Getting braces is a big step toward a healthier, straighter smile, but it’s important to know what to expect before starting treatment. From choosing the right type of orthodontic treatment to understanding costs, comfort, and daily care, being prepared can make the process much easier. In this guide, we’ll cover what to know before getting braces so you can make a confident and informed decision.
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1. The Length of the Treatment Can Be from 6 Months to 3 Years
According to Healthline, the orthodontic treatment duration can take anywhere from 6 to 36 months on average. It all depends on the complexity of your problem and the type of treatment you’ve chosen. With clear aligners, treatment may take less time, usually between 6 and 18 months. During this time, you should fully commit to your treatment and follow your dentist’s instructions to reach optimal results and preserve your oral health.
Read more about the treatment timeline here: Braces Placement Timeline for Top and Bottom Teeth
2. You’ll Need to Pay Special Attention to Your Oral Hygiene
Braces need careful care and maintenance to make sure they work effectively. This includes good oral health habits like brushing your teeth after meals, flossing every day, and using floss threaders or interdental brushes to clean between the brackets and wires.
In addition, you should stay away from sticky candies, hard nuts, and crunchy snacks that can damage your braces.
3. It’ll Be Uncomfortable in the Beginning
It might be uncomfortable as your teeth move during orthodontic treatment, especially in the beginning and after initial adjustments. You might feel pain, pressure, or irritation in your mouth. When it happens, you can use over-the-counter painkillers and orthodontic wax to ease the pain. The pain and discomfort usually go away in a few days.
4. You Should Adjust Your Diet
Certain foods can damage your braces or make your treatment take longer. To avoid this, eat less chewy, crunchy, hard, or sticky foods because they can break or bend wires. Choose smoother things like smoothies, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soups. It can also be easier if you cut food into little bite-sized pieces. Although these dietary restrictions may be a little disappointing, they’re temporary, and it’s absolutely worth it to help your treatment finish successfully.
5. Follow-up Visit Will Be a Part of Your Routine
When you start wearing braces, you need to visit your orthodontist for regular check-ups to see how things are going, make any necessary changes, and make sure the treatment stays on track. Depending on your treatment plan, these visits happen every 4 to 8 weeks on average.
6. Don’t Worry About Your Age
Most people think of teens when they hear the word “braces.” However, orthodontic treatment can help people of all ages get straighter teeth and more beautiful smiles.
That said, starting treatment earlier might be better because the jaw is still growing and more open to dental changes at that age. Still, adults can get good results with braces, though treatment may take longer because their jawbones are fully formed. Your orthodontist will assess your age and the condition of your teeth to figure out when you should start the treatment.
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Book a consultation at Walk In Family Dentistry to discuss your orthodontic options and get a personalized plan for a healthier, straighter smile.
7. Be Aware of the Possible Risks
Braces can sometimes cause temporary discomfort, soreness, or irritation to the cheeks and gums, especially after adjustments. Poor oral hygiene during treatment may increase the risk of cavities, plaque buildup, or white spots on the teeth. In some cases, patients may experience gum inflammation or mild enamel damage if proper care is not followed.
There is also a small risk of broken brackets or wires, which can lead to emergency orthodontic visits if not addressed promptly. Rarely, braces may cause root shortening or prolonged tooth sensitivity.
8. Learn About the Cost of Dental Braces and the Insurance Coverage
The total cost of braces depends on the type of braces you choose, the complexity of your case, and the length of treatment. Traditional metal braces are usually the most affordable option, while ceramic braces, lingual braces, and clear aligners often come at a higher price.
On average, orthodontic treatments cost between $6,000 and over $8,500 in North York. Dental insurance may cover part of the cost of braces, especially for children and teens, but coverage for adults can be limited or excluded. Some plans offer a lifetime orthodontic benefit rather than full coverage.
It’s also important to check what portion of the treatment is covered, any age limits, and whether pre-authorization is required. Moreover, many dental clinics offer flexible payment plans to help make braces more affordable, so discussing all costs and insurance details upfront can help you avoid unexpected expenses later.
Worth Reading: Affordable Dental Care for Low Income Patients
9. Treat Existing Dental Problems Before Getting Braces
Before braces, it’s important to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy. Dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, infections, or damaged teeth should be treated first. Braces are placed on the teeth for a long period of time, and existing issues can worsen if they are not addressed beforehand.
Your dentist may recommend a full dental exam, X-rays, professional cleaning, dental fillings, root canal therapy, or other treatments before starting orthodontic care. Fixing these problems early helps prevent complications during treatment, reduces the risk of pain or delays, and ensures your braces work effectively for the best possible results.
10. The Treatment May Impact Your Speech
Dental braces can temporarily affect the way you speak, especially during the first few days or weeks after they are placed. Some people may notice slight changes in pronunciation, such as lisping or difficulty saying certain sounds. This is more common with lingual braces and clear aligners, as they sit closer to the tongue.
In most cases, speech changes are short-term and improve as your mouth adjusts to the braces. Practicing speaking, reading out loud, and having regular conversations can help speed up this adjustment. Once your tongue adapts, speech usually returns to normal without any long-term effects.
