Things You Need to Know Before Getting Braces

Have you been told that you need dental braces? Do you know how to care for braces and what to expect once you have them? According to the American Dental Association (ADA), approximately 40,000 people in the United States have braces each year. Dr. Roderick Garcia in Albuquerque, New Mexico has been helping New Mexicans restore their smiles with braces for over 30 years and explains what you should know about them before you get them added to your mouth. Why People Get Dental BracesPeople often need dental braces for various reasons, some people find out that they were not necessary and some people find out they needed them in their youth. The reasons that people often need dental braces include:

• Overbite / Underbite
• Crowding teeth
• Large gaps or spaces between teeth
• Overlapping teeth
• Crossbites or other jaw alignment issues

Braces are not a permanent fixture to your mouth and depending on your individual case; you can wear them from 6 months to a few years. Once your dentist has suggested you may need braces you will need to prepare yourself for restoring your smile’s health.Things to Know Before you get your BracesBraces can be needed for any age of patient, but often are not recommended until the person has lost all of their primary (baby) teeth. Before you get your braces on, here are a few things to know:

• Your “bite” is as important as the appearance of your teeth. Braces are not just for aesthetic reasons; they improve the quality and function of your mouth.
• Bracket types are not as important as you may think. Not everyone qualifies for Invisalign or “invisible” braces.
• Treatment times vary on an individual basis. Not everyone has the same dental issues or mouth shape and because of this you may have to wear your braces for a longer period of time than others (or a shorter period of time).
• Cost varies depending on the braces. Braces are not cheap. In fact, a lot of dental insurance providers do not cover the entire cost. Dr. Garcia in Albuquerque offers financing plans so the braces are affordable for you and your family. He also accepts patients without dental insurance.
• Stay with the same dentist during the course of your treatment. When you get your braces, you will sign a treatment plan and if you switch doctors during the time you wear braces, that plan could change.
• You will have to wear a retainer device afterwards. Once you have your braces removed, a mold is created from your mouth for a customized retainer. You will have to wear this for the rest of your life to ensure your teeth do not move and become crooked again.

Now that you know what to expect, what will it be like when you actually have the braces on? There will be a lot of changes you will have to get used to such as changes to your diet and general dental habits.You Have Braces, Now What? Caring for your mouth while you have braces can sometimes be a detailed and tedious daily routine, but if you make it a habit, your mouth and dental health will reap the benefits. The following are things you should know about the care of your braces:

• Brush every day – remove the rubber bands when you brush to make sure you reach all areas of your teeth.
• Floss every day – use a floss threader to get between your teeth under the wires of your braces.
• Avoid certain foods – abstain from chewing gum, eating things like taffy or hard candy, tacos, tortilla chips, corn nuts and more.
• Cut down on sugar – avoid eating too much sugar as it can get caught behind your braces and encourage bacteria to grow.
• Listen to your Doctor – Listen to your dentist, Dr. Garcia, about using your headgear and/or retainers to make sure you get the smile you want and deserve.

Braces don’t have to be complicated. By following the guidelines and rules your orthodontist has given you, you will achieve the smile you have always wanted and healthy, functioning mouth. Once you have your braces removed, you will be astonished by the before and after. As long as you keep your dental health regimen routine, your results will last a lifetime.If you are interested in knowing more about braces such as the care, cost and actual procedure, contact Dr. Roderick Garcia, DMD in Albuquerque, New Mexico today! We are always accepting new patients and would love to help you smile.

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