Getting braces is a significant investment in your dental health and overall appearance. While most people focus on the visible benefits of orthodontic treatment, such as a straighter smile, there are several hidden costs that often go unnoticed.
We’ve put together this guide to help you understand some common errors people make when considering braces—specifically the additional expenses not all dental offices are transparent and upfront about. By understanding and preparing for these costs in advance, you can have a smooth and financially stress-free smile transformation journey.
Before getting braces, it is crucial to review your dental insurance policy or consider dental memberships that cover orthodontic treatment if you do not have insurance. A dental membership is crucial to ensure a healthy mouth from the beginning to end of your orthodontic treatment. Cavities or tooth extractions needed will need to be taken care of before getting braces. The Friends of Risas Membership is included in all our braces payment options for up to 3 years. Be sure to ask your orthodontist if their braces pricing includes a dental membership and the duration of the coverage. Keep in mind that most patients need braces for an average of two years. Being well-informed about your insurance or membership benefits can save you from unexpected financial surprises.
When the time comes to remove your braces, an essential step called debonding is necessary. Debonding is the process when the orthodontist removes the brackets and wires, cleans off any residual adhesive, and makes final touches on your new smile. While debonding should be included in the overall treatment cost, every office prices their services differently. Be sure to ask if there will be an additional cost for debonding at your orthodontics consultation.
Many people mistakenly assume that once their braces are removed, their treatment is complete. While this is true, retainers play a crucial role in maintaining the results achieved with braces. Retainers are custom-made to keep your teeth in their new positions and prevent them from shifting back. The average cost of retainers is $300. At Risas Dental and Braces, we include retainers within our transparent pricing but not all offices price their braces the same way. It’s important to know upfront whether or not this will be an additional cost to factor into your budget.
One of the most common ways to pay for braces is by setting up a payment plan. It’s important to be aware of the potential financing fees or interest that may be associated with certain payment plans. While many orthodontists offer flexible payment options to make braces more affordable, some financing arrangements may involve additional charges. These fees or rates can vary depending on the office and terms of the plan. Before commiting to a specific financing option, take the time to thoroughly understand the terms and conditions, including any fees or interest that may be applied. Carefully comparing different payment plans can help you choose the most cost-effective option and ensure that you are fully informed about the total financial commitment of your braces treatment.
Getting braces is an investment not only in your smile but also in your dental health. To avoid common errors and unexpected financial stress, it is crucial to consider the hidden costs associated with orthodontic treatment. Dental memberships, debonding visits, retainers, and financing fees are often overlooked aspects that can add up significantly. By discussing these potential expenses with your orthodontist, reviewing insurance or membership benefits, and planning your budget accordingly, you can ensure a smoother and more financially manageable braces journey. Being well-prepared will help you achieve the confident and beautiful smile you desire without any unwelcome surprises along the way.
Are you ready to start your smile transformation journey but worried about the cost of braces and potential hidden fees? At Risas Dental and Braces, we offer all-inclusive transparent, affordable pricing for braces. Everything you need for your journey from start to finish is included in our pricing. Additionally, we offer pay in full discounts or no interest payment plans. Say hello to affordable braces and book an appointment today.
Getting braces is an exciting adventure for anyone who wants a straighter and healthier smile. However, most people don’t realize there is a lifestyle change that happens when you first get braces. When considering the adjustment period, which usually lasts for a couple of weeks, summer is the ideal time to take the first step into your life-changing smile transformation.
Summer months typically offer more flexibility when scheduling appointments and adjusting to any initial discomfort that can be expected when first getting braces. Paired with fewer academic and extracurricular commitments, it can be easier to accommodate necessary orthodontics appointments without extra stress.
Patients getting braces for the first time are often surprised by the various changes to their routine. Some changes patients can experience are:
Soreness: It is normal to experience some soreness the first few days after first getting braces. It means your braces are working! Your body just isn’t used to having metal in your mouth, and there’s a lot of pressure on your teeth, gums, and jaw. However, this is not a reason to be afraid of or avoid getting braces, and there are many ways to relieve pain and make your smile transformation more comfortable including oral anesthetics, pain medication, ice packs…and did we mention ice cream?
