dental blog Archives - Unident Family Dentistry

In addition to straightening your teeth, orthodontics in Houston, TX, can enhance your oral health. Dental malocclusion, or crooked teeth, is brought on by issues with your jaw’s size and form. Crooked teeth might cause oral health issues if they are not addressed. Learn more about the signs of malocclusion, how orthodontics in Houston, TX, can improve your dental health, and the several orthodontic benefits

Orthodontics’ Benefits for Dental Health

The outcome will be more favorable the earlier you treat a malocclusion. Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that treats malocclusion by adjusting the dental and facial structures. Here are the advantages of orthodontic treatment for your oral health:

Healthier Smile – A healthier smile is possible because bacteria are more prone to thrive in the crevices between teeth when your teeth are crowded or crooked. Too many teeth close together run the risk of decay developing over time. Your ability to effectively clean your teeth is facilitated by appropriate dental alignment, which also lowers your risk for cavities and gum disease.

Better Bite – If your teeth are crooked, you run the chance of breaking one or more of them. Daily biting and chewing can wear down your tooth enamel over time and harm the way your jaw works. Your teeth can generate a more natural bite with orthodontics in Houston, TX.

Enhancement of Chewing – Orthodontic therapy fixes issues like overbite, underbite, and narrow arches. An improved chewing function results from better tooth alignment.

Migraine and muscle pain relief – Muscle soreness can come from a misaligned bite, which is frequently caused by crooked teeth. The strain that starts in your jaw can spread to your neck and shoulders before resulting in excruciating migraines. The underlying reason for migraines can be treated with an orthodontic in Houston, TX, which can also sometimes reduce muscle tension.

Here Are a few steps for dental care before orthodontics treatment –

While undergoing orthodontic treatment, it is crucial to continue having your teeth examined by your dental experts. Additionally, you must pay special attention to your mouth and teeth:

Every day give your teeth a thorough cleaning, getting in there where you can. Because braces are sensitive, it’s important to clean them gently to prevent breakage. Depending on the appliance you are wearing, your dental experts will be able to demonstrate the unique techniques to utilize.

Reduce your intake of sugary foods and beverages. Avoid sugary foods and beverages, as well as carbonated beverages. Additionally, hard and sticky meals can harm your brace.

At least once during the day and last thing at night, brush your teeth. Use mouthwash if necessary. Your dental experts might advise using a fluoride mouthwash, fluoride gel, or stronger fluoride toothpaste.

Conclusion

Serious dental health problems might result from improperly spaced teeth. Your smile’s health and lifespan are also ensured by correcting the alignment of your teeth. Make an appointment with Unident Family Dentistry in Houston, TX, right now to discover more about the best orthodontic therapy for your particular dental issue.

Clear Braces may be the solution for you if you’re seeking a nearly invisible, least intrusive technique to straighten your teeth. Clear Braces are intended to straighten teeth with uneven gaps. Adults and teenagers with underbites can also have their underbites fixed with braces. To decide if these teeth-straightening devices are the best option for you, look at the advantages that will help you make the decision.

Here Are a Few Benefits Of Clear Braces

Clear Braces Are Less embarrassing

Nearly no teenager or adult would want to publicize the necessity for braces to correct their misaligned teeth. In fact, some individuals find wearing traditional metal braces embarrassing and uncomfortable. Fortunately, clear braces deliver on their promise of virtually invisible dental appliances worn in between your teeth, allowing you to grin freely and with unrestrained joy. Trust the Unident Family Dentistry’s best orthodontist in Westchase, TXT.

The Plastic Composition of Braces is Convenient

Yes, clear braces are easier to wear and maintain because they are composed of clear plastic rather than bulky metal. If you’ve ever battled to remove debris from metal braces, you may appreciate what a great advantage this is. Only the best orthodontist in Westchase, TXT, can guide you for the best clear braces.

Easy To Remove And More Versatile

You must wear traditional metal braces until your teeth are straightened properly. So clear braces may seem like a one-way route for your teeth. Contrarily, clear braces can be removed without a dentist’s assistance, allowing you to remove them for significant occasions like a work presentation or a social gathering and then quickly reapply them later without attracting undue notice.

