Achieve Perfect Smile Without Braces. Learn How!

Many people usually have crooked or misaligned teeth. For straightened teeth, the best option is to see an orthodontist and get braces. The adults with imperfect teeth are not comfortable with the braces. Here are the ways to straighten your teeth without braces.

The options your dentist may offer you are:

Retainers: This includes a custom-made device suitable for your tooth with the help of acrylic and metal wires. They are removable and also noticeable once you wear them.

Appliances: This works by correcting the imperfection of the jaw and are extremely time taking.

Invisalign: This option is a more popular option where a plastic retainer is used which is invisible to straighten the teeth. As the name suggests, these are not the only custom made but are also discreet and works faster than the other options hence making it more prevalent. The process is a simple one where the dentists take the mold of your teeth and crafts aligners befitting the molds and place it in the mouth. These molds or retainers can be removed at the time of brushing or eating. These molds have to be changed in every two weeks depending on the current position of your teeth and the final desired position.

However, there are minor problems that are also corrected without the use of braces.

Limited Overcrowding: If the teeth are only slightly crooked due to a little overcrowding, retainers can be used to resolve the issue without any hassles.

Malocclusion: A small portion of the alignment can be corrected with the help of Appliances adjusted in that position of the jaw.

Underdeveloped Palate: If you have a narrow upper jaw, Expanders are used to widen and create spaces in the palate which ensures dental correction.

Apart from Invisalign, an excellent alternative to the Braces are Dental Veneers. These veneers are also called Porcelain Veneers because wafer-thin, hard porcelain shells are used and bonded permanently in front of the tooth that needs correction in color, shape, size or length.

They solve the issues of-

  • Discoloration caused either by root canal treatments or by stains from chemicals like fluoride.
  • Chipped or broken teeth.
  • Misalignment, uneven or irregularly shaped teeth.
  • Space-related issues where it is used to fill the gaps between the teeth.
  • Also corrects the worn out or old looking teeth.

They are extremely comfortable, long-lasting and reliable in non-staining the tooth and thus it is the most procured method for straightening the teeth. However, a small amount of the tooth structure is removed to allow the veneer to adhere closely and comfortably in the patient’s mouth. These are also cost-effective and are easily available at affordable prices.

Resin Composite materials are also used in Dental Veneers, but Porcelain Veneers are more popular as it reflects better light of the natural veneer teeth in compared to the resin veneers.

To make sure that dental veneers are appropriate for you, your dentist may take X-rays and even make impressions of your mouth and teeth before administering the solution. The dentist removes a slight portion of your tooth enamel which is almost equal to the thickness of the veneer about to be placed on the tooth surface. Then an impression is made of the tooth which is sent to the laboratory about which the veneer is constructed and placed in the desired position of the teeth. It can take up to four weeks for the perfect veneer to be made. The placing of the veneer needs a lot of perfection and hence the dentist examines and cross-examines the veneer multiple times before permanently bonding it to the teeth. The color is adjusted with the help of the cement used. After which a special light is applied on the veneer which ensures its permanence and durability. The process is finally completed by removing the excess cement and making the last adjustments.

These Veneers are neither harmful nor ruin your natural teeth and thus are the safest ways to obtain straightened hassle-free tooth structure.

Confused about dental implants?

There available so many options for missing tooth issues and many people do not prefer choosing dental implant as ultimate solutions for such issues. This is because many people are not aware of the benefits of dental implants. Dental implants can be the best alternative in cases of tooth loss because it uses artificial replacement tooth roots made up of titanium which can effectively address missing tooth issue. Further, it ensures natural-looking results with better functions.

Dental implants in South Houston, TX for a better smile

Dental implants can actually change the way a patients’ feels because the implant can help them obtain best results. There have been so many success stories of dental implant for patients who have been suffering from missing teeth issue. It has also been used as an alternative for uncomfortable dentures. Implants help patient to feel like their natural teeth are back again which can look good and function normally.

Worried about a pain?

Many fear that dental implant is a tough and painful procedure but on the contrary, this procedure is less painful when compared to other treatments like root canal or filling. Missing tooth may be more painful and in such cases getting a dental implant isn’t a bad idea. It is a simple procedure carried out with local anesthesia for patient’s comfort. This will ensure that you do not feel any stress during the procedure.

Recovery

As anesthesia is used in the procedure, the dentist may suggest you take bed rest for first 24 hours after the procedure. After this, you can resume your daily activities. In just a couple of days, patient will start to feel normal. It is often recommended consulting your respective dentist for suggestions related to eating habits so to ensure better healing with less pain. If required, he may suggest painkillers to eradicate any pain that may exist after the procedure.

