EXPERT
Kongyan Nicely
Dentist
Dr. Kongyan D. Nicely practices Orthodontics in El Campo, TX, and Beeville, TX. Traditional Ortho braces, esthetic (clear) braces, and Invisalign (R)/ Clear aligners are offered for patients needs and desires. Dr. Nicely has received advanced education and practice to provide the most high quality care.
Comprehensive orthodontic treatment includes wires for bonded orthodontic brackets that sits on top of teeth; both wires and brackets can be made from stainless steel or a more aesthetic ceramic material. The wires interact with the brackets to move teeth into desired positions. Being advanced in the field, Dr. Nicely may also use Invisalign or other aligner trays that have been designed to align a patients smile. As a seasoned orthodontic provider, Dr. Nicely recognizes various characteristics of a malocclusion or dentofacial deformity, defines the nature of the problem, including the etiology if possible, and designs a treatment strategy based on the specific needs and desires of the patient.
Comprehensive orthodontic treatment includes wires for bonded orthodontic brackets that sits on top of teeth; both wires and brackets can be made from stainless steel or a more aesthetic ceramic material. The wires interact with the brackets to move teeth into desired positions. Being advanced in the field, Dr. Nicely may also use Invisalign or other aligner trays that have been designed to align a patients smile. As a seasoned orthodontic provider, Dr. Nicely recognizes various characteristics of a malocclusion or dentofacial deformity, defines the nature of the problem, including the etiology if possible, and designs a treatment strategy based on the specific needs and desires of the patient.
Kongyan Nicely
- El Campo, TX
- Accepting new patients
The "Dark" Side of Invisalign®
The "Dark" Side of Invisalign ® or "What is so Bad About Invisalign®? " Social media and advertisements may portray that Invisalign is an amazing experience regardless of specific...
How do you prevent cavities while having braces?
The best ways to prevent cavities while having braces is to keep your teeth clean and free from food or beverages (which are not pure water). You may need to brush for longer periods READ MORE
The best ways to prevent cavities while having braces is to keep your teeth clean and free from food or beverages (which are not pure water). You may need to brush for longer periods of time before bedtime, and then either floss or "Waterpik" after brushing at night. ("Waterpik" is almost a super-favorite of most of my patients, because of the ease of use [compared to flossing] and effectiveness for after-brushing cleaning, between teeth, and around gums. It is also NOT very expensive; good to use for 2 or more people in the family for a long time!*)
Getting all the corners and hiding-spots clean and free from those sticky "plaque" or bacteria-family glues can take some time and practice (with brushing), but it is easy enough to do once you get the basic techniques (definitely not rocket science). Flossing and Waterpik cannot replace brushing, but are recommended for between-teeth and around-gums (& around-brackets) cleaning because brushes cannot get those areas well, which is even more important while having braces. Daily eating and drinking habits can make some people more cavity-prone as well: if you can reduce the lengths of time that beverages or food are in contact with your teeth, meaning eating less snacks between meals AND drink only water (and not sipping beverages) between meals, brush and floss as often as you can (especially do a super-cleaning before bedtime), you will be more on-track preventing cavities while having braces. These apply to most people in general, but you may have more specific situations with your teeth that require special areas of attention. Please contact your Orthodontic provider regarding your specific situations.
(*I am not affiliated with “Waterpik” in any shape or form.)
Getting all the corners and hiding-spots clean and free from those sticky "plaque" or bacteria-family glues can take some time and practice (with brushing), but it is easy enough to do once you get the basic techniques (definitely not rocket science). Flossing and Waterpik cannot replace brushing, but are recommended for between-teeth and around-gums (& around-brackets) cleaning because brushes cannot get those areas well, which is even more important while having braces. Daily eating and drinking habits can make some people more cavity-prone as well: if you can reduce the lengths of time that beverages or food are in contact with your teeth, meaning eating less snacks between meals AND drink only water (and not sipping beverages) between meals, brush and floss as often as you can (especially do a super-cleaning before bedtime), you will be more on-track preventing cavities while having braces. These apply to most people in general, but you may have more specific situations with your teeth that require special areas of attention. Please contact your Orthodontic provider regarding your specific situations.
(*I am not affiliated with “Waterpik” in any shape or form.)
How do you relieve pain from a retainer?