Blends Seamlessly Into Contemporary Lifestyles

What you can eat can be limited by metal braces, especially in public. For instance, choosing your lunch noodle with your (metal) teeth still intact is the last thing you want to do as an adult! It is substantially less likely to occur when using clear braces. For more comfort, you can even take off your braces when dining in public. Cleaning is also made simpler as a result.

Frequently Asked Questions About Clear Braces

Do clear braces become discolored?

Yes. One of the main problems with clear braces is staining. The included ceramic brackets don’t discolor as easily, but the elastics that hold the wires in place do stains, especially when meals and drinks with tannins are consumed. The brackets and wires that come with clear braces might develop stains from smoking tobacco products also. The elastics that come with transparent braces are normally changed by dentists every six weeks.

Can an overbite be corrected with clear braces?

In general, an overbite can be corrected with braces. Clear aligners are ideal for restoring jaw position and bite function because they have no metal or wires, which means they can be used in place of traditional metal braces. This orthodontic treatment allows you to feel the changes in the alignment of your teeth very quickly and accurately.

Clear aligners, however, can only be utilized to correct overbites brought on by incorrect tooth positioning in the patient.

The conclusion

In the end, wearing clear braces is intended to straighten your teeth without attracting undue attention. However, the time frame in which the correction takes place depends on the severity of the overbite and the age. To find out more about these braces and other choices, contact Unident Family Dentistry in Houston, TX.

Cosmetic dentistry is the medical field that deals with the prevention and correction of structural defects in teeth and recreating smiles. Cosmetic dentistry is a practice that helps you look, feel and function better. It’s more than just a plastic surgeon or a gum disease specialist. It is an entire dental team that focuses on issues such as smile design, oral cancer prevention, and gum disease treatment. Here are a few tips on how to Choose an Affordable Cosmetic Dentist.

Tip #1: Dentists Within Your Insurance Network

Choosing a cosmetic dentist within your dental insurance network is very important. This is because choosing a cosmetic dentist can help save you money. Cosmetic dentistry covers your teeth and gums but not the rest of your mouth. The benefit is that you get peace of mind knowing you are covered by your dental insurance plan.

Tip #2: Word of mouth

Choose your cosmetic dentist by word of mouth because they are the best at what they do. It is crucial to select an aesthetic dental practice that focuses on patient care and treatment rather than the dentistry treatments that can be performed. Expert surgeons are known for excellence and for providing exceptional results to patients.

Tip #3: Online Reviews

Choosing cosmetic dentists that are good online reviews is crucial because they provide you with a way to check the experience level of your dentist before you make an appointment. Cosmetic dentists who have had patients in their practice for many years will have great reviews from previous customers and current ones.

Tip #4: Promotions or discounts

When choosing a cosmetic dentist, finding a dentist with promotions or discounts can help you save more money and time. These incentives can also help you feel more confident when making an appointment to see your new dentist.

Tip #5: Prevention is the key

Cosmetic Dentistry is a wonderful way to improve your smile without spending a fortune on expensive dental procedures. Cosmetic dentists take a holistic approach to maintaining a healthy smile and making teeth beautiful by using cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening and more. These procedures do not affect oral health or the health of other parts of the mouth. In addition, by treating your teeth before they become stained or damaged with a cavity-causing plaque and tartar buildup, you reduce the need for invasive procedures later on.

Conclusion

Cosmetic Dentistry is a growing trend among people who want to improve their smile, feel more confident, and are trying to look younger. Cosmetic dentists use many different techniques to achieve this goal. Treatment can range from simple tooth whitening, dental composite bonding and to full mouth reconstruction that replaces missing teeth. So, end your search for cosmetic dentistry near you by contacting dental experts at Unident Family Dentistry today!

Successful orthodontic therapy depends on three things: time, pressure, and cooperation. Braces – a fixed orthodontic appliance usually consisting of brackets, bands, and wires – apply pressure to the teeth to gradually move them into the correct position over time. The patients’ cooperation is required by keeping the teeth clean, avoiding foods that break the brackets, limiting sugary drinks, visiting the dentist every 3-6 months, and wearing the elastics prescribed by the orthodontist.

Patients with braces typically see the best orthodontist every six to ten weeks until the teeth are securely aligned. After the teeth are in the correct position, braces & other appliances are removed. The below tips may help you to choose a top-rated orthodontist near you.

