If you have one or more children, there’s a good chance braces will be needed when their adult teeth replace their baby teeth but aren’t straight or properly aligned. Even if you have no children, you or a spouse might need braces to correct your teeth if an accident occurs, or maybe you have wisdom teeth crowding your formerly straight teeth and pushing them out of alignment. If you are considering braces for a child, spouse, or yourself, here are some questions you should ask your orthodontist before agreeing to treatment using braces.

How Would Braces Help?

Your orthodontist should be able to explain in good detail how braces will correct an overbite or underbite, straighten misaligned teeth, and help improve oral health. You also can ask how helpful they might be for a young child if you have one who might need braces. According to Very Well Health, braces are commonly used when a child reaches age 12 and above. Many adults also get braces for many reasons.

What Types of Braces Are Available?

You should find out which types of braces are available and which likely would provide the best results. Traditional metal braces are very effective, but you might want clear braces that are harder to see and help a child or an adult maintain greater self-esteem while wearing them. Other options might include Invisalign aligners that don’t have wires or brackets but require changing a few weeks apart.

How Long Would Braces Be Required?

It’s a good idea to know how long braces would be needed to provide the level of correction your orthodontist says is necessary. In our experience, many people only need braces for about a year to correct relatively small problems like one or two teeth. More complex problems that affect overbites or underbites might require two or three years of wearing braces to get the proper correction.

How Much Would Braces Cost?

Cost is an important factor when considering getting braces. If you have dental insurance, your dental office should be able to help you know how much insurance would cover and how much you’d have to pay out of your pocket. You’ll also need to consider the cost of dental appointments for adjustments and to monitor progress.

These are just a few questions you should consider asking your orthodontist. You can call our friendly professionals at Salt City Orthodontics to learn more about orthodontic treatments and how braces and other corrective treatments might help you or a family member. We look forward to helping you have the smile of your dreams!