|
How much will it cost?
The cost will vary depending upon the severity of the problem and
what treatment will be used. There are a variety of financial arrangements
available—from credit card payments to finance company agreements
to a down payment with monthly installments. Also, some insurance
plans now cover orthodontic treatment. You will get a chance to
thoroughly discuss the cost of any orthodontic treatment. Generally,
you can pay over the course of active treatment, and most orthodontists
will offer many creative financial arrangements and do their best
to make your treatment as affordable as possible.
Orthodontic treatment at the right time can avoid later dental
care complications, which is often more expensive than orthodontic
treatment.
Back to the top
Will it hurt?
Orthodontic treatment has improved greatly in the past few years.
Generally, braces will cause your teeth to feel sore for a few days.
This soreness should go away very shortly, and it shouldn’t
be sharply painful. Recent advances in the types of wires that are
used and the treatment options available have also minimized discomfort.
Back to the top
How long will it take?
The exact length of treatment will vary depending upon several
factors, including the severity of the problem, the growth of the
patient’s mouth and face, and if elastics and headgear are
used as instructed. Some treatments can take only a few months,
while others can last from 1-3 years. The exact length of your treatment
can be discussed with your doctor.
Back to the top
What home care will I need for my braces?
When you have braces, you need to take extra care to brush and
floss each day. Food can get stuck in your braces, so it is very
important to brush and floss each day. Typically, your doctor will
show you how to brush and floss correctly with braces on and offer
instruction and assistance so that you can easily brush and floss.
Also, there are certain foods that you will not be able to eat
with braces on. Sticky or hard foods (like caramel, tootsie rolls,
hard candy or nuts) can break your braces, so you are not allowed
to eat these. On most foods, simply using common sense on whether
or not they are likely to get stuck in or break your braces will
decide whether or not you should eat them.
Back to the top
How much improvement can I expect?
The improvement you can expect varies from person to person. Your
improvement depends upon several factors, including the severity
of your problem, the type of treatment you use, how your mouth and
face grow and if your doctor’s instructions are followed.
You can often see drastic improvement in the appearance of your
smile, and you can also avoid later problems with dental care. Your
doctor will be able to tell you exactly what you can expect, and
what it will take to get there.
Back to the top
Can you be too old for braces?
No, you cannot be too old for braces. Healthy teeth can be moved
at any age! As an adult, your mouth and face won’t be growing,
so your treatment may differ slightly from a child’s treatment.
The American Association of Orthodontists estimates that about 1,000,000
adults are receiving orthodontic treatment in the US and Canada.
Patients of any age can benefit from orthodontic treatment!
Back to the top
Why is orthodontic treatment important?
Crowded or incorrectly spaced teeth are often more difficult to
clean. This can contribute to later dental problems like tooth decay,
gum disease and tooth loss. Also, some cases can lead to unusual
wear-and-tear on tooth surfaces, stress on the gums and bone that
support the teeth, and misalignment of the jaw joints (this can
lead to headaches and pain in the neck or face).
Also, orthodontic treatment can greatly improve your smile. Many
times the first thing that people notice when they look at you is
your smile. Improving your smile can boost your self-esteem as well
as enhancing your appearance.
Back to the top
|
