Questions for Your Spring Branch Dentist
Dental care can seem complex, especially if you have children! At Echeverri Dental Center, we ensure you feel confident and informed about your oral health needs and any recommended treatment. We welcome and encourage your questions, and our Spring Branch dental team is always happy to provide the answers you need.
You'll find some of the most common questions answered below, but if you don't find what you're looking for, please call our Houston, TX, dental office for assistance.
General
Every day, you have a long list of things that have to get done. You take the kids to school, go to work, and try to figure out what you’re going to make for dinner. At some point, you need to squeeze in dental visits for your family.
At Echeverri Dental Center, we understand how busy you are, and we want to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Our dental office serves patients from Houston and the surrounding areas, but where are we located?
Local Driving Directions
Echeverri Dental Center is located at 7844 Long Point Rd. in Houston, TX.
If you’re coming from Houston:
- Take I-45 N until you reach the exit for I-10 W.
- Travel on I-10 W for approximately 8 miles.
- Take exit 761A onto Wirt Rd.
- Our office will be on the right.
If you’re coming from Spring Branch:
- Head east toward Glourie Circle.
- Turn right onto Ridgeley Drive.
- Turn left onto Wirt Rd.
- Our office will be on the right.
Local Landmarks
Our dental office is near the intersection of Long Point Road and Writ Road. We’re across the street from Subway and close to Wells Fargo Bank, Blink Fitness, and Spring Branch Eye Care.
Need a Dentist Office in Spring Branch, TX?
If you’re looking for a dentist near 77055, consider Echeverri Dental Center! We are close to shopping and restaurants, and we’d love to welcome you to our dental family!
Please call (713) 956-8767 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Pediatric Dentistry
Your pediatric dentist in Spring Branch and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry agree that your little one should begin visiting the dentist as soon as their first teeth arrive or at least by their first birthday.
Early visits with a pediatric dentist set your child up for successful appointments in the future because they can acclimate to the dental chair and our team.
What Happens at My Child's First Dental Visit?
You can expect a relaxed and friendly visit at your little one's first dental appointment. We'll examine their mouth and count their teeth if they're comfortable with it. We aim to make their first visit as pleasant and stress-free as possible.
The first visit is an excellent time to have all your questions and concerns about your child's oral health answered, as parents play a significant role in their children's oral health.
Your little one should continue to visit their Houston pediatric dentist every six months so we can continue monitoring their oral development. As they get older, we'll incorporate teeth cleanings and fluoride treatments into their routine dental visits.
Schedule with your Pediatric Dentist in Spring Branch
At Echeverri Dental Center, we love caring for children, and we'd love to welcome your family into our dental family. Contact our team at (713) 956-8767 to book a dental appointment.
Yes! Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings our pediatric dentists place over the chewing surfaces of your child's teeth. The coating fills in the pits and grooves of the tooth, protecting the places that are most susceptible to decay and cavities.
Our hygienists report a reduced number of cavities in children with dental sealants compared to those without them.
A sealant also offers extra protection for young patients who may not have developed the brushing and flossing skills to effectively protect their teeth from tooth decay.
When Does Your Family Dentist in Spring Branch Recommend Dental Sealants?
When primary molars have arrived and your child can sit in the dental chair for a procedure, around the ages of four to six, it is a good time to protect their small teeth.
Sealants are a non-invasive and quick procedure that we can perform during a single appointment. Your child won't even need a dental anaesthetic.
Many dental insurance companies also cover a portion of the cost for dental sealants since they are considered a preventive procedure.
Contact Echeverri Dental Center To Learn More
If you would like to know more about dental sealants for your child, contact your dentist in Spring Branch at (713) 956-8767 for more information.
We hope to see your child around age one for their first visit to the dentist. Parents are welcome to sit with their baby throughout these early visits so they'll feel comfortable as they acclimate to visiting the dentist.
If your child is a bit older when they have their first pediatric dental visit, we have a few tips on things you can do to help them feel excited about having their teeth checked. Here are some helpful tips.
