Whether you are currently considering braces for yourself or for your child, you’ll no doubt have a lot of different questions.
You’ll want to know about the types of braces, the length of treatment, and what is the best age for braces?
Having braces can be a life-changing treatment. For those that have crooked teeth, getting braces will help to straighten them. In turn, this can help you to renew confidence in your smile.
But it’s important to understand everything you need to know about getting your braces.
To make sure that you do, here are seven questions about braces to ask your orthodontist.
1. What is the Ideal Age For Getting Braces?
For adults, anytime is a good time to get braces. If you need orthodontic treatment, you don’t need to wait.
For children, the story is slightly different. Because children’s jaws will still be growing, we have to find the right time to carry out orthodontic treatment.
It is advised by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) that children who show signs of orthodontic problems that they get a check-up with an orthodontist no later than the age of seven.
Having an early check-up will give the orthodontist a chance to see if there is any need for early treatment.
At around the age of 11-12, it will be possible to carry out comprehensive orthodontic treatment. This is when the permanent teeth are present.
Because children’s mouths mature at different rates, it is important to start paying attention at the age of seven.
2. How Should You Prepare For Visiting the Orthodontist?
Visiting the orthodontist should be considered a normal step in taking care of your dental health, In the case of adults, treat the visit as you would with any other trip to a healthcare professional such as the doctor or dentist.
Children visiting the orthodontist may have some worries about their first visit. Reassure them that there is nothing to worry about.
The first visit will involve us taking some images of their teeth; this will also include an X-ray.
Between looking at your teeth, the orthodontist will have a general chat with your child. They’ll explain any procedures that they may be ready for.
3. How Much Will Having Braces Affect My Life?
Having braces will ultimately lead to you having a new smile that you can feel good about. To get to that stage, you will need to wear braces for a while.
There may be some getting used to eating while you have braces. You’ll need to take extra care to thoroughly clean your teeth and gums. Keeping your braces clean will be vital.
To avoid any rubbing of the braces, you can use orthodontic wax to protect the sides of your mouth.
While you’ve got the braces in, you’ll need to come in for check-ups with your orthodontist. We may need to make adjustments to your braces once they’re in place.
Once you’ve got used to the braces, you’ll start to forget that they are actually there.
4. How Long Does the Treatment Take?
The length of treatment will vary depending on what the desired outcome is and the current problem with your teeth.
Straightforward cases can take as little as a year, while more complex treatments with bite corrections might take around two or three years.
This may sound like a long time; however, once the braces are in and you are used to them, the time will go quickly.
When you come in for your initial assessment, we’ll give you an idea of the length of time your treatment will take.
5. What are the Benefits of Braces?
Having braces will help to straighten crooked teeth. This will give you an improved sense of self-confidence. You will be able to appreciate and enjoy your smile again.
Because your teeth are straighter, you may find it easier to floss and clean your teeth and gums. This will reduce the risks of developing tooth decay or gum disease.
Improvements in your bite will help prevent you from getting tooth fractures. Uneven teeth can also rub against each other and cause a breakdown in the enamel.
You will enjoy better chewing function, as well as relief from headaches, migraines, and muscle pain caused by misaligned teeth.
6. Will Braces Fix My Bite?
Wearing braces can fix your bite.
You may have visions of headgear to help correct your bite, but those days are long gone. These days you’ll find that this process can be done with standard braces.
You may need to have small elastic bands fitted to your braces, but at least you won’t have to worry about the headgear.
Not only is the technique that we use far more comfortable than it used to be, but it will also be quicker.
7. How Often Will Follow Up Visits Be?
Throughout your orthodontic treatment, we will need you to come in for visits to our office. This will be so that we can carry out periodic adjustments to your brace. We’ll also carry out maintenance on your braces if required.
In terms of how often your follow-up appointments will be, this will depend on your specific situation.
If you have a traditional ceramic brace, you will likely need to visit around once a month. For those who are undergoing Invisalign treatment, this might be more like every six weeks.
Ask Us Your Questions About Braces
If you’re considering getting braces fitted, go into the treatment with your eyes open.
Our expert orthodontists are here to answer any questions about braces that you might have so that you can be completely at ease with the treatment process.
Get in touch today and make an appointment for a complimentary consultation where one of our top orthodontics can talk you through the entire process and answer all of your questions.