Top 10 Braces Questions and Answers

The successful results from patient after patient prove that traditional braces are highly effective in treating orthodontic issues. 

Are you considering braces to straighten your teeth or address a misaligned bite? If so, you are sure to have a lot of questions. Below you will find answers to those most commonly asked.

1. How Do Braces Work?

Metal brackets and wires work together to gradually move your teeth into proper alignment. The brackets are placed on each tooth and the wire connects each one. Rubber bands may also be used when a bite pattern needs to be corrected. 

An orthodontist will monitor how the treatment is progressing to ensure that the teeth are moving as they should. 

2. Are Braces or Invisalign Painful? 

It is not uncommon for braces or Invisalign to make your mouth feel a bit sore the first few days, however this is usually short-lived and using over-the-counter pain medication such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen  should be sufficient to relieve this discomfort.

Throughout the treatment, minor adjustments to your braces or switching to a new Invisalign tray may cause some temporary minor discomfort, but by using light, continuous forces, and moving at a slow and steady pace, we aim to reduce this discomfort as much as possible. It is not uncommon for patients to experience little to no discomfort after the initial week or two of treatment. 

3. How Often Do You Have to See Your Dentist When Wearing Braces or Invisalign? 

How often you will see your dentist during braces treatment will vary for each individual. On average, you can expect to have an appointment at least once every 4-6 weeks  while wearing traditional braces. Invisalign patients are generally able to go longer in between in person appointments and usually schedule appointments every 6-10 weeks. 

4. How Long Does Braces Treatment Last? 

The typical timeframe someone needs to wear braces is between 1 and 3 years. This number is dependent on case complexity, patient compliance and your specific orthodontic needs. As such, the treatment time may be shorter or longer. 

5. What is the Best Age to Get Braces? 

It is often recommended that you have all of your permanent teeth in before getting braces — often between 10 and 14 years of age. Because kids are still growing and developing, this is a great time to get braces as it allows the teeth to move more easily. However, some children may need orthodontic treatment earlier to either create skeletal change and widen the upper jaw, or move some teeth to allow the natural eruption of otherwise blocked out permanent teeth. Your child’s first orthodontic appointment should be scheduled between 8-9 years old. 

This should not discourage adults from getting braces. Adults of any age can greatly benefit from the treatment. 

6. How Much Do Braces or Invisalign Cost? 

Typically, the cost of braces or Invisalign can run between $3,000 and $8,000. However, this can vary greatly based on the level of complexity of the treatment and how long the braces need to be worn.  

7. Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Braces? 

If your dental insurance plan covers orthodontics or you have specific orthodontic insurance, then there is a good chance that a percentage of the cost of your braces will be covered. Most insurance carriers will not cover the entire cost of braces. However, we work with you and your family and offer flexible in office, monthly payment plans for the remainder of the treatment fee to ensure orthodontic care is accessible to everyone who desires it. 

8. What Foods Do I Have to Avoid With Braces? 

While wearing braces, you will want to remove chewy/sticky, and hard foods from your diet as much as possible. Cutting foods into small bites can also help reduce damage to your braces. 

9. How Do I Care For My Teeth While Wearing Braces? 

You will want to keep up on your brushing and flossing when you have braces — especially since there are so many new places for debris and bacteria to hide. Brush as normal, thoroughly and often. Floss will have to be threaded underneath the crosswire to get between the teeth. 

With braces, an electric toothbrush and waterpik can make caring for teeth much easier. 

10. What Happens When Treatment is Done? 

When treatment is complete, your orthodontist will remove the braces and you will be fitted for a retainer. Usually your orthodontist will tell you to wear your retainers for all day or the majority of the day for the first few months following the braces removal, but then the retainer will eventually be something you wear just at night. Without wearing your retainer, teeth will shift back to their original positions and you may need retreatment. Wear your retainer and your teeth won’t move.

Still Have Questions? 

If you still have questions about braces – or want to know if they are an ideal solution for your orthodontic needs – the team at Quincy Family Orthodontics can help. Contact us today.