#1 Speak Positively about the Dentist
Even if you've had your own fears about visiting the dentist, speak about dental visits with a positive attitude. This will help your little one feel at ease and not venture into the appointment feeling anxious.
#2 Learn about the Dentist Before Their Visit
To get your child excited about their first visit, you can read stories or color pictures together about the dentist.
#3 Bring Them to Your Own Dental Appointment
If you have a teeth cleaning or checkup scheduled, have your little one accompany you to get a feel for what happens during these visits and learn they're not scary.
If it's time to book an appointment with your pediatric dentist in the Spring Branch neighborhood of Houston, contact our team at (713) 956-8767.
If you’re considering Invisalign for kids, you might be wondering if it’s the right choice for your child’s smile. Invisalign is a comfortable, removable, and nearly invisible alternative to traditional braces, designed to straighten teeth without the hassle of metal wires and brackets. But is your child a good candidate? The only way to truly determine this is to schedule a consultation. However, below are some helpful tips.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
- Ages 7 and Up — Invisalign First is designed specifically for younger children who have a mix of baby and permanent teeth.
- Mild to Moderate Orthodontic Issues — It works well for crowding, spacing, and minor bite misalignments, but severe cases may still require traditional braces.
- Good Oral Hygiene Habits — Because Invisalign aligners are removable, kids need to be responsible enough to brush and floss properly before putting them back in.
- Commitment to Wearing Aligners — For Invisalign to be effective, the aligners must be worn 20-22 hours a day. Kids who may forget or frequently remove them might not get the best results.
If your child meets these criteria, Invisalign for kids could be a great way to achieve a straighter, healthier smile.
Call Us for Invisalign for Kids in Spring Branch
Schedule a consultation today to see if Invisalign is the right fit and to discuss your child's orthodontic options in Spring Branch.
Invisalign First™ offers early orthodontic intervention for kids ages seven to nine.
Children with severe tooth crowding or early bite issues, such as an underbite, overbite, crossbite, or open bite, might benefit from early orthodontic treatment to correct these concerns while they're growing.
Invisalign for kids in Spring Branch, TX, offers options for children to complete their early orthodontic treatment with clear aligners instead of other orthodontic appliances. Your pediatric dentist at Echeverri Dental Center can help determine if this option would be successful for your child or if they would benefit from a space maintainer or palatal expander.
The Advantages of Early Intervention in Spring Branch
Early orthodontic treatment takes advantage of your child's growth patterns to expand their palate and eliminate overcrowding. It can correct severe bite concerns that could make chewing food difficult, impacting your child's diet and nutrition. It can also improve their smile aesthetics and build confidence and self-esteem.
Contact Echeverri Dental Center
If your child is around age seven or eight, it's time for their first orthodontic evaluation. Not every child needs early intervention, but those who do will benefit from getting started immediately.
Contact our Houston dental office in Spring Branch at (713) 956-8767 to learn more about braces for kids.
Did you know that tooth decay is one of the most prevalent dental problems children face?
Other common childhood dental problems include thumb sucking, gingivitis (gum disease), bite misalignment, and dental trauma.
While some things like accidents and trauma can't be prevented, there are some problems like tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and thumb sucking that you can help your little one avoid.
Oral Healthcare Tips at Home
Protecting your little one's teeth with daily brushing and flossing builds good habits for the future and ensures your child learns how they can protect their own smile.
Promote healthy snacking by offering your child fruits and vegetables for snacks instead of crackers, cookies, or chips. Fruits and veggies actually help protect small smiles by neutralizing the acids that cause tooth decay.
Remember to schedule your child's preventive teeth cleanings and checkups at Echeverri Dental Center in Spring Branch. We have three pediatric dental specialists on staff who cater to children and their unique dental needs.
We ensure that every visit your little one has with their pediatric dentist in Spring Branch is a positive, upbeat, and fun experience. Contact our team at (713) 956-8767 if it's time to book your child's next dental appointment.
