What are the Advantages of Clear Braces?

Did you know that your smile plays a significant role in how people perceive you? It is one of the first things that people will notice about you and thus has great impact on your self-confidence. People that find their smiles unattractive will always try to hide their teeth. This means shying away from social interactions and being overly cautious of what others think of them.

Misaligned teeth is one of the most common problems affecting the smiles of many people around the world. While in most cases the problem can be solved to give you straighter teeth, most people do not like the idea of wearing traditional metal braces. The metal brackets and wires draw more attention to the teeth, making an already uncomfortable situation worse. Fortunately, you are not condemned to living with a smile you dislike just because you cannot bear the embarrassment of wearing traditional braces. Modern dentistry has significantly evolved and there are more discreet ways for you to straighten your teeth. Dentists near Houston and Houston are now using clear braces to help patients achieve the smile of their dreams.

What Are Clear Braces?

Clear braces in Houston work just like traditional braces but with several benefits to the patients. They have clear brackets that makes them hardly noticeable, hence the name clear braces. Also, unlike traditional braces that heavily rely on metals and wires, these can be made from a variety of materials such as ceramic, porcelain or plastic. Your dentist or orthodontist will help you choose the best material to use on clear braces in 77075 for ultimate comfort and effectiveness.

These braces also use the same mechanism used in traditional braces, which is the wire and bracket system that helps gradually shift teeth into the desired position. Throughout the treatment period, the wires and brackets are regularly adjusted until you achieve straighter teeth. Generally, treatment can take anywhere between 12 and 24 months, although your dentist will give you an accurate approximation based on the severity of your case.

Clear Braces Vs Invisible Braces

Patients are often confusing clear and invisible braces to be the same thing. This is however not the case. These are two different systems that work in completely two different ways. Clear braces are just like traditional braces, only that they use clear brackets to make them less noticeable. Invisible braces on the other hand are a series of transparent plastic aligner trays that are used to shift teeth. Clear braces are totally fixed to the teeth and only a dentist can remove them while invisible braces are removable to allow you eat and clean your teeth. In the end, both systems are effective solutions for fixing misaligned teeth in a discreet way.

Reasons Patients Choose Clear Braces

Obviously, the most popular reason for getting clear braces near Houston, TX, is their appearance. The materials used, makes the braces less noticeable and hence a great choice for almost everyone, whether you are a teenager or an adult in the corporate adult. This aesthetic aspect helps ease anxiety and self-consciousness for patients that are already struggling with low self-esteem just because of how their tooth look like. You are able to focus on improving your smile and worry less about people staring at your braces.

Another reason to opt for clear braces near you is the fact that they are effective for straightening a variety of teeth alignment problems. Their aesthetics and choice of materials does not in any way compromise on their effectiveness. Also, provided that the braces were well fixed by your dentist, you can expect minimal repairs during the course of your treatment.

Although clear braces sound very promising, there are a few drawbacks you may experience with this treatment. First, you can expect that the cost of clear braces may be higher compared to traditional braces. In addition to that you may have to deal with issues of discoloration, especially in you use ceramic material.

To find out if clear braces are the right choice to improve your smile, visit or contact us at Cabrera Dental Associates to have your questions answered.

Are Clear Braces Right For You?

Clear braces are primarily used in place of metal braces as it is less noticeable. Unlike metal braces which are easily noticeable when talking or smiling, clear braces ensure that patients’ teeth do not look awkward while receiving alignment treatment and correction.

What Are Clear Braces Made Of?

Clear braces can be made from different materials and are dependent on the brand and company’s choice of material. Some materials are more long-lasting, during some more invisible than others, so the quality of clear braces differs from company to company. Nevertheless, these are some of the common materials that can be used in manufacturing clear braces.

  • Plastic.
  • Plastic emulator.
  • Porcelain.
  • Ceramics.

Are Clear Braces Right For You?

Patients choose this type of braces because it is not as noticeable as metal braces. However, before getting them, you will have to be sure that it is suitable for your teeth condition. The dentist would have to evaluate your teeth and talk to you about the advantages and disadvantages of other options available for your condition.

How Do Clear Braces Look On The Teeth?

