Houston Braces

  Some patients think that getting Houston braces installed is the hard part. However, any Houston family dentist will tell you that getting braces means making a few lifestyle changes, especially with regard to oral and dental hygiene. But not to worry, these adjustments are relatively minor, and they include habits that patients would like to keep even after their Houston braces have been taken off.

  Oral Hygiene Practices With Houston Braces

  While your Houston braces get to work fixing crooked or misaligned teeth, the patient maintains the responsibility of keeping their smile clean and bright. That means following these tips from their South Houston dentist:

  Brush Your Teeth and Houston Braces After Every Meal or Snack

  This may sound like a hassle, but your teeth will thank you in the long run. South Houston family dentists recommend using a toothbrush with soft and round bristles so that they can reach every crack and crevice in and around your Houston braces. Hold the brush with the bristles pointing towards your gums at an angle of 45 degrees. Aside from brushing your gumline, be sure to pay special attention to the areas above and below the brackets of your braces.

  Make Flossing Your Houston Braces a Daily Habit

  Unfortunately, brushing your teeth alone won’t clean every nook and cranny of your teeth or your braces. That’s why any Houston dentist will recommend that you learn to floss your teeth. If your traditional dental floss is uncomfortable or inconvenient, consider interdental brushes or even a water flosser to clean the areas between each tooth and the hard-to-reach components of your braces.

  Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash to Keep Your Houston Braces Fresh and Clean

  To round out your dental hygiene routine, an antimicrobial mouthwash can provide lasting protection between meals. It can also reach areas of your teeth or surfaces of your braces that you might be unable to with either a toothbrush or floss.

  Keep Your Houston Braces Tuned With Regular South Houston Family Dentist Appointments

  Your Houston braces will need to be adjusted and maintained over time to make sure that they’re doing their job. This is especially true for younger patients, who need a South Houston pediatric dentistry expert to account for a child or teenager’s behaviors and natural growth.

  Foods to Avoid While Wearing Houston Braces

  As a general rule, your Houston family dentist will tell you that hard and sticky foods are a no-no when wearing Houston braces. Those who defy these restrictions will find themselves paying the price either through the inconvenience of cleaning their teeth and braces, or through discomfort when such foods knock their braces out of alignment, needing a visit to the Houston family dentist to set them right. The most common examples of food to avoid include hard candies, chewing gum, taffy, caramel, jellybeans, nuts, and popcorn.

  Get Affordable Braces from a Trustworthy South Houston Family Dentist

  At Centra Dental, we believe in making visits to the dentist as stress-free and as pleasant as possible. Our team of highly-skilled and experienced dental professionals believes in being as helpful and caring as they can to each of our patients. Centra Dental accepts most PDP, DPPO, and PPO dental insurance plans, as well as CHIP and both Adult and Children's Medicaid, allowing us to be your trusted source for affordable braces. Call today to set an appointment and experience the Centra Dental difference!

• How to Prevent Houston Braces from Breaking

  Dental braces work wonders to correct alignment issues such as crooked teeth or an improper bite by slowly shifting your teeth and jaw to their proper position. This is done through a series of brackets and wires that our South Houston dentist affixes to your teeth. And while Houston 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. If you or your teen just got braces with our South Houston family dentist, this article will help ensure they remain in good shape for the duration of your treatment.

  How Do Houston Braces Work? 

  Braces are comprised of metal brackets that our South Houston family dentist cements to each tooth, then connects with a wire. The width and tension of this wire are adjusted periodically to slowly shift the teeth and jaw to their ideal locations. Our South Houston dentist may also include coils, hooks, and/or ligatures depending on your individual treatment plan. These different parts of your Houston braces all work together to create a straighter smile, so if any one of these parts is damaged or breaks, it delays the effectiveness of your treatment and must be fixed by our South Houston family dentist immediately. 

  Common Reasons Houston Braces Might Break

  Because they’re made up of so many different parts, “broken” Houston braces can refer to damage seen to any of those parts, but 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 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 while wearing Houston braces. Another common cause of a broken bracket on your Houston braces is from being too rough while brushing or flossing. Gentle, fluid motions work well to keep your teeth clean and your Houston braces intact.

  Our South Houston Dentist Can Fix Your Broken Braces

  If you or your teen have sustained damage to your Houston braces, it’s best to address it right away. The longer you wait, the more you’re delaying your treatment. And since all Houston braces components work together to shift your teeth, damage to one part could place undue stress on the surrounding components, leading to additional damage. Call our office to schedule an appointment with our South Houston family dentist as soon as possible. We can reaffix your broken bracket and check the strength of the adhesive on surrounding brackets to make sure they’re still firmly attached. We look forward to fixing your Houston braces damage and seeing you smile!

