7 Questions to Ask Before Starting Braces

Braces can cause all sorts of questions to swirl in your head, no matter whether you’re considering braces for yourself or your child: Will braces hurt? Can you tell me how long I (or my child) will have to wear braces? What are the effects of braces on daily life? All these questions are valid, but you should also ask yourself and your orthodontist key questions to make sure that you are choosing the right time, doctor, and organization for your treatment.

A straight talk with an orthodontist may be in order. Braces can help fix your dental issues if you choose the right orthodontist.

Read on to learn the seven questions your orthodontist should answer before you get braces.

7. What Are the Benefits of Braces?

Braces are recommended by orthodontists for a variety of reasons.

Aesthetic reasons are one of the most common reasons. Confidence and self-esteem are boosted by straight teeth.

You can benefit from braces in more ways than just beautifying your smile.

You can achieve healthier gums and teeth when brushing and flossing straight teeth.

You might be having trouble chewing your food if your teeth are misaligned. Having difficulty digesting food can be caused by swallowing large pieces. The straighter they are, the easier it will be to eat and the less discomfort you will experience with your digestive system.

You can wear out your gums and jaw muscles if you have an overbite, underbite, or crossbite. As a result of this wear, teeth can break, jaws can strain, or even teeth can fall out.

6. What Types of Braces Are There?

Braces come in a variety of types. Together, you and your orthodontist will determine what kind is best for you.

The type of braces you probably picture in your head when you hear the word “braces” is metal braces. However, technological advances have allowed brackets to become smaller and less noticeable. In most cases, metal braces are the least expensive, but they’re the most noticeable.

For patients with complex dental issues, metal braces are the best option.

A clear bracket brace is similar to a metal bracket brace, except that the brackets are clear instead of metal. As a result, they are much less noticeable than traditional styles.

Teenagers and adults can also opt for Invisalign clear aligners. Traditional braces use brackets and wires, but these use plastic trays instead. As your treatment progresses, you’ll need new aligners every few weeks.

There are, however, some people who aren’t right for Invisalign. At least 22 hours a day must be spent wearing your aligners. The only time they should be taken out is to eat and clean. Prior to starting your Invisalign journey, you will also have to address issues like cavities or gum disease.

5. What Will My Braces Cost?

Many factors will affect the cost of braces. The cost of your treatment will vary depending on your age, how much work is needed, and how long your treatment will last. During your initial consultation, your orthodontist will be able to provide you with an estimate.

4. Are There Lifestyle Changes I Should Make Before Getting Braces?

Before you get braces, you should commit to healthy dental habits. As a result, your smile will be beautiful when your treatment is complete. Only ten percent of people brush their teeth properly to prevent tooth decay. Find out how to avoid common toothbrushing mistakes. While wearing braces, learn how to brush and floss your teeth.

When you get braces, you won’t be able to eat certain foods.

Foods like candy, caramel, and ice that are hard or sticky will have to be avoided. Wires can be bent and brackets can pop off. It can be challenging to remove sticky foods from the wires. 

It’s possible to get popcorn kernels stuck between your teeth or under your braces. Inflammation or swelling of the gums can result from this.

Contact sports may not be a good idea during your treatment. It is possible for your braces to cause mouth, lip, or gum injuries during a big hit in football. 

Talk to your orthodontist about using a custom mouthguard if you must play sports. 

3. How Long Will My Braces Treatment Take?

The length of treatment depends on a number of factors. Patients’ dental goals and treatment times differ based on their unique circumstances.

It may only take six months to a year for patients who only need simple fixes. Cases with bite corrections can last between twenty-four and thirty months in more complex cases.

You should not let the time it takes to achieve your perfect smile keep you from getting braces. It won’t take long and the results will last a lifetime.

2. What Will Be My Duties At Home?

In addition to going to your orthodontist every few weeks, there’s more to getting braces. In order to get the best results, you’ll need to take certain steps at home. When brushing your teeth, be careful. When brackets are present, cleaning all surfaces can be difficult.

When you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment, floss threaders will allow you to continue flossing.

Elastic bands may be recommended by your orthodontist to assist in moving your teeth. Before leaving the office, you’ll need to understand how to wear them.

1. How Often Will I Need to Come Into the Office?

Regular adjustments and progress reports will be required by your orthodontist. Depending on your treatment plan, you may need to visit more frequently. An appointment every four to eight weeks is a good benchmark.

Do you have any further questions before you start your braces journey? Let us know in the comments below.

Disclaimer – This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about orthodontics and general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your orthodontist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

 7 Questions to Ask Before Starting Braces

Perry Stevens

Perry heads up a dynamic marketing team that has help the leading orthodontic practices in the USA 10X their business for over a decade. He’s a tea connoisseur, avid reader, traveling and grower of exotic fruits in his permaculture food forest.