8 FAQs About Orthodontic Treatment
Published September 15, 2021 7:46 pmGetting braces is a milestone for most people, but even though orthodontic treatment is quite popular, you may have some questions about whether or not it’s right for you or your child.
Below are eight frequently asked questions our team at Altitude Family Dental receives about orthodontic treatment.
1. What Are Orthodontics?
Orthodontics are the treatment of irregularities in the teeth and jaws.
2. What Does Orthodontic Treatment Help Fix?
Orthodontic treatment, in short, helps shift teeth to their natural positions to help you eat, chew, and smile with confidence. Many of us experience crooked teeth, overcrowding, or alignment issues due to a variety of reasons, like habits (e.g., thumb sucking) or losing baby teeth too early. Orthodontic treatment helps correct bite issues, rotation issues, misalignment and crooked teeth, and jaw issues.
3. What Type of Orthodontic Treatments Exist?
There are a few different types of orthodontic treatments, including traditional metal and ceramic braces, clear aligner therapy like Invisalign®, and retainers to help maintain the position of the teeth after orthodontic treatment is complete.
4. Is Orthodontic Treatment Only for Younger Patients?
No! You can get orthodontic treatment at any age. While younger patients tend to benefit from traditional metal braces, teen and adult patients love Invisalign® clear aligner therapy because it shifts teeth into their desired positions subtly without the use of brackets and wires!
5. Is Orthodontic Treatment Painful?
Generally speaking, orthodontic treatment is not painful! You might experience pain after your braces are tightened, but the pain should be manageable and goes away after a couple of days. With clear aligner therapy, you should experience virtually no pain throughout the course of your treatment.
6. How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Last?
It depends on your individual situation. Some cases can be resolved in as little as six months, but more complex ones last for up to two years. On average, orthodontic treatment lasts between 12-18 months.
7. Do I Need to Change the Way I Care for My Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment?
If you have traditional metal braces, there are some changes you need to make to your oral health care routine, including making dietary adjustments to avoid sticky and hard foods, wearing rubber bands if you’re instructed to, and carefully brushing your teeth to remove any plaque or bacteria on or around your teeth. If you opt for clear aligner therapy, you must wear your aligners for 20-22 hours a day and can remove them when you brush your teeth and eat.
8. Is Orthodontic Treatment Affordable?
At Altitude Family Dental, we don’t let cost stand in the way of you getting the treatment you need for a healthy and beautiful smile. We offer a wide range of flexible payment options for our treatments, and will work closely with you during your consultation to thoroughly break down the projected cost of your treatment beforehand so there will be no surprises along the way.
If you are looking for affordable orthodontic treatment for kids and adults in Gypsum, Colorado, please contact us today to schedule a consultation! We look forward to your visit!
Categorised in: Cosmetic Dentistry, Oral Health, Orthodontics