5 Things You Should Do Before Getting Teeth Braces
Getting braces is a big investment of time and money. You’ll need to take care of your teeth for years, but the good news is that it’s a worthwhile investment—the result can be worth the hassle. Before getting braces, it’s important to understand what orthodontics are and how they work. There’s also a lot of preparation involved in getting braces done to get maximum results from your treatment.
What are Dental Braces?
Teeth braces are appliances that are used to correct crooked teeth. Dental braces can be made of metal or plastic, consisting of bands and wires. The wires hold the teeth in place, while the brackets keep them from moving around when you bite down on something.
The treatment of braces is done in three phases, evaluation, treatment phase, and retention. The dentist will use a 3D dental scanner to examine the teeth and jawbone and determine the pressure and the treatment timeline. The active treatment phase lasts for about 18 to 24 months, based on the severity of the malocclusion.
The retention phase is long-term and involves using retainers to hold the teeth in position.
What to Do Before the Orthodontic Treatment?
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Schedule a consultation with an orthodontist.
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Carry your medical history to your appointment.
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Check if your insurance provider covers orthodontic care.
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Get a complete dental cleaning and exam before starting treatment.
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Ask the orthodontist about options other than braces.
Orthodontists are specialists in dental braces, and they’ll be able to determine if you’re a good candidate for them. The consultation is an opportunity for your orthodontist to learn about your teeth, including any crowding or other issues affecting how well teeth move when wearing braces.
Your orthodontist will also explain each type of bracket and determine the suitable treatment plan with recommendations on the proper positioning of brackets and wires (which are used as part of the process).
Bringing your medical history with you to the appointment is a good idea. Your orthodontist near you will be able to assess your oral health and determine if any additional treatment is needed, so you must be honest about any issues that might affect your braces.
If there are any concerns about bone growth or movement due to overgrowth of teeth or jawbone beneath braces (called “dental crowding”), these can also be addressed during this visit!
If you have insurance, check with your provider to see if they cover orthodontic care. Some insurance companies cover only part of the orthodontic treatment, which means you can save money by paying out-of-pocket instead of using pre-deducted funds from your insurance plan.
You should get a complete dental cleaning and exam before starting treatment. A good orthodontist in Phoenix can identify any possible problems with your teeth, including cavities and gum disease.
A teeth cleaning is important for getting braces because it can help prevent tooth decay or gum disease later in life.
You need to be aware of the cost of braces and their benefits. Braces in Phoenix are not cheap, and you might want to consider other options if you have a low income or are on a tight budget.
If metal braces are more expensive than clear ones, it could be worth getting them because they look better, but this isn’t always true!
You should also ask about your options if you don’t like the results of your treatment plan once it’s finished.
Aftercare Instructions How to Care for Your Teeth While Wearing Braces?
While wearing braces, you need to brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss once daily. Avoid sticky foods such as chocolate, gum, and candy that can irritate your gums. However, if you cannot remove all food particles from between your teeth, then it is best that you avoid eating them altogether until the brace comes off in a few months!
Schedule an Appointment
Visit uSmile Orthodontics if you have questions about the process, and get your braces on track for a great smile.