What are the Benefits of Braces?

Medina Orthodontics

At Medina Orthodontics, we believe that no matter what the reason for seeking orthodontic treatment, everyone deserves a straight smile. A straight smile means a healthy, properly functioning smile.

When your teeth are crooked, overlapped, or otherwise misaligned, you place an uneven amount of pressure when you bite down. That leads to pain, and it can cause your teeth to wear down, chip and even break. Not only that, but poorly aligned teeth are also harder to clean properly which can lead to decay and gum disease.

Braces have been used for many decades and have provided excellent results. Below are just a few of the benefits of orthodontic treatment and why braces may be the best option to improve your smile.

1. Braces Will Improve Your Appearance - Crooked teeth can make you self-conscious about your smile. Braces will gradually shift the position of your teeth until they are perfectly aligned. This will have a huge influence on your appearance and significantly improve your self-esteem.

2. Braces Make Oral Hygiene Easier - The benefits of braces are not merely esthetic. It has been proven that crooked teeth are more difficult to brush and floss. Also, food tends to be easily lodged between misaligned teeth. Therefore, after undergoing braces treatment your teeth will be straight and it will be much easier to maintain good oral hygiene.

3. Braces Can Fix Your Bite - Aside from straightening your teeth, braces can also fix other orthodontic issues. This is an aspect that is sometimes disregarded but it has great benefits for your oral health. When left untreated, a bad bite can become worse over time and result in clenching and grinding of your teeth.

4. Braces Can Help With Digestion - One of the main functions of your teeth is to cut and grind your food. This function can’t be conducted properly when your teeth are misaligned. In this case, foods are not reduced to tiny bits which can affect digestion. After braces treatment, your teeth will be much more efficient, improving your digestion.

5. Braces Reduce The Risk Of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder - Crooked teeth can lead to excess stress or pressure in your jawbone and jaw muscles. Over time, this can result in temporomandibular joint disorder which is characterized by pain and headaches. This can be prevented by straightening your teeth with braces.

Want to learn more about the benefits of braces treatment? Contact Medina Orthodontics to schedule a consultation.

You Are Not Too Old For Braces

Medina Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment is no longer just for teens. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists says that one in five orthodontic patients is over the age of 21. Many adults are choosing to receive treatment because they understand the importance of maintaining their health, and they want to feel better about their appearance. Adults everywhere are taking advantage of the opportunity to receive orthodontic care, and you can too.

The biological process involved in tooth movement is the same for both children and adults. Although childhood is the ideal time to make changes in the positioning of the teeth, if you are healthy, your teeth can be straightened at any age.

As an adult, the thought of having braces may be discouraging. However, if you are like many of the adults we see, you’ve probably been dealing with crooked teeth, crowded teeth, or a poorly aligned bite for most of your life and these problems raise more than cosmetic concerns.

Crowded or overlapping teeth can be difficult to clean, making tooth decay and gum disease more likely. Teeth that don't come together properly when you close your jaws can cause chewing and swallowing problems. Poor tooth alignment can also make it difficult to pronounce certain sounds and can put excessive stress on your jaw muscles, causing facial pain.

Straight teeth are healthy teeth, which can help you avoid tooth loss and dentures later in life.

You might think your options for having your teeth fixed are limited, but today's orthodontic treatment options offer a variety of braces and appliances that are comfortable, aesthetic, and customized to meet your needs.

Traditional Silver Braces - These are the most common type of braces. Made of nickel-free high-grade steel, they are much smaller and more comfortable than those in the past.

Champagne Braces - Champagne-colored brackets are a blend in between Metal and Ceramic braces. The beautiful champagne finish blends seamlessly with teeth.

Clear or Ceramic Braces - Made of porcelain or ceramic, these brackets are tooth colored and are less noticeable than traditional silver brackets.

Invisalign Clear Aligners - A technique that straightens your teeth without braces, using a series of clear, removable aligners custom-modeled to fit your teeth

At Medina Orthodontics, we recognize that adults and children have dissimilar needs, and require a different level of attention and care. We will work with you to ensure that you receive the most appropriate treatment, and that your needs are met with understanding and respect from us.