Eating: While eating certain foods can be challenging due to soreness, that’s not the only challenge with eating. Learning how to eat with braces on your teeth is hard to understand until you’ve experienced it for yourself! Initially, it can be intimidating to bite down on harder foods when you are learning how strong or fragile your brackets, wires, and bands are. Eating becomes much easier once you get past the initial adjustment.
Speaking: Have you ever tried saying a sentence with something in your mouth? That’s kind of what having braces is like. It’s common for some patients to produce more saliva during their initial adjustment, as they are adapting to a new object in their mouth, but this is not permanent. Additionally, it can be difficult to enunciate some letters without some practice.
While all these factors can be intimidating, it is important to remember that they are temporary. Most patients adjust to having braces within two weeks, but some patients can take up to a month to adapt to their new lifestyle.
Ultimately, summer provides a convenient and comfortable time to get braces, making it easier to adapt to any changes and make progress towards a straighter, healthier smile.
Additionally, beginning treatment in the summer allows patients time to get used to their braces before the holiday season, allowing them to fully enjoy festivities without worrying about the initial challenges of braces. Although some discomfort is expected with adjustments, many patients find the first one to be the most challenging.
Are you ready to start your smile transformation this summer? Is your teenager ready to say hello to their dream smile? We want to make your braces transition as easy as possible! Learn more about our summer giveaway for new orthodontics patients.
Once a child has their full set of permanent teeth, it is a good time to come in for an orthodontic consultation. While it is most common for teenagers to get braces, it is normal for adults get braces as well.
That amount of time your orthodontic treatment takes can vary based on several factors such as how overcrowded your teeth are, if you have an overbite, and how well you follow your doctor’s recommended treatment and oral care instructions. Most common treatment plans take 1 – 3 years.
If you come in for a orthodontic consultation at our office, our Orthondist will first propose a treatment plan with costs. If you are a candidate for braces and agree to start, you will be scheduled to start braces at your next appointment.
Anyone who has braces knows that eating can be a challenge. The braces might feel uncomfortable, food can get caught in them, and — if you bite something too hard — the braces may break. With so many potential problems, you might be wondering: how do you safely eat with braces? In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about this topic from the foods you should eat to the foods you should avoid. Here's a closer look at our top tips and tricks.
Before we explore how to eat with braces, let's examine how braces work. Put simply, braces are an orthodontic treatment made up of brackets and wires. Designed to fix malocclusion (or crooked and crowded teeth), they work by gently placing pressure on the teeth and jaws. Over time, the teeth slowly move into the correct position. The ultimate goal is a straight, healthy smile.
While braces are commonly associated with adolescence, adults often need them as well. No matter how old the patient is, it's normal to experience some discomfort as teeth shift. To avoid hurting sensitive teeth, it's important to adjust your eating habits when using braces.
Eating with braces is no easy feat. In addition to dealing with extra sensitive teeth, you have to be careful not to damage the braces themselves. Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind:
Eat slowly. When you first get braces, chewing might seem difficult. Eating slowly can help minimize any discomfort.
Take small bites. Cut your food into small pieces. This will help you avoid stretching your jaw or chewing too much food at once.
Use your side teeth. If your front teeth are too sensitive, use your side teeth to chew instead.
Along with changing the way you eat, you should be mindful of the foods you're consuming.
What Can You Eat When You First Get Your Braces?
You can expect your teeth to be the most sensitive when you first get braces. For many people, it may feel impossible to put any pressure on the teeth without feeling uncomfortable. Thus, it's best to stick with room-temperature, soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow.
Soft foods are great for braces patients because they require minimal chewing. Here are some of our top recommendations:
Oatmeal. Oatmeal is a nutritious, filling snack or breakfast that's great for braces patients. Make it more flavorful by adding soft toppings such as sliced bananas.
Soup. There's no chewing involved in soup, which makes it one of the easiest foods to eat. Just be sure the temperature isn't too hot so you don't burn your mouth.
Mashed potatoes. Mashed potatoes are extremely soft and require little chewing. They can work as either a main dish or a snack.
Pasta. If you're looking for a filling dinner that's easy to eat, pasta fits the bill. You can spruce it up by adding sauce and soft, boiled vegetables.
Yogurt. When it comes to soft snacks, yogurt takes the cake. Best of all, it comes in a bunch of different flavors that allow you to pick what you prefer.
