We know that before you embark on your adventure to a better smile, you’ll want to have all of the facts. At Smile More Orthodontics, we are happy to help our patients make educated decisions about their treatment plans. We’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about braces treatment and provided well-thought-out answers so that you don’t have to wonder any longer.
Are There Any Alternatives to Braces?
If you aren’t sure that braces are the best decision for your lifestyle, we also offer Invisalign. Invisalign consists of a series of clear aligners that are adjusted over time until you reach your dream smile. These aligners are ultra-comfortable and have gained popularity in recent years because they give wearers flexibility as they are easily removable.
What’s the Best Age to Get Braces?
Braces can work for patients of all ages as long as the patient has a healthy mouth. It can be easier to make adjustments when the mouth and jaw are still developing in the adolescent years, but adults are still candidates to get the smile they’ve always wanted. Many orthodontic problems present themselves in adulthood or have been left untreated from earlier in life, and these issues can worsen oral health if not corrected.
How Long Do People Have to Wear Braces?
The length of treatment in braces varies depending on the patient’s needs. If you have a more extensive set of issues that need help, it may lengthen the time spent in braces. Most patients spend about one to two years in treatment, but this is just a general range. To get a more realistic timeline for what your corrective treatment path will look like, schedule your first complimentary, and our doctor will be able to give you personal insight.
Are Braces Really Necessary?
This depends on the patient, but braces are an extremely useful tool in fixing smiles. We’ve seen countless patients go into treatment hiding their teeth when they smile. As they progress through their time in braces and they finally get the appliance taken off, you can see a visible shift in the way they carry themselves. Gorgeous grins improve self-esteem and help patients face the world with confidence. Braces go beyond beautiful smiles, though. They can also be critical in improving oral health. What many people don’t realize is that misalignments and other orthodontic issues can harm your oral and overall health. Braces can correct minor issues before they become full-blown or even tackle the bigger problems and improve your health and quality of life.
Do Braces Hurt?
There is some minor discomfort that comes with having a metal appliance in your mouth where there was nothing before, but patients usually adapt to the change fairly quickly. When your teeth shift, you may feel some pain as they move into place. Any pain or discomfort you feel can be easily remedied with over-the-counter pain medication or with the application of braces wax.
How Much Do Braces Cost?
The price of braces treatment varies from patient to patient, depending on the extent of your needs. If your teeth need a lot of correction, this could lengthen your time in braces and affect the overall price of treatment. However, because we believe everyone deserves to smile more, we have a series of steps we take to help lower out-of-pocket costs for your family. One of the things we do is partner with your insurance provider to help get a portion or all of your treatment covered. We also offer flexible financing plans that we have created with our patients in mind to help make the adventure to a better smile more accessible.
Am I Too Old for Braces?
Not at all! Orthodontic problems may present themselves with age, or maybe the result of issues left untreated earlier in life. When these problems come around, they deserve the same amount of care and treatment given to a child or teenage patient. While it can be easier to shift the teeth and jaws of mouths that are still forming, good oral health and beautiful smiles are available to our patients of all ages.
Do I Need to See My General Dentist While Wearing Braces?
Absolutely! As orthodontists, we specialize in certain areas of oral health that don’t include the functions of your general dentist. To be a candidate for treatment, you must have a healthy mouth that you maintain throughout your time in braces. If not, problems could arise that disrupt your treatment and cause you to remain in braces for longer. To protect your investment, it’s critical that you continue to attend your regularly scheduled cleanings and check-ups.
