What Types of Braces Do You Offer?
We offer two different kinds of braces at Efros Orthodontics. Picking the right method for your personal needs is something you can speak about with the orthodontist when coming in for a consultation.
Most people are familiar with the classic traditional metal braces. With these braces, your orthodontist will attach stainless steel metal brackets to your teeth with non-toxic glue, and then connect the brackets via wires. Small elastic bands are placed on the brackets to keep everything in place. You will need to visit your orthodontist every four to six weeks to get your braces tightened and keep your teeth moving in the right direction.
Clear braces use brackets and wires as well, but instead of metal brackets, they use a ceramic or porcelain material. This helps make the braces blend in with the teeth so they are not as noticeable to others. There are often a number of different shades to choose from so you are able to match the color of your teeth to a bracket material that will work best with your teeth. Since clear braces are less visible to others, they are often a popular choice for adults who need orthodontic treatment or younger patients who do not want to draw attention to their braces. Similar to traditional braces, you will need to visit Dr. Efros periodically to get your wires tightened.
How Long Do I Have to Wear Braces?
Most people will wear their braces for one to three years. The duration of braces treatment depends on multiple factors including the severity of the orthodontic issues that need to be corrected, how quickly your teeth move, and patient cooperation.
Do Braces Hurt?
Braces may be a bit uncomfortable or cause some irritation in your mouth, but they are not painful. Sometimes after a visit to the orthodontist, you may feel some tenderness around the gums due to the tightening of braces. This can be helped by eating soft foods and taking a pain reliever for a day or two until the discomfort subsides. Some patients report irritation of the gums after getting braces put on due to the friction between brackets and the soft tissue of the mouth. This can be solved by using dental wax provided by your orthodontist to cover the rough brackets and leave a smooth surface.
Do I Still Need to Visit My Dentist While Wearing Braces?
Absolutely! It is a common misconception that dentists and orthodontists do the same job. Your orthodontist is responsible for aligning your jaw and straightening your teeth while your dentist helps keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. It is important to continue seeing your dentist for routine cleanings and checkups so that you not only have straight teeth but healthy ones too.
Will Braces Interfere With My Everyday Activities?
Braces should not significantly affect your lifestyle. They may cause some soreness after orthodontic visits but in general, they are not painful or obtrusive. You can continue eating most things and playing sports while wearing braces, though you may need to make some small adjustments such as wearing a mouthguard or cutting up hard foods instead of biting into them.
How Do I Care for My Braces?
Braces are an investment, and they should be treated with the care and attention that any other investment would receive. For example, you will need to spend a few extra minutes brushing between your brackets during the morning and nighttime and to brush after meals so no food particles get stuck amongst the wires. At least one time per day you should use the special flosser provided by your orthodontist to deep clean between the teeth.
We recommend avoiding foods that are hard, sticky, or chewy as these can damage your braces and require an emergency visit to your orthodontist. It is better to just leave these foods to enjoy once your braces are off and there is no risk of wires poking out or brackets being loosened.
How Much Do Braces Cost?
The final cost of braces treatment varies from patient to patient. To get an accurate price estimate you will need to book a consultation with your local orthodontist. At Efros Orthodontics, we never want financial limitations to stop someone from fixing their smile, so make sure to ask about any discounts or payment plans available for you!
