Greater Houston Orthodontics – Invisalign and Braces for All Ages
Orthodontist Houston TX Invisalign Braces | Greater Houston Orthodontics
While the rest of your body may be in great shape, with each extra training hour, your risk of tooth decay actually increases. Additionally, there are two very specific oral health problems that athletes are at risk for: dry mouth effects and sports-related nutrition effects.
In general, it is not uncommon for an athlete to experience injuries to the mouth and jaw area. Anyone ever taken a soccer ball to the face? A fixed orthodontic appliance, such as braces, does increase your risk of oral injuries. Common oral injuries include: lacerations to the cheeks, lips, and tongue, chipped or broken teeth, TMJ, and root fractures. Have no fear, you can easily protect your teeth, mouth, and braces while playing sports by investing in a mouthguard. While it is suggested that braces patients invest in an orthodontic model, a basic mouthguard will provide more protection than nothing at all.
The acidity from tomatoes in pasta sauce can cause a buildup of acids in the mouth and foster the growth of bacteria. These pesky bacteria can result in bad breath.
Peanut butter is a protein packed favorite among many of us, however, its paste-like consistency makes it difficult for saliva to break down the proteins once they’re in your mouth. The stickiness makes it so peanut butter can stay around your mouth for hours. Bad breath bacteria thrive on protein, making peanut butter a potential culprit for your stinky breath.
One of the questions we get asked the most from parents and patients is: “which is better: Braces or Invisalign?”
It’s a hard question to answer because so much depends on each patient and their specific needs. That’s why at Greater Houston Orthodontics we prioritize spending time with you and listening to your needs and goals. That’s what helps us land on the best possible treatment plan for each unique patient who comes to see us.
Let’s talk about some of the different treatment options that we offer and the differences between them. Traditional metal or clear braces are the most commonly recognized and can be a great choice. There’s minimal involvement from the patient’s perspective except for avoiding foods that can damage brackets and wires, and brushing really well is a top priority. Braces are also great for patients who may lack the discipline to wear aligners for 22 hours a day. And that’s okay! You’ll come to us every 6-8 weeks for adjustments and you’ll be on your way to a straighter smile in no time.
On the other hand, clear aligners are an excellent alternative for patients that are good at keeping to a schedule and would find it more convenient to have a smaller list of foods to avoid. They are also a great choice if you know brushing is already an issue – a task that becomes more challenging with braces because it’s hard to reach those nooks and crannies when the brackets and wires are in place.
If our doctors feel that one would be a better option for any reason, we’ll let you know why and we’ll talk through everything in detail together. In most cases both treatment options are efficient and effective at giving your child their ideal smile, and making parents smile along the way.
Dr. Amir Davoody, Dr. Rana Mehr, and Dr. Ioannou are leading orthodontists in their field. The doctors and team use the most advanced treatments available today, including Braces, Invisalign, and the ability to virtually monitor treatment progress if needed. They take pride in providing the most effective, safe, and comfortable experience for their patients.
With two convenient locations in West University and Memorial, we are ready to help you start smiling. Please contact our West University or our Memorial office to schedule a complimentary consultation or click below:
You can have a trip to the oral day spa with these products…
Dental disease can affect a developing baby. Research has found a link between gum disease in pregnant women and premature birth with low birth weight. However, appropriate dental treatment for the expectant mother may reduce the risk of premature birth.
First, it is important to note that your dentist is not trying to be scary. They have no intentions to cause you any pain or discomfort. Their goal is to keep you and your teeth happy and healthy! Dentists also have to go through many years of schooling before they are allowed to practice dentistry. Thus, they are extremely qualified experts in their field. Additionally, your dentist doesn’t want your visit to be a traumatic or anxiety-inducing experience. If you simply communicate your feelings to them, they will do whatever they can to help make your visit better.
Well, the unfortunate news is that braces can contribute to them. This mainly happens in patients that are already prone to canker sores. They may experience an increase in sores because your mouth is adjusting to a big change when beginning orthodontic treatment. Braces can irritate oral tissue, which leaves it vulnerable to little lesions such as these sores.
Luckily, avoiding possible triggers and practicing good oral hygiene can help you to avoid or lessen the instances of them.