To learn more about the benefits of adult orthodontics please contact our conveniently located office in Katy, TX to schedule an appointment. We understand that you have a busy schedule, and we will work with you to make sure each office visit is as convenient as possible.

10 Common Orthodontic Questions

Medina Orthodontics

If you have been considering orthodontic treatment for you or your child, you might have a few questions.  Below are the top 10 questions our team has been asked from patients who are just starting their smile journey. 

1. How old do you have to be to get braces? Braces are typically recommended for children between the ages of 9 and 13. However, you can get braces at any age! 
   
2. How soon can I bring my child in to see an orthodontist? The American Association of Orthodontists recommends bringing your child to see an orthodontist by the time they turn seven years old. By bringing your child in to see Dr. Medina this early, you can save money and time later. Most kids at this age will not need any treatment. However, Dr. Medina can provide preventative treatment by detecting problems early. 
3. How much do braces cost? At Medina Orthodontics, prices vary depending on multiple factors. Expenses can also vary based on treatment options and insurance plans. Our staff will discuss with you the cost of your treatment and your payment plan options so you can make the best choice for you, and your smile. We will work with you to create a payment plan that fits your budget so you will know what to expect before beginning treatment.
4. How long will I need to wear braces? Each patient’s treatment time is different based on the severity of their case. As each case is different, the duration of wearing braces varies from patient to patient. Factors like age, type of problem, and treatment affect the period of wearing braces. When you schedule your consultation with our practice, we will give you an estimated treatment time before you decide to get started. To insure you complete your treatment on time, it is important to keep your scheduled appointments. Delays in adjustments can slow progress and result extended treatment time. 
5. Do braces hurt? Getting braces put on does not cause any pain. For the first few days you may feel some tightness occurring as your mouth adjusts to the change. Any over the counter pain medications such as Tylenol will help with the mild discomfort. 
6. What can I eat with braces? We recommend staying away from anything hard or crunchy to help avoid breaking a bracket or wire. Watching your sugar intake is also key while wearing braces to avoid cavities and decalcification. 
7. How do I care for my braces? Caring for your braces means caring for your overall dental health. The brackets and wires of your braces provide food and plaque with the ideal hiding places, making you more susceptible to cavities if they are not cleaned. We recommend brushing your teeth about three times a day while wearing braces and flossing at least once daily. It also helps to use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush when brushing with braces. 
8. How often do I have appointments? Towards the beginning of treatment, we typically see most patients every 6 to 8 weeks. As treatment progresses, we will start seeing patients more often between 4-6 weeks. 
9. Do I Still Need To Go To My General Dentist During My Orthodontic Treatment? Yes. In addition to regular brushing and flossing, visiting your general dentist for normal check-ups and cleanings is a key to braces success. 
10. Can my child’s dentist provide orthodontic treatment? While your dentist can offer orthodontic care, an orthodontist can provide prevention, diagnosis, and correction of misaligned teeth and bite patterns. A dentist can refer you to an orthodontist, but you do not need to have a referral from a dentist to make an appointment to see Dr. Medina. 

Still have questions? Contact Medina Orthodontics today, and we can answer all of your questions...we even offer complimentary consultations!

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5 Things You Didn't Know About Your Teeth

Medina Orthodontics

We use our teeth to bite, chew and talk countless times throughout the day. However, it's very easy to take our teeth for granted. When it comes to our teeth, many of us still have a thing or two to learn. Here are 5 facts about your teeth that you may not have known...

1. Your Enamel is the Hardest Part of Your Body - The enamel is the outermost layer of your teeth. Like a hard shell, its primary purpose is to protect the rest of the tooth. Even though it is there to protect your teeth, your enamel can still chip or crack. Sugars and acids, like those found in soft drinks, interact with bacteria in your mouth and attack your enamel, which marks the start of tooth decay. 

