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Visiting Your Orthodontist Is The First Step In Getting Orthodontic Braces

Your orthodontist knows you probably have plenty of questions about getting braces. Here are a few that prospective patients often ask.

What Usually Happens During an Initial Orthodontic Exam?

In order to determine your specific needs, the orthodontist will completely evaluate your mouth. This will likely include:

• Impressions of your teeth, from which models are made (these are useful for the orthodontist, and will remind you exactly how your teeth looked before correction).
• Photographs of your teeth, face, and smile
• X-rays of your head and teeth
• Your medical health history and dental health history

Your orthodontist will then carefully evaluate your specific needs and provide you with a treatment plan for correction. Following the recommended plan is important for proper correction.

What Are Spacers?

Teeth normally fit tightly against one another. Your orthodontist will insert before placement of your braces to provide some space between teeth for attaching the bands. There are two types of spacers, small springs or plastic modules. In just a few days they gently move desired teeth slightly apart.

Spacers often cause some soreness, but this goes away in a few days. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to relieve the irritation. Your normal chewing also helps to get your mouth feeling better.

What Do I Do If a Spacer Comes Out?

Call your orthodontist immediately for a replacement. That little spacer is making just enough room for a comfortable fit for your braces and plays an important role.

What Can I Eat When I have Orthodontic Braces?

You can eat just about anything, but there are some exceptions. Getting used to braces also usually means making a few adjustments in your eating habits. This is because some food might damage your orthodontic braces or cause problems for your teeth. Here's a list of items your orthodontist will suggest you avoid (or some ways they can still be enjoyed with caution):

• Apples (don't bite into a whole one! Cut it into wedges first.)
• Bubble gum (some orthodontists allow sugarless gum, but check with yours for approval)
• Candy (caramels, taffy, nut brittles, fruit-flavored chewy candies, gummi anything!)
• Carrots (avoid sticks, cut into thin curls)
• Corn on the cob (remove the kernels from the cob, then enjoy!)
• Corn chips/crisp tacos
• Hard foods (they're tough on orthodontic braces, causing bending and breaking)
• Ice (no crunching!)
• Lemon juice/lemons (pure lemon juice is very hard on your tooth enamel)
• Nuts
• Pizza crust/crusty breads (outer edges)
• Popcorn
• Pretzels (the large, hard varieties)
• Sticky foods (can bend wires and pull off brackets)
• Sugary foods (avoid these as much as possible; if you do eat them, brush your teeth within minutes or as soon as possible, or at least rinse your mouth with water)

By Brian J. Gray, DDS, MAGD, FICO

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Learn About the Cost of Braces from a Dentist or Orthodontist

When contemplating orthodontic treatment, the cost of braces can be a major concern. Though there's plenty of variation depending on where you are and what sort of treatment you want, on average, dental braces cost about $5,000.

Dental insurance does not always cover orthodontics. Some dental plans may offer supplemental orthodontic insurance plans. If you are insured, you should check with your insurance carrier to see if they will cover getting braces.

In general, teen braces tend to be the most affordable braces option. (Since teens' teeth are still developing, it can be technically easier to straighten crooked teeth.) Adult braces can cost a little more, especially if you choose cosmetic dentistry options like invisible braces or ceramic braces that have tooth-colored ceramic brackets.

"Clear braces" are a popular choice. Invisalign braces are not actually braces per se; they are clear plastic aligners that straighten teeth. Patients get a progressive series of aligners that move crooked teeth into the desired position. Cosmetic dentists and their patients often prefer the look of Invisalign. The average Invisalign cost is about the same as for adult braces.

Your braces expense will also depend on what sort of braces dentists you see. Orthodontists tend to charge about $600 more than general dentists for orthodontic work. While a general dentist may be fully qualified to offer braces, an orthodontist will have completed several extra years of study, and will be capable of handling more complicated orthodontia.

The cost of dental braces varies by region. Orthodontic treatment costs the most in the Northeast, the Pacific states, and Canada. Affordable braces can most easily be found in the Western mountain states. In addition, urban dentists charge more for orthodontic treatment than do suburban or rural doctors.

Whether it's for yourself or your child, getting braces is a big choice, and can be a significant expense. But in the long run, straight teeth are a priceless reward.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.