People use braces for a number of reasons, the most obvious of which is to straighten their teeth. Braces can also help correct jaw and bite issues in adults and children. While they are effective, there is a lot to know about getting and taking care of them. Here are 10 common questions people have before getting braces, and their answers.
How do braces actually work?
Braces work on the look of your smile, straighten your teeth, and help correct bite and jaw alignment issues. In simple terms, they exert pressure on teeth and jaws to change their position. Dentists place brackets on the teeth with dental adhesive and hold them together with an archwire which provides the necessary pressure.
The severity of issues being addressed determines how long you need to wear braces. The first phase of treatment involves moving your teeth to level and align them, creating a straight line. Next, your dentist will adjust the brackets and wire to correct any bite issues and close any gaps in the teeth. Treatment finishes with a final tidy up to ensure teeth are in the best possible position before braces are removed.
What age should you get braces?
People often think braces are only for children. However, adults can also get the fixed orthodontics to enhance their smile and fix their teeth.
In children, the best age is between 10 and 15 when a child’s mouth is growing and more malleable. The softer tissue that children have allows teeth to straighten and align more effectively.
There is no cut-off age for the treatment. However, adult braces can be slightly more complicated, due to other dental issues including fillings or missing teeth. Your orthodontist should be able to effectively treat you regardless and navigate these extra factors with care.
How long does it take to get braces?
The process of getting braces on to the teeth takes around 90 to 120 minutes. To begin, orthodontists place a small amount of glue in the centre of each tooth. They then shine a blue light to help the glue set before placing a bracket on each tooth. These brackets are connected with an archwire. The wire creates the pressure that allows your teeth to move.
How long are braces on for?
Most patients wear their braces for around 18 to 24 months. Treatment length depends on the type of problem being corrected. After braces have come off, patients will also have to wear a retainer. Depending on your personal needs and your teeth, your orthodontist can help you determine an appropriate timeline and plan.
Your commitment to cleaning and going for checkups will determine the length of your treatment, and the severity of your issues. Braces treatment is an extensive process, but it is a worthwhile investment to enhance the look of your smile and your oral health.
Will it hurt to get braces?
No — the application process occurs without pain! Despite popular belief, orthodontists do not use needles when applying brackets. Patients may experience mild pain and discomfort for the first couple of weeks after the initial placement, and then when the wires are tightened. You can read more information about experiencing pain and how to relieve it here.
What colour braces should I get?
This is the fun part — choosing the colours! Ligatures — the coloured rubber bands — hold the archwire in place on each bracket.
You will have the opportunity to change the colour every time your orthodontist tightens your braces. In terms of the best colour, that is entirely up to you! Children are the typical users of coloured ligatures, but they are available to all. Many people pick colours that complement their skin tone or eyes, but the best colours to get are the ones that make you smile!
What lifestyle changes will I have to make?
Getting braces is useful for long-term oral health, but it does require some shorter-term lifestyle changes. The most well known of these are eating adjustments. The first question many will ask is “what can I eat with braces?” Unfortunately, there are a number of foods you can’t eat, like overly chewy and sticky foods, for the sake of preserving the braces and not damaging them. You can find more information on what you shouldn’t eat on our blog, but don’t worry — there’s still plenty of food you can eat with braces!
People who wear braces often learn to brush and clean their teeth more often than they normally would, including after all snacks and meals. Food sticks easier while braces are on, and becomes harder to remove. Learning how to clean with braces is a necessary skill.
While obviously not too healthy in general, smoking can cause discolouration and stain your teeth. If you smoke with braces, your teeth become largely darker, but with light squares in the middle where the brackets were held. Smoking also slows down the movement of your teeth, and dentists strongly advise against it.
How often will I have to go for checkups?
Patients should expect to have a checkup with their orthodontist every 4 to 8 weeks during treatment. These appointments will be significantly shorter than the initial placement, and the orthodontist will adjust your braces and either tighten or replace the wires to ensure they are exerting the right pressure. We highly recommended that you stick to the schedule as best as you can so the orthodontist has the best chance to make any necessary adjustments.
Do I have other options?
There are a range of other effective orthodontic treatments available, including other types of braces. Each alternative comes with different positives and negatives. For example, Invisalign comes with no dietary restrictions, as the orthodontic trays are removed before eating, but are less effective at treating complex issues. Similarly, Fast Braces are typically a faster treatment, but are also not suitable for more significant orthodontic treatments.
It is important to note that some options may not be available for some people, depending on the severity of their issues. Opting for the wrong option could end up costing you more as you may need to switch to traditional braces anyway. Visit our Orthodontics page to get more information on our options, or book a consultation to discuss the best treatment for you.
Is it worth it?
Put simply: yes! Braces are designed to help you, and are only becoming more common in adults and children alike as people seek to find their best smiles. Don’t be afraid of them — they are improving your oral health, straightening your smile, and helping you live a more confident life.
Everyone’s smile deserves to be seen, so don’t be afraid to show it off! Come see us today to get you on the path to your perfect smile.