2. Your Mouth is Home to 300 Types of Bacteria - Plaque contains millions of bacteria, made up of up to 300 different species. The main culprit for poor tooth health is Streptococcus mutans, which converts sugar and other carbohydrates into the acids which eat away at your teeth. White and sticky, Plaque is constantly growing. If you don’t remove it regularly by brushing and flossing, it can cause tooth decay. Without removal, plaque hardens and develops into tartar. So, brush and floss at least twice a day and see your dentist for regular cleanings.

3. Yellow May Mean Decay - When you think of the reasons your teeth might be looking yellow, your first thought likely goes to stains. While teeth can get stained by foods, drinks, and other substances, these stains are not the only reason your teeth might change color. Enamel is partly responsible for your teeth’s white appearance, and when it decays, your teeth may start to appear yellow.

4. Your Teeth Cannot Repair Themselves - A tooth is the only part of your body that cannot heal itself. Your tooth enamel is a very strong part of your body, and it is essential to look after it so your smile can look and feel healthy your entire life.

5. Your Teeth Can be an Indicator of Your Overall Health - One in 7 adults age 35 to 44 have gum disease. For adults older than 65, that number increases to 1 in 4. Tooth decay and other infections in the mouth may be associated with health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. People who have higher levels of gum disease also have a higher level of heart disease.

Healthy teeth and gums are critical contributors to your overall good health. If you have any questions about oral hygiene or your dental health, please give Medina Orthodontics a call.

Benefits of Invisalign

Medina Orthodontics

For many people looking to fix their crooked teeth, image is their main concern. Crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, and other dental issues can affect your self-esteem and make you feel bad about your appearance. If you don’t feel confident about your teeth and smile, you won’t feel confident in yourself.

Invisalign is a new way to straighten your teeth. Created with a medical-grade polyurethane resin, Invisalign aligners are practically invisible. Every aligner is a custom fit, made exactly for your teeth to slowly shift them into place.

There are many benefits to using Invisalign to straighten your teeth. You can conveniently straighten your teeth at a comfortable pace while cleaning your teeth, eating, and drinking normally. You will grow in confidence with your teeth and smile as you straighten them in a way that is hardly noticeable.

Invisible Appearance - Invisalign aligners are completely clear, so they do not detract from your face or smile. This is an especially great option for adults and teens who want to live life without the brackets and wires associated with traditional braces.

Comfort - Invisalign aligners are made of smooth plastic making Invisalign much more comfortable than traditional metal braces. There are no sharp/extruding edges or pieces of Invisalign, and the trays are custom made to fit your teeth and mouth.

Non-Invasive - Due to technology advances, Invisalign does not use invasive measures to detail your teeth. Using 3D scanning technology, Dr. Medina can take a full scan of your teeth without an x-ray or impressions. These scans are then translated into 3D prints that are used to create your individualized aligners.

Improved Cleanliness - A clean mouth is a healthy mouth, and by the end of your treatment, you want the healthiest teeth possible. Invisalign aligners are removable. They should be taken out during meals and at any other time you are eating or drinking anything other than cold water. When you are ready to brush and floss your teeth just remove the aligner trays, clean your teeth, and put them back in. Flossing and brushing can be done normally without the need for special equipment. You can also brush and clean the inside of your aligners to make sure no food or bacteria builds up inside

Eat Whatever You Want - With traditional braces, you are limited in the foods you can eat or drink, but with Invisalign, all food and drinks are permissible. Because the metal brackets can snap off or the wires bend, you should not eat sticky foods, hard foods, crunchy foods, even foods you have to bite into. This rules out caramel, gum, nuts, popcorn, ice, corn-on-the-cob, and apples. Luckily, with Invisalign removable aligners, you do not have to worry about what you eat.

Prevent other Dental Problems - Crooked teeth can cause more problems than just making you self-conscious of your smile. If your teeth are crooked, you are more likely to have a host of other dental problems. Widely spaced or crowded teeth can raise your risk of developing gum disease since your gums do not fit properly around your teeth. Abnormal bites can create sleeping problems such as sleep apnea. Aligning your teeth with Invisalign aligners can also reduce gum inflammation, tooth sensitivity, bad breath, and even chipping of teeth. Making sure your teeth are straightened with Invisalign allows for great dental hygiene to help prevent worse dental issues.