Clear braces are placed on top of the teeth to give them an attractive and less invisible look than metal braces. The most recommended type of clear braces is ceramic due to their reinforced strength and natural teeth-looking color. The braces placed on top of the teeth help prevent the weak teeth from chipping or breaking.

Do Clear Braces Wear Down?

The quality of the clear braces solely depends on the manufacturers, and some are more durable and comfortable than others. The low-quality clear braces are fragile, can be easily damaged, and get discolored easily. The more quality ones will last for as long as patients’ treatment require. To get great clear braces with standard quality, it is best patients ask their dentist for recommendations about long-lasting brands based on his/her experience.

Nevertheless, if a chosen brand of clear braces gets damage before patients’ treatment is completed, dentists will replace the damaged elastic ties.

Advantages Of Clear Braces.

As discussed earlier, patients prefer these braces because they are less noticeable and mostly look like natural teeth, with some even looking almost invisible. Clear braces compared to metal are much more comfortable and are designed to cause minute to zero distress. This is because the material used to make them is much more friendly to the teeth than traditional metal braces, which may sometimes scratch on the teeth endlessly. Another pro is that clear braces are cheaper than the Invisalign treatment and offer almost the same invisibility as Invisalign.

Disadvantages Of Clear Braces.

Cleaning clear braces could be difficult because of their more oversized bracket, resulting in swollen gums. Clear braces are not as strong as the metal braces and could break off. This will require an adjustment time to fix them, which interferes with the treatment and ultimately increase how long they were supposed to be worn to improve the teeth.

The elastic ties in the clear braces can become discolored by food and drink and would require a dental visitation to replace it. Clear braces are more expensive than metal braces.

If you desire to carry out clear braces, you must consult your dentist for advice to know if you are fit for the procedure. If you do not have a dentist, you can search “Clear Braces Near You” to get a local listing of dental clinics near your area to book an appointment. However, if you live in Houston or near Houston, then you can get a dentist near your residence by searching “Clear Braces in Houston, Clear Braces Near Houston TX, Dentist near Houston or Clear Braces in 77075” to book an appointment.

What Are Dental Sealants and Are They Necessary?

Children are prone to decay and cavities more than adults because of poor brushing techniques and a love of sugary treats. It is said that one in every two children develop cavities at least once in their childhood.

While teaching your children the proper brushing techniques is recommended, you may need other preventive measures to protect them against cavities. One of the most used preventive treatments is dental sealants.

Most dental professionals recommend sealants for children because they are effective in preventing cavities. But, before you get dental sealants near you, it is important to know what they are and how they protect the teeth against cavities.

What are Sealants?

Dental sealants are coatings, made of plastic, applied to the teeth to shield them from cavities. These coatings are applied on permanent teeth, mostly the back teeth because they tend to trap food particles.

Although the coatings can be applied at any time, they are recommended after the last molar has come out (normally at age 12).

Are They Effective?

The Center for Disease Control reports that dental sealants can prevent at least 80 percent of cavities in the first year and about 50 percent by the fourth year. It is also reported that children who don’t have dental sealants are twice more likely to develop cavities.

Can Adults Get Sealants?

Yes, adults can get dental sealant near Houston, TX, if they have healthy teeth free of decay or dental fillings. Dental fillings are used on already decayed teeth and can hinder the effectiveness of the sealants.

How Are They Applied?

Dental sealants in Houston TX, are applied in one visit and the process lasts for about 30 minutes. Our dentist will begin the procedure by assessing and cleaning the teeth, then the following steps are done:

  • The teeth to be sealed are dried with cotton and separated with a sheet to keep them dry.
  • An acid solution is applied on the chewing surface to roughen them and make it easy for the sealant to stick to the teeth. The teeth are then rinsed and dried.
  • The plastic coating is painted onto the teeth where it bonds to the teeth. A special light is used at times to harden the sealants.

What About the BPA Levels?

There have been concerns about the BPA levels in the sealants. Bisphenol A is a compound believed to affect the nervous, thyroid, and immune systems. However, the American Dental Association and CDC report that the levels of BPA are negligible and do not cause any harm.

There are other forms of sealants like the glass ionomer that release fluoride. However, they are not as effective as plastic coatings. You can consult a dentist near Houston about the available options.

Are The Sealants Permanent?

