Your Northwest Houston, TX, dentist Dr. Brent Browning can help provide you with a great smile. Braces can help fix misaligned teeth by adding light pressure onto teeth to move them into their proper position.

Traditional Braces:

Ceramic Braces: Clear ceramic braces are less noticeable. Ceramic braces are composed of the same parts as traditional braces with the exception of the front side of brackets being translucent. To ensure your treatment gives you optimal solutions, make sure to wear a mouth guard if you're playing a sport, don't skip your dentist's appointments to ensure braces are adjusted properly and that there's no hardened plaque buildup on teeth and/or around gums.

Metal Braces: They're made of high-grade stainless steel and are the most commonly used orthodontic appliance. They have a thin, spring-like metal wire running through the brackets that guided teeth into their proper position.

Invisalign Clear Braces: Clear braces gently move teeth into their proper position. Your Northwest Houston dentist orders a series of custom aligner trays. You'll need to wear the clear aligners 20 to 22 hours per day. You can take them off when brushing and flossing your teeth, and to also clean the aligners themselves. You can take your braces off during special events, like weddings, job interviews, or any other casual party, but that's unnecessary since no one can see them. The clear plastic aligners are made of polyurethane plastic, which means they're flexible and great for straightening teeth discreetly.

Caring for Braces:

• Avoid eating certain foods, such as popcorn.
• Floss and brush your teeth after every meal, and make sure your child changes his or her toothbrush every 3 months or when the bristles are worn out, or frayed
• Make sure to wear a mouth guard if you're playing a sport.
• Consider fluoride-containing products, like mouthwash and toothpaste.
• Drink plenty of water to wash away food debris.

Consultation:

If you have any questions or concerns about orthodontics, don't hesitate to call your Northwest Houston, TX, dentist, Dr. Brent Browning, at (281) 370-4300.