The results speak for themselves…While there are many options to straighten your teeth Invisalign is the only clear option that is free of brackets and wires. Invisalign allows you to work, eat, and participate in social situations worry free! All while giving you a perfect smile.

Invisible aligners must be worn for 22 hours in a day to have the maximum effect. While they are removable, they can’t straighten any teeth if they aren’t in contact with them. If they are worn properly, most treatments last between 12 and 18 months. Now that you know some of the benefits of Invisalign give our office a call to schedule your initial exam and begin your journey to a perfect smile!

 

 

2 Minutes 2 Times a Day

Medina Orthodontics

The 2 Minutes 2 Times a Day campaign was created by the Ad Council for The Partnership for Healthy Mouths, Healthy Lives, a coalition of nearly three dozen dental health organizations, including the American Dental Association.

Your mouth is the gateway to your overall health, and an unhealthy mouth can be linked to diabetes and heart disease. Did you know that dental decay is the most common chronic childhood disease? Only 44 percent of children brush twice a day and more than 16 million children in the United States suffer from untreated decay.

Together with the American Dental Association (ADA), Medina Orthodontics recommends that kids, as well as adults, brush their teeth in a soft, circular motion for two minutes, twice a day, and floss daily.

Two minutes twice daily is the optimal prevention brushing regimen as it takes two minutes for the tooth enamel to uptake the fluoride in toothpaste. In addition to allowing time for fluoride to work, there is the physical massage of the tooth surfaces that removes the plaque and makes a clean surface for the fluoride to do its job. When the enamel absorbs fluoride, it makes the tooth surface harder and more resistant to the bacteria-produced acids that cause tooth decay.

The benefits of brushing for 2 minutes:

• Clean teeth 
• Healthy gums 
• Nice breath

Beginning with the eruption of the first tooth, parents should begin brushing their child’s teeth with a small amount of fluoride toothpaste. Please remember that a baby or toddler should never use fluoride toothpaste unsupervised or independently.

The Partnership for Healthy Mouths, Healthy Lives recommends that parents supervise their child’s brushing until age 8. Supervising your child’s brushing gives you an opportunity to teach them how to brush.

Tips for Better Brushing

1. Brush at an angle against the gums. 
2. Move the brush in gentle, short strokes back and forth. 
3. Brush the front, back of teeth, and the tops of molars. 
4. Brush the tongue or use a tongue scraper to remove germs and keep breath fresh.

It is also important to floss at least once a day, to clean in between the teeth where the toothbrush can’t reach. Parents should start flossing their child’s teeth as soon as they notice that teeth are touching…which could be as early as two years of age.

2min2x.org has videos to help your child brush the recommended 2 minutes each time. It can be fun to play the video for your kids to watch while brushing to get them started with this healthy habit. Remember to use a fluoride toothpaste with the ADA seal of acceptance while brushing.

 

Scheduling Appointments With Medina Orthodontics

Medina Orthodontics

If you are trying to schedule an orthodontic appointment with Medina Orthodontics but are not sure about the specifics, such as how to request an appointment or exactly what you need to be seen for, don’t worry…these are common concerns that many of our patients share. At Medina Orthodontics, we want to make scheduling an appointment with our Katy, TX office as easy as can be.

Visiting our office should be done anytime you have a concern or issue with your teeth, jaw, or the general alignment within your mouth. Whether you need to schedule an appointment for braces, Invisalign, a retainer, or other orthodontic appliances, Dr. Liana Medina and her team will thoroughly investigate any abnormalities that you or your dentist may have noticed to give a better vision for the future of your teeth.

When it comes to scheduling an appointment at Medina Orthodontics, you have a few options.

1. Call Our Office. Give us a call and discuss how to set up an appointment with Dr. Medina. Calling our Katy, TX office is an easy way to find a time that works with your schedule. 
   
2. Request Online. Requesting an orthodontic appointment online via our website is another great way to fit an appointment into your schedule. Simply fill out the form on our Request an Appointment page and one of our team members will contact you to confirm your appointment. 
3. Stop By. If you are in the area, stop in and set up your appointment in person. You can get a feel for the office and ask any questions you may have about the appointment that you are requesting to schedule.

