Author: CdA-AdmiN

The teeth are essential organs of the mouth that get us through daily activities. They aid in chewing food (biting, tearing, chewing, and grinding), production of speech, and pronunciation of words and are responsible for the shape of the face. Therefore, they require utmost care if we do not want to face difficulties while performing these actions. However, there are some cases where we would have to remove the teeth voluntarily to protect our dental health. This procedure is known as tooth extraction.

Tooth extraction is a dental procedure through which a dentist near you removes a damaged/infected tooth with the aid of anesthesia to protect other teeth and your dental health. The teeth are only removed naturally once in a lifetime during the transition from milk to permanent teeth. The permanent teeth should serve you for life; therefore, there is no replacement for them. However, when all other procedures to treat a tooth that has become a threat to your comfort and dental health fail, tooth extraction is considered the last resort to save your other teeth and protect your dental health.

Why Do You Need A Tooth Extraction?

The following are reasons why you might require tooth extractions Houston:

• Overcrowding. When there are more teeth than the mouth can accommodate, the teeth are cramped into the mouth, making them crooked and aesthetically poor. To free up spaces in the mouth, your dentist may need to extract a tooth or two.
• Failed dental treatments. In cases where a dental treatment fails terribly and leads to severe infection, you might need to extract the affected tooth.
• Impacted teeth. These teeth do not grow above the gumline or break below the gumline. It is impossible to clean these teeth, making them sites for bacteria and dental plaques. Therefore, these teeth need to go to prevent infections.
• Wisdom Teeth: These are the last set of molars to grow in the mouth. They cause problems more often than not; therefore, you might require wisdom teeth removal in Houston.
• Excessive tooth decay: Dental plaques cause tooth decay. When it gets severe to the extent that the tooth pulp is infected, you might want tooth extraction if a root canal procedure fails.
• Gum diseases: Periodontal diseases affect the gums and might cause them to recede or lose their hold on the teeth, thereby requiring extraction.
• Prosthetic Indications. Sometimes, to fix some dental restorative appliances, you might need to extract a tooth or two for the procedure’s success.

Tooth Extraction Procedure

There are two types of tooth extraction procedures. They are:

• Simple Tooth Extraction: As its name implies, a simple tooth extraction procedure is suitable for when the affected tooth is visible and above the gum line. Before beginning the process, your dentist will administer an anesthetic to numb the area they want to work on. After this, your dentist grasps the tooth with the aid of dental forceps and removes it out of its socket.
• Surgical Tooth Extraction: This tooth extraction procedure is more complicated than simple extraction as it requires surgery. After administering anesthesia to numb the work area, the surgeon will incise your gum and bone tissues that cover the tooth to expose it. Then, your dentist grasps the tooth with dental forceps, rocking it back and forth gently to loosen it from the firm hold of the jawbone and ligaments. Sometimes, the tooth is broken into pieces before extraction.

After extraction, your dentist places a gauze pad over the empty tooth socket for you to bite down on to stop bleeding. Sometimes, the gum edges might be closed over the extraction site with stitches. Visit us at Cabrera Dental Associates- Houston, TX for your tooth extraction.

How Long Does It Take To Recover From Tooth Extraction?

You might be asked to suspend all physical activities for about 48-72 hours to allow the treatment area to clot. After this, you should be able to return to your normal activities. In about 7-10 days, the opening left by the extracted tooth would be almost closed. The soft tissue fully heals in about 3-4 weeks.

Tooth extraction Houston is necessary when you have a damaged, infected, or diseased tooth. At Cabrera Dental Associates – Houston, TX, dentists can perform tooth extraction when necessary. They have experience using the latest techniques and technologies for a quick and safe tooth removal.

Tooth extraction can relieve pain, remove an infection, and save the rest of your teeth in restoring your smile. After an extraction, you need to take proper care to speed up your recovery and prevent complications. Fortunately, this article discusses how to know if you’ve fully healed after tooth extraction and how to speed up your healing.

Kindly read along.

Healing Stages After Tooth Extraction

After a tooth extraction in Houston, you have to take proper care in ensuring that the extraction site is healthy. The healing process takes place in stages, and keeping the stages in mind helps you know when your gums are properly healed.

