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How Braces Can Improve Your Oral Health and Appearance

A beautiful smile can boost your confidence and enhance your overall appearance. However, misaligned teeth can affect oral health and make you self-conscious. Fortunately, braces can help improve your oral health and give you a beautiful smile. 

 

In this article, we will discuss the benefits of braces, the different types of braces, clear braces, how much braces cost, and whether braces hurt. We will also provide tips on caring for your braces.

 

Table of contents:

Benefits of Braces

Types of Braces and The Most Common Ones

How Much Do Braces Cost?

Do Braces Hurt?

Caring for Your Braces

Conclusion

 

Benefits of Braces

One of the most popular solutions to correct some dental issues is dental braces, which have been used for many decades and have provided excellent results. Braces can help fix many dental problems, such as :

  • crooked teeth
  • overcrowding
  • gaps
  • overbite, underbite, and crossbite

Let’s learn some of the benefits of braces and why they are the best option to improve your smile.

  • Improves Oral Health: Straight teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems.
  • Enhances Appearance: Braces can give you a straighter, more beautiful smile, boosting your confidence and self-esteem.
  • Improves Chewing and Speech: Misaligned teeth can affect your chewing and speech. Braces can help align your teeth, improving your bite and speech.
  • Prevents Jaw Problems: Misaligned teeth can lead to jaw pain, headaches, and other problems. Braces can help correct your bite, preventing these issues.

 

Types of Braces

With so many types of braces on the market, it can be hard to determine which option is best for you. There are several types of braces available. Here are the most common types:

  • Metal Braces: These are the most common type of braces. They consist of metal brackets and wires attached to the teeth.
  • Ceramic Braces: Ceramic braces are similar to metal braces, but the brackets are made of clear or tooth-colored material, making them less noticeable.
  • Lingual Braces: Lingual braces are attached to the back of the teeth, making them virtually invisible from the front.
  • Self-Ligating Braces: These are similar to metal braces, but they use a specialized clip instead of elastic bands to hold the wires in place.
  • Clear Braces: Clear braces are ceramic braces that use clear or tooth-colored brackets and wires, making them virtually invisible. Clear braces are an excellent option for those who want the benefits of braces without the noticeable appearance of metal braces. While clear braces are generally more expensive than metal braces, they offer a more aesthetic alternative for many patients.

 

How Much Do Braces Cost?

 

When people need orthodontic treatment, they often ask: How much will braces cost me? A few elements can ultimately determine how much they will cost. The cost of braces can vary depending on several factors. Some factors that can influence the price are:

  • The type/style of braces
  • The current status of the teeth
  • Overall status of dental hygiene
  • Method of payment
  • The length of treatment
  • The orthodontist’s fees

On average, metal braces can cost between $3,000 and $7,000, while clear braces can cost between $4,000 and $8,000. Lingual braces and self-ligating braces can be even more expensive. However, dental insurance and payment plans offered by orthodontists can help reduce the cost of braces.

 

Do Braces Hurt?

 

While braces may cause some discomfort, they should not be painful. People generally experience mild pain or discomfort as a normal side effect of wearing braces. The initial placement of braces may cause some soreness or discomfort, but this should subside within a few days. 

 

You should only feel the discomfort immediately after your orthodontist places or adjusts your braces or wires. Adjustments to the braces may also cause some pain, but this should also be temporary. The discomfort typically disappears within four days, and braces pain rarely lasts longer than a week. If you experience severe or persistent pain, contact your orthodontist.

 

Caring for Your Braces

 

The goal of having braces is to improve the overall health of the mouth and teeth and create a beautiful, confident smile. But if you don’t care for your teeth while the braces are on, you can quickly develop stains, cavities, and gum problems that can cause issues later in life. Therefore, it is critical to follow an orthodontic braces care routine. 

 

 Caring for your braces is essential to ensure the best results and prevent dental problems. Here are some tips for caring for your braces:

 

  • Brush and floss regularly: Brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss at least once daily. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
  • Avoid hard, sticky, or sugary foods: These foods can damage your braces or increase the risk of tooth decay. Stick to soft, healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
  • Wear a mouth guard during sports: Protect your teeth and braces by wearing a mouth guard during sports or other physical activities.
  • Attend regular checkups: Regular checkups with your orthodontist are essential to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments.

 

Conclusion

 

Braces can help improve your oral health and enhance your appearance. With the different types of braces available, including clear braces, there is an option to suit everyone’s needs and preferences. While braces cost can vary, many orthodontists offer payment plans, and dental insurance can help offset the cost. 

 

Caring for your braces is essential to ensure the best results and prevent dental problems. If you want to improve your oral health and appearance with braces, contact Eastman Dental Group today to schedule a consultation.

 

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