There are a lot of options out there today for orthodontic treatment. If you are trying to figure out what option is best for you or your child, you probably have some questions. Which orthodontic treatment is best — braces or clear aligners? How much do braces cost? How long will treatment take? Do braces hurt? At what age should my child first see an orthodontist? If you’re looking for braces in Orlando/Lake Nona, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve answered the most common questions parents ask about braces.
How long does treatment take for braces?
One of the first questions that patients ask when thinking about braces is, “How long is this going to take?” We understand that braces are an investment of your time. Parents want to be able to plan in advance for children’s braces or teen braces. Older patients want to know how long to prepare for adult braces.
While every case is different, there are some general guidelines. The amount of time spent in braces will vary depending on the individual patient because every smile responds differently to treatment. Treatment times can take anywhere between six and 30 months. On average, most standard treatments take about 18 months to complete.
How often do I have to go in for appointments for braces?
Regular appointments with Dr. Jordan are an important part of your orthodontic treatment. Typically, most people will come in for check-ups every four to eight weeks depending on their specific needs. These regular follow-up appointments allow Dr. Jordan to monitor the progress of your treatment, and make adjustments as needed. These adjustments may include replacing worn out rubber bands and tightening your wires for continued progress. Skipping these appointments can significantly hinder your orthodontic treatment results. That is why it is important to choose an orthodontist near you, as you will visit their office frequently during your treatment. If you’re looking for braces in Orlando or braces in South Orlando, Esteem Dental & Orthodontics is conveniently located for your check-ups.
Do braces hurt?
Time after time, we hear the same question from parents. “Braces hurt when I was a kid. Will they hurt as badly for my child now?” We understand your concern for your child, and we have good news! Advances in orthodontic technology have come a long way since most parents had braces themselves. Thankfully, that means that braces are more comfortable and painless than ever before.
Smaller brackets sit lower in profile, therefore creating less friction and opportunity for rubbing or abrasion. Smaller brackets also mean less noticeable braces than those of the past. After an adjustment when Dr. Jordan tightens your wires, the tightness will always be just the right amount to straighten your teeth without causing intense pain. There may be some temporary discomfort after your braces are first placed, or after an adjustment. This can be helped with over the counter pain medication such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen. At Esteem dental, we’re here to make your look good, not to cause you pain! We go out of our way to help you have the most comfortable orthodontic treatment possible while achieving excellent results.
Are there food restrictions during treatment?
Yes, there are some foods that we recommended you avoid when you have braces. While metal and ceramic braces are incredibly durable, they can crack or break under unusual pressure. Eating especially hard or sticky foods can lead to braces damage. Wondering what food can damage braces? It is wise to avoid hard and sticky candies such as taffy. Chewing ice, popcorn, and nuts are all potentially damaging to braces as well. We know that as parents, you’re especially interested in ways to help kids keep their braces intact. It is important to help remind your child about the importance of avoiding these certain foods during their treatment.
Are regular dentist check-ups still needed while having braces?
Great question! We do recommend that you continue seeing your regular dentist for your oral health care during your orthodontic treatment. While it is true that Orthodontists technically dentists with specialized training, your dentist and orthodontist will focus on different aspects of care. In fact, it may be even more important to keep up your normal dentist check-ups while you have braces. Without proper oral hygiene and regular brushing/flossing, your teeth are more likely to experience build up and tooth decay with braces than without. If you do not brush and floss your teeth regularly with braces, trapped food can get stuck behind your brackets which could lead to harmful bacteria buildup.
Your normal dentist will help monitor the health of your teeth and gums while you are undergoing orthodontic treatment. Don’t have a normal dentist yet? We know a great one! Dr. Patel at Esteem Dental & Orthodontics works hand-in-hand with Dr. Jordan. If you’re looking for a dentist and orthodontist, you won’t find a better combination anywhere!
What is the best age to first see an orthodontist?