• Maintain Your South Houston Invisalign Smile With Clear Retainers

  Once your Houston family dentist has restored your smile to its full potential, the job of maintaining that smile begins. For the first few months after you’ve finished your Houston Invisalign treatment, you will need to wear some clear retainers. This might sound like a bit of a hassle, but it is a minor inconvenience compared to the olden days of living with South Houston braces for years.

  Tooth Correction Was Tougher Before Houston Invisalign

  For most patients today, South Houston Invisalign treatment is sufficient to correct mild to moderate cases of crowded, crooked, or misaligned teeth. Nowadays, only severe cases require the use of South Houston braces, entailing the installation of brackets and wires. Braces can incur long, painful, and expensive work for your Houston dentist, to say nothing of the aesthetic cost for patients in social situations. Keeping your Houston braces clean also takes a lot more time and effort, with food particles liable to get stuck between the various bits installed in your mouth. Fortunately, a consultation with your South Houston dentist will let you know that a better, less painful, and more convenient option now exists.

  Invisalign’s Advantages Over Traditional South Houston Braces

  Houston Invisalign treatment involves having a series of transparent plastic custom-fit aligner trays made for your mouth. Mechanically, they work the same way as South Houston braces, applying pressure to gradually push your teeth back into their proper place, but with a lot less hassle and aesthetic penalty. If you are thinking of getting some South Houston Invisalign treatment for yourself, consider scheduling an appointment with a South Houston dentist today!

  Retainers Preserve Houston Invisalign Progress

  After your Houston Invisalign treatment has concluded, your teeth will want to slip back into their old positions. That’s why your South Houston family dentist will require you to wear a retainer for several months. Research has found that tooth movement is at its most active during the night, which is why retainers must be worn even throughout the night as you sleep. Thankfully, your Houston dentist can fit you for a clear retainer, allowing your new smile to shine through in everyday situations. While they will require some work on your part to keep them clean, it is definitely a much smaller inconvenience than dealing with traditional Houston braces. This shows how advancements such as South Houston Invisalign have made dental work as convenient as they have ever been. Do you think your teeth need some form of correction? If so, a quick diagnosis from your Houston family dentist is only a phone call away!

• 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. 

• Properly Wearing Your Retainers After Houston Braces

  After Houston braces, our patients have to wear orthodontic appliances known as retainers in order to maintain the new alignment of their teeth. There are several types of retainers available, each with different pros and cons. However, they all have one thing in common besides protecting your teeth from shifting again: they need to be worn properly in order to maximize their effectiveness. When you wear your retainers and take proper care of them, your teeth will be straight and healthy for years and years to come!

  Wearing Your Retainers As Instructed

  We understand that wearing retainers after finishing Houston braces treatment is quite the dread, but it is absolutely critical if you want to enjoy your brand new smile for years to come. Otherwise, your teeth will quickly go back to their old, misaligned position. We typically recommend that our patients at our Houston and South Houston family dentist offices wear their retainers for 24 hours a day (except when eating) for at least 6 months to a year. However, this will depend on the individual. Once this initial time period is over, you should wear your retainers every night while you sleep.

  Cleaning Your Orthodontic Retainers

  There are different types of retainers available to our patients. Much like our Houston braces, which type we recommend to you depends on your particular case. Since you spend much of your time wearing your retainers in the first phase, they will collect whatever is on your teeth, including bacteria, plaque, and tartar. If illness-causing bacteria such as streptococcus is left to accumulate on your retainers, you may get sick with an infection, so it is imperative you clean them every day. 

  Traditional Hawley retainers and transparent removable retainers may be brushed with a soft-bristle toothbrush after each meal. You may also be able to soak your retainers in a cleaning solution, but be sure to ask us for recommendations so you’re keeping your retainers in tip-top condition. We can also discuss how long you should soak them for, as you don’t want to soak them too long. Soaking Hawley retainers for too long may corrode the metal components.

  Bonded retainers, on the other hand, are best cleaned by flossing them when you floss your teeth since this type of retainer is glued to the back of your teeth. Our Houston and South Houston family dentists will be more than happy to teach you the proper flossing technique as well.

  Visit Our Family Dentist In Houston And South Houston To Learn About Proper Retainer Care

  If you are about to wear retainers or have been wearing them for some time, then please book an appointment with us so we can check on your alignment and assess how well you are taking care of your teeth. We will help keep your perfect smile for years to come!

• The Importance Of Retainers After Houston Braces

  Approaching the end of your Houston braces treatment is an exciting feeling because you will be able to show off a gorgeous smile really soon! However, giving you a new smile doesn’t just finish there. In fact, once your treatment is completed, you will have to switch to wearing orthodontic retainers for an extended period of time, but don’t worry–they are more flexible than dental braces. In this article, we will explain the importance of wearing retainers after your Houston braces treatment.

