Houston Braces

• Which Houston Braces Are Right for You?

  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!

• Which Is Better: Ceramic Or Metal Houston Braces?

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

  Metal Houston Braces

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

  Metal dental braces are made up of three components:

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

  When Our Houston Family Dentists Recommend Metal Braces

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

  Ceramic Houston Braces

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

  Ceramic braces consist of the following components:

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

  When Our South Houston Family Dentists Recommend Ceramic Braces 

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

  Affordable Dental Braces At Our Houston Family Dentist Offices

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

• Why Does South Houston Invisalign Only Work For Some Children?

  If your child is nearing middle-school age, then chances are they will start seeing many classmates undergo Houston braces treatment. This is a very common age at which to begin wearing dental braces because most–or all–of their baby teeth have fallen and their adult teeth have completely emerged. Some pre-teens and teenagers may wear Invisalign Clear Aligners, while others may wear ceramic or metal dental braces because our South Houston family dentist said that type of treatment would work best. So, why does Invisalign only work for some and not others?

  Invisalign Clear Aligners Are Made Differently Than Other Houston Braces

  Unlike our ceramic Houston braces or metal Houston braces, Invisalign doesn’t have any wires or metal. In fact, Invisalign Clear Aligners are simply transparent, thin, and flexible plastic that is molded to your child’s teeth and gradually pushes their teeth toward the correct alignment. Teeth that are correctly aligned are healthier and promote better oral health in general, which is why it’s important to undergo Houston braces treatment if necessary.

  Why Our South Houston Family Dentists Only Recommend Invisalign To Some And Not Others

  Houston Invisalign Works Best On Minor Cases

  The type of Houston dental braces we recommend to our patients depends on how severe their malocclusion is. Severe malocclusions are most efficiently and effectively treated by metal dental braces because they are the strongest option available. This is also why metal Houston braces work on virtually all cases. 

  Invisalign, on the other hand, is best suited for our South Houston dentist patients with mild malocclusions (bad bites) that don’t need as dramatic of a correction.

  Our South Houston Braces Dentist Patients Get The Most Out Of Invisalign Treatment By Being Disciplined

  Because Invisalign is removable, this is a flexible treatment, but our patients can’t let flexibility become an excuse for being lazy or irresponsible. Patients must wear their Clear Aligners for 22-24 hours a day, which means they need to be careful not to lose, misplace, or forget to wear their aligners. This is crucial for Invisalign to work properly so patients don’t need a second correction in the future. Patients who worry they may be forgetful or lack the necessary discipline will often have a better experience with ceramic dental braces or metal dental braces.

  Our South Houston Family Dentist Offers Effective Invisalign Treatment

  If you would like to know whether Invisalign is suitable for your child, then please book an appointment with our South Houston dentist. We’ll begin with an evaluation and discuss their needs so that we can develop the best custom dental treatment for them that ensures a beautiful smile for the rest of their life.

• Why Get Houston Braces?

  Everyone deserves a beautiful smile. If you aren’t confident about yours, dental braces can soon change that. Orthodontic treatment enhances your teeth’s cosmetics or how they look, as well as your oral health or how you feel. Houston braces are available in different types, such as metal braces, ceramic braces, and Invisalign. Whichever type you choose, as long as you’re diligent about your dental visits, you’d enjoy the benefits of dental braces.

  Corrects Misaligned Teeth

  Do you find yourself smiling with your mouth closed or covering your mouth when you laugh? Perhaps it’s because of crooked or misaligned teeth? Don’t worry; Houston braces are an effective way to fix these types of dental issues. They reposition your teeth using force until you achieve the desired outcome.

  Treats Spacing Issues

  Overcrowding occurs when there isn’t enough space in your mouth, causing your teeth to gather in an undesired way. On the other hand, too much space in your mouth leads to gaps where bacteria can grow. Visit your Houston dentist to diagnose these problems and start you on your treatment with braces.

  Fixes Bite Problems

  Patients with underbites and overbites have difficulty chewing, talking, and even breathing. They are also aesthetically undesirable, leaving people with self-esteem issues. Improve the way you look and feel through Houston braces. They are an effective treatment for all types of bite bite problems.

