Clear Braces

Clear Braces

Here at Cadena Dentistry, we want our patients to have a choice in orthodontic care, which is why we offer clear braces. As opposed to traditional braces that have shiny metal brackets and wires, clear braces are made using ceramic brackets, and are virtually translucent. They sit on each tooth just like with regular braces, but are far less conspicuous. Most people don’t know a patient is wearing braces until they are up close. The wires between the brackets are still necessary, but not as noticeable.

 

Patients receive the following benefits by choosing clear braces:

• The ceramic brackets are designed to not stain the teeth.
• They are mostly invisible and less conspicuous to others
• Patients wearing clear braces have more confidence with orthodontic treatment
• Adults have the advantage of not being embarrassed by having braces

Clear braces are used more often on upper teeth than lower teeth since they are slightly larger than metal brackets used in traditional braces. They are ideal for patients with gaps or alignment issues mostly on their upper set of teeth.

 

Visit Dr. Louis Cadena in Del Rio, TX to learn more about clear braces.

Traditional Braces

Traditional Braces

Here at Cadena Dentistry, we offer our patients a variety of orthodontic treatment options, including traditional braces. These are a common type of braces, and can be the most effective. They are also great for many types of orthodontic conditions, whether it is a large gap between the teeth, a severe overbite, a crossbite, or a combination of different teeth alignment issues. Not everyone is a candidate for other types of orthodontic treatments we provide here in our dental practice, which is why traditional braces are often the go-to treatment.

 

Traditional braces consist of metal brackets adhered to the teeth, thin metal wire called archwire extending between each bracket, and rubber band elastic; the latter of which is used for tightening the braces between appointments. Between these three components, the teeth gradually shift to their desired place in about 2-4 years on average.

 

After completing the process of wearing traditional braces, we encourage patients to wear a retainer at night for about a year or longer, as it helps their teeth remain in their new position.

 

If you or your child is in need of corrective orthodontic treatment, call our Del Rio dentist Dr. Louis Cadena at 830-775-3322 to ask about traditional braces.

Extraction Site Preservation

Extraction site preservation is the term used for planning ahead and involves what will be done once a tooth has been extracted. If a front tooth or molar is removed, it leaves the teeth susceptible to shifting. This happens when the jawbone begins degenerating due to the loss of the tooth and root, where it changes shape during the healing process. As this happens, other nearby teeth begin shifting and can cause misalignment and bite problems. Dr. Louis Cadena makes sure to prevent this complication through extraction site preservation.

 

Here is a brief overview of how extraction site preservation works:

 

1. Dr. Cadena informs the patient of the problem with their extraction site.

2. He goes over their options, such as a bridge, partial denture or dental implant.

3. Planning begins for the replacement treatment even before the extraction is completed.

4. As soon as the tooth is removed and begins healing, the dentist prepares the preservation of the extraction site.

 

By following these simple steps, our patients preserve their extraction site so they avoid complications as a result of the missing tooth. This is not necessary when wisdom teeth are removed because they are located in the very back of the mouth.

 

Call Cadena Dentistry at 830-775-3322 to schedule an appointment for an extraction site preservation