Braces are a great way to improve your overall smile, as well as your bite alignment. Not only can braces help improve your smile’s look, but they can also help relieve jaw strain and prevent dental complications. Braces come in many forms, from the more traditional metal and wire braces we associate with teenage years to the clear retainers that have become popular in recent years.
The first step to getting braces is to find an orthodontist near you. Orthodontists deal with braces and dental realignment and look at your teeth differently than your standard dentist would. They can evaluate the overall alignment of your bite and help recommend orthodontia like braces and headgear to help treat dental issues.
We know getting braces can be stressful. Feeling anxiety about getting braces or undergoing any other orthodontic treatment is normal. That’s why we’ve pulled together this article, so you know what to expect before, during, and after you get braces. So, without further ado, let’s look at everything you need to know before getting braces.
Do Braces Hurt?
One of the unfortunate downsides of braces is that they can hurt. Most people experience pain after their braces are adjusted, though you can treat it with over-the-counter pain meds. For the most part, braces are more of a minor annoyance than a source of constant pain. If your braces are causing you undue amounts of pain, talk to your orthodontist. They may be able to adjust your braces, so they’re more comfortable for you or make more minor adjustments over time.
How Food Affects Your Braces
Another thing to consider is that food may get stuck in your braces. It is a good idea to avoid overly chewy, tough, or sticky foods while you have braces, as these can cause damage to the braces or break wires. Follow your dentist’s instructions for cleaning and caring for braces.
Your Appearance
While braces may change your appearance, remember this change is only temporary, and the results are well worth the wait. Braces can help realign your smile and can help prevent dental issues down the road. You can still smile with braces, and having braces is nothing to be ashamed of. If you are worried about how braces may impact your appearance, talk to your dentist about clear retainers. While these can be more expensive than traditional braces, they do not affect the look of your smile and work just as well as braces for most treatments.
Cost of Braces
Another thing to keep in mind is that braces do cost money. The average cost of braces is between $3,000 and $6,000, though this cost can be offset by dental insurance. Be sure to talk to your orthodontist about the cost of treatment, as there may be different treatment options available that better fit your budget.
Aftercare
The last thing to remember when you get braces is that wearing your retainer once you have your braces removed is incredibly important to maintaining your smile. Thankfully, clear retainers can help minimize the appearance of your orthodontia and be more comfortable than metal retainers.
Cohen Family Smiles is here to help if you are interested in getting braces. Give our office a call at (914) 245-2965 or request an appointment online. We proudly serve the Yorktown Heights, NY area and would be happy to answer any questions you may have.