Frequently Asked Questions about Braces
The decision to get braces is a big one.
It is an investment in your smile and can take an average of 18-24 months to complete treatment. But, the end result of a beautiful, healthy smile and bite is worth it!
If you are considering braces, you probably have a lot of questions.
Listed below are the frequently asked questions we get at our office here in Richmond, VA. We hope it will help you to feel more informed about your upcoming orthodontic treatment.
Q: HOW MUCH DO BRACES COST?
At All Star Orthodontics, we understand that the cost of braces treatment can vary based on individual needs. Our goal is to provide you with transparent pricing and exceptional value. We take pride in offering the lowest rates in the Richmond area while maintaining high-quality orthodontic care. While we cannot provide a precise price over the phone, we assure you that our fees for Braces & Invisalign are highly competitive. Not only do we offer exceptional value, but we also include comprehensive services in our pricing. This includes all necessary records, scans, and diagnostic x-rays, as well as all appointments before, during, and after treatment, which typically lasts between 12-24 months. We also provide complimentary retainers and free whitening after treatment, ensuring you achieve a beautiful and lasting smile.
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We take pride in providing our services at significantly lower rates compared to the average cost of braces found at other providers in the area. At All Star Orthodontics, we believe in making orthodontic treatment accessible and affordable for our patients. By prioritizing cost-savings without compromising quality, we aim to ensure that you receive exceptional care at a more affordable price point. Additionally, we provide flexible payment plans to accommodate various budgets, making orthodontic treatment accessible and affordable for everyone.
Q: WHY DO SOME KIDS GET BRACES EARLY?
We understand the importance of early intervention in orthodontic treatment for children. By addressing orthodontic issues while the jaw is still developing and baby teeth are present, we can create space and guide proper tooth alignment. This early treatment approach can help avoid potential extractions and invasive procedures in the future. Our experienced orthodontist, Dr. Cline, offers both braces and Invisalign as effective options for achieving optimal results. Whether your child needs braces or Invisalign, our goal is to create space and set the foundation for a beautiful and lasting smile.
Q: HOW LONG WILL I OR MY CHILD NEED TO WEAR BRACES?
In orthodontic treatment, the duration can vary based on individual needs. On average, treatment takes between 18 to 24 months, while Phase I treatment for younger patients with baby teeth lasts around 6 to 12 months. It's important to note that following your orthodontist's instructions and attending progress appointments are crucial for timely and successful outcomes. Compliance with prescribed guidelines, such as wearing rubber bands, plays a significant role in achieving desired results.
Q: WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING THE APPOINTMENT WHEN BRACES ARE PUT ON?
Your teeth will be cleaned and then brackets will be glued on with a special dental adhesive. Once the brackets are on, they are then connected with a light, flexible wire which is secured to the brackets with rubber bands. We’ll then review care instructions and give you a take home kit with hygiene aids. The appointment typically takes about an hour.
Q: WILL IT HURT?
The procedure itself of putting on your braces will not hurt. You may feel pressure as the wires are tied in, but there shouldn’t be any pain. In the evening and days following your appointment, you will likely feel some soreness. This is due to the pressure of the wire on the teeth which causes them to begin shifting. I call all of my patients the day after the get their braces on to check on how they are feeling, and the soreness typically goes away after a few days. This soreness may reoccur with each adjustment appointment, but again, it should go away after a day or so as your teeth and jaw adjust. Patients may experience irritation where the brackets rub the cheeks / lips. This is normal. Patients can use orthodontic wax to alleviate irritation, but this too should diminish as your cheeks get used to the brackets.
Q: WHAT CAN I DO TO ALLEVIATE SORENESS?
Should you feel you need over-the-counter pain medications, consult our office or your doctor to be sure you take the appropriate medication for your age and medical history. You will be given orthodontic wax to place on top of your bracket or wire to alleviate the irritation on your cheeks or the inside of your lips. Simply place a pea-sized amount of wax over the bracket or wire causing the irritation for instant relief, and press down, covering the offending part and protecting your mouth from further irritation.
An oral pain relief gel, such as Anbesol or Orajel, can also help to take the edge off any irritation or soreness in your cheeks or lips. Any discomfort should be temporary, and not difficult to manage. A simple trick you can try during this time is rinsing your mouth out with salt water twice a day. This will help heal your irritated lips and cheeks, and also keeps your brackets and wires clean of food build-up, which is an important part of your dental hygiene routine.
Q: WHAT CAN I EAT WHEN I HAVE MY BRACES ON?
Cold, soft foods like yogurt, smoothies, and soups are common treats during the first week when you may experience some soreness. After that, it’s important to cut any hard foods into smaller bites to avoid contact with your brackets. You’ll want to avoid sticky, hard, chewy or very crunchy foods. While the adhesive used to secure your brackets is strong, if you eat sticky or hard foods or candy, you may break brackets off. Breaking brackets, while not an emergency, can be annoying, require an additional appointment, and possibly set back your treatment time.
Q: HOW DO I CLEAN MY TEETH WITH BRACES ON?
Make sure you’re keeping things clean with a diligent daily dental hygiene routine. This is super important all the time, but especially during any type of orthodontic treatment. Not being vigilant about the cleanliness and health of your teeth can lead to extra time in braces. Aim to brush and floss your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day, every day, and really make it count. Learning to navigate around brackets and wires can be tricky, but some companies make toothbrushes and flossers that are designed to work especially for braces.
At All Star Orthodontics, my staff and I spend as much time as needed with each patient (and parents) to answer all of their questions and concerns about orthodontic treatment. We aim to make every patient feel comfortable and excited to get their braces on!
Patients of All Star Orthodontics also get a “Direct Line to Dr. Cline”. That’s right – I give all of my patients my personal line so they can call day or night with questions or concerns. It is just one more thing we do to make patients feel as comfortable and excited as possible about their journey to a healthy smile.
With a friendly, experienced team on-hand to make treatment as easy as possible for you, we’re the number one choice for traditional braces in the Richmond area.
If you’ve been looking for information on traditional braces treatment you can trust, give us a call today and schedule a consultation! We are conveniently located in Richmond, and have your confidence and comfort at the heart of our practice. Get in touch and let our extra special All Star Orthodontics team get to work on your smile!