Getting Braces Guide

With the power of the internet, getting braces is no longer a going in blind procedure.  Now patients can educate themselves on what to expect and understand the process.   Relying on your orthodontist or dentist is not a bad thing, but knowing before you go is not either.

When making the decision to get braces, you ask yourself if you really need them.  In most cases parents take their children to an orthodontist for a consultation and they are told weather or not they need braces.  However, getting braces on as an adult is very common due to earlier financial reasons or it is quite possible teeth have shifted as an adult.

In all cases, we recommend that you seek the opinion of at least two orthodontists.  If you were referred to an orthodontist by a good friend or family member, than most likely you can trust that you have a good doctor and it is probably a good idea to go with this referral.

With orthodontics technology changing daily, some doctors may recommend you to a clear form of braces such as Invisalign or Ceramic Braces.   The number one fear of getting braces as recorded by a recent survey on is the appearance.   Many candidates may not be referred to some of the latest in clear braces technology and orthodontist may push traditional metal braces to ensure the outcome is as expected.

Once you and your orthodontist determine the type of braces that you will need, you can begin to discuss the cost of braces and treatment time.  Every case is truly different and there are no guarantees that the estimated treatment time will happen.   The doctor can only estimated based on experience with similar cases and taking into account your age and other variables.

Once braced, you will go back for adjustments on an average of every 3 to 4 weeks.   The adjustments usually consist of wire changing, tightening, adding elastics, etc.   They are generally painless and very easy.

Upon finishing your treatment, the doctor will take a new set of molds of your teeth (upper and lower) and will send them out to have retainers made.  It is important to know that the retainers are part of your treatment and you must wear them!   We see it time and time again in the Braces Forums that people get braces twice or even three times from not wearing the assigned retainers.  Eventually you will slow down wearing them to just nights or a few times a week, but be clear that you do need to follow the directions of your orthodontist.

Good luck and know that getting braces is fun and seeing your teeth shift is exciting.  Keeping a blog and photo gallery is recommended as you will be astonished as to how fast time flies when receiving treatment.