10 Common Questions Before Starting Braces

10 questions for braces

10 Commonly Asked Questions Before Starting Braces

10 questions for bracesThe thought of getting braces can be both exciting and a little nerve-wracking. On the one hand, you’ll be on your way to a million-dollar smile. On the other hand, there are so many questions that can make you feel overwhelmed. No worries! I’m here to break down the top 10 most common questions people ask before getting braces.

1. How long will I have to wear braces?

This really depends on your unique dental needs, but most people wear braces for about 18-24 months. That might sound like a long time, but hey, time flies when you’re straightening your teeth! Plus, your orthodontist will give you a more precise timeline based on your treatment plan.

Children with an early phase of orthodontics tend to be in treatment for less than a year—short and sweet!

2. Are braces expensive?

Braces can be a financial investment, which is why we offer interest free payment plans. The cost varies depending on the type of braces and the complexity of your treatment, so it’s a good idea to discuss options with your orthodontist. And think of it this way—braces are an investment in your long-term dental health and confidence. If your dental insurance carries an orthodontic benefit, we will file the insurance for you!

3. Do braces hurt?

There might be some discomfort, especially during the first few days after getting them and after adjustments. Think of it like the soreness you get after a workout—it’s a sign that your teeth are moving to where they’re supposed to be. But don’t worry, it’s totally manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers and maybe some ice cream (doctor’s orders, right?).

4. Can I still play sports or a musical instrument with braces?

Absolutely! If you play sports, just wear a mouthguard to protect your braces and your mouth. We provide mouthguard to patients in sport, so please do ask at your visit! If you’re a musician who plays a wind instrument, there might be a short adjustment period, but you’ll soon get the hang of it. Your talent won’t miss a beat!

5. What’s the best age to get braces?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends seeing kids for an initial exam around age 7-8 to evaluate if any early orthodontic treatment is necessary. If there are no urgent needs, we typically start between ages 10 and 14 when the baby teeth are gone. However, adults can get braces too! You’re never too old to treat yourself to a healthier, straighter smile.

6. Are there different types of braces?

Yes! You’ve got options: traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, and even clear aligners (Inivalign®, Spark®). Each type has its pros and cons, so chat with your orthodontist to see which one fits your lifestyle and needs.

7. How often will I need to visit the orthodontist?

Typically, you’ll visit us every 4-8 weeks for adjustments. These appointments are quick and easy—mostly to check progress and tighten your braces. Think of them as pit stops on your way to a winning smile.

8. Will I need to change my diet?

Unfortunately, yes, but just a little bit. Sticky, chewy, and hard foods can damage your braces, so you’ll need to avoid things like caramel, popcorn, and hard candies. But on the plus side, it’s the perfect excuse to skip on stuff like taffy and treat yourself to a smoothie or some ice cream!

9. How do I keep my teeth clean with braces?

Brushing and flossing will require a bit more effort with braces on. You’ll want to use a soft-bristle toothbrush, and a floss threader or a water flosser can be a lifesaver for getting between those wires and brackets. Your orthodontist might even recommend a special mouthwash to keep your mouth squeaky clean.

10. Will braces affect my speech?

At first, you might notice a slight lisp or change in your speech, which is more common with appliances such as expanders or clear aligners. Don’t worry—this is temporary. As you get used to treatment, your tongue will figure out how to navigate around the orthodontic appliances, and you’ll be back to sounding like yourself in no time.

To wrap things up, getting braces is a big decision, but knowing what to expect can make the journey smoother and a little less intimidating. If you’re still on the fence, why not book a consultation? You’ll get a professional’s perspective and you can ask all your questions. Remember, a straight smile isn’t just about aesthetics—it can improve your overall oral health, too.

Have a great day/week!

-Dr. E

Invisalign® for Teens

invisalign for teens

Invisalign® for Teens

invisalign for teens20 July 2023 | By Dr. Eric Meyer

Invisalign® (clear aligners) for teens is a relatively new and popular orthodontic treatment that provides a discreet alternative to traditional braces. As a parent or a teenager considering orthodontic options, you’ll find invisible aligners to be a compelling choice due to its unique benefits and features.

1. Nearly invisible for enhanced esthetics

First and foremost, the clear aligners used in Invisalign are virtually invisible, making them an excellent choice for self-conscious teenagers who may feel uncomfortable wearing traditional metal braces. This aesthetic advantage can significantly boost a teenager’s confidence during the treatment process.

2. Removeable, making oral hygiene easier and fewer diet restrictions

Another significant advantage of Invisalign for teens is its removable nature. The aligners are to be taken out during meals, which means there are essentially no food restrictions as is the case with braces. This allows teenagers to continue enjoying their favorite foods without worrying about damaging brackets or wires. Additionally, proper oral hygiene is more manageable since the aligners can be removed for easy brushing and flossing.

3. Comfort, no wires or brackets!

Invisalign® also offers enhanced comfort compared to traditional braces. The aligners are custom-made to fit the individual’s teeth, and there are no sharp brackets or wires that could cause discomfort or irritation to the cheeks and gums. This is especially beneficial for active teens involved in sports or other physical activities.