You want what’s best for your child, so when it comes to their teeth and gums, you’re not just looking for any dentist. You want a pediatric dentist who specializes in children’s oral health.
At Echeverri Dental Center, we have several board-certified pediatric dentists, and we’re ready to care for your little one’s smile.
So, what is a pediatric dentist?
What Is a Pediatric Dentist?
A pediatric dentist specializes in children’s oral health and is trained to treat children from infancy to adolescence. They perform routine preventive care, such as cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants, but they are also equipped to handle complex dental issues, including dental emergencies and orthodontics.
How to Become a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist
There are numerous steps to becoming a board-certified pediatric dentist:
- First, you have to complete a four-year dental degree.
- Then, after dental school, you must complete a two or three-year pediatric dentistry residency.
- After the residency, you must pass the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD) exams.
- To stay accredited, you must renew your certification each year and commit to continuing your education.
Looking for a Pediatric Dentist in Spring Branch, TX?
If you’re searching the internet for a “pediatric dentist 77055,” look no further than Echeverri Dental Center! Our office is the “go-to” destination for pediatric dentistry in Houston and the surrounding communities of Hillshire Village, Spring Valley Village, Spring Branch East, Katy, Westview, and Memorial.
To schedule an appointment, please call us at (713) 956-8767.
Pediatric dentistry is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on the oral health care of infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatric dentistry consists of a comprehensive set of dental services tailored specifically to the needs of younger patients. Thus, pediatric dentists undergo additional training beyond dental school to gain expertise in dealing with the unique challenges of treating children.
The goals of pediatric dentistry are to promote healthy dental habits in children from as early an age as possible and to prevent oral health problems from afflicting them. Pediatric dentists offer a range of services, including dental exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, dental fillings, and preventive treatments like sealants.
Our Spring Branch pediatric dentists strive to create a friendly and comfortable environment to help children feel at ease during dental visits. Pediatric dentists also play a crucial role in educating both children and parents about proper oral hygiene practices, nutrition, and the importance of regular dental check-ups.
By providing specialized care and creating a positive experience, pediatric dentistry aims to lay a foundation for a lifetime of good oral health for children.
Pediatric Dentistry in the Spring Branch Neighborhood of Houston, TX
If you’re in Houston near Spring Branch and would like to learn more about pediatric dentistry, contact dentist Dr. Juan Echeverri and the Echeverri Dental team to schedule a consultation!
Positive associations with the dental office are essential to your child’s dental health because negative experiences can lead to dental anxiety and even dental phobia.
A comforting and fun environment encourages your child to visit the dentist. They have friends at the practice and soothing dental professionals to care for them. Anything less can have long-term consequences. Many adults who have dental phobia today indeed had a negative experience during childhood.
Our compassionate team are vigilant and aware. We maintain a positive atmosphere and are always good for a laugh.
Your child’s Spring Branch dentist encourages you to keep it positive when discussing the dentist’s office as well.
How You Can Help Make Visits to the Dentist Positive
- Keep it positive. — Always discuss visiting the dentist in positive terms, such as making it fun, counting teeth, the tooth fairy, or a friendly visit.
- Avoid negativity. — Refrain from using negative words, such as "needle," "drill," or "shot."
For our part, we’ll build trust with your child and a genuine relationship that makes them want to visit our dental office every six months.
Dental Care for Children in Spring Branch
Our pediatric dentists are eager to meet your child and help them enjoy a healthy and happy smile. To learn more or to schedule a visit, contact a dental team member today at (713) 956-8767.
We accept CareCredit!
Family Dentistry
Fluoride is one of the most effective tools in protecting your child’s teeth from decay. Naturally found in water and certain foods, fluoride works by strengthening tooth enamel and making it more resistant to acid attacks from harmful sugars, acids, and bacteria.
How Does Fluoride Protect Young Teeth?
When your child eats or drinks, cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth produce acid that can slowly erode enamel. Fluoride helps harden the enamel and aids in the remineralization process, actually helping repair early tooth decay before a cavity forms.