Outcome

Dental implant is quite an easy procedure that comes with beautiful results. Patients get natural-looking teeth with an implant that can function just like normal teeth.

6 Lies You Need To Stop Saying To Your Dentist

The idea of seeing the dentist scares the most of us. We all have been in the situation where we brush and floss our teeth just before the appointment to impress the dentist. It’s common for the patients to lie to the dentist as they are embarrassed to admit that they don’t floss or brush their teeth twice. However, your mouth is a reflection of not just your oral health, but also your general wellbeing. Thus, it’s important to stop saying these lies to your dentist.

  • “I floss regularly.”

Your brush alone can’t help in getting rid of the plaque deposited between the teeth, explains the dentist in Houston. Flossing can help in removing plaque from the areas where brush can’t reach. It helps in preventing accumulation of plaque, which is the root cause of gum disease and decay.

  • “I don’t drink alcohol very often.”

People who have alcohol quite frequently experience dry mouth. It has been observed that 7 out of the 10 oral cancer patients are heavy alcohol addicts.

  • “That doesn’t hurt.”

During a dental procedure, let your dentist in 77075 know if you are experiencing a sharp pain so that the dentist can apply a topical anesthetic. You can also call them in advance and take a pain medication before the procedure.

  • “I don’t smoke.”

Smoking not only leads to stains on your teeth, but it can also cause yellow teeth, gum disease, and oral cancer. It’s better to admit that you smoke and let your dentist suggest ways to maintain your oral health and quit smoking.

  • “I got lost on the way to your office.”

If you are anxious about seeing the dentist, let them know about it instead of making excuses. He may help in getting rid of anxiety and fear or use sedation dentistry if required.

  • “I hardly ever drink soda.”

Drinking soda and other sugary or acidic beverages can damage your tooth enamel. It’s best to avoid having them and even if you do, make use of a straw for minimum enamel damage.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction: 6 Facts You Need to Know

Wisdom tooth extraction is a common dental procedure, but no one ever wishes to go through it. However, if your dentist asks you to get it done, you may feel anxious. It’s better to have some information beforehand so that you don’t feel anxious during the procedure.

1. Wisdom Tooth Extraction Is A Common Dental Procedure.

According to the reports, approximately 10 million molars get removed in the US every year. Wisdom tooth extraction is basically the process of removing your third molars which are located at the back part of the mouth at both top and bottom. They are the last set of teeth to erupt and they emerge between 17 to 25 years of age.

2. Wisdom Tooth Can Cause Oral Health Problems And Even Life-Threatening Conditions.

Wisdom tooth can lead to infection, cysts, tumors and damage the nearby gums and teeth. It can also cause serious damage to the vital organs, such as heart and kidney. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to these complications explains the dentist near 77075.

3. Wisdom Tooth Extraction Is Bearable.

The wisdom tooth extraction is not as painful as you believe it to be. It’s a surgical procedure, which means the dentist will use anesthetic sedation, or general anesthesia, based on your specific condition.

4. Wisdom Teeth Problems Can Be Asymptomatic.

Some people may not feel any pain or experience swelling, but that doesn’t mean the wisdom tooth is problem- free. Problems may also develop without showing any symptoms. The best way to keep the dental issues at bay is to have them checked regularly so you know if you can keep the molars or you need to get them extracted.

5. Pain Management Can Be Fun.

You need to have only soft food after extraction, which includes ice cream, yogurt, and smoothies as they help in reducing bleeding and swelling.

6. There Are Ways To Speed Recovery Up.

Recovery period depends on your individual case, but you can get back to your routine within a few days. Avoid heavy physical activity, smoking, and sucking on straw to speed up the recovery.

10 Mistakes to Avoid When Caring for Your Teeth

Your confident smile depends on healthy teeth. While you plan to care for your teeth, make sure you avoid these mistakes.

  • Brushing too often: Brushing too often has the potential of harming your gums and enamel. Dentists at Cabrera Dental Associates recommend restricting brushing to only 2 times a day.
  • Brushing too infrequently: You already know the consequence of not brushing frequently. Bad breath, the direct result can drive people away from you. Also, it invites other problems such as cavities and tooth decay.
  • Brushing too hard or too soft: Avoid painful and bleeding gums by brushing your teeth by brushing properly.
  • Using the wrong toothbrush for your unique needs: For people with sensitive teeth, soft toothbrushes are the best alternative. For others, the everyday brushes would work. Visit the Cabrera Dental Associates to find out whether or not you have sensitive teeth.
  • Brushing at the wrong times: There’s a reason why dentists suggest brushing your teeth at fixed times. Brushing immediately before or after a meal might damage the enamel layer of your teeth.
  • Not flossing: Even after brushing up of teeth, some food particles stay in the mouth. Flossing at least once in a day keeps your teeth fit.
  • Neglecting other areas of the mouth: People tend to forget that mouth comprises of gums and tongue too. It is essential that such parts are taken care off. Try to remove any food material left on the gums after eating. Also, remember to clean your tongue every time you brush.
  • Keeping a brush for too long: One toothbrush is supposed to last only 2 to 3 months. After that, it will assist in amassing bacteria rather than removing it. So, never use a toothbrush for too long a time.
  • Over-whitening: Never use whitening agents for your teeth. They make your teeth weak and prone to catching infections.
  • Avoiding the dentist: Even when you feel no pain or discomfort, try meeting the dentist regularly. They will assist you in avoiding dental problems before they turn into suffering.

