Types of Braces
Generally speaking, there are a few different types of braces for you to choose from depending on your needs. At Dressler Orthodontics, these include:
Regular Metal Brackets
This is the type of braces that most people are familiar with. Here, a series of metal brackets are attached to each one of your teeth that are then connected via a metal wire. Periodically, your orthodontist will adjust the strength of the wire – thus pulling the teeth into the desired position over time.
Ceramic Brackets
This works very similarly in concept to regular metal brackets, but with a twist – the braces themselves are made out of a ceramic material. Not only are they far more comfortable for most people as a result, but they’re far more discreet as well.
Do Braces Hurt?
Most patients find that braces don’t really “hurt,” at least not on a day-to-day basis. There will be a period that will require you to get used to your new braces, but usually, that goes away in a few days. Likewise, any pain that you do experience in rare situations can be relieved with over-the-counter pain medications.
How Long Will I Have to Wear Braces?
The total amount of time that you’ll need to wear braces will vary depending on the specific types of issues you’re trying to correct. Having said that, most patients usually wear braces for about two years.
Will Wearing Braces Change My Day-to-Day Activities?
Braces won’t necessarily change your day-to-day activities in any appreciable way, but there are several things you’ll want to keep in mind.
If you’re an avid sports player, for example, you’ll always want to wear a mouth guard during a game for extra protection. Though, that’s just good advice to follow even after the braces come off.
Are There Any Food Restrictions While Wearing Braces?
There are certain types of foods you’ll want to avoid for the duration of your treatment. These include any foods that are particularly hard or sticky like certain types of candy and foods that are particularly chewy like some kinds of bread and pizza crust.
How Much Do Braces Cost?
This, too, will vary depending on several factors – including the type you select and the total length of treatment time you require. Overall, people can expect to pay between $3000 and $8000 in the United States for braces – but that’s truly a small price to pay to finally have that perfect smile you’ve always wanted for yourself.
What Kind of Braces Should I Get?
This is a question that can only be answered by you as an individual, as there is truly no “one size fits all” approach to dental treatment. Don’t worry – Dr. Dressler and his team will go over all of your options with you well in advance so that you can be confident you’re making the best possible decision with regards to your health.
Will I Need to Wear a Retainer After My Braces?
In the vast majority of all cases, yes – you will need to wear your retainer even after the braces come off. The actual frequency that you’ll need to wear it will depend on you as an individual – Dr. Dressler will go over all of this with you, too.
This is because as a teen, your mouth and jaw are still developing and will continue to do so well into your 20s. If you don’t wear your retainer, your teeth could easily shift back into their original positions – thus putting you right back where you started and in need of additional treatment down the road.
What Are the Best Ways to Care for My Braces?
Most people don’t find caring for their braces particularly difficult, but you will have to keep several important best practices in mind.
Chief among them is the fact that you’ll need to brush and floss your teeth after absolutely every meal, no exceptions. Likewise, you’ll want to take great care to floss around the brackets and wires to quickly dislodge anything that could get stuck or break your braces. Anything that goes wrong could unnecessarily delay your treatment, and that is something you’ll want to avoid at all costs.
The Dressler Difference
When it comes to our patients, the team at Dressler Orthodontics has always put a high priority on your time first and foremost. We’re well aware that you lead busy lives, and “conventional” treatment may not necessarily fit into your schedule in the way that you’d like it to.
But that’s okay – because we proudly offer virtual appointments to our patients to better meet their needs, regardless of what those needs happen to be. That’s right – Dr. Dressler and his entire team are available to text with patients to answer any questions or address any concerns they might have, all without the need for an in-office appointment!
Dr. Dressler does on average 40% fewer in-office visits for patients with braces – all without sacrificing the excellent quality care we’ve become known for. We’re proud of the reputation we’ve been able to earn as a super convenient, affordable provider of exceptional care and we can’t wait for you to see just how true that is.