Check for Flexible Appointment Scheduling

When looking for an orthodontist near you for yourself, your teenager, your parents, or your child, the first thing that comes to mind is making appointments with your busy schedule. Is he available after office hours and on weekends? Are appointments kept late at night? If you find an orthodontist who answers all these questions positively, you should definitely consider him.

Type of Patient Care Offered

You should expect fast, affordable, and quality patient care from an orthodontist. The type of patient care you receive makes a big difference. If your treatment is quicker, you will likely spend less time in the waiting room struggling with your busy schedule. Ask about options like low-cost best braces or low-cost orthodontics. However, you can also consider the quality of treatment, as affordable treatment should not come at the expense of quality.

Inquire About the Type of Technology and Treatments Provided

Modern technology can make your orthodontic treatments faster and more comfortable. Therefore, try to find out whether an orthodontic clinic has the latest technology or old equipment. Modern technologies like 3D imaging and ultra-oral scanners help improve your orthodontic experience with more precise results.

Look at Google Reviews

You can go for a quick online search to find out what previous patients have to say about the orthodontist. For example, most people leave Google reviews about their experience. These reviews reveal a lot about the quality of treatment, the type of patient care, the orthodontist, the team, the clinic environment, patient experience, payment options, and more.

Conclusion

Choosing the right orthodontics is a very crucial decision, and it’s something that should be made by you alone. While there is no one category of best braces for teeth that will fit everyone quite right, the right kind of orthodontics can help you achieve your goal and get you on your way to a beautiful smile. If you’re ready to get a more beautiful smile, we can help! Contact Unident Family Dentistry today to schedule an appointment.

Did you know that chocolate might not be as bad for your teeth as people may have thought? You can now eat your favorite treat without feeling guilty. Studies found by our dentist in 77063 have shown that there are benefits to eating chocolate, however, not all chocolate is created equal. It is important to note that these benefits apply to dark chocolate, not milk chocolate or white chocolate. Dark chocolate is rich in Fiber, Iron, Magnesium, Copper, Manganese and a few other minerals.

A 100-gram bar of dark chocolate with 70-85% cocoa contains:

11 grams of fiber
67% Iron
58% Magnesium
89% Copper
98% Manganese
It also has plenty of potassium, phosphorus, zinc and selenium

Here are more advantages to eating dark chocolate and how to maintain good oral health while doing so.

Chocolate and Your Teeth

Chocolate is a candy that dissolves quickly in your mouth, resulting in less time on your teeth. It does less damage than a chewy or sticky candy because the sugar doesn’t cling to your teeth as long.

Chocolate and Your Health

Cocoa and dark chocolate are also a powerful source of antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. Many experts believe this damage is a factor in the development of blood vessel disease, cancer, and other conditions. The bioactive compounds in cocoa can improve blood flow in the arteries and cause a small but statistically significant decrease in blood pressure.

Chocolate Benefits

Eating chocolate can lower your risk for cardiovascular disease. A study also showed that the flavanols from cocoa can improve blood flow to the skin and protect it against sun-induced damage.

Remember to eat responsibly as too much sugary food can be harmful, regardless of the benefits. Eating dark chocolate and brushing your teeth after will reduce the negative effects of chocolate.

While you can indulge on your favorite chocolate treat occasionally, be sure to keep up with your oral hygiene routine. Brush at least twice each day for two minutes, and floss regularly. To schedule your next visit to our dental office in Houston Westchase, TX, please contact our team.

Probiotics are typically advertised as being helpful for digestion. However, studies have shown that they can also improve oral health. Our 77063 dentist agrees that probiotics are beneficial for fighting infections that lead to oral disease.

Reducing Gingivitis

A study published in Contemporary Clinical Dentistry has found that probiotics can reduce gum bleeding in patients with moderate to severe gingivitis. In the trial, children were given either a placebo or two different combinations of probiotics. At the three-week mark, it was discovered that children who took probiotics had significant improvements in their gingival status.

Combating Periodontitis

Periodontitis is another oral disease that probiotics have been shown to fight. Periodontitis is caused by harmful bacteria that separate teeth from the gums creating pockets that can become infected. Probiotics can fight harmful bacteria and lessen the inflammation to help heal the mouth.