Stage #1

Within the first 24 hours, there will be a blood clot at the extraction site. It is normal to feel discomfort during this period, and also, you’ll experience swelling and minor bleeding.

Stage #2

After the first 24 hours, you should take care to avoid dislodging the blood clot in the socket. Dislodging the blood clot can create a painful complication known as a dry socket. You can prevent dislodging the blood clot by not sucking with a straw or brushing the extraction site.

Stage #3

After three days of your tooth extraction, the gums should start healing and closing around the extraction site.

Stage #4

Within 7 and 10 days of a tooth extraction, the empty socket left by the extracted tooth should be closed or almost closed. Also, you should no longer experience gender or swollen gums.

When Should You Visit A Dentist?

The healing process after a tooth extraction takes about two weeks. Therefore, if you notice specific symptoms during the healing stages, you should contact your dentist in Houston immediately. You should visit your dentist in South Houston if you experience fever, swelling that fails to subside, numbness in the mouth,  and excessive bleeding that is not stopping. Also, severe pain in the gums or jaw, pus in the open socket, and a persistent bad taste in your mouth require urgent attention.

How To Speed Up Your Recovery After A Tooth Extraction

Although everyone that undergoes tooth extraction heal differently and at different rates, dentists in Houston recommend specific tips to help speed up recovery after an extraction. It is essential that you carefully follow the following after-care tips.

• Using prescribed pain medications to reduce discomfort
• Keeping the gauze in place in the open socket for at least three to four hours after a tooth extraction
• Avoid rinsing or brushing the extraction site within the first 24 hours
• Rinsing your mouth with salt water several times a day after the first 24 hours
• Applying an ice pack on the extraction site 15 minutes at a time. It would be best if you did this several times a day
• Drinking plenty of liquids
• Eat only soft and healthy foods
• Avoid smoking
• Do not drink hot liquids or eating hot foods

Conclusion

Tooth extraction is necessary for removing diseased, infected, or damaged teeth to prevent damage to surrounding teeth. After an extraction, it may take between one and two weeks for the extraction site to heal fully. Also, following after-care tips can help speed up your recovery process.

If you’re having severe pain in your jaw, bleeding, increased teeth sensitivity, or swelling gums, you may need a tooth extraction. Therefore, it is essential to book an appointment with a dentist in South Houston immediately.

Are you looking for the problems associated with all on 4 dental implants? This article provides a comprehensive overview of all issues related to this popular tooth replacement solution. The all-on-four dental implant technique is popular among people who have missing or severely damaged teeth. All on four dental implants are incredibly successful and work well for many people lasting for decades. The success rate of these implants is over 97 percent.

The all on 4 dental implant technique, despite its success rate, has a set of problems witnessed by the dentist near you, who many patients approach asking for solutions to deal with the issues. Although some of the difficulties associated with this technique are related to the quality of the devices, the problems also stem from inadequate care and treatment before the procedure. The procedure for the treatment of all on 4 implants is complicated, and the implantologist must be involved in the process from planning to implant placement. Failure to adhere to these requirements can result in problems including device failure, tissue damage, and additional expenditure for the patient.

Familiar issues witnessed by the dentist in South Houston include:

Damage of Unsupported Teeth Next to the Implant

If the teeth adjacent to the implant aren’t secured adequately, they can crack or break. When coupled with any other type of failure, the cracks of breakages have devastating consequences for the patient. In addition, it results in additional expenses besides damage to the surrounding gums, tissues, and teeth.

Improper Planning before Placement of All on 4 Implants

If the implantologist fails to plan appropriately or consult with the oral surgeon, the implant placement can get compromised irrespective of the quality of devices.

Poor Quality Construction

Similar to other dental appliances, the all on 4 is a branded product. However, several substitutes are also available and used. Low-quality implants also contribute to all on 4 dental implant issues exacerbated by other elements.