  Enhances Oral Health

  Aside from their cosmetic value, Houston braces address health concerns that could be affecting your entire life. We sometimes take basic functions, such as eating and breathing, for granted. Patients with dental problems mentioned above are at-risk for oral injuries. Braces can improve the quality of their lives by reducing conditions like sleep apnea and snoring.

  Timely and Effective Treatment

  Houston braces are not that big of a nuisance in your daily life, considering the benefits you gain from them. Visit your Houston family dentist at least once a month to keep you on track. Remember to care for your braces to prevent damaging them and throwing off your progress. The average duration of your treatment is around 2 years, depending on the severity of your condition. Braces have been around for a long time, and as such, the technology is a proven way to fix your dental issues. 

  Schedule a Visit for Houston Braces Today!

  Whether you need Houston braces to achieve a more confident look or to improve your oral health, you can get your desired results at Centra Dental. We embrace your smiles. Our top-rated South Houston dentist offers a range of vital services, including root canals, whitening, and general cleaning. We have a clean and safe facility to make sure your dental experience is stress-free and pleasant. Surgically clean air circulates all throughout our office. While waiting, the whole family can watch movies, play with toys, and connect to our WiFi. Ask usabout our dental service specials and accepted insurance! We look forward to serving you.

• Why Our South Houston Dentist Patients May Need Houston Braces

  As most people know, orthodontic braces are meant to straighten teeth, but they do much more than just that. Each treatment plan we offer for Houston braces depends on what issues need to be corrected and is perfectly customized to the individual. Here are a couple of the reasons why our South Houston dentist patients may need affordable braces treatment.

  Crowded Teeth

  Teeth crowding occurs when teeth are crooked and overlapping each other, either on the upper teeth, on the bottom teeth, or both. The truth is that some people simply have extra teeth, which don't fit in the mouth properly. This is a major cause of crowding and disrupts the natural way in which the teeth are supposed to erupt.

  What Problems Can Crowding Teeth Cause?

  When our patients suffer from crowding, we tend to see unusual wear patterns of their teeth. One of the biggest dental health problems caused by crowding is excessive plaque build-up. Although some patients who don't have extra teeth can still experience heavy plaque build-up, this is especially common for people who do have extra teeth because it's too difficult to get in between them when they brush or floss. Plaque build-up is the leading cause for cavities, so those who have crowded teeth can experience accelerated tooth decay.

  Plaque build-up in crowded teeth has a domino effect. If the patient suffers from accelerated decay, they can also potentially suffer from gingivitis, or gum disease because there is too much bacteria stuck in between the gums that is left untreated. Aside from poor oral health, crowding can cause issues with patients' self-esteem. Additionally, severe crowding can lead to speech problems, which can disrupt their school, work, and their confidence as well.

  Open Bite

  An open bite is also known as an anterior bite. It occurs when the upper teeth and lower teeth slant out in the front, so they never touch once an individual's mouth is closed.

  What Problems Can An Open Bite Cause?

  Similar to crowding, open bites may cause the patient to have problems with confidence and speech. When it comes to speech challenges, those who suffer from an open bite will often struggle to pronounce several words because they develop a lisp. This type of malocclusion (bad bite) can also prevent the patient from chewing their food properly.

  Another problem caused by open bites is abnormal wearing of the teeth because the back teeth are coming into contact more often than they should. This can eventually lead to discomfort and even cracking in the teeth.

  Affordable Houston Braces at Centra Dental in South Houston

  These are both very common reasons for needing orthodontic braces, not only for cosmetic purposes, but also to help our patients achieve their best dental health and a confident smile. If you or your child have crowded teeth or an open bite, please book an appointment with our South Houston dentist so that we can complete a consultation and help you decide on an affordable treatment plan. 