Dental sealants last for about a decade, but they are subjected to chewing and constant pressure that can affect their effectiveness. It is important to get constant dental checkups to assess the condition of the sealants. Any crack on these coatings can trap food particles and increase the risk of decay.

What Are Other Preventive Measures?

While dental sealants are efficient in preventing decay, their effectiveness decreases with age. This means that the chances of developing cavities increase every year. That is why it is important to use other preventive measures to maintain your child’s dental health.

  • Regular exams and cleaning. Visiting your pediatric dentist every six months of checkup and cleaning can help prevent decay and gum disease.
  • Fluoride treatments. These are recommended for children above six years. The dentist will apply a fluoride varnish on the teeth to strengthen them and make them less prone to cavities.
  • Nutrition. Eating teeth-friendly foods like milk and yogurt (rich in calcium) will also strengthen the teeth. Ask the dentist about the various foods that can strengthen the teeth and prevent gum disease.
  • Proper brushing techniques. The dentist will teach your child the right way to brush to remove plaques and keep the teeth clean.

Schedule an Appointment

If you are looking for dental sealants near Houston, TX, visit Cabrera Dental Associates for information.

Dental Implants Replace Missing Teeth without Compromising the Adjacent Teeth

Tooth loss is a common occurrence worldwide and in America. Replacement solutions for missing teeth are undoubtedly available with dentures, dental bridges, and dental implants. Among the three dental implants are the only replacement solution that doesn’t compromise the adjacent teeth next to the missing tooth or teeth. It is because dental implants are standalone restorations inserted deep within your jawbone to function as artificial tooth roots.

Suppose you have a problem with one of several missing teeth. In that case, you can contact the dentist in Houston, TX, confident that the professional will recommend dental implants as suitable replacement options after assessing your physical and oral health. If you are not affected by any other health issues and have sufficient jawbone in the mouth, the dentist prepares a treatment plan for you to have implants placements from dental implants near me.

Is Getting Dental Implants a Painful Procedure?

Dental implants in Houston, TX, perform the surgery under local anesthesia, ensuring that you feel no pain during the operation. You will experience some discomfort from the procedure after the anesthesia wears off. However, the discomfort is a natural occurrence of any surgery and varies with every patient. Houston’s dentist recommends painkillers to overcome the pain besides advising you to use ice packs on your cheeks to prevent swelling. If you have undergone bone grafting before dental implant placement, you may require more robust prescription painkillers. Besides painkillers, dentists also recommend antibiotics and oral rinses to support the area’s healing for the next few weeks after implant placement.

Dental Implants Support Each Replacement Tooth without Compromising Adjacent Teeth

If you prefer to have partial dentures to replace the missing or teeth, the dental appliance is fixed into your mouth’s using your adjacent teeth for support. Dentures have a metal framework or clasps that are set at the back of the neighboring teeth. Dental bridges also require help from the neighboring teeth, filed down to accommodate the dental crowns holding the dental bridge in place.

On the other hand, dental implants are standalone insertions in your jawbone, requiring no support from your neighboring teeth. After insertion of the dental implant, the post is allowed to integrate with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration, wherein your bone fuses with the implanted tooth. Dental implants near Houston, TX, create a customized dental crown specifically for you after healing of the implant placement is completed. The customized dental crown sits over the implanted post to give you the natural-looking artificial tooth you desired.

Why Are Dental Implants Considered As the Gold Standard for Replacing Missing Teeth?

Among various tooth will present solutions, dental implants are considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. It is because dental implants near 77075 places them into the jawbone, allowing them to fuse with the bone for six to nine months. Dental implants act as replacements for the missing tooth coming closest to mimicking a natural tooth. No other tooth replacement solution provides similar features or qualities to dental implants.

Biocompatible titanium is the metal used to make dental implants that allow them to integrate with the body without being considered a foreign object. It is why the success rates of dental implant placements are nearing 98 percent. You undoubtedly can consider other solutions also available from dentists. However, if you want a stable replacement solution lasting for a lifetime, no other replacement solution can match the durability of dental implants as they last for a lifetime with proper dental hygiene.

