People often ask themselves whether or not they need braces. If you are a parent, you may also ask the same question about your child. So, how do you know if you or your child needs braces? Cypress Orthodontist, Dr. Benjamin Creed has compiled 5 signs to look for:
- You Have Overcrowded and Packed Teeth
If your teeth are crowded and tightly packed, this is a sign that you may need braces. In this situation, braces will not only improve how your teeth look (and increase your self-esteem), but they also can improve the underlying health of your teeth. Overcrowded teeth can lead to plaque buildup, which in turn can lead to gingivitis, cavities and even bad breath.
One sure way to know if your teeth are too crowded is if you have difficulty flossing them.
- Your Jaws Do Not Align Properly
When your upper and lower jaws do not align properly, a gap forms between them when they close called malocclusion. There are many reasons this could happen, such as:
- Thumb sucking and other oral habits
- The formation of oral tissue
- An inherited trait
Regardless of the cause of malocclusion, braces can fix it. This will not only improve your smile, but it will help you chew more comfortably, and it will also eliminate the possibility of gum disease forming because of this condition.
- Your Teeth Do Not Meet Comfortably
When you close your mouth, your teeth should come together perfectly and without any discomfort. For about 70% of people, though, this does not happen. While this is a common problem, without proper treatment this could result in one of the following conditions:
- A variety of jaw problems
- Headaches and other types of head pain
- Erosion of tooth enamel
- Teeth trauma
- Speech impairment
Braces can prevent most of these problems.
- Your Jaws Hurts
If you experience jaw pain, even temporarily, it is a sign that something is wrong. It could lead to serious jaw trauma as well as pain in your face and head. It can also lead to grinding your teeth in your sleep. Left unchecked, jaw pain could further result in a condition called TMJ disorder, which can make it difficult for you to chew or even to speak.
Braces, though, can eliminate most of these issues.
- You Are Suffering from an Incorrect Bite
If your bite is not correct, you can suffer from several problems, such as:
- Biting your cheeks
- Biting the roof of your mouth
- Having your teeth collide unexpectedly
- Having difficulty pronouncing certain words
Orthodontic treatment, though, can correct your bite and alleviate these problems.
Other Signs You May Need Braces
You may also need braces if your baby teeth came out earlier than expected or if your jaw shifts when you either speak or chew.
When Should You Seek Orthodontic Treatment in Cypress, Texas
If you think your child may need braces, the best time for treatment is before they reach 7. But adults can get braces at any time. If you are suffering from any of the conditions listed here, now may be the best time to seek treatment at Creed Orthodontics. Consultations are free of charge.
At Creed Orthodontics in Cypress Texas, we come across many patients who have bite problems. This post will address some of the common problems and suggested treatments. A malocclusion is an abnormal bite and is one of the most common oral health problems people face. A malocclusion is the misalignment of the teeth on the upper and lower jaw when the jaw is closed. An occlusion is a normal bite where the molars of the upper jaw fit into the ridges and crevasses of the molars in the lower jaw. When this doesn’t happen, it could lead to a number conditions like speech problems and premature wear of the teeth and tooth enamel. It can also lead to an increased chance of an injury to the teeth and the joints of the jaw.
In most cases, bite problems are hereditary and have nothing to do with failures in oral hygiene. Some hereditary causes of bite problems include birth defects like cleft palates or lips, the size difference between the upper and lower jaw, the size difference between the teeth, and irregularly shaped teeth. Some non-hereditary causes of bite problems include an injury to the jaw, improper dental treatments, and childhood habits like thumb sucking, tongue thrusting. To correct an abnormal bite, orthodontic treatments may be necessary.
There are several types of abnormal bite issues. An orthodontist will provide a thorough examination to determine the best type of treatment for an abnormal bite. The different types of abnormal bites include overbite, underbite, crossbite, upper front teeth protrusion, crowding, spacing, open bite, and non-matching teeth midlines. These abnormal bites can cause facial asymmetry, excessive wear on the teeth, dental decay, and improper jaw functioning.