11. Explore Your Orthodontic Treatment Options
Orthodontic treatment has come a long way, and now there are many more choices than just metal braces. Depending on your needs, you can choose from clear aligners, ceramic braces, lingual braces, and self-ligating braces. To choose the best option, you need to consider factors like your orthodontic problem’s severity, personal preferences, lifestyle, and budget. Let’s explore each one together.
Traditional metal braces
Traditional braces are made of metal brackets and wires that link them. These brackets are bonded to the surface of your teeth and are tightened gradually to shift the teeth in the desired direction. Metal braces are usually preferred because of their versatility and cost-effectiveness. These braces are helpful for fixing a wide range of orthodontic problems, especially more severe cases.
Ceramic braces
These work like regular metal braces, but the brackets are made of clear or tooth-colored ceramic for a more aesthetically pleasing look. They work well for most cases of orthodontic issues, but are slightly more fragile than traditional braces.
In short, ceramic braces are less noticeable than metal braces but may stain a little more easily.
Lingual Braces
In this type of orthodontic treatment, the brackets and wires are connected to the back (lingual) surface of the teeth, so you can’t even tell they’re there when someone wears them. This offers you an effective yet completely invisible treatment. Lingual braces are custom-made for each patient to make them more comfortable and effective for most orthodontic problems, but it might take a little longer for you to get used to them.
Self-ligating braces
These braces use special brackets that don’t need metal or elastic ties. The braces can be made of different materials, so you can choose between metal and ceramic. Self-ligating braces have the following benefits:
- They make it easier for your teeth to move.
- They result in shorter treatment times and fewer visits.
Clear aligners (Invisalign)
These are clear plastic trays that are custom-made for you to fit snugly over your teeth and align them seamlessly. Invisalign is the most popular type of clear aligner and is helpful for mild to moderate orthodontic problems, such as mild crowding or spacing, but not as effective for more complex misalignments.
The benefits of clear aligners have made them a go-to option for many people. For example:
- They are almost unnoticeable, which makes them a good choice for people who feel self-conscious about the appearance of traditional metal braces and prefer unnoticeable braces.
- Can be taken off to eat, drink, and clean your teeth, which helps maintain optimal oral health throughout your treatment.
Worth Reading: What to Eat After Invisalign for Comfort and Healing
Comparison Between Different Dental Brace Options
Understanding the differences between brace types can help you choose the option that best fits your needs and lifestyle.
| Type of Braces | Visibility | Comfort Level | Cost Range | Best For | Main Pros | Main Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Braces | Very visible | Moderate | Lowest | Mild to severe alignment issues | Strong, effective, affordable | Highly noticeable |
| Ceramic Braces | Less visible | Moderate | Medium to high | Patients wanting a discreet option | Tooth-colored, effective | Can stain, more fragile |
| Lingual Braces | Invisible from front | Lower at first | High | Patients who want hidden braces | Hidden, effective | Speech discomfort, harder to clean |
| Clear Aligners (Invisalign) | Nearly invisible | High | High | Mild to moderate cases | Removable, easy to clean | Requires discipline, not for all cases |
| Self-Ligating Braces | Visible (metal or ceramic) | Higher than traditional braces | Medium to high | Patients wanting faster and more efficient treatment | Less friction, easier cleaning, fewer adjustments | Higher cost than metal braces |
Take the Next Step in Your Orthodontic Journey
Taking the time to consider everything before getting braces can make your orthodontic journey smoother and more successful. From choosing the right type of braces and understanding costs, to preparing your teeth and maintaining good oral hygiene, being informed helps you feel confident and ready for treatment.
At Walk In Family Dental, our experienced orthodontic team provides personalized braces consultations and treatment plans tailored to your needs. Moreover, we offer various types of cosmetic dental treatments in North York to help you achieve a more beautiful, healthier, and straighter smile
Walk-in Family Dental
Do You Need Emergency Dentist?
Walk-in Family Dental provides quick and expert care for dental emergencies, including toothaches and knocked-out teeth.
FAQ
How long will I need to wear braces?
The duration of wearing braces varies depending on the complexity of the orthodontic issues and the type of braces used. On average, treatment lasts between 6 months and 3 years. Regular check-ups with your orthodontist will ensure your treatment is progressing as planned.
How do I know which type of braces is right for me?
The best type of braces depends on your dental needs, treatment goals, and lifestyle. During a consultation, our orthodontic team evaluates your teeth and discusses options like metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, or clear aligners to help you make the right choice.
Can adults get braces, or is it only for teenagers?
Adults can definitely get braces. Modern orthodontic treatments, including discreet options like clear aligners, make it possible to straighten teeth at any age. Our clinic has experience helping adult patients achieve healthy, confident smiles.
What happens if a bracket or wire breaks during treatment?
Brackets or wires can sometimes break or come loose, but this is usually easy to fix. We offer quick-response appointments to repair any issues and keep your treatment on track without delays.
Will I need a retainer after braces, and how long should I wear it?
Yes, wearing a retainer is essential to maintain your new smile. Our team provides clear instructions on how long and how often to wear it, ensuring your teeth stay straight for the long term.
Should I get braces if I have bite problems?
Yes, braces are often recommended for correcting bite problems such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite. Properly aligning your bite not only improves the appearance of your smile but also helps with chewing, speaking, and long-term oral health.
Are you considering braces or already wearing them? Share your questions or experience in the comments; we’d love to hear from you!