Fighting Cavities

Another finding from the trial of the Contemporary Clinical Dentistry showed that children who took probiotics also saw a significant decrease in plaque. The reduction of plaque leads to less decay. Probiotics fight the plaque and occupy the spaces on the teeth where bad bacteria thrive.

Minimizing Bad Breath

Another benefit of probiotics is the effect they have on bad breath. Bad breath is usually caused by volatile sulfur compound bacteria releasing odor-causing gases. Because probiotics are healthy bacteria, it is believed that they can eliminate the bad bacteria and maintain a healthy bacteria balance in your mouth.

The benefits of probiotics are not just limited to the digestive health. Researchers continue to conduct studies to discover new ways probiotics contribute to a healthy mouth and body.

Contact our team for more information on oral health or to schedule a visit to our dental office in Houston Westchase.

Osteoporosis is a disease that affects roughly 10 million Americans, according to statistics from the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Additionally, another 44 million people are at an increased risk of developing the disease due to of low bone density. Symptoms appear in more than one-third of women over the age of 65. Fractures, pain, and mobility limitations can occur from osteoporosis. Understanding the signs and symptoms, as well as prevention methods, can decrease your chance of developing osteoporosis.

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease that decreases bone density and weakens bones. Many people are unaware that they have this disease, and only catch it after an injury. Bone fractures can greatly diminish your quality of life through persistent discomfort and limited mobility.

Oral Health Linked to Osteoporosis

If you suffer from osteoporosis, your oral health is also at risk. Your jawbone may begin to weaken, leading to significant oral health complications. A routine visit to our dental office can allow us to detect early signs of osteoporosis. Tooth loss and gum disease are potential indicators of an underlying health issue. Our dentist in 77063 will take dental X-rays of your jawbone and surrounding teeth. If we detect diminished bone density, or signs of bone loss, we will discuss the best course of action with you.

What You Can Do

The risk factors associated with osteoporosis include genetics, calcium deficiency, smoking, menopause, excessive caffeine or alcohol, and an inactive lifestyle. Simple changes such as increasing your daily calcium and vitamin D intake, exercising, quitting smoking, decreasing consumption of caffeine and alcohol, and visiting our team regularly can help lower your risk.

Osteoporosis affects the lives of millions of people. It can significantly diminish your quality of life. Through regular oral health examinations, our team may be able to identify early signs of bone loss.

Schedule your visit to our dental office in Houston Westchase today.

Even a healthy mouth is lined with bacteria. Normally, your daily oral hygiene routine helps prevent oral health complications. However, it is possible to develop an excess of bacteria and fungi, which can lead to additional problems. Here’s what you should know about oral thrush and what you can do to prevent it.

What is it?

Oral thrush is caused by a collection of the fungus Candida in your mouth. Bacteria and fungi occur naturally in your mouth, but it is important that they are not permitted to build up. Thrush can appear as white, thick scrapes on your tongue or inner cheek. It may also look like patchy, white sores.

Who does it affect?

Young children, infants, and the elderly are at a higher risk of developing oral thrush. If you have a weakened immune system or diabetes, it is even more important that you stay active to keep your mouth healthy and prevent issues like oral thrush. Smokers also tend to develop oral thrush more than other patients.

What can it do?

Oral thrush can lead to trouble swallowing and tasting. As it develops, it can become painful. Oral thrush can make affected areas feel like they are burning, and slight bleeding can occur if you are scraping your tongue or cheeks. Some describe the feeling as having cotton in their mouth.

Thrush can spread. If you have a weakened immune system, it is possible that thrush moves into your lungs, digestive tract, and even your heart.

How can I prevent It?

Our best recommendation for preventing oral thrush is a vigilant daily oral hygiene routine that includes a thorough brushing and flossing of your teeth, and includes your tongue. We sometimes recommend a patient use a tongue scraper to clean your tongue. Just like brushing your teeth, your tongue depends on daily cleaning to stay healthy and free of germs and bacteria.

The American Dental Association recommends that for some patients it might be helpful to consider an antimicrobial toothpaste or mouthwash. Check with our Dentist in Houston Westchase to see which solutions might be best for you.

We cannot overstate the importance of regularly scheduled dental exams. If you are a diabetic, it is even more important that you schedule regular visits to our Houston Westchase, TX Dentist office. By having your mouth checked by our staff, we can work with you to prevent oral health issues like thrush.

