6 Things to Know About Orthodontics

If you’re just starting your journey into orthodontics and looking for braces, there may be a lot that you don’t know. It can be overwhelming at times and full of misleading rumors.

Orthodontists and braces are not as scary as some people make them out to be. To clear up any misconceptions and provide some helpful information, we are giving you six of the most important things to know about orthodontics.

1. Braces Are Actually Affordable

A common misconception is braces are unaffordable, but with payment plans, insurance, and complementary initial exams, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Different types of treatment have different costs. Milnor Orthodontics works with all major dental insurance companies and accepts most major credit cards.

Your orthodontist will do everything they can to help you afford the smile you’ve always wanted. Braces can cost a lot on their own, but if you save enough money and take advantage of insurance and payment plan benefits like 0% interest, the cost should not deter you from making the orthodontic decision that’s right for you.

2. Braces Do More Than Straighten Your Teeth

While many people go to the orthodontist to straighten their teeth, there are many other benefits to getting braces. Correcting jaw placement is also a huge part of orthodontic treatment. Crooked teeth and spacing issues are important to fix, but correcting jaw alignment is just as necessary because it affects your bite and can cause pain if left untreated.

Other bite issues, or malocclusions, can include overbites and underbites. Fixing these helps how you chew your food and talk, and can eliminate uneven wearing of your teeth.

3. Braces Do Not Always Hurt

Many people are scared of the orthodontist because they do not want their teeth to constantly hurt. But the orthodontists and their staff are there to help and support you every step of the way. You will have some discomfort when you first get your braces because of the pressure the brackets and wires put on your teeth, but after a couple days, the pain will subside.

You might feel some discomfort immediately after each adjustment your orthodontist makes, but it is not permanent. Getting them taken off in the end does not hurt either. Overall, braces are meant to help you, not hurt you.

4. You Will Need a Retainer After Braces

Your teeth actually move over time and will start immediately moving once you get your braces off. Because of this, you will need to wear your retainer consistently for at least a year after your braces are removed. Your orthodontist will instruct you on how long and when you need to wear your retainer, but it is extremely important to be vigilant with it so you do not undo all the work your braces did to straighten your teeth.

5. Choose Your Orthodontist Wisely

Contrary to popular belief, you do not always need a dentist’s referral to go to an orthodontist. If you think you or your child needs braces, be sure to choose the best orthodontist for you. Take into consideration many different factors:

• Do they specialize in orthodontics?
• Do they have a good reputation?
• Are you comfortable with them and their staff make you feel comfortable?
• Do they have multiple payment plans and discounts?

You should be prepared to stay with the same orthodontist if possible throughout your entire treatment since your orthodontist will have a plan in place that could be disrupted if you choose to switch to a new doctor.

Learn more about Dr. Milnor today!

6. Children Should See an Orthodontist by Age Seven

You might think having your child see an orthodontist this early seems premature, but according to the American Association of Orthodontists, age seven is the best time for your child to see an orthodontist.

They may still have their baby teeth, but assessing their dental health while they are young provides great groundwork for any future treatment. Your orthodontist can start planning how best to take care of your child and make sure they have the best possible orthodontic outcome.