Are you interested in getting your braces sometime soon? Great! Beginning treatment is a big step in your oral health journey, and Heinrichs Orthodontics is here to make it easier. Our team will explain what to expect when you get braces, how to care for them, and post-treatment care. Everyone at Heinrichs Orthodontics is cheering you on!
What Are Braces?
Braces are an orthodontic device placed directly on the teeth to correct and align the teeth and jaw. They provide functional and aesthetic benefits, improving oral health and alignment and enhancing your smile’s appearance. Braces have undergone many advances in recent years and are now more effective than ever when delivering the exact results you are looking for.
Some associate braces with your teenage years, but you can begin treatment at any point in your adult life and reap the same benefits. Treatment times vary depending on age and the work you need to be accomplished, but the results remain the same.
How Orthodontic Treatment Benefits You
Besides the obvious benefits of a beautiful smile, braces have the power to transform your life and improve your general health. Everything from smoother digestion and more effortless sleep to reinvigorated confidence and reduced jaw issues, this appliance can do wonders for your everyday life and how you interact with those around you.
The Beginning Of Your Braces Journey
Initial Consultation
Each patient begins with a consultation at Heinrichs Orthodontics, where we examine your teeth to better understand your orthodontic needs. We may take x-rays or scan your teeth to get the complete picture. From there, we will provide a personalized treatment plan to solve your orthodontic needs, discuss financials, payment plan options, and insurance.
Treatment Options
Traditional Metal
The most common braces treatment available, traditional braces are a long-trusted option for straightening out your teeth. Made of high-grade stainless steel, they utilize brackets, an archwire, and rubber bands to help you attain your desired smile goals.
Self-Ligating
This appliance is similar in procedure to its metal counterpart but uses slightly more advanced technology to shift your teeth without relying on rubber bands and requires fewer adjustments. Brackets are available in metal, ceramic, or clear material to best accommodate your needs.
Clear Ceramic
Thanks to their discreet appearance, many older teens and adult patients prefer clear ceramic braces. Their material is slightly more fragile than metal braces but provides the same excellent results with the popular invisible look you may be after.
Lingual
Hidden behind your teeth, lingual braces are completely invisible when you smile. They are custom-made to fit your teeth to be as comfortable as possible and are made of the same metal as traditional braces.
Costs
When it comes to breaking down the cost of treatment, prices vary depending on the kind of braces you opt for and the work being completed.
Traditional metal and self-ligating braces are a budget-friendly option, ranging between $2,000 and $7,000 before insurance because they use simpler technology. Ceramic braces, costing around $4,000 to $8,000, and lingual braces, costing $8,000 to $10,000 or more, utilize more advanced equipment, making them more expensive.
Installing Your Braces
During your first appointment, we will spend about an hour placing your appliance in the best position for effective results. Though a painless procedure, our team will be around to ensure you are comfortable. Your braces will require some getting used to after they are installed. You may experience mild discomfort in the following few days, but it is entirely normal and will disappear within the week.
Depending on the appliance type you choose, your oral health, and your age, you can expect treatment to last between one to three years. Subsequent check-in appointments are scheduled every four to eight weeks to ensure your treatment goes according to plan and as efficiently as possible.
Adjusting To Your New Life With Braces
Maintaining Oral Hygiene
Brushing and flossing your teeth daily is essential upon starting treatment. It can be tricky to reach every corner with a bracket or wire in the way; taking extra time to care for your teeth pays off at the end of treatment. Our team will provide you with the proper tools to keep them healthy. Dr. Heinrichs can show you how to properly clean your teeth and keep your appliance shining at your next appointment.
Changing Food Choices
Some foods that require biting into or are too crunchy, such as popcorn, gummy bears, or a whole apple, will need to be temporarily put on hold. You could damage a wire or bracket if you eat a similar food. But don’t worry; you can enjoy these foods again before you know it! Heinrichs Orthodontics recommends soft, well-cooked foods such as pasta, steamed vegetables, and lunch meats.
What If Your Braces Get Damaged?
The first step is to stay calm. Emergencies can range from a slight ache to a swollen tooth. Rarely do emergencies occur that require immediate attention, but the earlier we can spot potential issues, the better. The good news is a lot of common orthodontic emergencies have temporary at-home solutions that can be administered by an adult. If you are unsure about the severity of your issues, don’t hesitate to contact our office.
End of Treatment Steps
Congratulations, you have completed treatment! Dr. Heinrichs and our team will remove your appliance so you can see the final results you have been working so hard toward. We will provide a retainer as part of your post-treatment plan to keep your smile results in place. You will need to wear your retainer at all times until otherwise instructed. Remember to keep this appliance in a safe spot when it is not inside your mouth. They can last for many years when properly cared for.
Expect The Best From Braces!
Braces can do wonders for your everyday life and how you interact with those around you. The time and effort you put into your braces will appear once you reach the last day. Seeing a patient’s new beaming smile is one of the best parts of our jobs. If you are ready to start your braces journey, request an appointment at our Saskatoon office, and our scheduling coordinator will reach out to you soon!
