Learn 5 Important Things to Know Before Getting Braces

Braces are excellent teeth straightening therapy that enables individuals to have straighter, more beautiful teeth.

 

Straight teeth are not only more appealing, but they are also easier to maintain clean, making them less prone to problems like decay and toothaches later in life. Getting braces is an exciting time, but if you’re like most patients, you have some questions and concerns as your appointment with the orthodontist approaches. After reading the answers to these frequently asked questions, you’ll have a much better sense of what to expect throughout your time with braces.

What are the prices of braces?

The cost of braces varies greatly depending on how badly your teeth are misaligned, the state of the economy in your area, the type of braces you pick, and whether your dentist also needs to conduct other related treatments, such as an extraction or palate expansion. In general, the more severe your misalignment, the higher the cost of braces. This is because more serious causes, such as overbites and severe crossbites, necessitate more examinations and modifications at your orthodontist’s office, as well as a longer overall treatment term.

Metal braces are the least expensive type of braces. Expect to pay between $3,000 and $7,000 for total therapy. Ceramic braces are slightly more expensive, with prices starting at about $4,000. Invisalign, a braces alternative consisting of a series of clear, plastic trays that align the teeth, is equivalent to ceramic braces. Lingual braces, which are implanted on the tongue side of your teeth, will cost between $8,000 and $10,000.

While the expense of braces may appear to be prohibitively expensive, there are various ways to make braces more reasonable. First, contact your dental insurance provider and inquire about orthodontic treatment coverage. Most insurance companies will cover orthodontic procedures, including braces and Invisalign, for children and teenagers up to a particular age, such as 18. In addition, your insurance company may cover the first $3,000 or $4,000 of treatment costs, allowing you to pay the rest.

 

If you must pay the full cost of braces out of pocket, look for an orthodontist near me who offers financing options. Paying for braces in monthly installments is more convenient than a large fee. Keep in mind that the cost of regular adjustments at your orthodontist’s office is included in the cost of braces. You can typically pay for these appointments one at a time as you go, so the entire expense is spread out throughout your therapy.

Do braces cause pain?

This question has a simple answer: yes. But, before you worry, keep in mind that the discomfort associated with braces is usually pretty moderate, and you can deal with it just as easily as you would a scraped knee or a mild headache. The worst discomfort is usually felt in the days after applying your braces and the tightening of the wires. This discomfort may feel like pressure and ache in your jaw. To keep it under control, apply ice or frozen vegetables to the outside of your jaw and take an over-the-counter pain treatment, such as ibuprofen.

The other common discomfort caused by braces is intense stinging when the wires and brackets scrape your cheeks and tongue. You can alleviate this pain by keeping a tub of braces wax available so you can dab a glob of wax on any irritating braces. When your mouth becomes uncomfortable, apply some oral numbing gel to the sensitive areas (the type designed for teething babies works nicely). Cool water should be used to rinse your mouth. Abrasions on the cheeks and gums are less likely with Invisalign than with traditional braces, and they are most common with lingual braces, which are known to rub on the tongue, particularly in the initial few weeks of treatment.

What foods should you avoid when wearing braces?

When you initially acquire braces, they will feel unusual on your teeth, and you will have difficulty eating most foods since your jaw will be achy and uncomfortable. During the first few days, stick to soft foods like spaghetti, peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, and yogurt. As the discomfort wears off and you become accustomed to the sensation of chewing with braces, you can gradually reintroduce more foods into your diet. When wearing classic metal or ceramic braces, there are only a few foods to avoid:

Nuts, hard candy, crunchier chips, and hard candy are examples of very crunchy foods.

Beef jerky and gummy candy are examples of too chewy foods.

Toffee, gum, licorice, and caramels are examples of sticky foods.

Foods that require biting, such as apples and corn on the cob