Your Questions Answered

Kelly Orthodontics

At Kelly Orthodontics we get a lot of questions when it comes to braces. Dr. Kelly and his team know that being told that you need braces can cause some apprehension. If you have been told by your General Dentist that you may need braces, don’t worry…we have your back. 

One question we are always asked is… 

Does Getting Braces Hurt? 

While each person will have a different experience with braces, generally, getting braces does not hurt. There is no reason to be anxious about getting braces. Braces do not hurt at all when they are applied to the teeth. However, you may experience mild soreness after the orthodontic wire is engaged into the newly placed brackets. Most of our patients experience some discomfort the first 4 days after their braces and wires have been placed and after an adjustment appointment. All the appliances and wires used at Kelly Orthodontics are cutting-edge and exert light, continuous, forces that greatly decrease any soreness associated with orthodontic treatment. But, if you do feel any discomfort associated with getting braces…an over the counter pain reliever, such as Advil or Motrin, plus a regimen of salt water rinses can be used to greatly ease the discomfort. 

Another popular question is… 

How Long Do I Have to Wear My Braces? 

The amount of time you will need to wear your braces greatly depends on the following: The severity of your orthodontic problem. The health of your teeth, gums, and supporting bone. Dr. Kelly’s goals. Your willingness to carefully following Dr. Kelly’s instructions throughout treatment. Most of our patients need to wear braces for about 18 to 24 months. For problems that are harder to correct, treatment may take up to three years. If you have less severe issues or are a good candidate for clear aligners, like Invisalign, treatment time may take as little as 6 to 12 months. 

A few more questions we always get asked are… 

Why Can’t I Get Invisalign Instead of Traditional Braces? Both Invisalign and traditional metal braces can effectively straighten your teeth and correct your bite. And both produce amazing results. However, there are some complex orthodontic problems that can only be corrected with traditional metal braces. Therefore, Dr. Kelly may recommend traditional braces instead of Invisalign. We realize that being told that Invisalign isn’t the right choice for you can be very disappointing, but it’s our job to give you the best treatment possible so you can have a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. 

Are Braces Expensive? There’s no denying that braces are costly, but because orthodontic treatment is highly personalized and based on the individual the patient, your expenses will depend on your age, insurance plan, and the type of braces you wear. It is impossible to know exactly how much braces will cost before being examined by Dr. Kelly. 

Why Can’t My Dentist Put My Braces On? Dr. Kelly is trained to detect and correct complex bite and jaw problems that are normally beyond the skill level of a general dentist. When it comes to braces…training is key. Dr. Kelly continued his education after completing dental school, spending thousands of hours of targeted instruction on malocclusions, bone growth problems, jaw issues, craniofacial anatomy, biomechanics and more. Only orthodontists, with their extensive backgrounds, can be relied on to provide the appropriate and comprehensive treatment for your oral health needs. 

Still have questions about braces? Visit our Website for answers. Or give our St. Charles orthodontic office a call to schedule your initial consultation.