Braces are a common treatment for different types of abnormal bites, but they are not the type of treatment. Removing teeth, reshaping or capping the teeth, and surgery is other ways abnormal bites can be fixed. Most people have some form of an abnormal bite that is minor and does not need treatment. When these issues are present and treated in the early stages, treatment can be quicker and less expensive.
If you suffer from any of the following bite problems, please make an appointment to come see us. Our orthodontic consultations are always complimentary.
The New Year is the perfect time to set goals and resolutions to help you look and feel your best. While you might be thinking about starting a new diet or possibly even beginning a new fitness routine, there is one area that you may not have thought about when it comes to your overall health and appearance. That area is your dental health! Here are a few great reasons to see an orthodontist to start your new year off right!
You Can Improve Your Appearance
How do you feel when you look in the mirror and see your teeth? Do you hate your smile or even avoid smiling for pictures or in front of people? Have you ever wanted to straighten your teeth? If so, the orthodontist can help you get a smile that you will love when you look in the mirror or see yourself in photos. Braces can truly change your appearance no matter how old you are. Braces aren’t just for kids anymore! You can have a gorgeous new appearance for a new year!
You Can Gain Confidence
It is no secret that you can’t feel self-confident if you hate your teeth. Not only can braces change the way your teeth look, but they can also change the way you feel about yourself. Imagine just how much confidence you will gain when you know your teeth look good! You will feel positive about your appearance and feel confident about how others see you as well. Gaining confidence at the beginning of the new year will set the stage for the rest of the year!
If you are worried about how braces will make you look, you should know that there are options available other than metal braces. For example, have you heard of Invisalign? Invisalign is virtually invisible, so no one will be able to tell that you are even wearing braces. You can straighten your teeth without others knowing! This means that you won’t have to feel self-conscious while you wear braces and get the smile you have always wanted!
You Can Improve Your Dental Health
While you are setting goals for the new year and making resolutions, make your dental health a priority as well. This means that you should focus on brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Furthermore, when you schedule an appointment with an orthodontist, you are working to improve the overall health of your teeth. If you see the orthodontist at the beginning of the year to get braces, you are one step ahead of everyone else. In fact, you can set your appointments before your calendar starts to get hectic and choose times that fit into your schedule. You can easily get the time slots you need to take the hassle out of scheduling your visits.
You Deserve a New You
January is the start of a brand new year. This month symbolizes change and rejuvenation. You also deserve a positive change in your life. Seeing your Cypress TX orthodontist can bring about great changes in your life as you work hard to improve your dental health, make positive changes to your smile and improve your confidence levels. You deserve to be the best you that you can be. A beautiful smile can be the change you both need and deserve!
Make a resolution to improve your smile today and get benefits that will last a lifetime. A gorgeous smile may open doors for you that you never even considered. This could be the best new year yet.
Many individuals who are about to undergo orthodontic treatment in Cypress, TX wonder whether getting braces hurts. In reality, the process of getting braces installed on teeth by an orthodontist is completely painless and relatively quick.
Before installing orthodontic brackets, the orthodontist will have already carefully put together a treatment plan and studied models to determine where to place each bracket. Your Cypress Orthodontist, Dr. Creed will create a template that is placed on the teeth, so that each bracket can be cemented at the exact position it’s supposed to go. Precise placement of braces is the key to a successful orthodontic treatment.
The entire process of cementing brackets and placing orthodontic wire will take around two hours. However, the procedure is completely painless and non invasive, so patient’s have to worry about experiencing any discomfort. The orthodontist will apply cement to the surface of each tooth, place the bracket and then cure the cement. The wire that will help the teeth move to their right position will then be installed. During the initial appointment, a light gauge of wire will be used, which allows the teeth, gums and bone to adjust over time.
As the teeth begin to move to their right position, some patients report experiencing some light pressure. However, this shouldn’t cause any noticeable pain or discomfort. Orthodontic treatments and their related technology has progressed significantly in the last decade, reducing possible inflammation caused by tooth movement.
During the first week of wearing braces, some patients will experience minor discomfort. This may feel like your cheeks and lips feel somewhat tender. However, Dr. Creed will supply you with a special wax that helps prevent this tenderness.
