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.