When you consider having dental implants as teeth replacements, you invest in a durable solution providing natural-looking artificial teeth without compromising the neighboring teeth next to the gaps in your mouth. All that is required from you is proper care of the dental implants and visits to the Houston dentist for six-monthly cleanings and exams. Besides the minor requirement, you can continue enjoying your artificial teeth using them to eat the foods you love, speak, and smile before everyone confidently because no one will notice the implanted post and will only view the customized crown visible when you smile. Dental implants also prevent bone resorption, a common occurrence with other teeth replacement solutions that sit on your gums instead of in your jawbone.

You benefit in many ways when you decide to have dental implants surgically inserted into your jawbone. Besides providing you natural-looking artificial teeth, dental implants also help your overall and oral health, making it comfortable for you to enjoy life as you did before losing your teeth.

What to expect during teeth cleaning and why you should not shy away from it

Teeth cleaning are important and that is why you brush your teeth every morning and before you go to bed. However, there are the teeth cleaning done by a dentist, which is even more important because it means that your regular at home cleaning is not good enough. Oral hygiene is important because food debris especially those that are hidden beyond the reach of the ordinary brush are the source of many diseases including tooth decay and gum diseases. In addition, the stain that cannot be corrected from the regular brushing are the ones that deny you the perfect smile that comes with sparkling bright teeth.

Nevertheless, people fear a dentist appointment for cleaning. Is there a reason to fear these appointments? The only way to know is by knowing the procedure and the process through which one is taken through during the procedure. Here is what you should expect for the visit and why you should not fear the regular dentists cleaning and keep up with your scheduled.

You take a physical exam

The first stage of the procedure is taking a physical examination. A dental hygienist who specialized in ensuring that your teeth are clean does most of the teeth cleaning. The first stage of the process is an assessment of the mouths physical condition. Using a small mirror, the dental hygienist will look around your mouth in search of signs of inflamed gums or any other issues that maybe of concern. If there are issues, then the hygienist will inform the dentist for further observation and possible treatment.

Removable of plaque and tartar

The dental hygienist will then proceed to the plaque and tartar removal. The process involves using a mirror and scaler to scrap off the plaque and the tartar that may be around the areas of the gum in the teeth and between the teeth. The hygienist may focus on a particular spot for longer if there are more of these unwanted things. Although regular brushing and flossing prevents the clogging of these tartars, once they are clogged a dental hygienist can only remove them.

Gritty toothpaste cleaning

Once the teeth are rid of the plaque and tartar, the hygienist will brush your teeth for you using a powerful electric brush. This is where the grinding noise comes from. The process is painless and safe. It also does a good work in removing any plaque and tartar that might have been missed. This form of cleaning is recommended to be done twice a day using the electric toothbrush and the toothpaste.

Expert flossing and rinsing

The hygienist will do the flossing for you as well as the rinsing. A professional does this procedure. Expect the flossing to be thorough and more intense compared to the flossing that you do at home. The rinsing will remove any debris that would have remained.

Fluoride treatment

Once all this are done, then the last stage of the process begins which is fluoride treatment. The treatment is employed as a protectant of the teeth and prevents cavities. This protection lasts for several months and ensures that the teeth remain in the right condition over the next several months. It is a foamy gel that comes in various flavors and it is left on your teeth for one minute after application. The fluoride varnish will also be applied on the teeth using a small brush.

The process of cleaning teeth is painless at all levels. It is not invasive even as it is very important. Having your regular teeth cleaning is not an option but mandatory.

Where to get your teeth cleaned

If you are in Houston Texas, then you can have your Teeth Cleaning in Houston, TX because there are various places where by you can get professional and quality Teeth Cleaning in Houston, TX. All you need to do is search for Teeth Cleaning near me or Teeth Cleaning 77075 and you will find Teeth Cleaning in Houston that you need. You will get the teeth cleaning near me that is easily accessible and the services are of the right quality. You should not be afraid of Teeth Cleaning in Houston because the process is painless even as it is very necessary.

Restoring Your Missing Teeth Using Dental Implants

Do you experience pain while eating due to a severely decayed tooth? Severely damaged, missing, or misshapen teeth can be daunting and can hinder your usual dental functionalities. Tooth decay can lead to further complications and adversely affect your overall health. Various therapeutic dental procedures can address your issues. Undergoing placement of dental implants in Houston, TX, is an ideal option for you.