At Medina Orthodontics, we have a tradition of creating beautiful smiles through unparalleled orthodontic care. We strive to deliver excellent orthodontic care at a reasonable price. We are transparent with our patients and provide a clear, detailed estimate on the cost of your treatment plan, so you know exactly what to expect.

Dr. Medina is an expert in orthodontics. She has been a respected provider of orthodontic care in our community for more than 12 years. She and her team possess the skills and experience needed to give you your best smile. Contact our office today to schedule your next orthodontic appointment.

 

Adjusting To Your New Braces

Medina Orthodontics

As with any change, adjusting to something new can be a little overwhelming. To help you feel more comfortable with your new braces, the team at Medina Orthodontics has put together a few tips and tricks.

1. Be prepared when leaving our office: Before leaving our office, be sure to use your finger and tongue to make sure the wires aren’t extending into areas that might poke your cheeks or run into your tongue the wrong way. Double check your supplies. Ask for our team for plenty of dental wax, cleaning aids, elastic bands, or other related materials you may need before your next appointment. Also…check your braces once a week for anything loose or bent. If a bracket or band comes loose or you break a wire, please call our office so that we can arrange an appointment to repair it.

2. Be careful eating with your new braces: It is okay to eat as soon as you leave our office, but we highly suggest sticking to softer foods for the first few days after your braces have been placed while your mouth and teeth adjust. Stick to pasta, soft veggies, pudding, soup, yogurt, etc. After about three or four days, any soreness you may be having will start to go away and you can graduate to more solid foods. However, hard foods including nuts, ice, crisp taco shells, whole apples and carrots, corn on the cob and popcorn should always be avoided. These foods can cause breakage of the brackets and wires.

3. Use dental wax: The brackets used at Medina Orthodontics have been rounded and smoothed and are designed to be gentle on your mouth, but they can rub on the soft skin causing irritation. Until your skin has toughened up and you are used to your braces, it’s a good idea to use a small piece of wax around the bracket or wire that is creating the irritation.

4. Rinse your mouth with saltwater: If you are experiencing significant irritation, we suggest rinsing your mouth with a solution of warm salt water five or six times a day for 30 seconds each time. Add half a teaspoon of table salt to one cup of warm water. The salt water will help relieve pain and allow sores areas to heal faster.

5. Always practice good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth after every meal. Don’t forget to follow your normal routine of brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing on a regular basis. Getting into these habits early on in your journey with braces will help ensure that you don’t encounter any problems down the road.

6. Be confident: Don't worry about how your braces look and do not be afraid or embarrassed to smile with your braces!

The main thing to remember is…give yourself time. Each person adapts to the discomfort of new braces differently but following these steps will make your journey to straight teeth much more enjoyable and after a while, when your teeth start shifting into their proper place, you’ll see how incredible your smile is going to look.

For more information about adjusting to your braces, visit our website or give us a call at Katy, TX Orthodontic Office.

Ageless Smiles

Medina Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment is no longer just for teens. Many adults are choosing to receive treatment because they understand the importance of maintaining their health, and they want to feel better about their appearance.

Just as straight, white teeth convey youth, a smile with crooked, discolored, or worn teeth is associated with age. Beautifully straight, symmetrical white teeth cannot only make you look younger, but they can dramatically improve your confidence.

Even if you started out with perfectly straight teeth, something called mesial drift may have caused your teeth to shift over time. The orthodontic problems you may be living with as an adult raise more than cosmetic concerns. Crowded teeth are not only an instant giveaway of age, crowded or overlapping teeth can be difficult to clean, making tooth decay and gum disease more likely. Teeth that don't come together properly when you close your jaws can cause chewing and swallowing problems. Poor tooth alignment can also make it difficult to pronounce certain sounds and can put excessive stress on the chewing muscles, causing facial pain.

The science of orthodontics relies on placing pressure on the teeth to change their position and as long as you have healthy teeth and gums, the biological process involved in tooth movement is the same for both children and adults.