Unreasonable Patient Expectations

Implant placements fit differently than natural teeth. Patients who are unaware of the differences and have had missing teeth for a prolonged period are likely to encounter challenges adjusting to a mouth full of teeth. In such cases, patients may find the implant installation unsatisfactory. It is why dental implants Houston, TX, explains the pros and cons of all on 4 dental implants to ensure the patient understands what to expect from their new appliances. Patients may experience bite problems due to the lack of nerve endings in the all on 4 dental implant arch. The lack of nerve endings also results in chewing issues. There for patients must receive advice on how to chew carefully and eat slowly until they develop safe chewing habits with their new teeth. Natural teeth extend from the gums, but the all on 4 implant does not. It can cause the patient to feel the implants are bulky to report problems to the dentist. Advising patients beforehand can prevent potential issues that might arise.

Inadequate Care after Installation

Patients must receive information on the importance of maintaining proper dental hygiene routines when caring for their new arch of artificial teeth. Patients must use water floss or super floss every day to ensure food particles do not accumulate under the device. Wearing a night guard is recommended for patients to avoid grinding their teeth when sleeping and damaging their prosthetic devices. Cleaning the prosthetic devices every six months is also essential, and the screws need replacements every few years. Adequate preventive maintenance will prevent many problems that can occur over the years with all on 4 dental implants.

Health Conditions

Health conditions like diabetes, periodontal disease, and smoking can ruin the patient’s body and increase the failure of implant placements to over 15 percent. Patients who smoke can expect to encounter all the all on 4 dental implant problems. Patients not experiencing any issues are excellent, but they must ensure they keep their diabetes controlled and prevent the development of periodontal disease that can destroy the teeth, gums, and jawbone. Patients with periodontal disease are recommended additional treatments before implant placements by Cabrera Dental Associates — Houston, Texas. The supplementary treatments include bone grafting to provide sufficient bone to secure the implants.

If you are considering the all on 4 dental implants placement, it helps if you visit dental implants in Houston, TX, to receive comprehensive information on the problems you can expect before considering your candidature for implant placement.

The way your gum line looks is unique to you. Some people’s gum lines are high, low, and others are in the middle. Some may even be uneven.

If you are self-conscious about your gums look, you may want to consider seeing a dentist in Houston. Contouring gums provide a good option if you desire to update your bite or normalize it.

Gum contouring is a cosmetic procedure where the dentist reshapes your gums to attain an even gum line. The treatment can provide a more attractive and youthful appearance by creating a thinner and pearlier appearance for teeth.

What Cause the Uneven Gum Lines?

Several factors can cause uneven gum lines, such as genetics, medications, or being predisposed to disease/illness. This affects the appearance of your teeth and may go unnoticed for a while.

Sometimes, your gums push back from the teeth and make them look longer than they are. This can be caused by gum recession, a condition in which gum tissue pulls back from a tooth & exposes the tooth’s root. Depending on how much it recedes, you may not even notice that your teeth are getting longer because of it. But gum recession can be a sign of periodontal disease, and periodontal disease causes the deterioration of the supporting structures of gums and teeth.

What is Gum Contouring Surgery?

Gum contouring treatment in Houston is a procedure that reshapes the gum tissue and teeth using a scalpel and laser. The primary purpose of the surgery is to improve the appearance of the gum line and eliminate unsightly teeth.

Gum contouring surgery can be used for cosmetic reasons, but it is also widely used by patients who have undergone reconstructive surgery that resulted in cleft lip or palate deformity or missing teeth.

Is Gum Contouring Necessary?

Some experts claim that most people do not need a contour because they have a perfectly shaped smile. But, there are some cases where a person may not have an aesthetically pleasing smile and need a gum contour to make it look better or more natural. You may also need reshaping if you have receding gums because of periodontal disease.

What Can You Expect During a Gum Contouring Procedure?

A gum contour is an in-office procedure done by a periodontist or a cosmetic dentist, and it takes one visit.

The dentist will use a scalpel to dig out a tissue from the gum area. This tissue is then shaped into a different shape using an ultrasonic machine. The final shape may be either straight, tapered, or rounded.

However, if you have gum recession, the dentist will add gum tissue to stimulate new gum tissue. The procedure grips the gum line to make sure your teeth are properly connected.

Gums contouring is a procedure that takes around 1-2 hours, but this depends on the extent of the sculpting required.