In young children, fluoride also plays a role in the development of strong and healthy adult teeth. That’s why pediatric dentists often recommend fluoride treatments during routine visits and advise using fluoride toothpaste (just a smear for children under three and a pea-sized amount for older kids).
For children who may be at higher risk of cavities, such as those with a history of frequent sugar consumption or poor oral hygiene, your dentist may suggest additional fluoride supplements or varnish treatments.
Consult with your child’s dentist to ensure they’re receiving the correct amount of fluoride. With the proper care, fluoride can help lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Support for Developing Smiles in Spring Branch, Houston
If you’re in Houston’s Spring Branch area and want to consult a top-quality dental team about ensuring the proper early development and long-term well-being of your children’s smiles, contact Dr. Juan Echeverri and the friendly Echverri Dental Center team to schedule an appointment!
Family dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on providing oral health care to individuals of all ages, from infants and young children to adults and seniors. Spring Branch family dentistry emphasizes the importance of comprehensive dental care for, as the name suggests, the entire family.
Family dentists prioritize preventive care and are highly skilled in treating the most common of dental issues, like cavities or mild cases of gum disease, but also offer a comprehensive range of dental services, including routine checkups, cleanings, dental fillings, root canals, and extractions.
A major focus of family dentists is on building long-term relationships with patients in order to develop a deep understanding of their oral and general health history, as well as their preferences, needs, and concerns. They are thus able to provide personalized care to each individual patient.
By catering to the oral health needs of the entire family, family dentistry ensures that everyone, across all generations, receives personalized, comprehensive dental care in a friendly, comfortable, and familiar setting.
Family Dentistry in Houston, TX
If you’re in Houston or Spring Branch and are looking for top-quality dental care for yourself and your entire family, contact dentist Dr. Juan Echeverri and the Echeverri Dental Center team to schedule a consultation!
General & Restorative Dentistry
Tooth decay occurs when the bacteria in your mouth come into contact with the sugars in your food and drink and form acid. Once the acid sits long enough on your tooth, it erodes it, causing a cavity to form. Your Spring Branch dentist will likely recommend a tooth-colored filling when you get a cavity. Keep reading to learn how long this procedure takes and how long you can expect your filling to last.
The Dental Filling Timeline
Most dental fillings can be completed in less than an hour; however, a small filling can be completed in about 20 minutes, and larger fillings could take longer. Your dentist must numb your mouth, remove the decay, clean the area, and fill the cavity with tooth-colored composite resin. Dental fillings are a straightforward dental procedure.
How Long Does a Dental Filling Last?
Most composite fillings will last for anywhere between five and ten years; however, some fillings last longer, depending on the:
- Size
- Location
- Your oral hygiene
- Habits such as biting your nails
Need More Information about Fillings in Spring Branch, TX?
If so, the dental team at Echeverri Dental Center is ready to take your call! We can fill a cavity quickly and get you back to your busy life. You can schedule an appointment online or reach us at (713) 956-8767.
Tooth decay is a common dental issue; if it happens to you, your dentist will likely recommend a tooth filling. This straightforward procedure can be completed quickly, preserving your natural tooth and getting you back to biting and chewing normally.
What Is a Tooth Filling?
When you have a cavity, or if one of your teeth is cracked, broken, or worn, your dentist may use a tooth filling to repair it. At Echeverri Dental Center, we use tooth-colored composite resin to restore your tooth’s health and keep the damage from spreading. We remove any decayed portion of your tooth before “filling” it with the composite material.
What Does a Tooth Filling Look Like?
Fortunately, a composite tooth filling is designed to blend seamlessly with your natural tooth. Because the composite can be shaded to match your tooth, it is aesthetically pleasing. No one will know you have a filling!
Questions about Tooth Fillings in Spring Branch, TX?
