Braces FAQ

If you are like most people who are getting braces to optimize your dazzling smile, you have many questions. The good news is that at Sunrise Orthodontics, we love to answer questions! Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions about braces.

Are There Any Alternatives to Braces?

Yes! While today’s braces are made of high-grade stainless steel and more comfortable than ever, there is now a wide variety of alternatives. Clear ceramic braces are less visible, making them the perfect alternative to traditional braces’ metal brackets. Invisalign® clear aligners use a series of comfortable acrylic trays that straighten teeth like braces. Self-ligating braces help you achieve a perfect smile that will last a lifetime without the use of elastic bands.

What’s the Best Age to Get Braces?

There is no “best age” to get braces – it really depends on how fast a child is growing and how quickly their adult teeth are coming in. The ideal time for kids to get braces is when they are between the ages of 10 and 14, while their permanent teeth are still erupting and their mouth is still growing. Braces are still effective for teenagers and adults, though, as teeth can still move at any time in life.

How Long Do People Have to Wear Braces?

The length of time someone wears their braces depends on several factors, such as the severity of their problem. It also depends on how well the patient maintains good oral hygiene, avoids damaging foods, keeps follow-up appointments, and wears rubber bands and other auxiliaries.

Are Braces Really Necessary?

Braces are necessary if your teeth are crooked and you want to straighten them. Self-treatment is never advisable, of course, because you can do irreparable damage to your teeth. You may be a candidate for other professional teeth straightening methods, such as clear aligners.

Do Braces Do Anything Other Than Improving My Smile?

In addition to improving the aesthetic appeal of your smile, braces provide several health benefits. Straight teeth are easier to clean, such as avoiding tooth decay and gum disease. Braces can also correct your bite to reduce jaw pain and problems chewing.

Do Braces Hurt?

Advanced technology makes braces a lot less painful than they used to be. Heat-activated wires apply constant pressure to move teeth gradually, which makes adjustments much more comfortable. “Smart” wires and brackets move teeth faster, too, so you won’t have to wear braces as long as your parents did.

How Much Do Braces Cost?

We know that orthodontic treatment is a big investment, but we don’t want this to be the reason someone holds back from making a worthwhile decision to achieve a healthier and more confident smile for themselves, a child, or a loved one. We will work hard to make a payment plan that fits your budget! We accept assignments from most insurance plans. In many cases, your orthodontic benefit will reduce your out-of-pocket cost even further. We conveniently take care of all of this for you by submitting your claim directly from our office, so you don’t have to!

Am I Too Old for Braces?

You are never too old to get a great smile! Braces can straighten teeth at any age because teeth move in response to the force applied to them – no matter how old you are. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, one in three people undergoing orthodontic treatment are adults.

How Long Will I Have to Wear Braces?

That depends on how crooked your teeth are, your oral hygiene habits, whether you avoid damaging foods, how often you make follow-up appointments, and how well you use the rubber bands or other auxiliaries as directed. You may have to wear braces a bit longer if you are an adult.

Do I Need to See My General Dentist While Wearing Braces?

Absolutely! Regular trips to your general dentist can help you keep your teeth and gums healthy so that your teeth look great after your orthodontist removes your braces.

What is Limited Treatment?

There are two basic approaches to straightening teeth: comprehensive treatment and limited treatment. Comprehensive treatment focuses on establishing an ideal bite as well as a great smile. While comprehensive treatment may be best for those who have uneven teeth that interfere with the way they chew, some patients want to improve the appearance of their smile.

Limited treatment, by comparison, focuses solely on straightening front teeth. This approach is faster, but it does not address any long-term teeth alignment issues that may cause jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and other problems associated with misaligned teeth.

For more information about teeth straightening, contact Sunrise Orthodontics. Our trained orthodontic professionals provide a wide variety of teeth straightening services that meet almost every need.