Your dentist has told you those three little words that you never want to hear when you’re sitting in the chair. “You need braces”. For teens and children, this phrase marks the end of the world.
For adults, it can be even more detrimental because braces can be seen as unprofessional. It won’t be as bad as you think as long as you work with your orthodontist. You’ll need to ask plenty of questions before the braces go on.
It’s good to know what your options are and how long you’ll have to wear them, for example. Keep reading for an entire list of questions that you need to have prepared.
1. Why Should I Get Braces?
For many people, the reason for getting braces boils down to aesthetics. Having a straight smile does wonder for a person’s self-esteem and it looks more professional in work settings.
Gentle family dentistry will tell you that this isn’t the only reason why braces are important. They’re good for your overall health, as well. Crowded teeth are difficult to brush and floss. Since you can’t really clean all your teeth that well, you may experience tooth decay.
Unaligned teeth also put an unnecessary amount of stress on your gums and jaw. Over time, this can lead to horrible headaches, jaw strain, and tooth loss.
2. What Are My Options?
You don’t have to go with basic metal braces with brackets and bands. Other choices might work better for you depending on your lifestyle.
For example, if you’re a working adult who presents projects on a normal basis, you can go with clear bracket braces. They work about the same as metal braces, but nobody will be able to tell you’re wearing them.
You can also opt for Invisalign if you want to go the clear route. They’re trays, so they don’t use uncomfortable brackets. We will tell you that Invisalign isn’t for everyone, though.
3. What Will It Cost Me?
The cost of braces can vary depending on what kind you want, how old you are, and how long your treatment is going to be. The best orthodontist should be able to give you a quote during your consultation.
4. Will I Have to Visit My Orthodontist Often?
The general thumb is that you’ll need to go to the orthodontist every four to six weeks. This is for a standard check-up and to get your braces tightened (or get new trays in the case of Invisalign).
How long your appointment will last depends on what kind of braces you have. You’ll be sitting in the dental chair a lot longer if you need to get your braces tightened vs getting new Invisalign trays.
Ask Your Orthodontist These Questions Before Getting Braces
Nobody likes hearing that they need braces. We promise if you work with your orthodontist, the treatment won’t be as painful as you think. Asking them these questions will ensure that you meet all your teeth straightening goals.
Getting braces is a lot of time and money. You want to make sure the treatment sticks by taking care of your teeth after the braces come off. Check out the health section of our blog to get even more oral wellness tips.