You may have to make some changes to the kinds of foods you eat, especially if you’re used to chewy and sticky foods. Your orthodontist will give you information on what kind of foods you should avoid during your treatment. You will also be given advice on how to take care of your braces, as well as how to brush and floss the right way. By following these instructions, you will help prevent any possible complications and ensure that your treatment will be successful.
Once you’ve been wearing your braces for around a week, you’ll forget that they’re there. If you have any questions about your treatment or are experiencing any discomfort, don’t hesitate to ask our office, as our goal is to help you get a healthy and beautiful smile.
Thanksgiving dinner is just around the corner, so it is time to get excited about all of your favorite dishes and desserts. Before you sit down to a delicious meal, remember to pick foods that are safe for your braces. Thankfully, most of the Thanksgiving dishes will be perfectly fine for braces and orthodontic appliances.
Turkey
Most Thanksgiving dinners have turkey as the main course. Luckily, you can enjoy your turkey in style. You only have to make a few changes to the turkey to make it work for your braces. Make sure to take the meat off of the bone and cut it into smaller pieces before you eat it. The same method works for ham if you would rather skip out on turkey this year.
Vegetables
The majority of vegetables on your table will be fine for your braces. Remember to be cautious with corn on the cob. Before you eat it, you will need to cut the kernels off of the cob first.
Casseroles
Soft casseroles are a braces-friendly option for your Thanksgiving dinner. Whether you want a green bean casserole or something a little more exciting, a casserole is a safe bet.
Stuffing
Stuffing and dressing are classic staples. In most cases, the stuffing will be perfectly fine to eat with braces. Before you take a huge bite, make sure that it does not contain any crunchy foods or nuts.
Sweet Potatoes and Yam
This is another traditional dish that is a delicious part of Thanksgiving dinner. Thankfully, the smooth texture makes this dish easy for anyone wearing braces.
Mashed Potatoes
Whenever you mash something up, it will generally be safe for braces. Mashed potatoes and gravy are a perfect dish if you wear braces, so make sure to add them to your Thanksgiving dinner.
Dinner Rolls and Muffins
From basic rolls to cornbread muffins, most Thanksgiving dinners include some type of bread dish. Luckily, you can eat as many of these as you want without worrying about your braces.
Pumpkin Pie
In most cases, pumpkin pie will be perfectly fine for your braces. Pumpkins are loaded with minerals and vitamins that are amazing for your dental health. To make sure that the pumpkin pie will not be a problem, stick to softer crusts.
Jello, Mousse and Pudding
If you are dining on pudding or mousse, it should be completely safe for your braces. You should just make sure that there are not any crunchy ingredients or nuts added to the dish. If you recently started wearing braces, a cold pudding can help relieve the irritation and pain.
This Thanksgiving, you have a new reason to be thankful. In most cases, traditional dishes will be perfectly fine for your braces. You can enjoy a delicious dinner with your family while your braces work their magic.
While October’s well-known for trick-or-treating, candy, and carving pumpkins, it’s known as the National Orthodontic Month to orthodontists across the world and in Cypress, TX. Conveying the importance of oral health to both children and adults, focusing primarily on braces. Braces are one of the most feared orthodontic procedures among children and adults, but they’re an important part of maintaining good oral health. They help treat a variety of oral conditions and help many people regain their self-confidence.
Why Braces Are Needed For Certain Oral Conditions
Two conditions that often require braces include an overbite and a underbite, also known as misaligned bites. Misaligned bites wear teeth down and can lead to chipped or cracked teeth, if left untreated. In addition, misaligned teeth are harder to brush and floss efficiently, leaving sufferers vulnerable to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. More so, without proper oral hygiene practices, bacteria builds up in the mouth and can travel to other parts of the body causing health problems or make current health conditions worse. By getting braces to treat these conditions, patients can avoid a long list of other oral problems in the future and can clean their teeth effectively.
Benefits Of Braces
Aside from correcting problematic oral conditions and preventing further damage, braces offer many other benefits that often go overlooked. One benefit of braces includes an improvement in self-confidence in both adults and children. Having a misaligned bite or crooked teeth can make it hard for anyone to speak or smile in public. Children, often get teased by their peers and adults may find it hard to involve themselves in romantic situations, when their smile’ s less than perfect. While having braces may not offer a boost in confidence, the straight teeth and near perfect alignment that follows, will.
