Braces FAQ

What’s The Best Age To Get Braces?

Patients of all ages can benefit from braces and achieve the smile of their dreams. While it is easier to influence the position of teeth in a growing mouth, adult patients can have just as much success in this treatment as our younger patients. In fact, we’ve found that more adults than ever are seeking braces treatment so they can get a happier and healthier smile that will serve them well for years to come.

How Long Do People Have To Wear Braces?

Our team is dedicated to crafting treatment plans that specifically address each of our patient’s unique orthodontic needs and goals. This means that every patient’s treatment timeline looks a little different depending on the extent of their issues that require correction. While every case varies, most of our patients get their braces off within one to two years after starting treatment.

Do Braces Do Anything Other Than Improving My Smile?

While braces are well known for straightening teeth and improving appearances, you may not know they have an impact on not only your oral health but your overall health as well. Orthodontic issues, such as overcrowded teeth or misaligned jaws, can contribute to discomfort while chewing, biting, speaking, and more. It can also be difficult to properly clean your teeth while brushing and flossing if certain teeth are hidden behind others. Over time, this may lead to plaque buildup that results in tooth decay or loss. Braces work to correct these issues so your smile functions better and can be kept cleaner.

Do Braces Hurt?

Generally, there is a short adjustment period when you get your braces on to get used to the feeling of the metal appliance. You also may feel slight discomfort as your teeth begin to shift into place for your desired results. While this pain is usually minimal and passing, we want you to feel as comfortable as possible as you begin this exciting journey. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort while in treatment, we suggest you take any over-the-counter pain medicine or apply braces wax to the part of the appliance that is irritating your mouth.

How Much Do Braces Cost?

The cost of braces varies depending on your unique treatment plan and the extent of your orthodontic issues. We believe that going through braces treatment is an investment of time and money into amazing results that will last a lifetime. That being said, we understand that affording treatment takes some budgetary planning. We offer flexible financing plans that can be customized based on your needs. We also work with insurance providers to help cover the costs of braces. We never want our patients to think a beautiful smile is out of their reach, so our team works diligently to remove any roadblocks.

Do I Need To See My General Dentist While Wearing Braces?

Although dentists and orthodontists are both oral health experts, they specialize in improving different aspects of your smile. For you to have a successful treatment that results in a happier and healthier smile, it’s essential that you continue attending your regularly scheduled dentist appointments in addition to your appointments with our office. While we love helping our patients as much as possible, achieving great oral health is a joint effort between our two practices.

Are There Any Alternatives To Braces?

At Bridge City Braces, we are passionate about helping our patients find the corrective treatment that works for their lifestyle and provides them with the results they’ve always wanted. This is why we are proud to offer Invisalign clear aligners in addition to traditional metal and clear ceramic braces.

Invisalign is a revolutionary treatment that consists of a series of clear aligners that gradually shift patients’ teeth into the perfect position for a dazzling smile. If you are looking for a more discreet appliance that gives you the flexibility you need, Invisalign may be the perfect choice for you. These clear aligners are virtually invisible, and almost no one who doesn’t already know you’re wearing them will notice the appliance.

Patients love that they can remove their aligners to eat, drink, smile for pictures, and more. During this treatment, you will receive a new set of aligners every two weeks that have been adjusted to move your teeth closer to your desired results.