Patient Resources — Lucent Orthodontics in San Antonio, TX
At Lucent Orthodontics and Dental Specialists, we believe that informed patients have the best treatment experiences and the best outcomes. That is why we have put together this collection of resources to help you and your family feel prepared, confident, and comfortable at every stage of your orthodontic journey.
Whether you are a brand-new patient getting ready for your first visit, a current patient looking for care instructions, or a parent researching orthodontic options for your child, you will find what you need right here. And if you ever have a question that is not answered on these pages, our friendly team is always just a phone call away.
Have a Question? We Are Here to Help.
152 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, TX, 775041
☎ Call 210-361-2000
✉ lucent@satxdentalgroup.com
What You Will Find in Our Patient Resources
New Patient Information
Everything you need to know before your first appointment at Lucent Orthodontics. Learn what to expect during your free consultation, what to bring, how to prepare, and how our intake process works. We want your first visit to be smooth, stress-free, and informative so you can focus on what matters most — your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have compiled answers to the most common questions our San Antonio patients and families ask about orthodontic treatment, costs, insurance, braces care, clear aligners, treatment timelines, and more. Our FAQ page is designed to give you clear, honest answers so you feel confident about every aspect of your care.
Patient Testimonials and Reviews
Hear directly from the families and individuals who have trusted Lucent Orthodontics with their smiles. Our patient stories and reviews give you an authentic look at the experience, care, and results you can expect when you choose our practice.
Quick-Reference Guides for Current Patients
Caring for Your Braces
Proper care is essential for a smooth treatment experience and the best possible results. Here are the fundamentals every braces patient should follow:
Brush your teeth thoroughly after every meal. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and take extra time to clean around each bracket, along the gumline, and between teeth. An interdental brush or proxy brush can help reach tight spots around the brackets and wires.
Floss daily using a floss threader, orthodontic flosser, or water flosser to clean between your teeth and beneath the archwire. Flossing removes plaque and food particles that brushing alone cannot reach.
Avoid hard foods such as ice, hard candy, nuts, and raw carrots that can break brackets. Avoid sticky foods like caramel, taffy, gum, and gummy candy that can pull wires and brackets loose. Cut crunchy foods like apples and corn on the cob into small, manageable pieces before eating.
Wear a mouthguard during sports and physical activities. An orthodontic mouthguard is designed to fit comfortably over your braces and protect your teeth, brackets, and soft tissues from impact.
Attend all of your scheduled adjustment appointments. Regular visits allow Dr. Shakourian to monitor your progress, make necessary adjustments, and keep your treatment timeline on track.
If a bracket comes loose or a wire is poking, contact our office right away. In the meantime, you can use orthodontic wax to cover any sharp edges for temporary comfort until we can see you.
Have a Question? We Are Here to Help.
152 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, TX, 775041
☎ Call 210-361-2000
✉ lucent@satxdentalgroup.com
Caring for Your Clear Aligners
Clear aligners require their own set of care habits to keep them clean, clear, and effective:
Wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours per day. Remove them only for eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing and flossing your teeth.
Rinse your aligners every time you take them out. This prevents saliva and plaque from drying on the trays and causing odor or discoloration.
Clean your aligners gently with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic and affect the fit. Do not use colored or scented soaps, as these can stain or leave residue on the trays.
Brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back in after eating. Reinserting aligners over unclean teeth can trap food particles and bacteria against your enamel.
Store your aligners in their protective case whenever they are not in your mouth. This prevents loss, damage, and accidental disposal — especially during meals.
Switch to your next set of aligners on the schedule provided by Dr. Shakourian. Each set is designed for a specific phase of tooth movement, and staying on schedule is key to achieving your results on time.
Orthodontic Emergencies — What to Do
True orthodontic emergencies are rare, but minor issues can occasionally arise during treatment. Here is how to handle the most common situations:
Loose or broken bracket — If a bracket comes off the tooth but is still attached to the wire, leave it in place and cover it with orthodontic wax if it is causing irritation.
Call our office to schedule a repair appointment.
Poking wire — If a wire is poking your cheek or gums, try using a clean pencil eraser to gently push the wire flat against the tooth. If that does not work, cover the end of the wire with orthodontic wax and call us.
Lost aligner — If you lose or damage a clear aligner, contact our office right away. Depending on where you are in your treatment, Dr. Shakourian may advise you to move to the next set of aligners or to wear the previous set until a replacement can be made.
General soreness — Mild soreness after adjustments or after switching to a new set of aligners is normal. Over-the-counter pain relievers and a soft food diet for a day or two can help. If soreness persists for more than a few days, give us a call.
If you ever experience a severe injury to your mouth, teeth, or jaw, seek emergency medical care immediately and then contact our office as soon as possible.
Have a Question? We Are Here to Help.
152 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, TX, 775041
☎ Call 210-361-2000
✉ lucent@satxdentalgroup.com
Helpful Tips for Parents
As a parent, you play a critical role in your child’s orthodontic success. Here are some ways you can support your child throughout treatment:
Encourage consistent oral hygiene habits. Remind your child to brush after meals and floss daily. Younger children may need supervision to ensure they are cleaning thoroughly around their braces.
Help your child stick to the recommended diet. Keep orthodontic-friendly snacks at home and pack lunches that are easy on braces. Soft fruits, yogurt, cheese, pasta, and cooked vegetables are all great options.
Celebrate milestones. Orthodontic treatment can feel long for kids and teens. Acknowledge progress along the way — whether it is a good check-up report, hitting the halfway point, or getting closer to the finish line.
Stay on top of appointments. Regular adjustment and monitoring visits are essential for keeping treatment on schedule. Set reminders or use a family calendar to ensure nothing gets missed.
Communicate with our team. If your child is experiencing any discomfort, frustration, or compliance challenges, let us know. We are here to support your entire family throughout the process.
Contact Us Anytime
If you have a question that is not covered here, or if you need assistance with anything related to your treatment, please do not hesitate to reach out. Our team is available during office hours to help you by phone, email, or in person.
834 Northwest Loop 410 Suite #112,
San Antonio, TX 78216
210-361-2000
Frequently Asked Questions — Patient Resources
How do I schedule an appointment at Lucent Orthodontics?
You can schedule an appointment by calling our office at 210-361-2000, emailing us at lucent@satxdentalgroup.com, or using the contact form on our website. We are happy to accommodate your schedule and can often offer same-day or next-day availability.
What should I do if I have an orthodontic emergency after hours?
Most orthodontic issues are not true emergencies and can wait until the next business day. For poking wires, use orthodontic wax for comfort. For a broken bracket, keep it in place and call us. If you experience a severe injury, go to the emergency room first and then contact our office.
How can I get a copy of my treatment records or X-rays?
Contact our office and our team will be happy to assist you with obtaining copies of your records. We may ask you to sign a release form for your records depending on the request.
Do you have resources available in Spanish?
We are committed to serving the diverse San Antonio community. Please contact our office to ask about language assistance and available resources. Our team is happy to help accommodate your needs.
Can I contact the office through email or do I need to call?
You can reach us by phone at 210-361-2000 or by email at lucent@satxdentalgroup.com. For urgent matters such as broken brackets or significant discomfort, we recommend calling so we can assist you as quickly as possible.
