How long will orthodontics take?
Every treatment is different, but as a rough guide treatment traditional braces take between 18 months to three years.
How much will it cost?
Costs vary by the length of treatment, and also by the type of treatment used. A written quote is provided before treatment starts. An initial deposit is paid and then a monthly payment plan is available for the duration of the treatment.
How do braces work?
The orthodontist will glue tiny brackets to the front of the teeth and connect them with a wire. Then he adjusts or changes the wire every four to six weeks, as the teeth are slowly pulled into position.
Your child might also have to wear rubber bands (connecting top teeth to lower teeth to add pinpoint pressure) or headgear. Once the braces come off, you will need to wear a retainer, to keep the teeth in place.
Do braces hurt?
Much less than in the past with the older style braces. Gluing the brackets to the front of the teeth eliminates the need to force metal bands around each tooth, as was necessary with the braces of decades past. And the wires used today are more flexible, particularly those made of alloys, such as nickel titanium, so they apply pressure more gently.
Some patients complain of soreness for a day or two after their braces are tightened, but an over-the-counter painkiller such as panadol can usually ease the discomfort. If the gums or cheeks become raw or irritated from rubbing against the brackets, we can provide wax to smooth things over until the tissue heals.