If you or a loved one need braces in Cypress, TX, contact Dr. Benjamin Creed at Creed Orthodontics. Dr. Creed is a Board Certified Orthodontist, and has helped hundreds of people on their journey to a better smile. Make your appointment today!
Your smile is your calling card to the world. You want to be able to smile with confidence when meeting new people or partying with your friends. If your teeth are misaligned, braces can help you get the straight look you dream of. One of the best ways to learn more about braces is to get a free consultation with Dr. Creed, your Cypress, TX Orthodontist.
What can you learn about braces at a free consultation at Creed Orthodontics in Cypress, TX?
How You Can Benefit from Getting Your Teeth Aligned
The most obvious benefit of wearing braces is getting straightened teeth to optimize the look of your smile. However, it is not the only one. Here is a brief list of other benefits:
- Improved confidence
- Optimal jaw alignment
- Easier teeth cleaning
- Healthier teeth and gums
- More comfortable bite
- Clearer speech
During your free consultation, your Cypress, TX Orthodontist will evaluate your teeth and let you know the benefits you would receive from wearing braces.
How the Treatment Would Affect Your Smile
Every patient’s teeth are unique. That means every Orthodontic treatment is unique as well. When you go for a free consultation, Dr. Creed will provide you with a customized treatment plan along with an honest assessment of what the final results will be. While braces are the main tool for aligning teeth, Dr. Creed may also recommend other treatments to give you an optimal smile and good dental health.
How Long Treatment Should Take
During the free consultation, we will also give you an estimate of how long you would have to wear the braces. Moving teeth takes time. Some teeth move faster than others. If your teeth are severely out of alignment, it is going to take more time to move them to where you want them to be. Many patients wear their braces anywhere from one to two years. Others can wear them longer.
How You Can Pay for Braces
You may be hesitant to even talk to us about braces due to budget concerns. That is the beauty of a free consultation. You can go in and talk honestly with Dr. Creed about what treatments are needed. Our office has financing options available so you can get the treatment and not break the budget.
And here’s a bonus. Not only can you learn a lot about braces with a free consultation. You can also ask all the questions you want. We are here to help answer those questions because we want you to have all the information you need to make an informed choice. Call today to get your free consultation appointment set.
Cypress, TX produces a large number of people who are highly skilled in contact sports, and their training begins inside their homes and schools. Students who have been in contact sports are encouraged by their coaches to buy their mouthguards, to protect them from injuries. However, studies have shown that the majority of students in the United States do not use mouthguards. According to dentists and orthodontists, the mouth is one of the most sensitive areas of the human body, and it can be easily injured if it makes contact with anything that has been applied with force. They have been working closely with the students and their parents to remind them about the importance of mouthguards, and they are also giving them tips on which type of mouthguards they should buy. These protective items come in many forms and sizes, and the type used by a student depends on the sport that they are playing. The experts have also reminded the students that they would have to wear their mouthguards even if they are only practicing because it would prevent them from having accidental mouth injuries.
Sports-related activities can be dangerous for someone who does not wear any protection. Injuries can happen in a blink of an eye if one is not paying attention. Studies have revealed that someone who is into contact sports have a 10% chance of being involved in an injury that could damage the mouth and teeth. Dentists and orthodontists also agree to a statistic stating that contact sports cause one-third of all mouth and dental injuries. They wanted the public to understand the study deeper, to enlighten them about the boost of protection that every student would receive if they decided to wear mouthguards. The human teeth have been proven to be brittle, and it could be damaged if a force was directed to it. However, when someone is using a mouthguard, and the unexpected happened, they can be assured that their mouth and teeth are protected. Those who are not wearing any mouthguards are 70 times more susceptible to injuries and damages.