For more tips on keeping your mouth healthy or to schedule your next visit, please contact our 77063 Dentist office.

The hazards surrounding vaping are not entirely clear. More research is needed in this area, but a recent study indicates that e-cigarette vapors could be damaging to your mouth. Here’s what you need to know.

The Vapor Ingredients

Electronic cigarettes are not regulated in the same way tobacco cigarettes are, meaning that their contents can be inaccurately labeled without any oversight. Contents that e-juice usually contains include nicotine, glycerin, chemical flavoring, and propylene glycol. Some of these substances are safe in food, such as chemical flavors, but the effects of inhaling them is not well researched. Heating these chemicals can form dangerous carcinogens such as formaldehyde. E- cigarettes might also include tiny metals and particles that you inhale while smoking.

What This Means for Your Oral Health

A recent study from UCLA found that vapors from an e-cigarette can kill the cells in your oral cavity, or the area of your mouth beyond your teeth and gums. The study placed oral cells in an environment where electronic cigarette smoke was produced for 24 hours, in a machine simulating how a person would smoke. During the test, 85% of the cells died. According to the lead author of the study, they plan to move forward to test the impacts in humans.

These cells are your mouth’s defense by helping to release antioxidants. As the cells die off or become less effective, your mouth becomes more vulnerable to oral diseases.

Another study by the University of Rochester Medical Center concluded e-cigarettes are just as bad for your gums as tobacco cigarettes are. Nicotine, which both types of cigarettes contain, is a known factor in contributing to gum disease.

Steps You Can Take

Since the e-juice industry is largely unregulated, it is best to avoid smoking electronic cigarettes. The carcinogenic contents pose serious risks to your health, especially to your mouth. Your mouth relies on the functions of these important cells to defend itself against dangerous bacteria and other substances. Without your mouth’s natural defense system, you open yourself up to oral disease.

Make sure you are regularly visiting our Houston Westchase Dentist office, especially if you are a smoker of either tobacco cigarettes, or electronic cigarettes. Our experienced Dentist in Houston Westchase dental team will perform a complete oral examination during your visit to check for signs of oral disease. Being proactive is your best defense against combating oral disease.

For more tips on keeping your mouth healthy or to schedule your next visit, please contact us.

When buying a toothbrush, toothpaste, or coming into our office, you often hear the word “plaque” associated with the health of your teeth. Plaque is one of the main reasons why it is so important to keep up with a daily oral hygiene routine that includes brushing two times each day for at least two minutes, and flossing regularly as well. Here’s what you need to know about plaque and what it can do to your smile.

What is Plaque?

If you haven’t brushed your teeth in a while, you might feel a film-like, sticky buildup on your teeth. This is plaque, a bacteria layer that grips onto your teeth. There isn’t anything you can do to stop plaque from forming, but brushing and flossing as well as keeping up with regular dental visits with our dentist in 77063 are your best defenses for cleaning plaque off your teeth.

What Plaque Does to Your Teeth & Mouth

Without regular brushing and cleaning, plaque builds up and multiplies. As plaque is left untreated, it hardens to form tartar (also known as calculus). Plaque also leads to decay, as it produces an acid that damages your teeth. When you come into our office for a dental cleaning, we thoroughly clean your teeth to ensure that any buildup is taken care of. Tartar can cause staining on your teeth if left untreated. Plaque is the leading cause of gingivitis, causing your gums to swell and become red or bloody.

What You Can Do

The most important steps of keeping plaque in check is to stick to a daily brushing routine. This means brushing twice each day, for two minutes each time, and flossing at least once daily. Plaque occurs naturally, and when you come into our office for a complete examination, we work with you to clean off any buildup. Maintaining regular visits to our office is one way to ensure tartar buildup is minimized and managed. It is particularly important that you are brushing your teeth all the way to the gum, because the gum line is an area that is prone to plaque buildup. Brush gently, as vigorous brushing will only do more damage than good, especially to your gums.

Sticking to your daily brushing and flossing routine will help keep your teeth free of plaque buildup. Make sure you are brushing in the morning and before bed. If you don’t brush before bed, bacteria and plaque will build up throughout the night. Schedule a visit to our office so our experienced, professional dental team can clean your teeth, giving you a smile you can be proud of.

For more tips on keeping your teeth healthy or to schedule your next visit, please contact our Houston, TX dental office.