As you get used to the braces, the discomfort will generally decrease. But for the first few days, you'll need to be extra careful.
Once your teeth become less sensitive, you can expand your diet. While you don't have to limit yourself to super soft foods, it's still a good idea to avoid anything that's too hard or chewy. Here are some of the best snacks for people with braces:
Ice cream. When you first get braces, ice cream may be too cold to eat. Once your teeth adjust to the braces, ice cream will once again become a delicious and easy-to-eat treat.
Bread. Soft bread is a delicious snack that won't interfere with your braces. You can elevate it by enjoying it with butter or olive oil.
Veggies and dip. If you're looking for a healthy snack that won't hurt your braces, vegetables are a good choice. Enjoy them steamed or grilled alongside hummus, ranch, or your favorite dip.
Cheese. Soft cheeses, such as cottage cheese or string cheese, are a great snack for braces patients. You can eat them plain or with soft crackers.
Smoothies. Smoothies are an excellent way to increase your fruit intake while dealing with braces. If you don't care for smoothies, you can still enjoy fruit — just stick with softer options, like bananas, blueberries, and citrus fruits.
Due to their relatively soft textures, these snacks rarely trigger sensitivity or damage braces. Unfortunately, the same can't be said for other foods.
Braces may be strong enough to move your teeth, but that doesn't mean they're indestructible. Certain foods can get lodged in your braces, causing the wires or brackets to loosen. In some cases, they may even break an entire bracket. Here are a few foods you should not eat with braces:
Hard and sticky candy. Hard or sticky candies, such as lollipops and taffy, can get stuck in and damage your braces. If you're craving a sweet treat, try a healthy candy alternative such as Zollipops. They are safe for braces and sugar-free, vegan, and allergy-friendly.
Nuts and seeds. Because of their small size, nuts and seeds can quickly get stuck in braces. This can cause both wires and brackets to move.
Popcorn. As with nuts and seeds, it's very easy for popcorn kernels to get lodged in the wire of your braces. If they're not removed, they can lead to bleeding or swollen gums.
Hard snacks. Foods that are very hard (such as pretzels or certain chips) can exert lots of pressure on your braces, causing them to break.
If your braces become loose or damaged, Risas accepts orthodontics patients as walk-ins to ensure there are no wires sticking out that could cut you.
Getting braces doesn't mean you have to completely reinvent your diet. However, you will need to make some minor adjustments to avoid hurting your teeth and braces. These include consuming soft foods, avoiding hard and sticky substances, and eating more slowly. By changing your eating habits, you can help ensure your braces stay in good shape throughout the treatment. The sooner you complete treatment, the sooner you can enjoy your brand-new, bright smile.
Are you interested in learning more about braces? Whether you need braces yourself or want eating tips for your teenager, our team at Risas Dental is here to help. Schedule an appointment today!
There's no set answer to how long you have to stick with soft, room-temperature foods after getting braces. It depends on how comfortable your teeth are. Some people will consume soft foods for a few days, while others will limit their diet for a couple of weeks.
Eating with braces is difficult for two main reasons. First, the brackets apply pressure that makes your teeth more sensitive to harder, chewier foods. Second, the wires and brackets that make up the braces are vulnerable to breaking. This means you have to be extra careful to avoid hurting your teeth or braces.
You can eat any junk food that isn't too hard or sticky. Top options include ice cream, frozen yogurt, soft cookies, and chocolate. If you're looking for healthy junk food alternatives that are safe for braces, Zollipops are a great choice.
If you're not used to the sensation of braces, chewing may feel weird at first. It can also be uncomfortable because your teeth are shifting positions. However, this strange feeling should go away over time.
Looking for an option to improve your smile? Braces treatment is a common way to correct issues like tooth misalignment, crowding, and crooked teeth. At any given time, about 4 million people in the United States have braces.
Understanding the process of this orthodontic treatment before you or your kids get them can help you prepare. The length of the treatment with dental braces can vary.
Treatment plans for dental braces usually last 1 to 3 years. Correcting your teeth is a slow and gradual process because your teeth are attached to bones. The following factors can determine how long you need to wear braces.
