How long do we have to wear the braces? Which ones are the best to get? What is the cost? We have collected the most frequently asked questions and answers about dental braces.
Click here and have a read!
Click here and have a read!
Many questions arise before getting braces as a child or as an adult. We tried to answer the most frequently asked questions with Dr. Panagiota Kardara, orthodontist.
How long does the treatment take?
Orthodontic treatment is different to every individual. It depends on many different factors (for instance on the crowding of the teeth) but it usually takes 1-2 years.
What is the ideal age to get braces?
Orthodontic treatment is not related to a certain age. You can get braces as a child or as an adult. The ways of treatment techniques change though by time passing.
When to get removable braces?
It is recommended to have removable braces as a child, because children’s jaw is developing at this age and therefore, it is easier and faster to get the problem corrected. As an adult, "Happy Smile" invisible braces can be worn, however, unfortunately they are not an option for everyone.
Can adults get night braces?
They can’t unfortunately, unless they wear them just to keep the position of the teeth.
Do teeth always have to be extracted before getting braces?
No. Extraction is advisable only when there is not enough room for the teeth in the jaw bone. Expect for wisdom teeth, when they erupt in an incorrect position. They should be pulled out before the treatment starts.
How long does the treatment take?
Orthodontic treatment is different to every individual. It depends on many different factors (for instance on the crowding of the teeth) but it usually takes 1-2 years.
What is the ideal age to get braces?
Orthodontic treatment is not related to a certain age. You can get braces as a child or as an adult. The ways of treatment techniques change though by time passing.
When to get removable braces?
It is recommended to have removable braces as a child, because children’s jaw is developing at this age and therefore, it is easier and faster to get the problem corrected. As an adult, "Happy Smile" invisible braces can be worn, however, unfortunately they are not an option for everyone.
Can adults get night braces?
They can’t unfortunately, unless they wear them just to keep the position of the teeth.
Do teeth always have to be extracted before getting braces?
No. Extraction is advisable only when there is not enough room for the teeth in the jaw bone. Expect for wisdom teeth, when they erupt in an incorrect position. They should be pulled out before the treatment starts.
What is the procedure of orthodontic treatment?
The treatment starts with a consultation. The diagnosis is set up based on an X-ray or dental CT scan. We discuss the options next and we make an individual price- and treatment plan. Sessions of the treatment start afterwards. The patient will get the braces after an impression was made. Then the braces are glued on the teeth with special dental glue. Removable braces don’t have to be glued on the teeth.
Normally, patients have to come back once a month to adjust the braces. After a certain period of time, we remove the braces and we make a new impression of the teeth. This is used to have the removable braces done which will help the teeth to keep their ideal position.
The treatment starts with a consultation. The diagnosis is set up based on an X-ray or dental CT scan. We discuss the options next and we make an individual price- and treatment plan. Sessions of the treatment start afterwards. The patient will get the braces after an impression was made. Then the braces are glued on the teeth with special dental glue. Removable braces don’t have to be glued on the teeth.
Normally, patients have to come back once a month to adjust the braces. After a certain period of time, we remove the braces and we make a new impression of the teeth. This is used to have the removable braces done which will help the teeth to keep their ideal position.
What can we eat when wearing braces?
It is advisable to avoid the type of food that can easily get stuck into the teeth. They are for example, chewing gum, popcorn and chocolate with different fillings. It is harder to get the teeth cleaned if we have braces on and also there is a bigger chance of getting cavities.
What can we drink when wearing braces?
Any types of drinks can be consumed.
I don’t want to have metal wires. Is there any other option?
There is a wide range of braces nowadays we can choose from. Instead of the traditional metal wires and retainers there are different aesthetical types of ceramic and sapphire braces available. Invisible braces are fitted from the tongue. You can read more about the different types of braces here.
Is the orthodontic treatment sore?
The treatment is rather uncomfortable than painful. Teeth are usually sensitive during the first few weeks but it will go away by time passing.
Having teeth whitening before or after the treatment?
As orthodontic treatment may take years, it is recommended to have teeth whitening done before and after the orthodontic treatment as well. This type of teeth whitening doesn’t damage the teeth at all, and it could be repeated every 6 months.
Can I get braces if I have implants?
Implants are not a risk during orthodontic treatment.
What about implants built on post? Can orthodontic treatment be carried out?
Yes, no problem. Posts and screws don’t affect the roots of the teeth in movements.
I don’t want to wear braces at all. Is there any other options?
Veneer can be a solution for crowded teeth. In this case, the problem is aesthetically solved, so the teeth won’t be straightened but it will not be visible when you smile. Click here if you want to know more about this procedure.
It is advisable to avoid the type of food that can easily get stuck into the teeth. They are for example, chewing gum, popcorn and chocolate with different fillings. It is harder to get the teeth cleaned if we have braces on and also there is a bigger chance of getting cavities.
What can we drink when wearing braces?
Any types of drinks can be consumed.
I don’t want to have metal wires. Is there any other option?
There is a wide range of braces nowadays we can choose from. Instead of the traditional metal wires and retainers there are different aesthetical types of ceramic and sapphire braces available. Invisible braces are fitted from the tongue. You can read more about the different types of braces here.
Is the orthodontic treatment sore?
The treatment is rather uncomfortable than painful. Teeth are usually sensitive during the first few weeks but it will go away by time passing.
Having teeth whitening before or after the treatment?
As orthodontic treatment may take years, it is recommended to have teeth whitening done before and after the orthodontic treatment as well. This type of teeth whitening doesn’t damage the teeth at all, and it could be repeated every 6 months.
Can I get braces if I have implants?
Implants are not a risk during orthodontic treatment.
What about implants built on post? Can orthodontic treatment be carried out?
Yes, no problem. Posts and screws don’t affect the roots of the teeth in movements.
I don’t want to wear braces at all. Is there any other options?
Veneer can be a solution for crowded teeth. In this case, the problem is aesthetically solved, so the teeth won’t be straightened but it will not be visible when you smile. Click here if you want to know more about this procedure.