Orthodontics: A Short FAQ

Getting tooth alignment treatments is a commitment. That’s why it should come as no surprise that patients have lots of questions before getting them. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions that patients have before they get braces, so you will not need to take a day off of work just to ask an orthodontist. 

Do braces hurt?

The answer is that they might hurt a bit. The pain should not be too severe or intolerable, though, that is a sign of trouble. When orthodontic appliances are activated every month, they are tightened or adjusted to push or pull your teeth in a predetermined direction. At first, after every tightening, the braces will feel, well, tighter, possibly even a little painful, but this should subside within a few days at most. Initially, when you first get braces, the discomfort may last a bit longer. Aside from this, they should not cause any sort of pain. 

When do I need braces?

The main aim of orthodontry is to correct your bite and make it healthy. Aside from a few very serious cases, in which the jaw needs to be realigned, a patient does not, strictly speaking, need braces. Orthodontic treatment usually aims to correct either aesthetic appearances, or make teeth easier to brush. Improperly aligned teeth can affect the jawbone, too, as well as cause more dental problems over time. Orthodontry aims at reducing these problems. 

Can I get braces if I am pregnant?

Yes you can. The added amount of discomfort should not affect the fetus in any way, and your health should not be further stressed by them either, which is important, as you will need all of your strength to nurture the baby growing inside of you. The metals used in orthodontry should not affect your pregnancy in any way either. As far as modern medical science is considered, pursuing orthodontry is safe for pregnant women. 

Is there a cut off point for patients to pursue orthodontry? Can I be too old to get braces?

Strictly speaking, no, there is no cut off point after which it is “not worth it” to get orthodontry. As long as you still have teeth that you would like to realign, you can go ahead and get orthodontic treatment. Be aware though, that adult bones are harder and more brittle than the bones of children and young adults, and thus the longer you wait, the longer it may take to realign your teeth. 

Will I need a sick day to get braces?

If you are in school, than no, you can go back the same day, but you may miss a math or gym class or two....If you are working, than it depends on the nature of your job, but in almost all cases, the answer is yes. You probably will need sometime to adjust to the new device, and speaking with the device on is going to be difficult at first.

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