Your dentist or orthodontist will set goals for the braces treatment based on how severe your orthodontic issues are. If you just have a few misaligned teeth, you won't likely have to wear braces as long as someone with severely crooked teeth. Fixing bite issues such as a crossbite or an underbite usually takes longer.
Early intervention can shorten the treatment time. Many issues are easier to treat at a younger age when the jaws are still growing and teeth are easier to manipulate. Adults who wear braces might have to undergo longer treatment.
Some types of orthodontics appliances work faster than others. Clear aligners that you can remove from your mouth usually have a shorter treatment time. That's often because they only work for minor orthodontic issues.
Metal braces usually take longer. They use metal brackets that are attached to your teeth with metal wires connecting them.
Timing isn't everything when it comes to choosing the right appliance. Even though aligners might shorten the treatment time, they might work well in all situations. Traditional metal braces might be necessary for severe corrections.
A proper treatment plan only works if you follow it. These tips help you stick to your treatment plan and possibly shorten the time you have to wear your braces.
Follow food recommendations: Some foods are off-limits during braces treatment. This includes anything that is sticky, hard, or might get stuck in your braces. Eating those foods can damage your braces and require a fix that could delay your treatment.
Go to all appointments: Regular appointments are important to keep the treatment progressing. Your orthodontist has to tighten the wires regularly to move your teeth with traditional braces. Aligner trays also have to be updated regularly to keep the teeth moving.
Handle routine oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing regularly help keep your teeth in good condition. Having a cavity or other dental issues can prolong your treatment.
Follow directions: Listen to all instructions your orthodontist gives about using your orthodontic appliances. This includes when to replace elastics on traditional braces.
The following steps give you an idea of the time line for your braces treatment.
Your treatment starts with a comprehensive initial consultation. This allows your orthodontist to identify the issues that need to be corrected and create a treatment plan.
An incorrect diagnosis or poor treatment plan can require you to wear your braces longer. Things like how your orthodontist treats the issue and how often you have appointments to adjust the braces can impact the time line. Choosing a highly experienced orthodontics professional could get you faster and better results.
The orthodontist will perform a complete exam including X-rays and impressions of your teeth.
They'll come up with an ideal treatment plan and possibly some alternative options.
You decide which treatment plan you want to go with.
Some people need to have dental treatments done before getting braces such as tooth extractions or cavity fillings.
The active treatment phase usually lasts 1 to 3 years. This depends largely on your treatment plan. You might wear braces for a year or less if your corrections are minor. You might wear them closer to 3 years if you have a severe situation.
During this phase, you'll go to the orthodontist about every 10 to 12 weeks. The orthodontist tightens your wires during those appointments. You might need to replace the elastics that help create necessary pressure.
You'll typically need to wear a retainer full time for at least 2 to 3 months followed by wearing it only at night for the rest of your life. Other people might have to wear their retainers full time for longer.
You should follow the recommendations your orthodontist makes to ensure the effects of your braces last. After the braces are gone, your teeth can move back to their old positions. The retainer holds them in place to maintain the results of the braces.
Retainers can be fixed or removable. Fixed retainers are glued to the back side of your teeth and are usually only used on the front teeth. They can be more effective because you can't remove them or forget to wear them. Removable retainers are clear and go on all your teeth. These retainers can make it easier to clean your teeth because you can take them out. It's important to wear them regularly as directed for the best results.
Conclusion
It's difficult to give an exact time line for braces treatment because it depends on your situation. The severity of your orthodontic issue is one of the biggest factors. Your age and the type of braces can also impact the timing. How well you stick to the treatment plan is something that's within your control that can keep the treatment shorter.
If you're considering braces for yourself or your child, we can help. Learn more about our orthodontics services to get started.
You can expect the process to take 1 to 2 hours when you have your braces put on your teeth the first time.
You'll usually get your braces tightened once every 10 to 12 weeks during treatment. The timing could be shorter or longer depending on your treatment plan.
The time line for your braces treatment is specific to your situation. It usually can't be accelerated if you want to get the best results. You might be able to speed up the process slightly by following the treatment instructions exactly.
How long you wear your retainer varies based on the situation. It's common to wear the retainer all the time for 2 or 3 months or longer and then wear it only at night.
Not following your orthodontist's directions is the biggest reason for braces taking longer. This might include not using your appliances correctly, missing appointments, eating harmful foods, and not taking care of your teeth.