Can I Keep My Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom tooth is the last of the 32 adult teeth. Wisdom tooth as third molars and referred to as wisdom tooth as they generally erupt during an age when most people transition from childhood to adulthood.

Who Gets Wisdom Teeth?

Most people get their wisdom tooth between the ages of 17-24 years. Also, some people do not get their wisdom teeth at all. Different factors such as genetics, diet, and gender play a role when your wisdom teeth show up.

What are Some of the Problems Associated With Wisdom Teeth?

Many people experience some pain and discomfort when their wisdom tooth begins to grow. This can be due to a wide range of reasons which includes overcrowding of teeth, misalignment of your molars, etc.

Further, also when your wisdom teeth grow, they can erupt sideways and grow crooked and push your other teeth away from their normal position. This makes it difficult to properly clean your teeth with brushing and flossing, and this can lead to accumulation plaque, tartar and other food particles between your teeth and within your mouth.

When Should You See Your Dentist About Your Wisdom Teeth?

You should see your dentist about your wisdom teeth when you experience pain when your wisdom teeth grow. Ensure scheduling regular dental check-ups towards allowing your dentist to check the progression or any complication involved in the growth of your wisdom tooth.

What are the Risks of Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Wisdom teeth removal is relatively safe and does not cause any long-term complications and problems. However, some patients can experience some pain and soreness post their wisdom teeth removal.

What are the Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Wisdom teeth removal makes it easier for you to clean and floss your teeth, prevent overcrowding of teeth and safeguards from other issues such as the possibility of the cyst, infections associated with a wisdom tooth.

To know whether you require your wisdom tooth removed or fulfillment of your other dental and oral care needs, schedule an appointment with Cabrera Dental Associates in Houston, Texas. We offer a wide range of general, preventive and cosmetic dental treatments for all your dental and oral health needs.

How to Maintain Oral Hygiene When You Travel

Travelling is very exciting for everyone as there’s enthusiasm to explore a new place and go on a new adventure. But your travelling should never come in way of maintaining your dental care. Here’s a look at some tips that will help in taking care of your dental health while travelling:

Don’t Put Off Appointments

If you need a dental care procedure, you must get it done before you go on your trip. Otherwise you can experience discomfort which can hinder your ability to enjoy your vacation. Make sure to schedule the dental appointments before you leave for the trip. You will be glad that you took care of the dental business before departing the trip.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

There’s always a risk that something can happen to your dental health during the vacation. Thus, it’s better to be prepared for the emergencies. You must bring along your dental insurance card and a list of your home dental contacts so that you can call them in case of an emergency.

Buy a Toothbrush for Travel

It is recommended to buy a toothbrush that you use only while travelling so that your brush at home remains unharmed. Also, you should replace the toothbrush after each trip as it will get exposed to germs when you travel says the dentist in Houston.

Clean Your Toothbrush Holder While Travelling

While travelling, we store damp toothbrush in the toothbrush holder which creates ideal environment for bacteria to grow. Therefore, you need to clean them both.

– Rinse

Rinse the toothbrush holder thoroughly under hot water so residue is removed.

– Clean

Fill a cup with antibacterial mouthwash and place your brush in it for 30 seconds pulling it out and rinsing in cold water. Do the same with your holder.

– Dry

Dry the brush and holder as much as possible. You can consider buying a holder with venting holes which will enable quick drying.

Bring Backup

You must keep a sugar-free gum with yourself so that if you are not able to brush your teeth, the gum will keep your mouth fresh.

5 Tips to Prevent and Reduce Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth Sensitivity also known as dentin hypersensitivity or root sensitivity is a striking pain that one goes through in their gums and teeth when they eat something hot or cold. It becomes really tough to deal with teeth sensitivity on a daily basis and it gets tougher when you can not eat your favorite food. Also, it is one of the most common dental problems and has a super easy solution as well.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

There are multiple reasons why one can be diagnosed with tooth sensitivity. Here we are tried to cover some of the most common causes of tooth sensitivity.