How Long Does It to Recovery Gum Contouring Surgery?

The recovery period for gum contouring surgery can vary– it can take anywhere from a few days to a few months. After the surgery, you will need to see their dentist regularly to monitor your gum tissue and avoid complications.

Aftercare Tips for Gum Contouring Surgery?

Certain tips can help you take care of yourself after getting gum contouring surgery near you. Aftercare tips include: staying away from hot and spicy foods and drinks and sugar and acidic vegetables until after your swelling has gone down. Avoid strenuous activities that can worsen the pain.

What Are the Risks of Gum Contouring Surgery?

The risks associated with gum contouring surgery are mainly due to bleeding or infection. Gum tissue easily tears or bleeds, leading to infection if it is not taken care of properly. In some cases, it can also cause nerve damage, resulting in severe pain and permanent disability if not treated early enough.

Some patients also experience swelling in their cheeks after gum contouring surgery.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Cabrera Dental Associates for more information about gum contouring and reshaping and what you can expect.

Have you experienced any dental issues causing extreme pain besides inconvenience from the stress and anxiety? If it was your initial experience, you might have wondered how to overcome the situation, especially if your regular dentist wasn’t available or had the time for emergency services. Unfortunately, dental emergencies are standard and can occur without warning. Fortunately, if you research emergency dentistry near you, finding dental professionals providing emergency services is not challenging, making it easier for you to overcome the issue you confront.

You may get into an accident or even find yourself in a situation where your teeth and oral cavity are injured but cannot get to your regular dentist to seek the treatment needed. You must not let the dental issue remains untreated in the mouth. The better option for you is to seek emergency dentistry in Houston, TX, to deal with the problem affecting you instead of enduring the discomfort and possibly inviting infections in your mouth.

What Precisely Is Emergency Dentistry?

You may visit your regular dentist for scheduled checkups and exams or any treatment you need. Unfortunately, many people visit their dentists without scheduling an appointment unexpectedly. Visits to dental offices without an appointment are standard, and dentists are aware you may encounter an emergency at any time.

Whenever you experience incredible pain in your mouth because of a displaced tooth stuck in your gums or a tooth accidentally knocked out, you must try to see your dentist immediately, regardless of the time. However, if your dentist is unavailable when the dental emergency occurs, it doesn’t mean you can ignore the dental issue because emergencies are often severe and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Emergency dentistry near Houston offers special services by professional dentists aiming to address the dental problems occurring without warning.

What Are Dental Emergencies?

Dental emergencies can vary according to people and the severity of their condition. For example, you may consider a minor painless chipped tooth a dental emergency and rush to emergency dentistry in 77075 because you value your aesthetic appearance. However, if the dental issue is manageable and causing no discomfort, there is no reason for you to seek emergency dentistry services.

On the other hand, if you have suffered a severe injury to your face or mouth needing medical attention, rushing to the dentist near Houston is entirely justified. You can call your regular dentist and explain the situation to determine whether you are indeed affected by a dental emergency. The call to your dentist helps you decide whether or not you need prompt dental attention from an emergency dentist or can wait for a couple of days to receive urgent dental care from the professional.

When to Seek Emergency Dentistry Services without Exceptions?

Toothaches

Toothaches often result from untreated cavities causing excruciating pain when eating certain foods and drinks. You may even develop fever, dental abscesses, and swelling in your face and cheeks. The pain is an indication that the infection has spread your tooth roots, making them vulnerable to further damage. Such situations are better not ignored because they are life-threatening. Diseases from deep decay in your mouth eventually spread to your bloodstream to cause various health complications. You must get the issue treated from the emergency dentistry clinic near you to overcome the pain and control the infection.

The dental professional at the facility will likely drain any dental abscess and provide painkillers and antibiotics to help alleviate the pain you experience. If necessary, they may even perform root canal treatment to eradicate the infection from your mouth. Therefore if you have an untreated cavity in your mouth which develops into a severe toothache, you need help from emergency dentistry without wasting time.