4. Not ideal for everyone

It’s important to note that clear aligners may not be suitable for all orthodontic cases. Severe malocclusions or complex tooth movements might still require traditional braces or other orthodontic solutions. For these cases, one might consider clear braces or “tooth colored braces.”

5. Continuous monitoring by your orthodontist

Regular check-ups with the orthodontist are necessary throughout the treatment, typically every six to eight weeks. During these visits, the orthodontist will provide new sets of aligners and monitor progress, making adjustments as needed to ensure the teeth are moving as planned.

6. Compliance is key!

One possible concern with clear aligners is that its success relies heavily on the teen’s compliance. The aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours a day to achieve the desired results. Some teens may forget to wear them consistently, which could prolong the treatment process or compromise the effectiveness of the treatment.

In summary, clear aligners are a very esthetic alternative to braces for teens and adults. If you would like to see if your child is a candidate for invisible aligners please setup a free exam.

As always, have a great day/week!

-Dr. E

What Is The Difference Between Clear Braces and Invisalign (Clear Aligners)?

clear aligners invisalign at dubuque orthodontics

What Is The Difference Between Clear Braces and Invisalign (Clear Aligners)?

If you are looking to straighten your teeth without wearing metal braces there are a few cosmetic alternatives to consider — clear braces or clear aligners (such as Invisalign or Spark). 

Although both options will move your teeth, they differ considerably. Each option has its pros and cons and it’s important to understand them when deciding the best treatment modality for you. We will go through a brief summary of each.

Clear (Cosmetic) Braces

clear cosmetic braces

These come in the same form as metal braces, however, they are made of a plastic or porcelain that matches the shade of your teeth. Since they are the same form they will have a similar ‘feel’ as metal braces with a more esthetic appearance. They will also have a wire that will passes through them as they do with metal braces, so the mechanics of the tooth movement are the same. 

Not all patients aregreat candidates for Invisalign and would prefer a more esthetic option. These cosmetic braces allow us to have the same control of tooth movement that we don’t always have with Invisalign in complex cases.

The process with clear cosmetic braces is the same as with metal braces, meaning we can still treat the most challenging cases and get great results.

Clear Aligners (Invisalign, Spark, DO Aligners, etc.)

invisalign clear alignersThis is an umbrella term for the clear, removable trays that move teeth. These are essentially made from high quality plastic material — meaning no wires and no braces involved!

As the ‘invisible’ aligners are made of a clear material they are virtually unnoticeable to the average person. This makes clear aligners, such as Invisalign or Spark aligners, to be the most esthetic.

The aligners are custom-made to precisely fit your teeth. We program a small amount of tooth movement into each tray to move your teeth little-by-little as you move through the sequence of trays—switching every one to two weeks.

Unfortunately, due to the features of Invisalign we don’t always have the best control of tooth movements. This reduces the predictability when treating more challenging cases.

On occasion, to increase the predictability of moving teeth, we add tooth colored bumps that act as handles for the plastic to move your teeth. These also allow the trays to ‘click’ nicely onto your teeth.

If you are looking for a cosmetic, esthetic alternative to metal braces contact our office to evaluate your options!

-Dr. E

Invisalign ®: A clear alternative…

invisalign clear aligners at dubuque orthodontics

Invisalign®: A clear alternative...

18 July 2022 | By Dr. Eric Meyer

invisalign clear aligners at dubuque orthodontics

It’s the year of 2022. 

Self-driving cars are not too far away, Elon Musk is sending re-usable rocket ships into outerspace, and we’re still moving teeth with metal? Not so fast! Align technology launches Invisalign® clear aligners in the late ’90s, howeverrrr, it’s first product is not even close to the efficiency and control that braces offer. Fast forward 20 years and the plastic is much better, the understanding of the force systems are well-studied, and features such as “attachments” (tooth colored bumps that are bonded to teeth) allow for added control. 

So are we there yet? Although it’s come along way, studies have shown that Invisalign still lacks the control that braces offer with certain tooth movements, as well as cases with higher complexity. For example, moving roots is very difficult to do with the plastic trays. This is the kind of tooth movement that would be required in an extraction case where the roots need to move to close extraction spaces. We don’t have to worry about the predictability with wires and brackets. As you already know, braces are stuck to your teeth, so you don’t have a choice. With clear aligners, you are responsible for keeping the clear trays in (for 22 hours each day I might add).

On the other hand, clear aligners allow us to digitally move teeth and even avoid moving certain teeth. For example, if a patient wants to straighten their front teeth and has a great bite in their back teeth we can maintain them that way. That is much harder to do with braces where the outcome is not precisely controlled by a sophisticated computer software and almost all teeth get a bracket. What I really like about clear aligners is the fact that patients can much better floss and brush as they are removeable. 

In summary, braces and clear aligners both have their own pros and cons. Not every patient is a candidate for clear aligners. In patients that are good candidates, Invisalign® works wonderfully. If you have a very complex case don’t worry, though! We can still predictably treat complex cases with a short phase of braces to work out the tough tooth movements, then finish with clear aligners. You get the best of both worlds!

For more information on Invisalgn®, click here, or call our office to schedule a free evaluation!

-Dr. E