  Your Teeth Will Tend To Shift Again

  Both children and adults who wear braces will experience this. This occurs because the teeth haven’t had a chance to fully settle into the soft tissues of your mouth. Remember that, for at least an entire year, your teeth have been 100% reliant on metal, ceramic, or even plastic from your Invisalign Clear Aligners in order to hold them in place. To mitigate this and let them settle into their new alignment, you should wear your retainers day and night for at least a year, but this will also depend on the individual’s case.

  Retainers Protect Your Investment

  Wearing retainers after completing your Invisalign, metal, or ceramic Houston braces treatment is a sure way to make your investment in your smile well worth it. As we age, our teeth naturally try to shift again, and as frustrating as this is, remember that your dental braces prevented (or got rid of) some serious complications with your dental health. By diligently wearing your retainers day and night and then transitioning to only wearing them most nights, you will strengthen your teeth so they remain straight and healthy for years and years to come. You might even get to enjoy your new, perfectly aligned smile for the rest of your life.

  Get Fitted For Retainers at Centra Dental In Houston And South Houston

  When you’re near the end of your Houston braces treatment, please book an appointment with us so we can confirm that you’re ready for your braces to be removed soon. At this appointment, we will also take impressions of your new smile so we can fit you for your retainers and educate you and how to wear them. We can’t wait to embrace your smile!

• Tips For A Smooth Houston Braces Experience

  If you’re currently undergoing Houston braces treatment, or plan to very soon, you may be wondering what you can do to ensure your treatment goes by smoothly. In this article, our Houston family dentists will offer some of our best tips to help you get the most out of your dental braces treatment.

  Be Mindful Of The Food You Eat When Wearing Houston Braces

  No, this doesn’t mean to go on a diet. This just means that you need to be careful that you don’t eat foods that will damage your braces. 

  Some foods you should avoid, especially early on in your Houston braces treatment, include:

  • Crunch foods, such as chips and popcorn
  • Sticky foods, such as candy and bubble gum
  • Foods that you usually bite directly into, such as carrots, corn, and apples. Instead, we recommend you chop these beforehand.

  Not only will avoiding these foods reduce the pain and discomfort you feel shortly after getting dental braces, but doing so will also protect your braces from breaking over the course of your treatment.

  Play Sports Safely

  Most of our Houston braces patients are children, which means plenty of them regularly participate in after-school sports. Even some of our adult patients participate in sports in their free time. Regardless of how old our patients are, everyone who practices a close contact sport may benefit from wearing a protective mouthguard that is custom-fitted to their teeth. This way, if there is some trauma during a game, your teeth will be far better protected and we can address it in a timely manner.

  Practice Good Dental Braces Hygiene

  Good dental hygiene is a must, but Houston braces patients must be extra cautious with how well they take care of their teeth. You can read more about proper dental hygiene when wearing Houston braces here.

  Get Affordable Houston Braces At Centra Dental

  Our dentists, who treat families in Houston and South Houston, offer exceptional dental braces treatment, including ceramic braces, metal braces, and Invisalign Clear–all at an affordable price starting as low as $99/month. Please book an appointment with us so we can assess the health of your teeth and get you started with a Houston braces consultation. We look forward to giving you a healthy, beautiful smile! 

• What Takes Place At Your Houston Braces Consultation

  So you’ve decided it might be time for Houston braces. That’s great news! You are well on your way to a beautiful, healthier smile. However, before you get your Invisalign, ceramic dental braces, or metal dental braces, you must first undergo a Houston braces consultation so that our family dentists in Houston and South Houston can design a customized treatment plan that will change your smile. In this article, we will discuss when is the best time to come in for a consultation, what you can expect at this appointment, and what the next steps will be.

  When To Get A Houston Braces Consultation

  When it comes to dental braces treatment, the earlier the better! If you’re a parent looking into Houston braces for your child, then you will be glad to know that they can come in for a consultation once all their baby teeth have fallen out and their permanent teeth have emerged. 

  If you’re an adult looking into adult dental braces treatment in Houston, then you can come in for a consultation as soon as you’d like. 

  What To Expect At Your Dental Braces Consultation At Our Houston And South Houston Family Dentist Office

  When you visit us for your first consultation, a few tasks need to be completed:

  • Gathering X-rays
  • Taking dental photographs
  • Taking impressions

  We will also take the time to learn more about your needs and preferences. Once we have these materials, we will review them and determine whether Invisalign, ceramic dental braces, or metal dental braces may be best for your particular case. Once you decide on which type of Houston braces treatment you will undergo, we will map out the course of your treatment or that of your child’s utilizing our state-of-the-art dental braces technology. 