As an adult, you might think that your options for having your teeth corrected are limited, but today's orthodontic treatment options offer a variety of braces and appliances that are comfortable, aesthetic, and customized to meet your needs. Depending on your budget and the severity of your orthodontic problem, Dr. Medina will discuss your options to ensure your treatment plan fits your lifestyle.

You are never too old for orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic treatment can be just as successful for adults as it is for children. Don’t let your age keep you from having the smile you have always dreamed of.

To learn more about the benefits of adult orthodontics, contact our conveniently located office in Katy, Texas to schedule an appointment with Dr. Medina today.

 

You Can Afford Braces

Medina Orthodontics

If your dentist has told you that you or your child need braces, your first question may have been “How much is that going to cost?”

Braces have a bad reputation for being more expensive than most families can afford. The fact is…yes, braces do involve pricey materials as well as many hours of time from a highly specialized professional. However, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn how truly affordable orthodontic care is today. At Medina Orthodontics, we know that everyone wants a beautiful smile, and we also realize that families and individuals have different financial needs. Our office is accustomed to working with families and individuals to make orthodontic care affordable and budget friendly.

If you are worried that you can’t afford the cost of braces for yourself or your children...we have good news! Medina Orthodontics offers a variety of ways you can pay orthodontic care.

Dental Insurance - If you have dental/orthodontic insurance and would like to use that money towards your braces contact your insurance provider to find out what is covered under your plan. Many providers offer additional insurance that covers both dental and orthodontic work. It is great to know what your insurance benefits are before treatment starts. There are many different agreements between insurance carriers and their subscribers, and each contract provides a different benefit. However, orthodontic insurance differs from regular dental insurance in that each insured individual usually has a lifetime maximum benefit for orthodontic services. This benefit is paid as a percentage of the orthodontic fee (diagnostic records, initial fee, monthly payments, etc.) until the benefit maximum has been reached. If needed, we will help facilitate the understanding of your benefits and assist you in completing any necessary insurance forms.

Flexible Spending Account - Even if your dental plan does not cover orthodontics, your employer might offer a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA). The money you put into this account is not taxed, which means your dollars will go further.

3rd Party Financing – Financing through a 3rd party is another way to pay for you or your child’s braces treatment. In this option, the 3rd party, such as CareCredit, will check your credit to determine the amount for which you qualify and get you on an affordable payment plan. These 3rd party financial companies can even extend payment options to beyond the traditional 24 months, depending on your preference.

Though orthodontics can come with a higher price tag, you do have many options to help you pay for your or your child’s orthodontic care. At the end of the day, orthodontic care is a lifetime investment in your or your child’s health and appearance. Payment plans and dental insurance can make orthodontic care quite manageable. Start by having a conversation with Dr. Medina to begin your journey towards the smile you have always wanted.

Dr. Medina specializes in orthodontics for children, teens, and adults. Located in Katy, TX, Dr. Medina provides orthodontic treatment to many surrounding communities including Rosenberg, Sugar Land, Bellaire, Houston, and Cypress. Contact our office to schedule an initial consultation today.

 

5 Steps to a Healthy Smile

Medina Orthodontics

A healthy smile looks and feels terrific. Achieving a healthy smile takes a little effort, but every step is worth it.

The 5 steps below are smart ways to care for your smile. There is no quick fix when it comes to doing what’s best, so stick with these steps and we promise you will see results.

1. Brush your Teeth Twice a Day with a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush

Bacteria is produced in your mouth in a brief amount of time, and it keeps producing over short periods of time. When you brush your teeth twice a day, you destroy the bacteria in your mouth to make it clean. If left in your mouth for twenty-four hours, bacteria can damage the enamel of your teeth and gradually weaken your gums and roots resulting in the decay of your teeth. Moreover, the removal of bacteria also results in the removal of bad breath.

The proper brushing technique is to: Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums. Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes. Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth. To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.

2. Floss Daily

Flossing removes plaque between teeth and out from under the gumline where your toothbrush can’t reach. When left alone, plaque and tartar build up under the surface of the gumlines. This can cause periodontal disease, which leads to bone destruction and tooth loss. Daily flossing helps prevent tooth decay and gingivitis.

