Orthodontic appliances, commonly known as braces, apply continuous, gentle force to reposition teeth and jaws over time. This process involves bone remodeling, allowing the tooth to shift. Preparing for this commitment is the first step toward a successful outcome, helping ensure treatment goals are met efficiently.
Deciding on the Right Appliance
The initial consultation with an orthodontist determines the most suitable appliance to achieve your specific smile goals and address bite issues. Traditional metal braces are highly effective, utilizing stainless steel brackets and archwires for precise movements. Ceramic braces function similarly but use tooth-colored or clear brackets, offering a less noticeable appearance. Lingual braces are placed on the inside surface of the teeth, making them virtually invisible from the front. Clear aligners use a series of custom-made, removable trays to incrementally move the teeth.
Financial Planning for Orthodontic Treatment
The financial commitment for orthodontic treatment can be substantial, often ranging up to over ten thousand dollars depending on complexity and appliance type. Many health insurance plans offer some level of coverage, but verify specific benefits regarding any lifetime maximum limits to accurately budget for out-of-pocket expenses. Most orthodontic offices offer flexible payment options, including in-house installment plans or third-party financing services. Utilizing pre-tax dollars through a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) can provide a tax-advantaged way to pay for qualified treatment costs.
Life During Treatment: Daily Care and Adjustments
Oral Hygiene
Maintaining oral hygiene is challenging when brackets and wires are bonded to the teeth, as they create surfaces where food and plaque accumulate. Special attention must be paid to cleaning around each bracket and under the archwire to prevent demineralization. Interdental brushes are small, tapered tools designed to clean the tight spaces between the wires and the tooth surface. Flossing requires a floss threader or specialized orthodontic floss to navigate the wire and reach the gum line daily. Consistent brushing, ideally after every meal, is the most reliable defense against cavities and gingivitis.
Dietary Restrictions
Certain foods must be avoided during orthodontic treatment because they risk damaging the appliance components. Hard foods, such as nuts, ice, and hard candies, can cause brackets to pop off or wires to bend. Sticky foods like caramels, taffy, and chewing gum can wrap around the brackets, making them difficult to clean or pulling them loose. Damaged components interrupt the precise force system, potentially prolonging the overall treatment time. Foods requiring biting with the front teeth, such as whole apples or carrots, should be cut into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
Comfort and Appointment Schedule
Patients typically experience soreness for a few days after initial placement and following periodic adjustment appointments. This discomfort is a normal response to the pressure applied as the teeth shift. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, are effective for managing this temporary discomfort. Irritation to the cheeks, lips, or tongue is common as soft tissues adapt to the brackets and wires. Applying orthodontic wax to any sharp part of the appliance creates a smooth barrier that reduces friction. Routine adjustment appointments are usually scheduled every four to ten weeks to modify the appliance and continue controlled tooth movement.
The Long-Term Commitment: Retention
Once braces are removed, teeth tend to shift back toward their original positions, known as relapse. The retention phase is a required commitment to prevent this relapse and maintain the new alignment. Retainers hold the teeth in corrected positions while the surrounding bone and soft tissues stabilize. There are two primary types of retainers: removable (such as clear plastic aligners or Hawley appliances) and fixed. Fixed retainers involve a thin wire bonded to the back surface of the front teeth, providing continuous stabilization. Following the orthodontist’s prescribed wearing schedule is essential for ensuring the long-term stability of the orthodontic result.