• Why Wearing Your Elastics With Houston Braces Is a Must

  If you’ve been fitted with braces at Centra Dental, you’re already on the path to achieving a beautiful, healthy smile. Houston braces are a powerful tool in correcting alignment issues, but for many patients, elastics (also known as rubber bands) play a critical role in the success of their orthodontic treatment. If you’ve been advised to wear elastics with your braces, it’s essential to follow through—doing so can significantly impact your treatment's outcome and duration. Let’s explore why wearing elastics with your Houston braces is a must.

  What Are Elastics and Why Are They Important?

  Elastics are small rubber bands that are attached to your Houston braces. They work alongside the brackets and wires to apply additional pressure, helping to align your teeth and correct your bite. Elastics are typically used to address issues such as overbites, underbites, crossbites, and other jaw alignment problems that braces alone can’t fix.

  Wearing elastics is crucial because they speed up the movement of your teeth and jaw into the correct position. By applying consistent pressure, elastics help shift the teeth and bones to create a balanced, functional bite. Without wearing them as directed, your treatment could be prolonged, and the desired results may be compromised.

  Benefits of Wearing Elastics With Houston Braces

  Faster Treatment Time: When you wear your elastics consistently, they help to speed up the correction process. The constant pressure ensures that your teeth are moving as efficiently as possible, potentially reducing the overall time you need to wear Houston braces.

  Improved Bite Alignment: Elastics are often used to correct bite issues, such as overbites or underbites, that braces alone cannot fully address. Wearing your elastics as prescribed ensures that your bite is properly aligned, which is essential for a healthy smile and optimal jaw function.

  Avoiding Setbacks: If you don’t wear your elastics as instructed by your Houston family dentist, your teeth may move back into their previous positions, undoing some of the progress your braces have already made. This could extend your treatment time and even lead to the need for additional orthodontic work.

  Achieving the Best Results: Ultimately, wearing your elastics ensures that you achieve the best possible outcome from your braces. A properly aligned smile not only enhances your appearance but also improves oral health by making it easier to maintain clean teeth and gums.

  Centra Dental Embraces Smiles

  At Centra Dental, we understand the importance of creating beautiful, healthy smiles. We emphasize the role of elastics in achieving optimal orthodontic results and encourage our patients to follow their treatment plans carefully. Our clean, safe facility ensures that you and your family receive the best dental experience possible in a welcoming environment.

  We strive to make every visit comfortable and stress-free, offering top-quality orthodontic care for patients of all ages. By wearing your elastics as directed, you’re partnering with us to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.

  Achieve a More Beautiful Smile With Houston Braces

  Wearing elastics with your Houston braces is essential for ensuring a successful and timely orthodontic treatment. Elastics play a vital role in correcting bite issues and improving the overall alignment of your teeth. At Centra Dental, we’re committed to helping you embrace a smile that’s healthy, beautiful, and long-lasting. Follow your Houston dentist’s treatment plan, wear your elastics as prescribed, and look forward to a lifetime of confident smiles! Contact us today to book your appointment.

• Why You Might Need Rubber Bands with Houston Braces

  Houston braces are a common way to correct alignment issues like crooked or improperly-spaced teeth, using wires and brackets to apply pressure that shifts your teeth into the proper position. Oftentimes, our South Houston dentist will add rubber bands to your metal or ceramic braces treatment plan in order to increase the force applied and shift the teeth faster and more effectively.

  Why Our South Houston Dentist Uses Rubber Bands With Braces

  Dental braces work by applying pressure to the teeth through a series of brackets and wires, which gradually shift teeth to where they should be. If our South Houston family dentist adds rubber bands to you or your child’s braces treatment, it provides added tension. This not only eases the teeth’s movement but also accelerates this process. These rubber bands attach to the brackets themselves and can be applied in a variety of configurations designed for your unique orthodontic needs. Rubber bands with Houston braces are most often used to correct these issues:

  • Overbite
  • Underbite
  • Spacing issues
  • Crooked teeth
  • Other jaw alignment issues

  How to Use Rubber Bands with Houston Braces

  When our South Houston dentist first applies rubber bands to your braces during your visit, you’ll learn where to place them and how. They are easy to put on and remove, the latter of which should be done when eating, brushing, and flossing. Our South Houston dentist will send you home with a large supply of rubber bands, as a new set should be used each day to ensure proper hygiene is maintained. It’s possible that the placement of your rubber bands will change over the course of your dental braces treatment in order to place pressure on different teeth and parts of the jaw so that your teeth shift at the right pace and into the right position. 