Unlike dentures and dental bridges, implants are permanently affixed to your tooth to replace your missing tooth roots. A dental implant procedure is a suitable alternative if you lack one or multiple teeth. It’s also a viable option if you can’t wear dentures or bridgework.

The dental implant procedure is performed based on the implant type and your jawbone condition. Placement on Dental implants near you may require additional procedures if you have underlying oral issues. Implants reinforce your artificial tooth and stimulate bone growth.  Your specialist will examine your condition and determine the ideal option for your treatment. It would be best to undergo dental implant procedure placement and restore your dental structure.

Are Dental Implants Suitable For You?

Undergoing dental implant placement near you is a suitable therapeutic procedure in ensuring your gum tissues remain healthy and your tooth functionalities are restored. If you have gum disease or a decayed tooth, additional treatment may be useful before the implant placement. Various conditions may exempt you from having dental implants. Your specialist may not recommend you to undergo the procedure if you smoke, have undergone jaw radiotherapy, or have diabetes. The following dental aspects may compel you to have a dental implant procedure:

  • Multiple missing teeth
  • Adequate bone to support bone grafting or an implant
  • Healthy oral tissues
  • Full-grown jawbone
  • Inability to wear dentures
  • If you have no underlying oral issues that may affect bone healing

Placement of Dental Implants in Houston, TX

At Cabrera Dental Associates, we perform a specialized dental implant procedure. Our specialists examine your jawbone structure and determine whether the treatment option suits you. Outlined below is our procedural approach for your implant placement process:

Initial Consultation

During your initial appointment, our specialist examines your mouth tissues through diagnostic tests. The health of your jaw bone is checked to determine whether it has adequate mass to support an implant. You’ll get more insight through the appointment and decide whether the procedure is viable for your treatment.

Preparation

Once you decide to take the procedure, your specialist will prepare your mouth for the implant placement. Your broken or the severely decayed tooth will be extracted to create room for an implant. If your jaw bone has deteriorated, a dental bone graft is performed.

Placement of Your Implant

A local anesthetic is utilized to numb your affected area and alleviate discomfort during the procedure. An incision is done on your gum tissue, and the implant is placed. The healing process can take up to six months to ensure your implant permanently fuse with the bone.  Your specialist may recommend you to wear dentures until your tissues are fully healed.

Fitting of an Artificial Tooth

An artificial tooth is custom-made to match the color of your natural teeth. The artificial tooth is supported by a titanium rod that’s surgically affixed to your jawbone. Your tooth functionalities are restored, and you regain your appealing smile.

Risks Associated With Dental Implants

The dental implant procedure involves oral surgery, and it poses potential health risks. You are likely to be faced by the following risks:

  • Damage or injury on the surrounding structures or tissues, including blood vessels and adjacent teeth
  • Oral infection at the implant site
  • Nerve damage leading to numbness, tingling sensation, and pain on your gums lips or natural tooth
  • Sinus problems where your dental implants protrude into your sinus cavity

It’s crucial to seek help from your specialist if you experience the above issues to prevent severe dental complications that may lead you to extensive dental procedures. Periodic visits to your dentist are vital in examining your oral tissues and treating underlying issues.

Dental implants are sturdy and long-lasting. They provide you with a massive boost in restoring your dental stability. It will be ideal to consider dental implants if you have missing permanent teeth. Please make an appointment with our specialist for the placement of dental implants in Houston today!

How Do Fluoride Treatments Protect Our Oral Health?

Fluoride treatments are routine treatments you can get from your dentist. They help to prevent dental caries hence they are highly recommended for children. In this article, we will learn why fluoride treatments near you are done and how it helps us.

Fluoride is a natural mineral that supports healthy tooth enamel and fights off bacteria. Tooth enamel is the outer protective covering of our teeth. A build-up of bacteria on our teeth and gums form layers of plaque. Plaque produces harmful acids that eat into our teeth and gums, leading to cavities. Fluoride prevents this by strengthening the teeth and holding off bacteria. The earlier a child gets fluoride treatments in Houston, the less likely the chances of cavities developing. Fluoride is a common component of toothpaste and you should use fluoride-containing toothpaste only.

How Much Fluoride Do We Need?