The normally expected amount of discomfort from a well-fitted retainer should be mild, but it can be up to a moderate amount of pain if it is not worn according to your doctor's READ MORE
The normally expected amount of discomfort from a well-fitted retainer should be mild, but it can be up to a moderate amount of pain if it is not worn according to your doctor's prescriptions (for example: full-time wear of more than 21 hours per day during a period of weeks or months right after you received the retainer). If such pain or discomfort is expected by your doctor, you may generally take a pain medication that you usually use safely for headaches for relief (for example, Aleve, Advil or Tylenol or their generic versions, NOT to combine AND NOT to exceed the recommended dosages, and best taken with food & plenty of water). If the pain is not expected from your doctor, please be sure to speak to your Orthodontic Provider with your concerns and questions!
What happens if your teeth move after having braces?
Some people's teeth tend to move back a bit after braces, (which is why wearing retainers are important!) and even though they may not move very much (like being back to their READ MORE
Some people's teeth tend to move back a bit after braces, (which is why wearing retainers are important!) and even though they may not move very much (like being back to their original positions prior to braces), they can still cause enough trouble for bite or for esthetics that they may require re-treatment. Sometimes the orthodontic provider who did your braces may be able to use a short amount of time with limited-area re-treatment to fix that relapse. But other times, depending on how much movement your teeth have experienced, you might require full braces again. Please be sure to ask your orthodontic provider to get your best answer!
How do dental orthopedics help your teeth?
Dr. Nicely answers: Teeth are not by-themselves good for looks until they are fitted well into a facial profile. We cannot miss the big picture when working on Orthodontics, because READ MORE
Dr. Nicely answers: Teeth are not by-themselves good for looks until they are fitted well into a facial profile. We cannot miss the big picture when working on Orthodontics, because the jaw bones should hold the teeth stable, the facial features (including lips) should be well supported to prevent display of aging prematurely ["who needs a face-lift?"], and the tongue should be given enough room for proper airway functions to alleviate sleep apnea or headaches. Dentofaical Orthopedics principles guide the orthodontic work to finish cases with both beautiful smiles and healthy functions.
How long do braces take for crowded teeth?
Dr. Nicely answers: Depending on the severity of the crowding, braces can take between 6 months to 36 months to treat the condition. Everyone's bones, gums, and cheek/tongue muscle READ MORE
Dr. Nicely answers: Depending on the severity of the crowding, braces can take between 6 months to 36 months to treat the condition. Everyone's bones, gums, and cheek/tongue muscle strengths are different, so please consult your orthodontic provider to get the best answer for your particular condition and situation! (Most orthodontic providers offer free consultations.)
Should I wear my retainer if it hurts?
Usually your retainer should only make you feel sore up to a moderate extent, if you have been wearing it properly; if it is really hurting you, you should go back to your orthodontic READ MORE
Usually your retainer should only make you feel sore up to a moderate extent, if you have been wearing it properly; if it is really hurting you, you should go back to your orthodontic provider for a consultation so that he/she can determine what needs to be done.
Teeth shifting after braces off and waiting for my retainer?
Teeth Movements after braces are off can be either minor or severe, depending on the treatment you received and depending your cheek & tongue muscle strengths. Some orthodontic READ MORE
Teeth Movements after braces are off can be either minor or severe, depending on the treatment you received and depending your cheek & tongue muscle strengths. Some orthodontic providers make a temporary retainer before your other retainer arrives. It's best to consult your own provider on your questions to get the best answer for your particular situation.
Can you straighten your teeth if you have implants?
In general, you can certainly have a great chance of straightening your teeth even when you have implant(s) already - because your orthodontic provider will look at the natural READ MORE
In general, you can certainly have a great chance of straightening your teeth even when you have implant(s) already - because your orthodontic provider will look at the natural teeth and implant(s) that you have [by evaluating both your x-rays and teeth & gums in your mouth] when planning the treatment you needed for straightening. Everyone is different and would require a personally optimized treatment plan, so please consult your orthodontic provider!
Braces, 7 year old swollen cheeks and bruising?
Everyone may be different in their need for treatment, and some may require the use of a Palatal Expander determined by his/her own orthodontic provider. While some ortho providers READ MORE
Everyone may be different in their need for treatment, and some may require the use of a Palatal Expander determined by his/her own orthodontic provider. While some ortho providers try their best not to utilize such appliances unless absolutely necessary, others prefer to use them more often because of the considerations of benefits vs. risks. If you prefer to get a second opinion from another orthodontic provider, you may be able to find some that provides free consultations. But usually most cheek and gum bruises will have a 7-11 day duration for healing, and as long as the personal oral hygiene are done well (especially for night-time brushing & cleaning before bedtime), cheeks and gums can heal up well within 2 weeks. Some minor and short-term pain relievers might also help him prior to the completion of healing. Please be sure to ask to speak to your ortho provider if you have any questions regarding his treatment!