Knocked-out Tooth

Having a knocked-out tooth is not a pleasant experience because besides causing pain and bleeding, it also leaves you with a gap between your teeth that needs filling. You must pick up the knocked-out tooth holding it by the crown, clean the tooth rinsing it with water, and rush to emergency dentistry right away if you want the dentist to reattach your tooth instead of searching for artificial replacements. Remember, time is of the essence when you are dealing with a knocked-out tooth. You must get to the emergency dentist within 30 minutes with the tooth maintained in pristine condition for them to restore it back in your mouth.

Dental emergencies are notorious for occurring late in the evening or during holidays. You can call your dentist to inquire whether they offer emergency dentistry services at odd hours. However, remember the dentist in Houston is always available to deal with any dental emergency affecting you. A call to the professional will help you overcome the dental issue you have.

Introduction

Just like accidents, dental emergencies are unplanned events that can cause tremendous discomfort. Leaving a dental emergency unattended can lead to a spread of infection or even cause permanent damage.

What are the common dental emergencies? What should you do when they come up? In this article, we provide answers to your pertinent questions on dental emergencies.

Kindly read further for more information.

What is Emergency Dentistry?

Emergencies can occur at odd hours of the night or on weekends. Emergency dentistry near Houston provides immediate care to patients to prevent infections and permanent damage. It would be best to get emergency dentistry near you whenever you have a severe toothache, broken tooth, or loose fillings.

When Do You Need Emergency Dentistry?

Emergency dentistry in Houston, TX, is needed when you have dental emergencies, including severe toothache, swollen jaws, knocked-out tooth, bleeding gums, dental abscess, and broken tooth.

Common Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies left unattended can result in severe situations. Immediately you have an emergency, consult your dentist near Houston. Emergency dentistry in 77075 provides prescriptions to relieve pain and prevent infections. This section discusses steps you can take in different emergency scenarios before you reach a dental clinic.

Broken Tooth

Clean your mouth by rinsing your mouth with a salt solution. You can also use pain relievers like ibuprofen and apply pressure with a cold compress in case of swelling.

Missing Crown

Use an over-the-counter dental cement to hold the crown in place before r4eaching the clinic. It is not advisable to use glue.

Severe Toothache

A severe toothache can leave you in tremendous pain. Before visiting the dental clinic, rinse your mouth with salt solution, and if there’s any swelling, apply a cold compress. Pain relievers like ibuprofen are also suitable for relieving pain.

Cracked Tooth

Cracked teeth are prone to developing bacterial infections. Use a salt solution to rinse your mouth and apply a cold compress on any swollen area before visiting the clinic

Knocked-out Tooth

In this case, rinse the displaced tooth carefully and avoid scrubbing. If you try placing the tooth back in position and it doesn’t stay, preserve the tooth in fresh milk. This increases the chances of a dentist saving the tooth when you reach the clinic

Dental Abscess

Infection in the tooth root or gums causes dental abscess. Before visiting a clinic, rinse your mouth with a salt solution to limit the spread of the infection.

Bleeding Gums

It is pretty difficult to stop bleeding before reaching the clinic. All you can do to reduce bleeding is to elevate your head to minimize the bleeding and visit a dental clinic immediately

Stuck Objects

If you have stuck items in your teeth, use dental floss to remove such items. If floss does not work, contact your dentist immediately. Do not use sharp objects to remove anything stuck between your teeth.

Loose Braces

Loose braces can injure your mouth. You can hold the braces in place with an orthodontic wax pending the time you will see an emergency dentist.

What Should You Expect from An Emergency Dentist?

When you go for emergency dentistry near Houston, the dentist near Houston will examine your mouth and discuss your symptoms with you. For dental emergencies that require surgeries or root canal treatment, you may not undergo the procedure there and then. Instead, the dentist will prescribe medication and book you an appointment with a specialist

How Can You Prevent Dental Emergencies?

Although dental emergencies are unplanned, the following measures can reduce the likelihood of developing these emergencies.

• Maintain your oral hygiene
• Eat a balanced and healthy diet
• Visit your dentist regularly for examinations
• Avoid eating hard foods
• Use a mouthguard during sports
• Reduce intake of sugary foods and drinks
• Do not chew your nails or non-food items

Conclusion

Dental emergencies cause severe pain. If you have a broken tooth, dental abscess, missing tooth, or severe toothache, contact emergency dentistry in 77075 immediately.