Most of us get our fluoride requirement from toothpaste. This can change if your dentist finds out that you are at high risk of dental caries. They will recommend fluoride treatments in Houston, TX for you. The American Dental Association recommends that you get fluoride treatments once every three, six, nine, or twelve months. It all depends on your oral hygiene. We also get fluoride from tea, water, and fishbone. Babies get fluoride from infant formula.

Certain things increase the risk of cavities. Lifestyle choices like excessive drug or alcohol use come top of the list. People who have poor oral hygiene are at risk too. Proper oral hygiene involves brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice daily. You should also floss regularly. Brushing your teeth is the best way to remove plaque. The friction between the brush and the teeth coupled with the fluoride content of your toothpaste does the job. Flossing is for covering those places your toothbrush cannot reach. You need professional dental care to reduce the risk of cavities too. Your dentist will assess the risk of cavities and act in your best interest.

Diet is important in reducing the risk for cavities too. Most regular sources of water have fluoride. This can be enhanced for people in areas that have limited access to professional dental care.

What Is The Procedure Like?

Professional fluoride treatments in Houston come as gels, highly concentrated rinses, foams, or varnish. Your dentist will apply this with a swab, brush, tray, or mouthwash. They usually take a few minutes. Your dentist will discuss the appropriate method for you based on your specific needs. After the treatment, you will need to wait for 30 minutes before you can take food or drink.

Dental insurance will cover treatments for children. Adults may have to pay out-of-pocket but fluoride treatments are generally affordable.

What Are The Risks Of Fluoride Treatments?

Too much fluoride is harmful to health. One can take too much due to accidental overdose or a prescription error. In young children, this can damage the developing teeth and bones. Many children’s toothpaste does not contain fluoride. If your child is under three years, brush their teeth using toothpaste no larger than a grain of rice. Ensure that they spit out the toothpaste. They are more prone to the effects of excess fluoride. Hence, express caution when brushing their teeth with a fluoride-containing toothpaste.

Excess fluoride can lead to white specks, stains, and pitting on teeth, and dense but brittle bones. These are long-term effects. Short-term effects include nausea and vomiting, tiredness, and excessive sweating.

Fluoride cannot remove decay on teeth but it helps it resist the bacteria that causes it. It also gives our teeth a stronger outer covering. Fluoride limits the progression of decay too. Fluoride treatments can help stop decay from moving deeper into other parts of the teeth. Our oral health is always at its best with fluoride.

Everything You Need To Know About Gum Contouring

We all want to have a beautiful smile. Unfortunately, there are always some hindrances. Luckily, most of these hindrances can be fixed, and you can get that smile you’ve always wanted. Among the many problems affecting our smiles, uneven gums are one of them. It might not sound like a big problem on paper, but it does affect a smile.

Luckily, there is a solution to this problem. The solution is gum contouring surgery. The procedure is carried out to even out the gums. In this blog, we will discuss this procedure in detail to help you make an informed decision. We are here for you if you are looking for gum contouring treatment in Houston.

What Makes Gum Too High or Low?

Uneven gums cover a significant part of your teeth, making them seem too small or large. When your gums are too low, your teeth will look too small. A gum being too low is mainly a result of genetics, but it can also because of drugs you are taking or a medical condition you are suffering from.

On the other hand, gums that are too high make your teeth look too large. In most cases, your gums can be too high because of gum recession. Gum recession makes gum tissue pull back from your teeth, exposing the roots.

Gum recession encourages tooth decay and gum disease, and it can lead to tooth loss. In most cases, gum recession is a sign of gum disease.

Do I Have to Undergo Gum Contouring Surgery?

If the procedure is not used to correct another problem, gum contouring is a cosmetic procedure. Like with other cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening and veneers, you can live without it. It is not a medically necessary procedure but just a smile enhancement.

However, if the procedure is a part of periodontal procedures, then it becomes necessary. Some periodontal conditions that require gum contouring include pocket reduction, crown lengthening, and regenerative procedures. The procedure is also not cosmetic if it is conducted to add gum tissue eaten away by gum recession. Talk to us if you are looking for gum contouring in Houston, TX.