  What Happens After Your Houston Braces Consultation

  Once we know what dental braces treatment you will undergo, it’s time to book your fitting. If you will undergo Invisalign, we will get your aligner trays made at our lab before you come into our office to wear them for the first time. 

  If you are undergoing ceramic dental braces or metal dental braces treatment, your next appointment will be the one in which we actually attach the braces to your teeth, which will last about 1-2 hours. You can learn more about what to expect when first getting braces here.

  Ready For Dental Braces? Visit Us At Our Houston Or South Houston Family Dentist Offices

  If you believe that it’s about time for you or your child to get braces, then please book an appointment with our dentist so we can begin with our dental braces consultation and design an effective treatment plan. We look forward to giving your teen a beautiful smile they are proud to show off!

• What To Do If Your Child Is Hesitant About Houston Braces

  Houston braces at Centra Dental in Houston and South Houston not only improve your smile, but they also improve your overall dental health. As great as Houston braces are, many children are rather hesitant about getting dental braces because they are self-conscious or concerned about pain. However, being more informed about our various Houston braces treatments may aid in their hesitation. In this article, we offer some of our tips for helping your child warm up to the idea of getting braces.

  Understand What Exactly Causes Your Child To Feel Hesitant About Houston Braces

  The best way to address your teen’s concerns about dental braces is to understand the root cause of their concerns. Let them express their worries and acknowledge that their hesitation is valid, but can be overcome.

  Reassure Them That Dental Braces Are Common

  Dental braces are already common. In 2015, about 4 million Americans wore dental braces, but they keep growing in popularity. Today, even adults are becoming more open to wearing dental braces thanks to the subtle treatments that Invisalign and ceramic Houston braces offer. Even celebrities undergo dental braces treatment, and chances are someone your child knows and admires–famous or not–is also wearing dental braces. If your friend knows someone who wears Houston braces, it wouldn’t hurt to encourage them to speak to their peer about their experience

  Let Your Child Know That Houston Braces Don’t Cause As Much Pain As They Think

  We get it–metal in your mouth looks very intimidating, but today’s dental braces are so much more lightweight than they were 10 years ago, which significantly reduces how much pain a child may experience. Sure, there is some pain in the very beginning, but if you follow our tips for managing Houston braces pain, they will feel much more comfortable.

  Visit Centra Dental In Houston Or South Houston For A Dental Braces Consultation

  Dental braces are well worth it for a healthier, more beautiful smile, especially with our caring family dentists. If you think it’s time for your child to get braces, then please book an appointment for a Houston braces consultation. We look forward to giving your child a healthier smile and aiding in overcoming their hesitation about braces.

• When Are Metal Houston Braces Recommended

  Metal dental braces have long been the traditional, most commonly used method of correcting the alignment of the teeth in both children and adults. Today, though, our South Houston dentist, as well as other dentists in Texas, offer Invisalign and ceramic braces as viable alternatives. With other options available, though, when are metal braces best?

  If You Have Crowded Teeth

  Crowded teeth are fairly easy to spot. Our patients with crowding will also have crooked teeth that overlap one another. Sometimes, people are just born with extra teeth, which can be one of the reasons why crowding occurs, as this disrupts how the teeth are naturally supposed to erupt. If crowded teeth aren’t fixed, this can cause unusual wear patterns in the teeth and encourage excess plaque build-up. Remember, excessive plaque is what causes cavities, meaning our South Houston pediatric dentist patients and adult patients who suffer from crowding are much more prone to cavities.

  Plaque build-up in crowded teeth has a domino-like effect. This means that if the patient suffers from excess bacteria build-up, this can quickly turn into gum disease (gingivitis). On top of rapid decay, crowded teeth may cause our patients to feel insecure and self-conscious, especially if a speech impediment occurs because of their teeth. 

  If You Have an Open Bite

  An open bite (or anterior bite) may not be as common as an overbite, but it is identified as the upper and lower front teeth slanting outwards, so they never touch when a patient closes their mouth. 

  With an open bite, the patient will often have a lisp and the teeth will wear abnormally, causing cracks and discomfort.

  How Metal Dental Braces Help

  Metal Houston braces provide enough force to gradually shift even the most severely crowded teeth to the proper position. They are also highly effective on open bites, which are harder to correct. In essence, metal braces work for virtually every type of case of poor alignment, and because they are so strong, they work quicker than ceramic braces or Invisalign clear aligners would in these patient cases. 

  Affordable Houston Braces at Centra Dental

  If you or your child are in need of dental braces and are considering metal braces, then please book an appointment for the first consultation. We’ll examine the bite and help determine if metal braces are a suitable option to correct it.