If you live in Houston or the surrounding area and need more information about tooth-colored fillings, we would love to hear from you! At Echeverri Dental Center, our goal is to help you keep a healthy smile for a lifetime. To schedule an appointment, call (713) 956-8767.
General dentistry is a broad field of dentistry that focuses on the overall maintenance of oral health through preventive care and the diagnosis and treatment of common dental issues. General dentists are the primary dental care providers for patients of all ages.
General dentists offer a wide range of dental services, including:
- Regular checkups
- Teeth cleanings
- Dental fillings
- Root canals
- Tooth extractions
- Cosmetic procedures, like teeth whitening
General dentists are vital in educating patients about proper oral hygiene practices and the preventive measures that can help to prevent serious dental problems.
Regular visits to a general dentist are essential for early detection and treatment of a variety of dental problems in a timely manner. General dentists specialize in diagnosing and treating common dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease, and also collaborate with specialists if a patient requires specialized treatment or procedures beyond the general dentist’s expertise.
By offering comprehensive dental care, general dentistry ensures that patients receive services essential to maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
General Dentistry in Spring Branch, TX
If you’re in Houston or Spring Branch and would like to learn more about any of a wide range of dental treatments and procedures, contact dentist Dr. Juan Echeverri and the Echeverri Dental team to schedule a consultation!
Restorative dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of damage to teeth or tooth loss. Restorative dentistry takes into account both the functional and aesthetic elements of dental care and uses advanced techniques and materials to create natural-looking and durable restorations that blend seamlessly with a patient's smile.
The primary objective of restorative dentistry is to restore the function, aesthetics, and health of the teeth and their supporting structures. Restorative dentistry involves procedures aimed at repairing or replacing damaged or decayed teeth, including:
- Dental fillings
- Crowns
- Bridges
- Dental implants
- Dentures
- Root canals
The goal is to restore the natural appearance and functionality of the teeth while improving overall oral health. By addressing tooth decay, fractures, missing teeth, and other dental issues, restorative dentistry helps patients regain their ability to eat, speak, and smile naturally and confidently.
Restorative dentistry plays a central role in improving oral health, enhancing appearance, and restoring overall dental well-being.
Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry in Houston, TX
If you’re in Houston or Spring Branch and would like to learn more about restorative dentistry, contact dentist Dr. Juan Echeverri and the Echeverri Dental team to schedule a consultation!
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Dentists at our Houston, TX, dental office perform wisdom teeth extractions because it’s often best for your oral health to do so. Wisdom teeth emerge in the late teens or early 20s, and since they’re the last teeth to appear, there’s often insufficient space in the jaw to accommodate them.
Why We Recommend Removing Wisdom Teeth
The result is that wisdom teeth, also called third molars, crowd existing teeth or even get stuck in the gums (impacted). Also, wisdom teeth are so far back in the mouth that brushing and flossing properly can be difficult or impossible. When you can't clean your teeth thoroughly, you're at greater risk for cavities and gum disease that may require complex treatment to correct.
Sedation Dentistry for a Comfortable Procedure
We offer many levels of dental sedation, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, and IM (intramuscular) sedation. Most patients opt for IV sedation dentistry for their wisdom teeth extraction because they can have a calm and comfortable dental appointment and won’t remember much, if anything, about the procedure.
Do You Need Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
Not everyone gets wisdom teeth, and not everyone who does requires extraction. If your wisdom teeth are causing you pain, or you’re unsure if you should have them removed, please call Echeverri Dental Center in Houston, TX, to schedule an appointment. Our dentists will evaluate your situation and give you an honest treatment recommendation.
Dental Implants
Getting a dental implant requires multiple appointments that occur over several months. These include appointments for planning, placing your implant, placing the abutment, and placing the implant crown on your tooth. There may be an additional appointment if you are considering bone grafting.
Dental Implant Planning
The first step is a thorough examination with Dr. Juan Echeverri, who will place your implant. At this appointment, he evaluates your oral health and reviews your dental and medical history. He also takes x-rays and 3-D cone beam scans to determine if there’s enough bone mass to place the implant and if any other steps are needed, such as tooth extraction or bone grafting.