Braces are designed to fix misalignments, correct overbites, and straighten teeth. When you first have braces fitted it can be painful because your body isn't used to the intrusion of metal in your mouth. Because the teeth need to be forced into position, there is a lot of pressure on the gums and jaw.
The pain from braces shouldn't last more than a few days. Luckily, there are many ways to alleviate the pain from braces, which include everything from ice packs and pain meds to peppermint tea and orthodontic wax.
Braces use pressure to realign and shift your teeth into place. The metal brackets and wires in your mouth add bulk to your oral cavity, which can cause discomfort. The pain usually subsides when your body has adjusted to having a foreign object. When your braces are first fitted, you might experience painful gums and cuts on your cheeks from the metal brackets. Every few weeks when your braces are adjusted, you may feel that slight dull ache and pressure again.
Braces are fixed to your teeth with dental adhesive. An arch wire runs through the brackets on the teeth, putting pressure on them. When small elastic bands are fitted to the brackets, it increases the pressure, causing further discomfort. Elastics help to further align your teeth and fix your bite during the first stage of braces. The pain is usually short-lived, and not every brace-wearing person has to have elastics.
When you first have braces fixed, your mouth needs time to adjust to them. The body isn't used to all the metal and wires, so you will probably feel mild pain for the first week. The pain will subside, but with each adjustment session at your orthodontist, the discomfort will return. Because your mouth is used to braces, the pain after an appointment typically lasts for up to 4 days.
There are many pain relief options to ease the ache that comes with each orthodontic adjustment. These 9 tips can help soothe your mouth.
A cold compress is good for localized pain. An ice pack will provide immediate relief to any swelling and numb the area. Cold items constrict blood vessels, slowing down the blood flow.
Cold food and drinks will aid the healing process by providing temporary pain relief. Cold foods like yogurt and ice cream can really help with alleviating symptoms and reducing swelling. The constriction of blood flow from cold items can soothe your painful gums.
Add a teaspoon of salt to lukewarm water and gargle for a minimum of 30 seconds. The gentle abrasion from the salt in the water will lift any stuck food particles. Salt may also aid the healing process and acts as a natural disinfectant.
Speak to your orthodontist about an anesthetic gel that will numb the painful area. There are a variety of oral gels that can help to desensitize teeth and gums.
OTC pain medicines can help relieve discomfort. Your orthodontist can also prescribe a strong painkiller if necessary. Try not to take painkillers for more than a few days and let your orthodontist know if the pain is severe.
Apply a heat pad or warm cloth to the painful areas in your mouth. Heat can be beneficial — especially if the ice packs aren't providing any relief or you're sensitive to the cold.
Don't put your jaw and mouth under any extra strain for the first few days after your braces have been adjusted. Try to avoid hard-to-chew food items and stick to eating softer foods.
Orthodontic wax relieves the chafing and poking from your metal brackets and wire. This tends to happen when your wires are changed and the settings are adjusted. The wax is for rubbing on the metal to prevent hurting the inside of your cheeks and lips.
If your gums aren't too painful, give yourself a gum massage. Rub them gently or use something cold to massage them. The cold will add extra numbness to the area.
Peppermint has restorative properties, and the warm tea bags can have a soothing effect if used on the site of pain. Food-grade peppermint oil can also be applied to your gums, but it may be helpful to dilute it in a carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil to ensure it's not too strong.
If you are experiencing severe pain, our offices accept walk-in emergencies. Find a location near you.
It's common for the bottom row to hurt more. The tongue moves and pushes the bottom row of teeth while talking, adding more pressure.
On the second day, your teeth start adjusting and moving. Day 2 is hard because your teeth have recovered from the initial shock of having something new fitted.
The first 4 days after your wires have been adjusted will be the worst stage. The teeth have to get used to added pressure, and for some people, the pain can last a week. When you first get braces fitted, the pain may last longer as your mouth adjusts.
Orthodontists say that clear aligner braces hurt the least because you remove them while eating. You also won't experience the chafing and sores from metal braces.
A few clinical trials have reported that chewing gum can help increase blood flow to the area surrounding the teeth, causing pain to subside.
Even though braces can be uncomfortable at times, they're necessary to straighten teeth and correct misalignments and overbites.