To floss properly, wrap the floss tightly around your finger and insert in the space between your teeth. Gently slide it up and down under the gumlines two to three times. If bleeding occurs, this is most likely due to gingivitis or gum disease. When flossing daily, the bleeding associated with mild to moderate gingivitis usually stops after about two weeks.

3. Keep your Tongue Clean

Even if you are an oral hygiene all-star who brushes your teeth twice a day, you may still be missing one step that could help keep your mouth fresh and healthy…cleaning your tongue. Brush your tongue gently from back to front a few times with a toothbrush and toothpaste each time you brush your teeth to keep bad bacteria, as well as food debris, from causing trouble.

4. Drink Plenty of Water

Our bodies are made of 60% water, and staying hydrated helps your system distribute healthy nutrients, gets rid of waste, gives your skin a healthy glow and keeps your muscles moving. Sipping water is also one of the best things you can do for your teeth. And drinking water with is one of the easiest and most beneficial things you can do to help prevent cavities.

Water cleans your mouth with every sip. It washes away leftover food and residue that cavity-causing bacteria are looking for. It also dilutes the acids produced by the bacteria in your mouth. You will still need to brush twice a day for two minutes and clean between your teeth thoroughly but drinking water throughout the day will go a long way toward keeping your smile cavity-free.

5. See your Regular Dentist Twice a Year

Regular dental visits are necessary to preserving your oral health. Having routine cleanings every six months helps to promote good oral health and a beautiful smile. Your dentist is trained to recognize early signs of tooth decay and gum disease before they cause severe damage to your teeth and mouth. Regular checkups are the key to maintaining a healthy smile. When your cleanings are irregular, you can develop periodontal disease. This can cause unsightly swollen, receding, and bleeding gums.

In addition to removing stain and tartar from your teeth, your dental hygienist will also screen for health conditions like high blood pressure and oral cancer. Because many health conditions manifest themselves in the mouth, your dentist and hygienist can make you aware of issues that you should follow up on with your doctor.

It may take some time before you start to notice changes from improved oral hygiene. While these changes won’t come overnight, they are certainly worth the time and effort, both for the sake of your smile and your overall health. If you have any questions regarding the health of your teeth and mouth, don’t hesitate to call Medina Orthodontics.

What are Invisalign Clear Aligners?

Medina Orthodontics

Advancements in orthodontics have given our patients more options for achieving the smile they have always wanted! At Medina Orthodontics, we offer the latest in orthodontic treatment, including clear aligners, like Invisalign! If you’re thinking about improving your smile but can’t picture yourself in braces…Invisalign clear aligners might be the perfect option for you.

Most people want to improve their smile but think that traditional metal braces are the only option. With Invisalign clear aligners there are no metal brackets or wires to detract from your smile while undergoing treatment. With Invisalign clear aligners, your teeth can be comfortable, beautiful, and precisely aligned in half of the time it would require with traditional braces.

Invisalign clear aligners are an orthodontic treatment option that straightens teeth without the use of metal braces. Invisalign uses a series of custom-made clear aligners that cover your teeth and gently move them into the proper position over time.

You will wear your Invisalign aligners all day, every day, except when you eat, floss, and brush your teeth. Because Invisalign clear aligners are removable, you will be able to briefly remove them any time you need to throughout the day.

When you receive your aligners, you will place the clear trays over your teeth. You will wear each set of aligners for two weeks and then switch to the next set of aligners. Every six weeks or so, you will have an appointment in our Katy, TX office to check your aligners and the progress of your treatment. These checkups help Dr. Medina determine if any adjustments need to be made to the aligners or to your treatment plan. You can expect to feel some mild discomfort as your teeth move, however, the pressure you feel will gradually fade over the course of a few days.

Invisalign Is Made To Fit Your Lifestyle

• Clear, virtually invisible aligners 
• Removable, will not get in the way of your activities 
• Easy to remove to eat, brush, and floss 
• Graduate to a new set of aligners about every two weeks 
• Easy to monitor your progress with regular appointments 
• Effective for a wide range of smiles

Invisalign takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using custom-made aligners created for you and only you. These aligners are smooth, comfortable, and virtually invisible. Not only are the aligners invisible, but they are also removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment.

