Braces

How do I take care of my braces?

There are a few things to keep in mind when maintaining dental braces.

1. Avoid foods that aren’t braces-friendly such as chewy foods or soft candies that get stuck in the braces and will be hard to clean out of the hardware. Depending on the food, you may need to cut it into smaller pieces to keep it from getting stuck in the braces.
2. Brush and floss on a regular basis. This is always important but becomes more important with braces because there are more spaces, crevices, and surfaces for food to get stuck.
3. Ensure you keep your regular appointments with your dentist to adjust, manage, and maintain your braces.

What are the different types of braces?

• Metal/traditional braces: Traditional braces are made of metal. They include brackets that are attached to the front of your teeth or bands that fit around each tooth, as well as flexible wires or archwires that hold the brackets or bands together. Some braces also include rubber bands or metal ties that link the brackets to the wire. These bands create more pressure to help straighten and align your teeth. Sometimes, your orthodontist will have you wear a device called headgear at night. It provides added pressure to help straighten your teeth. You can put it on and take it off.
• Ceramic braces: The brackets in traditional braces are now also made in tooth-colored ceramic, so you don’t notice them as much. They can also be made with stainless steel, clear materials, or gold.
• Lingual braces: The brackets on these braces are attached to the backs of your teeth, facing your tongue. Lingual braces are harder to see.
• Clear aligners: You might also hear them called invisible braces. These are clear plastic trays that fit snugly onto your teeth. They use pressure to gently move your teeth into the correct positions and straighten your smile. You remove the aligners to eat, brush, or floss, but you should keep them in at least 22 hours each day for them to work. The orthodontist may also place tooth-colored attachments onto your teeth to hold the aligners in place.

How much do braces cost?

The cost for braces and aligners usually depends on the severity of the problem and the treatment options discussed between you and your dentist. On average, any of these solutions can range from $2,000 – $5,000 or more.

Costs are affected by individual insurance cover, dental office payment options, etc. So it really is a cost that is unique to you and your family depending on the extent of your dental needs.