Getting braces put on doesn’t have to be a pain; and, in fact, it isn’t painful for a lot of people. Here’s a quick breakdown of the procedure:

• First, an orthodontist will inspect the patient’s teeth to see if they qualifiy for braces. If they do, then an appointment will be set up so that X-rays, moulds, and impressions of the teeth can be made. From examining these things, the doctor will be able to more accurately predict the patient’s best course of treatment in order to achieve the desired results.
• Once a patient comes back to have the braces put on, the doctor will apply dental cement to each tooth. Next, a bracket will be applied to the cement.
• Once the cement hardens (takes a few seconds per tooth), an archwire will be threaded inbetween the brackets and affixed with elastic or metal ligatures. These elastic ligatures act as a chain that hold the teeth together and are used to close open bites or pull teeth together in a desired direction.

Post Treatment & Possible Complications

Sometimes, after a person has their braces removed, their teeth may tend to shift back to their original position. In order to prevent this, retainers may be required to prevent this shift. Other possible problems include, but are not limited to:

• Plaque buildup-Because of braces, food will usually get caught in and around the braces. If a patient isn’t properly brushing their teeth, this can lead to bacteria buildup, which can lead to cavities and other sorts of infections.
• Mouth Sores- Because braces sometimes have sharp edges and wires that occasionally stick out, it is not unusual that someone may suffer discomfort as a result.
• Damage- When braces are put on, a patient is usually given a list of foods that they should avoid eating (or eat them in a different way) so as to prevent damage to the hardware in their mouth. For example, eating carrots raw is usually not advised for someone who has braces. However, if you sliced the carrots up, or boiled them so that they weren’t as hard, then it would be feasible.

Is it Cost-Effective?

When someone gets braces, treatment will usually last anywhere from four months to six years depending on the type of treatment plan the orthodontist prescribes (which is usually based on how a person’s mouth looks). The cost of braces usually varies from person to person as well as from country to country. In the United States, the average cost of getting braces is around $5,000.

Before You Go

Before you agree to have braces put on, make sure you check with your insurance company. A lot of insurance companies consider orthodontic procedures “cosmetic” procedures and will not cover the cost of it. However, there are plenty more that actually offer orthodontic coverage, should you need it. For more information on dental insurance from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, visit BCBSNC today!

Tags: Dental Health, Health //