Are you sedated when you get braces on?
Most orthodontic providers do not use sedation (or putting you completely to asleep) when placing braces on, as the procedure is relatively comfortable, with minor stretches of READ MORE
Most orthodontic providers do not use sedation (or putting you completely to asleep) when placing braces on, as the procedure is relatively comfortable, with minor stretches of cheeks etc.
When can I stop wearing my retainers?
If you have lingual bonded retainers (which are already fixed on your teeth on the tongue side, and you cannot take them off), then you can probably stop wearing your removable READ MORE
If you have lingual bonded retainers (which are already fixed on your teeth on the tongue side, and you cannot take them off), then you can probably stop wearing your removable retainers after a few years of stabilizing your bite. However, everyone's teeth are different and some people start having crowding again when they are older due to the natural aging process. So you will need to consult with your Orthodontist to make sure that you get the right answer!
Which is better for overbite braces or Invisalign?
If you are very good at keeping track of little things and taking great care of your teeth wherever you go, then in general both braces and Invisalign are good options for correcting READ MORE
If you are very good at keeping track of little things and taking great care of your teeth wherever you go, then in general both braces and Invisalign are good options for correcting overbite. However, everyone's teeth, bite, and growth patterns are different and many particular circumstances require careful considerations of one or the other; some conditions are very hard to correct with Invisalign alone. Therefore, be sure to consult with your orthodontist to get the right answer for your teeth!
How long do braces take to correct an overbite?
In general, it takes about 12-20 months; however, everyone's teeth are different and it might take some longer, some shorter. Ask your orthodontist when you have the consultation READ MORE
In general, it takes about 12-20 months; however, everyone's teeth are different and it might take some longer, some shorter. Ask your orthodontist when you have the consultation to get a more accurate estimate on timeline!
Can you get braces on just your front teeth?
In general, the answer is YES; however, some teeth conditions are better off getting braces on the front and back teeth together, and sometimes getting front teeth braces alone READ MORE
In general, the answer is YES; however, some teeth conditions are better off getting braces on the front and back teeth together, and sometimes getting front teeth braces alone may worsen your overall dental health. Therefore, please consult with your orthodontist before you start braces! (Most Orthodontists offer free consultations, including us!)
Do you need braces to fix a few teeth?
In general, the answer is yes. However, there are a few other options of straightening teeth based on your teeth and your particular situation - Invisalign or clear aligners are READ MORE
In general, the answer is yes. However, there are a few other options of straightening teeth based on your teeth and your particular situation - Invisalign or clear aligners are one option; restorative dentistry might be another option... Please consult with your dentist and orthodontist to get the best option for your own teeth! (Most of them offer free consultation, including us!)
How long does it take to get fitted for Invisalign?
In general, it takes 3-5 weeks for your first Invisalign tray to be made and arrive in your hands; but some take longer, some take shorter, depending on your own particular situation. READ MORE
In general, it takes 3-5 weeks for your first Invisalign tray to be made and arrive in your hands; but some take longer, some take shorter, depending on your own particular situation. Please ask your orthodontist for a more accurate estimate!
Do you need Invisalign to fix one tooth?
In general, limited braces (which is: braces on fewer teeth) and Invisalign may both be good options of fixing one tooth. However, some teeth positions may be hard to fix with READ MORE
In general, limited braces (which is: braces on fewer teeth) and Invisalign may both be good options of fixing one tooth. However, some teeth positions may be hard to fix with Invisalign. Some single tooth might also be fixed with restorative dentistry. Therefore, be sure to consult with an orthodontist and dentist to get your best options! (Most of them offer free consultations, including us!)
Can crowns be used on front teeth?
If there are enough healthy root and periodontal support, then the answer is generally YES. However, if any root or periodontal compromise exist, the answer might be different. READ MORE
If there are enough healthy root and periodontal support, then the answer is generally YES. However, if any root or periodontal compromise exist, the answer might be different. Ask your dentist for a more accurate answer for your own teeth!
