Do you wish your teeth were straighter? Have you considered your options to make them that way? If you have thought about braces in the past, now is the time to get your questions answered and receive the treatment you deserve.
Are Braces a Necessary or Cosmetic Treatment?
Braces are both a necessary and a cosmetic treatment. While they straighten your teeth and improve your smile, they also move the teeth into their correct positions so that you can chew properly and efficiently, avoiding damage or decay due to misalignment of teeth or bite.
How Long Do You Need to Wear Braces?
The duration of your treatment with braces can depend on many factors. Typically, braces are worn anywhere between one and three years, depending on how much your teeth need to move and how they respond to treatment. When your orthodontist begins your treatment, they will probably predict how long your treatment may take, but not precisely.
What's the Best Age to Begin Treatment with Braces?
There's no recommended best age for getting braces. Keep in mind that children, teens, and adults can all benefit from braces. Early intervention treatment with orthodontics can begin as early as seven years old. However, for most patients, actual braces are not usually recommended until at least ten years of age.
Do Braces Have Less Visible Options?
Clear ceramic braces are a possible option for patients who don't want their braces to show but still desire the benefits of traditional braces over plastic aligners like Invisalign. Patients should understand that clear braces are somewhat less durable than metal braces but are still very effective when it comes to straightening teeth.
Do Braces Hurt?
For the first several days after getting braces applied, it's normal to feel some soreness or discomfort. However, some over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can usually make it quite manageable, if not eliminate it. The same type of pain and discomfort may come back on a much more minor scale with each adjustment to the braces throughout the entire course of treatment.
How Do You Brush and Floss with Braces?
Brushing and flossing with braces may not be as difficult as you might think. Brushing will require some time and attention to ensure food and debris are completely removed from around brackets. An electric toothbrush is often recommended. For flossing, it's recommended to thread the floss underneath the crosswire or use special threaders that can be purchased over-the-counter to get between each tooth. Using a waterpik is another option.
Do You Have to Avoid Certain Foods with Braces
While undergoing treatment with braces, there are some foods you should avoid. For example, popcorn kernels get stuck easily in brackets and can be difficult to remove. Chewing on ice or hard, sticky candy can bend or break braces. In addition, all apples should be sliced first or avoided altogether.
How Much Do Braces Cost?
The cost of braces is very individual. There's no one-size-fits-all price for every patient. Cost depends on many factors, such as the patient's course of treatment and the training and experience of the provider.
Will Dental or Medical Insurance Cover Braces?
Some dental insurance plans include orthodontics or have an option to add orthodontic insurance to your dental plan. These plans usually cover a portion, but not all, of the cost of braces. The good news is that financing options, such as CareCredit, can make braces a more affordable option in the absence of insurance.
What Happens After Your Braces Are Removed?
Your orthodontist will remove your braces once your teeth and bite are in proper alignment. They will give you a retainer that you will need to wear all of the time (you may remove it while eating and brushing your teeth) for a while, and then usually just overnight. Most orthodontists say you never stop wearing your retainers during the night to keep your teeth in the proper position.
Explore Braces at Desert Orthodontics
If you have more questions or concerns about getting the smile you have always wanted with braces, don't hesitate to contact us. To learn more about your options with braces, contact our Las Cruces, NM, office at 575-521-0900. We are happy to answer your braces questions and schedule an appointment for a consultation.