Dental Implant Placement in Spring Branch
Dr. Juan places your dental implant at our Spring Branch dental office, near Houston, under local anesthesia to ensure a pain-free procedure. We also offer several levels of sedation dentistry to ensure your comfort and relaxation.
Implant Healing and Abutment Placement
After placement, you can expect 3–6 months of healing to ensure your implant integrates with your jawbone. During this period, we monitor your progress to ensure the implant is healing properly. When the implant is fully integrated, you return for a second procedure, where Dr. Juan places the abutment on the implant post.
Final Dental Implant Appointment
Abutment healing takes about three weeks, after which you’ll return to our office so we can place the final dental crown on your implant.
Do you have more questions about dental implants or want to schedule an appointment at our Spring Branch, TX, dental office? Please call Echeverri Dental Center to get started!
Bone grafting is a process that supplements the bone that supports your teeth and increases their density. One reason our dentists at Echeverri Dental Center would recommend bone grafting is if you want a dental implant but don’t have the jawbone mass to support it.
How We Determine Jawbone Density
We measure bone levels using advanced imaging such as digital x-rays, panoramic x-rays, and 3-D cone beam CT scans. Insufficient bone prevents certain procedures from being successful, but also puts remaining teeth at risk.
If bone levels continue to decline, commonly due to tooth loss or advanced periodontal disease, surrounding teeth become unstable and loosen. Bone grafting at our Houston, TX, dental office helps prevent mobile teeth and allows patients to get implants to replace missing teeth.
How Bone Grafting Works
We obtain bone for grafting in several ways, including using your bone, bone from a donor, or a bone substitute. Bone from these resources is a safe solution, similar to receiving a blood transfusion.
After our dentist expertly places the grafting material, it supplements the bone to increase its mass. It can take 3–6 months for the graft to heal, after which we can plan successful implant placement.
Do You Need Bone Grafting in Spring Branch?
If you have been told you don’t have enough bone in your jaw to receive a dental implant, bone grafting might be the solution. Please call Echeverri Dental Center in Houston, TX, so we can see if you’re a candidate for bone grafting and how the process works.
Orthodontics for All Ages
Children commonly get full braces between ages 9 and 14, but that doesn’t mean a six-year-old can’t benefit from a visit to the orthodontist. Age seven is the recommended age for an orthodontic evaluation at our Houston dental office, but you are welcome to bring your younger child in anytime if you have concerns.
Interceptive or Phase 1 Orthodontics
The treatment a child would receive at age six is called interceptive orthodontics or Phase 1 orthodontics. This early intervention allows our pediatric dentist to address issues they can’t correct after your child’s face and jaw stop growing.
Some reasons we would recommend early orthodontic treatment include the following:
- Create space in the jaw for adult teeth to erupt properly
- Address a malocclusion or bite problem
- Hold space for teeth that haven’t erupted
- Minimize trauma to protruding front teeth
- Reduce the need to remove teeth
- Speed up braces’ treatment times
Does Your Child Need Braces?
When your child is losing baby teeth and gaining adult teeth, you might notice that some teeth seem to come in at an angle. This does not automatically mean your child needs braces! It’s common for incoming adult teeth to straighten into the correct position as they emerge and your child’s mouth grows.
However, you are always welcome to call Echeverri Dental Center and book an appointment at our Houston, TX, dental office. We treat children of all ages, from infants to teens, and are happy to see your child and answer your questions. We are conveniently located in the Spring Branch neighborhood of Houston.
We offer comprehensive orthodontics at Echeverri Dental Center for all ages, including clear aligner therapy similar to Invisalign. Clear aligners are an excellent alternative for an older teen or adult who wants straighter teeth without metal braces!
Treatment involves wearing a series of clear aligners customized just for your smile. Your dentist maps out your treatment using specialized software to plan the type and extent of movement needed to align your teeth.
