Dental braces costs
The cost of braces depends on the length of treatment and whether both the top and bottom teeth are being treated. The cost of braces also varies between regions. Typical treatment, involving metal braces on both arches for 24 months, averages $5,000.
Am I a candidate for dental braces?
You may be a candidate for dental braces if your teeth are crooked, crowded, or have gaps. Dental braces combined with headgear can also be used to correct an underbite or overbite. Braces may be used to correct the tooth alignment in children, teens, and adults, although treatment with braces may require a longer period of time for adults, whose bones are no longer growing.
What are braces?
Today, there are several different styles of dental braces. Metal braces are the most common. With this system, small metal brackets are attached to the teeth, with a metal wire connecting the brackets and held in wire with a tiny rubber band. Most patients are allowed to choose the color of these bands, from metal-colored bands that blend in with the brackets to more colorful styles.
Once the braces have been attached to the teeth, the teeth move through the use of force. The wire in the braces pushes the tooth in a particular direction. Typically, the tooth is able to move about a millimeter per month.
Dental braces steps
During the initial visit, impression molds will be created and X rays of your mouth will be taken. These are analyzed to determine an appropriate plan of action for your orthodontic work. Next, the braces will be attached to the teeth with dental cement. The molars will have bands around the tooth, while front teeth will have a bracket attached to the front of the tooth. Then, a wire will be threaded through the brackets and attached with rubber bands.
With metal braces, a visit to the orthodontist is required about once per month. During this visit, the wire is taken out, and replaced with a new wire with adjusted tension to continue the movement of the teeth. Treatment time with dental braces can range from six months to four years depending on the patient's age, the amount of change required, and other factors.
Dental Braces Recovery and Healing Steps
Each adjustment appointment may cause temporary discomfort. An over-the-counter pain reliever may be taken to relieve discomfort.
During the time that the braces are on the teeth, care must be taken not to damage them. This includes avoiding certain sticky or hard foods that can damage the braces, as well as wearing a mouth guard while playing sports.
After the braces have been removed, a retainer must be worn to prevent the teeth from moving back towards their original position. As long as the retainer is worn as required, you will be rewarded with a beautiful, well-aligned smile.
Dental Braces Side Effects and Procedure Risks
While the braces are on the teeth, plaque forms easily around the brackets. During this period, it is particularly important to maintain proper oral hygiene to prevent tooth decay.