The joints that connect your jaw to the skull are known as temporomandibular joints. These joints are surrounded by cartilages. In addition, there are small shock absorbers that separate them, ensuring smooth movement.

When the joints are damaged or injured, it leads to pain or discomfort. This can cause temporomandibular joints disorders which will require you to go for TMJ treatment near you. The disorder is mainly caused by;

• Arthritis in the joints
• Direct trauma to the jaw or teeth,
• Dealignment of the jaws or teeth,
• Bruxism or grinding of the teeth which stresses out the joints

Symptoms of TMJ

The most common symptom of TMJ disorder is pain or discomfort in the jaw joints. Due to its location, the pain may extend toward the ear, forehead, eye, forehead, or neck. If you experience any of the following, visit our dentist near Houston for TMJ treatment in Houston.

• The appearance of lumps or swelling on your temple
• Having difficulties or pain when chewing or opening your mouth
• Grating, popping, or clicking sounds when opening your mouth to eat or talk in the joints
• Headaches and dizziness which can cause nausea
• Muscle spasms which are accompanied by swallowing difficulties
• Stiffness or tenderness in the jaws, especially around the joints
• Blurred eyesight
• Lockjaw or dislocation of the jaw after a wide yawn
• A tingling sensation or numbness on the chin

Diagnosis

When diagnosing TMJ disorders at Cabrera Dental Associates, a few procedures are followed. First, you will be required to provide your medical history and explain the symptoms you are experiencing. In addition, some of the following questions may be asked by our Best TMJ Specialist in Houston.

• Are you in the habit of biting your nails or grinding your teeth?
• What is the location of the pain or discomfort you are experiencing?
• The type of pain you are experiencing, whether it’s an ache, sharp or throbbing pain?

Our doctor then performs a physical examination of your face, neck, jaw joint, and head. The following will be noted during the examination.

• The location of the pain you are experiencing
• Your teeth alignment, bone abnormalities, and dental procedures you have had
• The scale of the pain as the jaw is being manipulated
• Your ability to move the jaw sideways, forward, and backward without discomforts

Depending on the conclusions made by the doctor after a physical examination, the doctor may suggest more tests. Some of the tests that may be required include;

• X-rays
• An ultrasound will be used to determine the functionality of the TMJ
• Blood tests that are used to rule out some possible causes such as gout, arthritis, or lupus
• MRI or CT scans that are used to obtain the soft tissues and bone structures from the joints.

Treatment Options

While some TMJ disorders can disappear without treatment, some will need medical care. TMJ treatment near Houston, TX include;

Medical prescriptions.

• Pain relievers. These could be over-the-counter drugs or prescribed by our dentist near you.
• Muscle relaxants. These are prescribed for disorders that are caused by muscle spasms. They can be taken for a week or a few days.
• Antidepressants. Prescribed in low doses, they are used to relieve pain and control bruxism or sleeplessness.

Surgical Procedures

When other treatments don’t work, the doctor may result in surgery. The surgical procedures include;

• Injections
• Open-joint surgery if a structural abnormality causes the disorder. The surgery repairs or replaces the joints.
• Arthrocentesis involves the insertion of small needles in the joints. This is done to irrigate fluid through the joint to get rid of debris.

Therapies

Use of occlusal appliances, which include mouth guards or oral splints. A soft device is inserted over the teeth for pain relief.

Professional counseling helps in understanding the factors that aggravate the pain. Some of these factors are teeth clenching, lying on your chin, or biting nails.

Physical therapy includes physical exercises of the jaws. The exercises help in strengthening and stretching jaw muscles. To learn more about the physical therapy tips, visit our TMJ treatment in 77075.

Home Self Care Tips

The following are some home remedies that will help with easing TMJ disorder’s symptoms.

• Eating soft food substances while avoiding sticky or chewy foods
• Pressing a warm or cold pack on the side of your mouth to ease pain
• When practicing the daily oral hygiene routine, use a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Use a water flosser if you are having difficulties with opening your mouth

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.

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.

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.