Tooth decay (cavities), Worn fillings, Fractured teeth, Gum disease, Worn tooth enamel, and Exposed tooth root are the most common causes of tooth sensitivity.

There are a few people who inherently have a sensitive tooth or are born with it. But there is no need to worry about it. Cabrera Dental Associates has it covered for you. Here are 5 tips that would help you prevent and reduce sensitivity.

1. Use Proper Brushing Techniques – Use the right kind of toothbrush, use a good toothpaste and do not put too much pressure on your gums. Over-brushing is a real thing. One can damage their teeth by brushing wrong.

2. Try A Desensitizing Toothpaste – There are a lot of options available for a desensitizing toothpaste. Consult experts and make sure you use one of it. It would help a lot.

3. Wear A Mouthguard At Night – A mouthguard prevents you from grinding your teeth at night. Teeth grinding is one of the causes of the sensitive tooth. Using a mouthguard would come handy here.

4. Treat Periodontal Problems – If these remedies don’t seem to work, consult a periodontist. There might be some other untreated issue that is causing you sensitive tooth. This could be only diagnosed if you visit a periodontist and get your teeth checked up.

5. Ask Dr. Cabrera About A Fluoride Treatment – If you still have a problem of sensitivity. Ask Dr. Cabrera for a fluoride treatment. He would assist you in the best way possible and make sure you get rid of your sensitive teeth.

Straight Teeth: Not Just About Looks

Everyone wishes to have straight teeth and a beautiful smile. Though the most important benefit of straight teeth is improvement in your looks, it is not the only benefit. There are other potential benefits of straight teeth as well which are more significant than the superficial ones. Let’s explore some of them:

  • Clearer Speech

Dentist near TX 77075 says that the teeth are a crucial component when it comes to your speech. They have a role in your ability to speak and enunciate clearly. For making correct speech, the lips and tongue have to maneuver around which is easy when the teeth are properly aligner but crooked teeth can result in a lisp, slurring or difficulty in making certain sounds that need tongue-to-tooth contact.

  • Healthier Digestion

Chewing is an important part of the digestion process. It not only chops the food into small pieces but also mixes the food with saliva which begins the chemical digestion process. When the food is not chewed properly because of misaligned teeth, the stomach has to work harder. Straight teeth make it easier to chew the food which aids in quick and easy digestion.

  • Better Breathing

When you have poorly aligned teeth, it can be difficult to close your jaws comfortably when you are not moving them which can lead to mouth breathing. It has many negative effects such as dry mouth, bad breath, snoring, chronic fatigue and brain fog. The effects are even bigger problem for kids.

  • Straight Teeth For A Better Life

Not only do straight teeth make it easier for you to speak, eat, and breathe properly, they are also easier to clean. You may avoid orthodontic treatment as you are satisfied with the way your smile looks but there are several benefits of straight teeth which are worth considering.

  • Straight teeth lead to better oral health and better overall health!

It is a fact that people with misaligned teeth should consider getting their teeth straight as it has an overall positive impact on the dental health as well as your self-image as it boosts your confidence.

Why Dental Cleanings Equal Preventative Dentistry

We all have heard how important it is to get dental cleaning done twice a year but did you know that these exams are as good as preventive dentistry. Not convinced? Here’s a look at why we say so.

Dental Cleanings Are Mini Dental Exams

When you go for dental cleaning appointment, the dentist in TX 77075 not only cleans the teeth but also examines your mouth for signs of decay or infection. If the dentist finds early signs of tooth decay or gum infection, he may suggest appropriate treatment so that the dental issue doesn’t escalate further and your tooth can be saved from falling out or extraction.

Your Toothbrush and Dental Floss Can’t Reach Every Nook

Most people who follow an oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing feel that it’s not important for them to get dental cleaning done. However, the fact is your toothbrush and floss can’t reach nooks and corners as well as between the teeth. Thus, you need a professional dental cleanup so that the dentist can remove plaque and tartar from teeth and gums which are responsible for decay and infection and bad breath as well.

Our Dental Hygienist Can Provide Valuable Tips

You must brush and floss your teeth twice a day but that is not enough. You must do it with right technique and brush for at least 2 minutes in circular motion. Apart from that, you also need to use a fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash to squish whenever you can’t brush after a meal.

Contact Our Dental Office

In case of any queries regarding dental health, you must contact the dentist in South Houston, TX as they can diagnose the dental issue along with cleaning your teeth. The dentist in 77075 also looks for symptoms of oral cancer during the examination so that it can be treated in the initial stage before escalating further where it can be difficult to treat.

The dentist not only performs dental cleaning but also suggests tips on optimum oral care which should be practiced by you at home.