Are there any alternatives to braces?
There was a time where braces were the only method that you could use to straighten your teeth. Braces put consistent and precise pressure on the teeth to move them into position to give you the smile of your dreams. However, times have changed and braces are no longer the only treatment option that can give you a picture-perfect smile.
The most popular treatment used for teeth straightening outside of braces is Invisalign. If you need mild to moderate teeth adjustments, then Invisalign may also be the perfect option for you. Depending on your alignment needs, the team at Geneseo Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry will find the best treatment option for you.
On the other hand, some people opt for veneers instead of braces. These can be designed in such a way that they fit over your natural teeth, giving the appearance of straighter teeth. However, veneers don’t actually straighten your teeth or fix your bite. Veneers are a more costly treatment option, and you may need several sets during your lifetime, as they can wear out, get stained, or become damaged.
What’s the best age to get braces?
There is no perfect age to get braces. Anyone at any age can get braces. However, we do like to start observing our patients at a younger age. Since we are an orthodontic as well as pediatric dentistry practice we do like to see our younger pediatric patients for an orthodontic consultation. This way we can observe our patients from a young age and fix their bite as their teeth grow in rather than fixing their smile after they have received all their adult teeth.
With that said, children’s mouths grow at different rates, so our team will evaluate your child’s specific case to determine when the best time to get braces would be.
How long do people have to wear braces?
The average is 1-3 years. Generally, the more severe the misalignment, the longer it takes. Dr. Mike can give you an idea about the length of treatment during your consultation. The better you or your child stay on track with your regimen, the more likely you will get them off on schedule.
Your regimen will involve special attention to oral hygiene plus the use of ancillary devices like rubber bands to control teeth and jaw movement, as well as sticking with your follow-up appointments.
Are braces really necessary?
Braces do more than increase confidence by improving the appearance of your smile. They also make it easier to clean your teeth and maintain healthy oral hygiene throughout your life. Braces can also fix irregular bites that may otherwise lead to jaw and digestion problems down the road.
Do braces do anything other than improving my smile?
Absolutely. Even moderately crooked teeth can make chewing up food more difficult. When unchewed food reaches the intestines, it’s harder for your body to absorb those nutrients. So aligning your teeth and jaw can improve digestion and overall health. A misaligned smile can also lead to extra stress on the jawbone and facial muscles. This can lead to jaw pain and headaches.
Do Braces hurt?
Braces are not painful. But you will experience some mouth soreness when the braces are adjusted that may last for several days. It’s also possible to pop a wire if you have metal braces and eat something like hard candy. Dr. Mike will discuss with you what to do if that happens during your visit!
How much do braces cost?
Some insurance plans will cover braces for children in-part or in-full. Dr. Mike also offers convenient payment plans that allow you to spread out and budget for this expense. Braces typically start around $3000 paid over a 1-3 year period.
Am I too old for braces?
No, you’re never too old for braces. Around 20% of braces-wearers didn’t get their braces until they were adults. However, we know that you may feel weird about being an adult with braces. This is why we make it our mission to make sure that every patient feels welcomed in our office whether they’re children or adults. We even offer private exam rooms for patients that would prefer to be alone during their treatment!
How long will I have to wear braces?
1-3 years is typical. More severe misalignments take more time. However, sticking with your treatment plan and instructions will help you keep your treatment on schedule.
Do I need to see my general dentist while wearing braces?
Yes, you still need your regular dental checkup and cleaning. Dentists and dental hygienists know how to clean teeth with braces.
What is limited treatment?
To understand limited treatment, you first need to know what comprehensive treatment is. Comprehensive treatment is a plan for complete teeth, mouth, and jaw alignment to achieve the ideal bite.
Limited treatment treats braces as a purely cosmetic procedure. It helps you achieve straighter teeth but does not correct jaw or bite function. You could just get top braces without doing the lower teeth.
Depending on your goals, limited treatment is the right treatment option for you. Dr. Mike can discuss your goals with you and help you explore the benefits and risks of getting either a comprehensive or limited treatment.
