What Types of Foods Should I Avoid?
Like it or not, there are some foods you should avoid while you have braces. In general, anything sticky or hard cause damage to your brackets and wires. Remember, braces are held to your teeth by a special dental cement, not actual cement. Taking care of your braces means sacrificing many foods that you would normally enjoy. Be sure to avoid:
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Sticky foods – Gum, caramel, taffy and other sticky foods are especially harmful to your braces.
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Hard foods – Uncut apples, corn on the cob, hard candies, carrots, or ice can break brackets and wires.
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Crunchy foods – Hard pretzels and nuts are hard on your teeth.
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Chewy foods – Avoid foods that need to be torn with your teeth like licorice, bagels and hard rolls.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
The length of time you are in braces depends on several factors. The condition of your teeth when you begin, how you take care of your braces, whether you comply with your orthodontist’s instructions, and how well you keep your appointments will determine how long you wear braces. Typically, a course of treatment lasts between 6 and 18 months.
Do Braces Hurt?
In general, braces are not painful. However, most people report discomfort when their braces are first put on their teeth. Connecting your teeth together with wire causes them to begin moving almost immediately, and having a lot of new equipment placed in your mouth may result in a day or two of soreness. You should always talk with your orthodontist about ways to relieve this discomfort in the first few days or if you experience pain at any point in your treatment (minor discomfort can usually be addressed with Ibuprofen – Advil).
Am I Too Old For Braces?
There was a 16 percent increase in the number of adults seeking orthodontic care in the United States and Canada between 2012 and 2014. As a result, a record-high 1.4 million people ages 18 and up entered the doors of an orthodontist’s office to begin enjoying a straighter and healthier smile. In fact, 27 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults!
Are you too old for braces? No!
Is it too late to start? Never!
How Much Do Braces Cost?
The cost of braces will depend on several factors. Complex cases require longer treatment, which results in higher costs. Costs associated with broken brackets from sneaking foods you shouldn’t eat can also add up. Still, braces are more affordable than you may realize. Since they are considered an orthodontic procedure, many dental insurance companies cover a portion of the costs. The best way to know how much your treatment plan will cost is to schedule your free consultation. Our orthodontist will create a customized treatment plan and answer any questions you have about braces. Additionally, our friendly staff will tell you what your out-of-pocket costs will be.