The science behind the mechanism of a mouthguard is simple. Whenever the mouth and teeth are hit with a brute force, the mouthguard would act as an absorber. It will take all of the force, and distribute only a small percentage of it inside the mouth. The energy would not be felt by someone who received the force because of how the mouthguards were designed. Students who are wearing dental braces are more susceptible to the force that will be exerted on the dental area. Because of the material used in their braces, they can be seriously injured if they will join contact sports without wearing any mouthguards. It would lead to lacerations and abrasions, which could bleed seriously. Those who have dental braces and using mouthguards have a higher protection rate from injuries. Students are starting to realize the importance of mouthguards, and they are taking the announcement from their teachers seriously.
You may have always wanted braces when you were a child. Thankfully, it is never too late to get the healthy and beautiful smile you have always wanted. Successful orthodontic treatment can occur at any age, which means you are never too old to get braces or aligners. There are orthodontists who are members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) who will consult with you on the best course of action to take to move your teeth to the ideal position.
Orthodontists typically deal with more issues when treating adults than they would face when treating children or teenagers. Dental disease, missing teeth, fillings, and worn or misshapen teeth are just some of the issues orthodontists deal with when treating adults. The bone tissue is also denser, which increases the amount of time it takes to have the teeth move to their proper place. Orthodontists have the training to treat people with all types of conditions. Orthodontists who are members of the AAO have years of formal training at accredited dental schools and up to three years of additional training in an accredited orthodontic residency program. They have the experience and expertise to handle your orthodontic treatment.
The average orthodontic treatment for adults is approximately 22 months, and visits are scheduled every six to eight weeks. An orthodontist will use braces or aligners to gradually reposition your teeth over time to their proper place. If you are a little embarrassed about having braces, then you can request “appliances” that are a little more inconspicuous. For instance, you can have braces that match the color of your teeth, or you can have braces placed behind your teeth. You can also have clear aligners. Aligners are trays that are placed over the teeth and move the teeth to their proper location like braces. A skilled and experienced Cypress TX Orthodontist, such as Dr. Creed will have access to a variety of appliances and will use the right appliance that fits your needs.
You can have better-functioning teeth, improved dental health, and higher self-confidence at any age with a modest investment in time. Regardless of your age, the smile you have always wanted is available. Choosing an AAO orthodontist will give you the peace-of-mind that they are experienced in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedic and can give you the smile you have always wanted.
Everyone knows the benefits of visiting the dentist regularly, but it can be wise to see an orthodontist, too. Orthodontists specialize in the alignment of the teeth and jaw. They can provide braces, retainers, Invisalign, and other treatments to fix the size, shape, and position of your teeth. This can make your smile more attractive, but orthodontic treatment has more than just cosmetic benefits. Here are four reasons you should consider visiting an orthodontist in Cypress Texas:
1. Lower Risk of Tooth Damage
When your teeth are misaligned, they’re at a much greater risk of getting damaged. Even just a small force or injury can cause them to crack, chip, or break. Orthodontic treatment can properly align your teeth, which will make them stronger and more resistant to injury.
2. Better Oral Hygiene
Misaligned teeth can be difficult to clean properly. There are more hard-to-reach surfaces that you might not even be able to clean with dental floss. Food particles can get stuck between crooked teeth and cause plaque buildup or even tooth decay. Correctly aligned teeth are much easier to keep clean and healthy.
3. Less Strain on Jaw Muscles
Sometimes, orthodontic problems affect the way you chew and speak. You may put extra strain or pressure on your jaw because you have to alter your jaw movements to avoid biting yourself. The muscles and joints in your jaw then have to adopt positions that they’re not meant to be in. After aligning your teeth with orthodontic treatment, your jaw will be able to relax.
4. Increased Confidence
If your teeth are crooked or misaligned, you may feel embarrassed to smile or laugh. Orthodontic treatment can give you a healthy, straight smile, which can help you feel more confident. You’ll smile more often, and you’ll feel more optimistic and outgoing.
If you think there’s an issue with the alignment of your teeth, you should schedule an appointment with Creed Orthodontics in Cypress Texas. Dr. Creed can figure out the exact cause of the misalignment and provide a treatment plan to make your teeth healthier and to restore your confidence.
Conveniently located near the Northwest Freeway and Fry Road, Creed Orthodontics proudly serves the surrounding communities of Cypress, Copperfield, Fairfield, Towne Lake, Cypress Mill and Northwest Houston. Consultations are always complimentary, so call us today!
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