Braces are a common and effective orthodontic intervention designed to correct the alignment of teeth and jaws. This treatment involves applying gentle, continuous pressure to shift teeth into healthier positions over time. Preparing for braces means meeting specific dental and practical prerequisites to ensure the treatment is successful and safe. This includes a professional diagnosis, good oral health, financial commitment, and the patient’s ongoing dedication.
Clinical Necessity for Orthodontic Treatment
The primary requirement for receiving braces is a professional determination of malocclusion, which is a poor alignment of the teeth or an incorrect bite relationship. Orthodontists assess the severity of these issues to determine if the misalignment poses a functional or long-term health risk. Treatment is considered medically necessary when the dental problem interferes with essential functions like chewing, speaking, or maintaining oral hygiene.
Common issues necessitating correction include dental crowding, significant spacing, and bite problems such as an overbite or an underbite. Other functional problems include a crossbite or an open bite, where the upper and lower teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed. These severe malocclusions can cause uneven wear on the teeth, chronic jaw pain, or contribute to issues like sleep-disordered breathing. Treating these structural problems with braces aims to restore proper bite mechanics. The professional diagnosis, supported by X-rays and diagnostic records, provides the justification that the misalignment requires mechanical correction.
Physical Prerequisites for Starting Braces
Before the application of brackets and wires, a patient must achieve and maintain a state of good overall oral health, often termed being “dentally fit.” This is a non-negotiable requirement because appliances make cleaning more challenging, increasing the risk of complications.
There must be no active dental decay; all existing cavities must be filled and treated by a general dentist before the orthodontic process begins. The gums must also be healthy, with no signs of active gum disease or periodontitis. The mechanical forces from braces, combined with existing inflammation, can accelerate gum recession and bone loss. A professional cleaning may be required to resolve any periodontal issues before the start of treatment.
The underlying bone structure must be healthy and robust enough to safely support the stresses placed on the teeth during movement. Orthodontists use diagnostic images to ensure the jawbones are sound, as compromised bone density can make tooth movement unsafe. Patients must have a sufficient number of adult teeth erupted for the brackets to be properly bonded. If a patient has existing dental work, the orthodontist will coordinate with the general dentist to ensure the appliances can be placed without damaging the restorations.
Logistical and Financial Readiness
Treatment cannot proceed until the logistical and financial arrangements are secured, as orthodontic care is a significant, multi-year commitment. The process begins with a comprehensive consultation, which includes a clinical exam, X-rays, and dental impressions to formulate a detailed treatment plan. This diagnostic phase establishes the precise nature of the misalignment and the projected timeline for correction.
The financial aspect requires a clear understanding of the total cost, which varies based on the complexity of the case and the type of appliance chosen. Patients must verify any available insurance coverage, as most dental plans have a lifetime maximum benefit for orthodontics. Many providers require an initial down payment and then arrange a payment plan to cover the remaining balance over the course of treatment. Securing the financial agreement and committing to the treatment schedule are necessary steps before the first bracket is placed.
Patient Commitment During Treatment
The success of the treatment relies heavily on the patient’s ongoing commitment and compliance once the braces are applied. A rigorous oral hygiene routine is mandatory, requiring specialized tools to clean around the wires and brackets after every meal. Failure to maintain meticulous hygiene can lead to plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum inflammation, which can delay or halt treatment progress.
Patients must adhere to specific dietary restrictions to prevent damage to the appliances. Hard, sticky, or chewy foods must be avoided because they can bend wires or dislodge brackets. Damage to the hardware requires an unscheduled appointment for repair, which adds time and expense to the overall treatment plan.
Attendance at all scheduled adjustment appointments, typically occurring every four to eight weeks, is necessary for the orthodontist to monitor progress and adjust the forces being applied. These regular visits ensure the teeth are moving correctly and according to the treatment plan. Proper care also includes immediately reporting any broken wires or loose brackets to the orthodontic office, as a damaged appliance can impede tooth movement or cause injury.