Gum Contouring Procedure: What to Expect

Typically, the procedure is performed in a dental office. Depending on the extent of the problem, the dentist can use scalpels, lasers, or radiosurgery. Your dentist will know the best approach for your condition.

Before he begins, your dentist will discuss your expectations. In most cases, he will draw a gum line to show you how it will look like after the procedure. If you are impressed, the dentist will go ahead and begin the procedure.

He will numb you using the most suitable sedation to make sure you don’t feel pain during the procedure. He might remove the bone in your front teeth, depending on the requirements of your condition. You can talk to us if you are looking for gum contouring in Houston.

Gum Contouring Recovery Time

Like with most surgeries, you cannot get back to work as soon as you are done with the procedure. You will need to take at least two days off and limit your activities until you are all healed up. In most cases, your gums will be healed within two to three weeks.

You will experience a few discomforts, but most are manageable without the need for a dentist’s intervention. These tips can help you manage the discomfort after the gum contouring procedure:

  • Take the recommended painkillers.
  • Don’t apply painkillers on the gums, as some people might advise. It will only make things worse.
  • Eat soft foods such as ice cream and pasta.
  • Avoid spicy and hot foods during your recovery time.
  • Follow your dentist’s advice on how to brush your teeth during the recovery time.
  • Call the dentist in case of any complications.

Risks of Gum Contouring

Like with other surgical procedures, there are some minor risks associated with gum contouring. They include allergic reactions to sedation and relapse of gum tissue.

Cabrera Dental Associate

If you don’t like how your gums make your smile look, we are here for you. Our dentist in Houston, TX, has years of experience, and you can count on us to help you get that smile you’ve always wanted. Book an appointment now.

Why Dentists Recommend Teeth Cleaning Every Six Months or One Year

Your dentist recommends you must brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes, each with fluoride paste once in the morning and once before getting into bed in the evening. Flossing once a day is also recommended as an essential requirement. You nod your head in agreement and begin following the advice stringently. Six months down the line, you receive a reminder to visit the Houston dentist for teeth cleaning.

You are perplexed by the reminder because you have maintained your oral hygiene as recommended by the dentist. You are confident you don’t have any issues in your mouth and decide to ignore the message and continue with the brushing and flossing as recommended. Another six months pass, and you receive another reminder from the dentist in Houston, TX, to visit them for exams and cleanings. You are still certain no issues exist in your mouth but decide to visit the dentist anyway to understand why they want to examine and clean your teeth. You schedule an appointment for the cleaning and prepare yourself for compliments from your dentist for maintaining excellent oral hygiene.

What Do Professional Teeth Cleanings Entail?

A certified dental hygienist’s professional teeth cleaning removes plaque, calculus, and stains accumulated on your teeth. Plaque and calculus can develop on your teeth even with routine brushing and flossing. It’s a pity you did not have information about their development. Professional teeth cleaning is a vital part of maintaining good oral hygiene and is periodically needed for the health of both your teeth and gums. Dentists recommend professional teeth cleaning every six months or a year to reduce the chances of gum disease progressing. Good oral hygiene at home complements professional teeth cleanings to prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar, the primary causes of gum disease.

Teeth cleaning in Houston, TX, aims to remove deposits of plaque and tartar on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film containing bacteria in the millions and forms continuously on your teeth. You may be brushing and flossing your teeth as recommended by the dentist, but even the best methods used to remove plaque and tartar do not achieve success as desired. It is why dentists recommend professional teeth cleanings. The bacteria in the plaque is present in the periodontal disease you develop.

Moreover, calculus is a hardened and calcified deposit that forms on the teeth contributing to tooth decay. If you have delayed dental exams and cleanings for over a year, the chances of having hardened deposits of plaque and tartar on your teeth are high. You may be susceptible to periodontal disease if you haven’t already developed it.

What Can You Expect during Professional Teeth Cleanings?

When you visit teeth cleaning in Houston for your scheduled appointment, the dental hygienist will use special instruments to eliminate the hardened deposits on your teeth without harming them. Specialized tools help dental hygienists gently remove deposits of plaque and tartar without damaging your teeth. Dental mirrors help the hygienist to view and inspect hard to see areas.

