What are signs I need braces?
Ideal tooth alignment is not very common . there are almost always small things that could be improved. Tooth placement, crowding, protrusion, and other small issues are features of many people. In non-detrimental cases, the decision to get braces is more of a personal esthetics question. In other words what do you want? What do you not like about your smile?
There are, however, many other people where tooth alignment and function is damaging their teeth and could be hurting their jaw joint. Your dentist can screen you for the need of braces beyond the esthetic. If the dentist recommends it, it could be harmful in the long run to ignore the problem. Even if your dentist does not think the misalignment is detrimental, you can still go to the orthodontist to get a consult. Many of these specialists do consults at reduced prices to give you options.
What kind of braces can I get?
The severity of the case and movement needed will dictate the type of brace movement that can be done. Some small movement or straight forward cases can be done with clear plastic removable retainer systems like Invisilign®. The orthodontist will let you know if it is an option. For major or difficult movement you may have to go with traditional braces. These are no longer limited to metal ones. Some provide ceramic options or placement on the posterior of the teeth limiting visibility. All of the options available to you should be given at the time of your consult.
How long will I have to wear braces?
Most cases take 1.5 to 2 years to complete. Simple cases may be far shorter and hard cases that include jaw surgery may take much longer. With age the bone gets harder and it takes teeth longer to move in it. Your consult with the orthodontist should give a good idea on time line.
How much do braces cost
This is hard to answer. Some areas are far more expensive than others. Case difficulty and needed hardware will also affect cost. It could run from about $4,000 to $12,000 not including any jaw surgery or extraction that may be needed.
Do I need jaw surgery?
Sometimes the jaws grow in such a way as to make it impossible to bring the teeth together correctly without adding space to a jaw that grew too little or remove space from one that grew too much.
This patient has a little bit of excess growth on the upper jaw and too little growth on the lower.
Oral Surgeons are experts at jaw surgery and will do a consult in conjunction with your orthodontic treatment to determine if your jaw discrepancy is enough that surgery is needed. It is a big surgery to undergo but can be very helpful in correcting growth abnormalities and help you to function well.
How do I floss with braces?
The best way to floss with braces is by using a variety of devices to get between them. The biggest conundrum with braces is that with them it is harder to clean and the biggest group with them happens to be teenagers who aren’t usually cleaning well enough before putting them on. This is the biggest reason I advocate for using devices that make it easier. If it is easier the kids will more likely do what they need to do to avoid destroying their teeth.
List of recommendations with links:
1. First I recommend the water flossing devices like Waterpik®. it can help blast particles of food and plaque out of between the braces and wire.
2. You still need to floss. These flossers make it easier to get between the teeth, braces, and wire and quick.
3. Though easy they will not get everything especially under retainer wires after the braces come off. for these areas floss threaders are the best as you can use them to get under the wire and avoid gum and bone loss there.