Wearing Your Clear Aligners
When your custom aligners are ready, we provide instructions that tell you to wear each set for 22 hours a day for about two weeks. The number of aligners you receive corresponds to your dentist’s plan, and when you’ve worn them all, you’re finished with treatment. The final step is to wear a custom retainer as instructed to prevent your teeth from relapsing to their crooked positions.
The Benefits of Clear Aligner Therapy
Adults and teens appreciate the benefits clear aligners offer that bracket-and-wire braces don’t, including:
- Discreet — You can keep your treatment a secret because most people won’t notice you’re wearing aligners.
- Comfortable — No metal brackets and wires on your teeth means less irritation and soreness.
- Removable — You can easily remove your aligner trays and continue to eat the foods you want and brush and floss easily.
Learn More about Clear Aligners in Spring Branch, TX
If you’d like to straighten crooked or crowded teeth or need bite correction, clear aligners like Invisalign may be the best solution for you. Please contact Echeverri Dental Center at your earliest convenience so we can schedule an appointment to provide more information.
If you’re considering Invisalign for kids, you might be wondering if it’s the right choice for your child’s smile. Invisalign is a comfortable, removable, and nearly invisible alternative to traditional braces, designed to straighten teeth without the hassle of metal wires and brackets. But is your child a good candidate? The only way to truly determine this is to schedule a consultation. However, below are some helpful tips.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
- Ages 7 and Up — Invisalign First is designed specifically for younger children who have a mix of baby and permanent teeth.
- Mild to Moderate Orthodontic Issues — It works well for crowding, spacing, and minor bite misalignments, but severe cases may still require traditional braces.
- Good Oral Hygiene Habits — Because Invisalign aligners are removable, kids need to be responsible enough to brush and floss properly before putting them back in.
- Commitment to Wearing Aligners — For Invisalign to be effective, the aligners must be worn 20-22 hours a day. Kids who may forget or frequently remove them might not get the best results.
If your child meets these criteria, Invisalign for kids could be a great way to achieve a straighter, healthier smile.
Call Us for Invisalign for Kids in Spring Branch
Schedule a consultation today to see if Invisalign is the right fit and to discuss your child's orthodontic options in Spring Branch.
Invisalign First™ offers early orthodontic intervention for kids ages seven to nine.
Children with severe tooth crowding or early bite issues, such as an underbite, overbite, crossbite, or open bite, might benefit from early orthodontic treatment to correct these concerns while they're growing.
Invisalign for kids in Spring Branch, TX, offers options for children to complete their early orthodontic treatment with clear aligners instead of other orthodontic appliances. Your pediatric dentist at Echeverri Dental Center can help determine if this option would be successful for your child or if they would benefit from a space maintainer or palatal expander.
The Advantages of Early Intervention in Spring Branch
Early orthodontic treatment takes advantage of your child's growth patterns to expand their palate and eliminate overcrowding. It can correct severe bite concerns that could make chewing food difficult, impacting your child's diet and nutrition. It can also improve their smile aesthetics and build confidence and self-esteem.
Contact Echeverri Dental Center
If your child is around age seven or eight, it's time for their first orthodontic evaluation. Not every child needs early intervention, but those who do will benefit from getting started immediately.
Contact our Houston dental office in Spring Branch at (713) 956-8767 to learn more about braces for kids.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns in Houston, TX, near Spring Branch, are custom-crafted to look like your neighboring teeth. The shape and shade will complement your smile! No one will know which tooth is capped.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are hollow tooth covers cemented over treated teeth. They protect weak teeth from damage or loss by creating a safe space between the tooth and your bite impact.
They also connect the dental bridge (restoration teeth) to natural teeth, cap dental implant posts, and can be used in cosmetic dentistry to hide tooth imperfections and discoloration.
Dental Crown Care and Upkeep
Dental crown care is simple. You brush and floss them like unrestored teeth and continue seeing your dentist every six months for dental checkups and professional teeth cleanings.