When considering children’s braces, this is one of the most common questions we get from parents. The answer may surprise you. The American Academy of Orthodontics and Dr. Jordan, recommends that children see an orthodontist by the age of 7. By this age, most children have lost the majority of their primary (baby) teeth, and some of their permanent teeth have erupted. This along with their growing jaw creates the perfect environment for a first orthodontic visit. During this stage, Dr. Jordan can assess your child’s orthodontic needs and proactively monitor or treat issues that may become more serious and costly down the road. Your child may not need braces at age 7, but proactively monitoring their orthodontic condition will make any future treatment that much easier, comfortable, and effective.
How do braces actually work
Braces are one of the oldest forms of orthodontic treatment. The earliest evidence of braces actually dates back to the ancient Egyptians! Don’t worry though, orthodontic technology has come a long way since then. Braces are a reliable, durable, and effective way to straighten teeth. The mechanics are quite simple. Small brackets made of metal or ceramic are attached to each individual tooth. Archwire then runs the entire span of the jaw and connects all the teeth together. Elastic bands connect the brackets to the archwire and the system is complete! Through gradual tightening, the archwire gradually moves each individual tooth into its desired position. Once treatment is complete, the brackets, elastics, and archwire are removed — revealing your dazzling new smile.
Am I too old for braces?
Many people seeking adult braces wonder if they are too old to get orthodontic treatment. They are often surprised to hear that nearly 30% of all orthodontic patients are adults. The physical and emotional benefits of having a healthy, beautiful smile is beneficial to children and adults alike. For many adult patients, they have lived their entire lives with a smile that hinders their confidence or wellbeing. Remember, orthodontic care is not just cosmetic. Addressing the issues related to misaligned teeth or jaw can have a significant impact on your overall oral health. The confidence that comes with a beautiful smile can give someone a new lease on life with newfound confidence. At Esteem Dental & Orthodontics, we love helping patients of all ages achieve the smile they’ve always wanted.
Will I have to wear a retainer once treatment is complete?
Your braces have been removed and you now have a gorgeous new smile! You may be wondering what is next and how to maintain your orthodontic results. Dr. Jordan will set you up with custom retainers and create a plan for their use. The frequency and duration of your retainer use will be dependent on your specific orthodontic case. For best results, it is not uncommon for people to wear retainers through the night indefinitely after treatment. Dr. Jordan will evaluate your specific case and determine a retainer plan that is best for you.
For parents, it is especially important that you help remind your children to wear their retainers the prescribed amount of time. You’ve just invested in their braces and you want to ensure that their results last as long as possible. At Esteem Dental & Orthodontics, we will work with you to help encourage your child to properly wear their retainers. We’re in this together!
How much do braces cost?
Finally, the question you’ve all been waiting for. How much do braces cost? Unfortunately, it is impossible to give you an exact estimate without first evaluating your specific orthodontic needs. The cost of braces will fluctuate depending on the severity of your orthodontic case, the type of braces you choose, and the duration of your treatment. At Esteem Dental & Orthodontic, we are committed to making orthodontic care accessible and affordable. That is why we offer low down-payment options, flexible monthly payments, and extended payment plans. We never want cost to be a barrier for people who need orthodontic treatment. If you’re looking to pay for braces in Orlando or Lake Nona, we will find a payment plan that works for your budget.
Orthodontic treatment is a major investment in your future. Every day, we see lives transformed as patients walk out of our office for the final time with newfound confidence and wellbeing. With many orthodontic treatment choices available, braces are a reliable, cost-effective way to bring about the smile of your dreams.
At Esteem Dental & Orthodontic, we pride ourselves in offering the best dental and orthodontic care in the Orlando/Lake Nona area. Our patients quickly come to see that we care about so much more than just straightening their teeth. We are invested in the lives of each and every patient! If you are looking for braces in Orlando or Lake Nona, we would love to be your orthodontist.
We hope these answer the most common questions you have about braces. Still have questions about braces at Esteem Dental & Orthodontics? We would love to talk with you more about the next steps in your orthodontic journey. For questions about braces, visit our website here to find out more about our treatment options. Still not sure if braces are right for you? Consider scheduling a free consultation to talk with us on our website here. We’re happy to answer your questions, and help you determine if Esteem Dental & Orthodontics is right for you!
