The decision to get braces is a big one for many people. Not only because braces tend to be expensive, but because wearing braces requires a commitment to a specific diet. This is because there are certain foods that a person cannot eat when braces are being worn. If you are thinking about visiting a Jacksonville orthodontist in the near future to get braces, here are some things that you need to be aware of:
1. Braces have no age limit
There is the popular misconception that braces are only for young people. This is primarily due to the fact that most people get them while they are teenagers. However, it is becoming common for older people to get braces. For example, Tom Cruise made headlines when he got braces a few years ago while in his mid-40s. As long as a person's gums and teeth are healthy, braces can be worn by anyone. Many people can not afford to get braces when they are young. After these people have money as adults, they decide they want to fix their smile and straighten their teeth.
2. Go to an orthodontist for braces
Many dentists will offer to do braces at a significant discount from the price that a Jacksonville orthodontist typically charges. While you may have gone to your current dentist for many years, it is important to understand that an orthodontist has significantly more skill and training that a typical dentist. There have been many cases of dentists not doing an adequate job duing the braces procedure. This requires the patient to endure more years of treatment from an orthodontist to fix the damage that was done by the dentist. Your dentist is capable of doing many types of cosmetic dental work. However, you should leave braces to the experts.
3. Get multiple consultations
Choosing the orthodontist that will perform your braces procedure is a very important decision. It is best not to rush this decision by choosing the first orthodontist you meet with. The vast majority of orthodontists offer free consultations. Therefore, it is in your best interest to go to several different ones. Think of this as an interview process. You are interviewing the orthodontists to see which one will get the job. Another reason to visit multiple orthodontists is the price. Prices for braces tend to vary widely. This is also true of payment plans. Keep looking until you find an orthodontist that offers a price and payment plan that is acceptable to you.
4. Carefully read your contract
Before your orthodontic treatment can begin, you will be required to sign a contract. It is critical that you read the contract completely. Do not just skim it. The contract will list many important details, such as whether retainers are included in the price of the braces, the penalty for missing a payment and the specific terms of payment. This contract can serve as a legally binding agreement. It can be used against you if anything goes wrong, so you need to be aware of what you are signing.
5. There will be some pain
Unlike most forms of cosmetic dental work, getting braces does involve some pain. There will not be pain when the braces are first put on your teeth. The pressure and pain will start several days later. You will most likely feel soreness in your teeth. It is also common for the brackets to rub against the insides of your lips and gums. This could possibly cause sores in your mouth. A lip protector, which covers the brackets of your braces, will help protect against some cuts and sores. In addition, patients can take aspirin to help alleviate the pain, and sores can be soothed by rinsing with warm salt water a few times each day.
David and Associates specializes in all aspects of dentistry including cosmetic, implants, whitening, basic care and Lumineers. We use the " Total Team Approach," which enables us to fix all your dental needs under one roof. Let one of our dental care specialists brighten your smile today.