We recommend not biting directly into sticky foods like taffy with your crowned tooth. Also, never use your teeth—restored or otherwise—as tools to open bottles or similar.
Do You Need a Dental Crown in Houston, TX?
Contact us today to learn more about dental crowns or schedule a consultation with the dentist.
We work with most PPO insurance plans and accept third-party financing through CareCredit. Ask a friendly dental team member for more details, including how to apply for financing.
Do dental crowns require special care, and can they be whitened if they become discolored over time?
One benefit of dental crowns is they don't require many changes to your home care routine. You can brush and floss around them easily without altering your routine.
Dental crowns are made from custom-shaded ceramic porcelain to blend flawlessly with your smile. Porcelain crowns can't be whitened once placed, so it's essential to maintain your smile to ensure you don't have a mismatched tooth.
Tips for Caring for Dental Crowns in Houston, TX
Here are tips to help you guard the health and aesthetics of your dental crown and smile:
- A consistent home care routine: Brushing twice daily and flossing once is recommended for maintaining a healthy smile.
- Routine checkups with your dentist: Visiting your Spring Branch dentist every six months for teeth cleanings and checkups protects your smile and dental health.
- Avoid certain foods: Sticky and chewy foods could potentially pull off your crown while biting directly into hard foods like carrots or apples could cause fractures or damage your tooth.
- Don't bite or chew on objects: Chewing on or biting objects other than food can harm your natural teeth and dental restorations.
Contact Echeverri Dental Center at (713) 956-8767 if you have questions about dental crowns in Houston or Spring Branch.
When it comes to your smile, you want quality dental treatment that helps you maintain a beautiful, natural look. However, if you’re unfamiliar with different types of dental restorations, it can be confusing. So, if your dentist recommends a dental crown, you may have questions about why you need this type of restoration instead of a filling.
When Are Dental Crowns Necessary?
A dental crown covers your entire tooth; it is a cap used to protect and restore your tooth and is used for the following purposes:
- Large cavities or badly-decayed teeth
- Large, worn-out fillings
- A cracked, chipped, or broken tooth
- After root canal therapy
- To cover a worn, misshapen, or discolored tooth
The Difference between a Crown and a Filling
Your dentist will recommend either a crown or a filling based on the severity of the damage to your tooth. The main difference between the two is as follows:
- A filling is used to repair smaller decayed areas in your tooth.
- A crown is used to cover a tooth with more significant damage.
Want to Talk about Crowns in Spring Branch, TX?
If you have any questions or concerns about your oral health, we would be happy to assist you! Echeverri Dental Center strives to help you achieve the healthiest teeth and gums possible. You can call us at (713) 956-8767 for more information.
Sedation Dentistry
With conscious sedation, we administer an oral medication that helps ease your child through their procedure. They will feel drowsy and may even drift off to sleep, but it does not put them into a deep sleep, which is why it’s called conscious sedation.
When Do You Recommend Sedation for Kids?
The pediatric dentists at Echeverri Dental Center may recommend sedation dentistry in several cases:
- Your child is extremely fearful of dentistry
- Your child has multiple procedures planned
- Your child has special needs
- Your child has difficulty sitting still
Sedation helps negative emotions or anxiety gradually disappear so your child feels safe and calm. When children feel calm and relaxed, they are more cooperative, which means we can treat them safely and efficiently and get them out of the chair faster.
How Will My Child Feel after Conscious Sedation?
It’s common for children to feel a little confused or tired for several hours after their procedure, so it’s best to take them home and let them rest. They may also be a little uncoordinated, so it’s important to restrict their activities and stay with them at all times.
Is Conscious Sedation Right for Your Child?
The experienced dentists and specialists at Echeverri Dental Center offer several levels of sedation, including general anesthesia provided in a hospital setting. Rest assured, our staff is extremely competent and specially trained to administer and monitor your child while they're sedated.
We will treat your child as our own and ensure they are safe and comfortable throughout their appointment. Please call our Spring Branch, TX, dental office to learn how conscious sedation can benefit your child.