Braces are a great way to straighten your teeth. Straighter teeth are easier to clean and are less prone to problems later on in life such as tooth decay. In addition, people with straight teeth are often seen as more attractive. Getting braces is a very effective treatment, but most patients have questions before they’re ready to make their appointment. An orthodontist near Poland OH discusses 4 things you need to know before you or your child get braces.
How Much Do Braces Cost?
The cost of braces can vary depending on how severely your teeth are misaligned. In general, the more serious your misalignment, the more you’ll pay. This is because more serious cases usually require more visits to the office and a longer treatment period. With metal braces, you can expect to pay between $3,000 and $7,000 for the whole treatment. However, there are a few ways to make the process more affordable.
Ask your dental insurance company what coverage they offer for orthodontic treatments. Many will cover at least a large portion these treatments for children and teens. Also consider paying for braces in monthly installments instead of the whole thing upfront. This can make it not quite so financially burdensome.
How Long Do I Have to Wear Braces?
Again, this depends on how misaligned your teeth are. Your orthodontist will give you an estimate of your treatment time, but this may change over time depending on how your teeth move in response to the braces.
On average, most children and teens need braces for about two years. If you are an adult whose teeth have shifted slightly since orthodontic treatment in your youth, you may only need to wear braces for 6 months to a year.
Do Braces Hurt?
Short answer: yes, but it’s manageable. Braces are more closely associated with mild discomfort rather than outright pain. On the days just after your braces are applied you may feel some pressure and aching in your jaw. This is also typically felt just after your braces are tightened. You can alleviate this pain by holding ice against the outside of your jaw and taking an over-the-counter painkiller such as ibuprofen.
The wires and brackets of braces can also scrape against your tongue and cheeks. Always keep a tub of braces wax nearby to minimize this pain. Simply place a glob of it on the braces that are causing the irritation.
What Foods Should I Avoid When Wearing Braces?
Often the biggest complaint people have about braces is that it limits the variety of foods you can enjoy. However, once your treatment is done and your smile is straight, you can enjoy these foods to the fullest! In the meantime, avoid these foods, as they could damage your braces and lengthen your treatment time:
- Sticky candies like gum, taffy, or caramel
- Small foods like popcorn kernels and sunflower seeds that could get lodged between teeth and braces
- Hard rolls, bagels, and other chewy breads
- Hard candies, mints, and ice
- Fruits and vegetables such as apples, carrots, and celery (unless they are cut into bite-size pieces)
Braces may seem scary at first, but they don’t have to be that way. This information should make it a lot easier to deal with. If you still have concerns, be sure to talk to your orthodontist near Poland, OH and she will soothe your worries about braces!
About the Author
Dr. Marissa Mikolich dreamed of being an orthodontist since the moment she saw how great her smile looked following her own treatment as a teen. She knew then and there that she wanted to provide the same treatment for others and help them be amazed by their own smile. If you would like to learn more about how she can help give you the straighter smile you deserve, click here or call (330)-967-4110.