Braces are great dental technology and help fix misaligned teeth. If you have considered braces, you may have had a number of questions – what are the first things to know? What should you be prepared for? Here we will cover some braces FAQs to keep you well-informed and give you a smooth braces experience.
1. How long do I have to wear braces?
An average length of time for braces to be worn are 18-24 months. This will depend on your individual dental needs. You can talk to your orthodontist to find out what they would recommend given your situation.
2. Do braces hurt?
Braces will often cause discomfort in the mouth since your teeth are shifting. It is normal to experience pain for a few days when you initially get braces and adjustments during follow-up appointments. Over the counter medication can help with general pain.
3. What foods should I avoid?
You should generally avoid foods that are going to be sticky, hard, or too chewy. Some common foods to look out for:
- Whole apples
- Popcorn
- Caramel or toffee
- Gum
- Bagels
It can be helpful to eat softer foods or cut your portions into smaller bites so your braces don’t get damaged.
4. Can I still play sports?
You are absolutely able to still play sports and be active. It is generally recommended to use a mouth guard if you are participating in contact sports, like football or rugby, to avoid damage to your teeth and braces.
5. Are there different types of braces?
Yes – though metal braces are the most traditional, there are multiple types to choose from:
- Metal
- Ceramic
- Lingual
- Invisalign
Though metal braces tend to be more affordable, many people opt for the other options because they are less noticeable. Ceramic braces look similar to a normal teeth-tone, allowing them to blend in more. Lingual braces are put on the backs of the teeth, and invisaligns are clear aligners that sit on the teeth and can be removed to eat and brush.
6. Will my teeth be straight after I get the braces off?
Yes! Braces are there to help you get a straighter smile. Sometimes your teeth can shift after you’ve gotten your braces removed, so orthodontists will give you a retainer to not lose the progress in your teeth alignment.
You can either get a permanent or removable retainer, or different ones for your top and bottom row. You can talk to your orthodontist about any concerns or preferences for retainers after your braces are removed.
7. Will braces poke me?
Sometimes you will feel slight poking on the inside of your mouth, either on your gums or the insides of your lips. Check to see if there are any loose wires, brackets, or untrimmed wires. If you find any, make an appointment with your orthodontist immediately. Not only are loose pieces irritating, but they can also reduce the effectiveness of the braces.
If there is nothing loose but your mouth is just adjusting to the new wiring, let your orthodontist know and they will be able to provide you with some wax to mold over the abrasive part. This can help the adjustment period go more smoothly as you adapt to the sensation.
8. How often do I need to have appointments?
Orthodontist appointments should be scheduled about every 4-6 weeks. This will help your orthodontist check progress, make adjustments, and change out any wires or bands.
9. How much do braces cost?
Though it partially depends on what kind of braces you get, traditional metal braces will be between $3,000 to $7,000. Many kinds of insurance cover braces, so check with your provider first.
10. How do I know if I need braces?
It might be a good idea to get braces if you notice any of the following:
- Crooked or misaligned teeth
- Overbite, underbite, or crossbite
- Jaw pain or difficulty chewing
- Gaps or overcrowding
These kinds of problems can lead to future problems, like facial growth shift, gum disease, infections, and pain from inflammation. It’s best to get these issues addressed as soon as possible.
Though many teenagers will get braces once they have lost their baby teeth to catch problems early on, many adults will get braces to fix dental concerns.
Next Steps
Though this braces FAQs addressed many general questions, it’s best to talk to a professional to get personalized advice and care.
Bailey Orthodontics has been serving the Bountiful and Farmington area for years, helping you feel more confident about your smile and your dental health. If you have been considering braces, reach out today to schedule your appointment with us.