Are Invisalign Clear Aligners Expensive? As Invisalign aligners have become more popular over the years, they have also become more affordable. Invisalign aligners tend to cost about as much as traditional braces; however, the cost of your orthodontic treatment will vary depending on your individual needs and treatment plan.

At Medina Orthodontics, we will work with you to create a payment plan that fits your budget so you will know what to expect before beginning treatment. We also accept assignment of insurance benefits, allowing our patients to make financial arrangements with our office on the uninsured (patient) portion of their orthodontic fee. One of our team members will be happy to discuss any concerns you may have regarding our fees and our financial arrangements.

How Long does Invisalign Clear Aligner Treatment Take? Each patient’s orthodontic problem is unique, and each patient responds to treatment differently, so there is no universal answer for how long your Invisalignaligner treatment will take. In general, the total treatment time for Invisalign clear aligners can be less than a year.

What Happens After Invisalign Clear Aligner Treatment Is Completed? After any orthodontic treatment, whether it’s Invisalign clear aligners or traditional braces, we recommend that you wear a retainer. A retainer is designed to keep your teeth in alignment. Without it, your teeth can gradually move back to their former position. If your teeth start to shift, you may need to temporarily wear your Invisalign clear aligners again to reposition them.

There is a lot to love about Invisalign clear aligners, but Invisalign clear aligners aren’t always a good fit for every patient. If you would like to learn more about how Invisalign clear aligners can transform your smile, give Medina Orthodontics a call today and schedule a complimentary consultation. Dr. Medina will assess your smile to determine if the Invisalign Clear Aligner System is a good fit for you.

Did you know…

Only an orthodontist, like Dr. Medina, who has been trained and certified by Align Technology can diagnose and treat using Invisalign. Invisalign is not appropriate for every teen or adult. After an initial examination, Dr. Medina will determine if the Invisalign System is an effective treatment option for you.

If you want straighter teeth but are concerned about how you'll look in braces...contact Medina Orthodontics in Katy, TX to talk to us about Invisalign!

Your First Orthodontic Visit

Medina Orthodontics

At Medina Orthodontics, we are proud to provide high quality orthodontic treatment in a compassionate and friendly environment.

Your initial consultation is one of the most important appointments you’ll have at our office. Your first visit to our office is a time for us to get to know you and determine your main concerns. We will ease your fears by giving you as much information as needed to help you feel comfortable. Each member of our team is friendly and accessible, and we encourage our patients and parents to ask questions. We believe that patients will feel more comfortable if they know what to expect and are well informed of a procedure before it occurs.

When you arrive at our Katy, Texas office, you will be greeted by one of our friendly staff members who will take you on a tour of our office and make sure you feel welcome and comfortable.  We will look at your medical and dental histories and take a few digital photographs of your teeth. These photographs are used to identify and discuss any orthodontic problems that are present.

After the photographs are taken, Dr. Medina will perform a careful examination. She will evaluate many things relating to your face, your smile, and the fit of your teeth. This thorough exam helps Dr. Medina determine what type of treatment will benefit you most. She will provide a complete clinical diagnosis, a written summary of her findings. We will then work together to create the best treatment plan for you and discuss fees, general payment options and insurance benefits.

Following your exam, if treatment is needed, it could start right away, or Dr. Medina may suggest you are placed into an observation phase where our team will follow your growth and development to determine the appropriate time for treatment. The timing of orthodontic treatment will depend on the developmental stage of the teeth and jaws along with the severity of the problem.

Whether you’ll be beginning treatment now or later, this first orthodontic visit is the best time to ask any questions you have about the orthodontic process. Our treatment coordinator will review the treatment options available and help you understand what to expect during the different stages of your orthodontic care.

Trust your smile to a qualified orthodontic expert like Dr. Liana Medina. If you haven’t already scheduled an initial consultation with Medina Orthodontics, call our office today and take the first step towards the smile you’ve always wanted!