The hygienist also looks for signs of irritation, decay, tartar, and swelling or bleeding from your teeth and gums. The hygienist uses ultrasonic tools to clean your teeth. The device has mild vibrations to loosen large pieces of tartar and spray cold water to wash away the loose debris.

After the larger pieces of tartar are removed, the hygienist will switch to hand-held instruments to remove smaller deposits on your teeth and smooth the tooth surfaces. All your teeth are scaled to ensure no tartar deposits remain on them. After the scaling, the hygienist polishes your teeth using a gritty toothpaste. Your dentist may also apply fluoride after the cleaning process is over.

Teeth cleaning is a painless procedure unlikely to cause any dental anxiety. Your dentist indeed believes you maintain excellent oral hygiene but is also aware of why you need teeth cleanings at least once a year. Suppose the professional teeth cleaning did not detect any gum disease. In that case, you are lucky to have escaped with minor consequences. Gum disease would have left you with gum recession and loose teeth requiring multiple visits to the dentist’s office for teeth cleanings and medications.

Teeth cleanings are recommended by dentists to prevent the onset of gum disease, not just for you but for everyone. Following your dentist’s advice just as stringently as you do with brushing and flossing will help you enjoy a lifetime of good oral and overall health.

Important Information About Dentures You Should Know

Dentures are not entirely new in the cosmetic dentistry. We have been using them for some time now to restore people’s smiles. They ensure you still get to be confident after losing your natural teeth. These days losing a natural tooth isn’t as scary as it used to be.

No one can be sure of maintaining their natural teeth until they are old. Accidents can happen to anyone and rob them of their natural teeth. In some cases, reattachment is possible, but when it isn’t, dentures come into play. If you recently lost a tooth and you can’t smile again, read on to find a solution.

Even if you have all your teeth intact, this information is still important. Having the right information will come in handy in case you lose your teeth in the future. We have all the important information you need about dentures in Houston, TX.

What are Dentures?

These are artificial teeth made by your dentist to replace lost natural teeth. We can also use them to replace removed teeth. We use partial dentures to replace one or a few teeth, and full dentures replace all teeth.

Our dentist can make custom full or partial dentures for your missing teeth. These custom dentures will ensure you smile and talk confidently again. You should reach to our dentist for dentures in Houston if you are missing one or several teeth.

Available Types of Dentures

There are several types of dentures in cosmetic dentistry. Talk to your dentist if you are not sure about which one to go for.

Complete Dentures

These will work for you if you have lost all your natural teeth. Complete dentures come in two sets; for the upper and the lower jaw. They can be made from either acrylic or porcelain. Acrylic or metal is used to hold them together
Complete dentures are placed on top of the gums. They are held in place by the suction or adhesives. Complete dentures will help in restoring your facial structure. We do place them 9-13 weeks after losing your natural teeth.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures only fill gaps left by missing teeth. We use them when other tooth replacement options are not possible. For, instance if the surrounding teeth are too weak to support an option like dental bridges. Partial dentures will improve your smile and bring back your confidence. You should talk to your dentist about dentures in Houston tx.

Immediate Dentures

We do make these types of dentures before teeth are removed. Our dentist will then place them on the same day the teeth are extracted. The advantage with this option is you will never have to miss a tooth. You will walk out of the dentist’s office, smiling again.

If you don’t want to spend a day without a tooth, then this is the right option for you. It is also easier to get a denture that perfectly matches the color of your teeth.

Overdentures

These are replacement teeth that are fixed on dental implants. We use overdentures when if patients don’t want traditional ones and have some teeth left. You can easily remove overdentures from the implants. They are also more comfortable than traditional dentures.

Why You Should Wear Dentures

Dentures are very important to anyone with missing teeth. They do improve your smile and ensure you don’t shy away from people. This is a treatment option that will make you confident again by replacing your missing teeth.

They enhance your facial structure after losing your teeth. You will also be able to eat as you can chew food with them properly. This way, your diet won’t be affected by your teeth loss. Dentures also play an important role in your oral health. Get this treatment option for your missing teeth and get back to your normal life.

Cleaning Your Dentures

You should clean dentures on a daily basis to prevent plaque buildup. Take them out and clean them with water to dislodge food particles. Brush them afterward with a soft brush using denture cleaner. You shouldn’t use toothpaste or a normal toothbrush to clean them.