  Sometimes rubber bands with braces can cause discomfort, especially when first applied or when our South Houston family dentist changes their position in your mouth. This is usually eased with over-the-counter pain medication. It’s also recommended that certain foods, like sticky candy and gum, be avoided, just as with dental braces alone.

  See Why So Many Families Choose Centra Dental For Their Houston Braces

  We know you have many options when it comes to South Houston family dentistry, which is why we strive to provide the kind of expert care that cultivates long-lasting relationships through regular visits and life-long dental support. When you choose Centra Dental for your South Houston family dentistry needs, you’re part of our family! If you think it’s time for you or your child to begin Houston braces treatment, call us to schedule an appointment. Our South Houston Family Dentist will complete a thorough dental exam and provide you with the best recommendations for orthodontic treatment. We provide a wide array of dental services to meet the needs of everyone in your family, keeping your teeth healthy and your smile bright.

• Why You Should Wear Elastics With Your Houston Braces

  If you’re currently undergoing orthodontic treatment, you might have been advised to wear elastics with your Houston braces. While they may seem like a minor addition to your dental routine, wearing elastics is crucial for achieving the best results from your treatment. At Centra Dental, we embrace your smiles and are dedicated to providing the best dental experience for your entire family. Here’s why you should commit to wearing elastics during your orthodontic journey.

  1. Enhancing Tooth Movement

  Elastics, also known as rubber bands, are designed to apply additional force to specific teeth, which helps them move into their proper positions. They work by connecting different parts of your braces, creating the necessary tension to guide your teeth into alignment. This additional force complements the brackets and wires of your Houston braces, resulting in more efficient tooth movement. By consistently wearing your elastics as directed by your Houston dentist, you can ensure that your teeth shift correctly and promptly, helping you achieve that beautiful smile sooner.

  2. Improving Bite Alignment

  One of the primary purposes of elastics is to improve the overall bite alignment. They can help correct overbites, underbites, and crossbites by applying targeted pressure to the teeth involved. Proper bite alignment is essential not only for aesthetic reasons but also for functional purposes. A misaligned bite can lead to issues such as jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and uneven wear on your teeth. Wearing elastics regularly helps facilitate proper bite alignment, reducing the risk of these complications and enhancing your overall oral health.

  3. Faster Treatment Time

  Consistency is key when it comes to orthodontic treatment. Wearing elastics as prescribed by your Houston family dentist can significantly reduce your overall treatment time. When patients don’t wear their elastics, it can slow down the progress of their treatment, leading to longer wear times for braces. By adhering to your Houston dentist’s recommendations and wearing your elastics diligently, you can help ensure that your treatment progresses as planned, ultimately leading to a faster transition to your new smile.

  4. Aiding in Long-Term Results

  Once your Houston braces are removed, maintaining the results is essential to ensure your smile stays perfect. Wearing elastics during your treatment helps create the necessary foundation for a stable bite and properly aligned teeth. This means that you’re less likely to encounter issues after your braces come off, which can help you avoid additional orthodontic work in the future. At Centra Dental, our goal is to provide a comprehensive dental experience that not only addresses your current needs but also supports your long-term oral health.

  Receive Top-Rated Houston Braces Treatment at Centra Dental

  Wearing elastics with your braces may require a bit of adjustment, but the benefits far outweigh any inconvenience. From enhancing tooth movement and improving bite alignment to speeding up your treatment and aiding in long-term results, elastics play a vital role in your orthodontic journey. At Centra Dental, we prioritize your comfort and satisfaction, ensuring you have a clean and safe facility with top-rated dentists to guide you through your treatment. Embrace your smile and the journey towards it—commit to wearing your elastics and enjoy the process of achieving the beautiful, healthy smile you deserve! Visit us today.