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Frequently Asked Questions
When can a child start to have braces?
Most kids can have braces at about 11 or 12 years of age, when most of the permanent teeth are already out. At this age it is easier to move teeth, as the bones are softer at a younger age than in an adult. However it would be best to start to consult an orthodontist by the age of 7. Braces may not be placed at this age but then corrective measures may already be done to prevent problems from happening or prevent them from getting worse. When problems are detected early and treated promptly during childhood, this may minimize or eliminate the need to have comprehensive treatment (braces on the upper and lower teeth) later on.
Can adults have braces too?
No one is too old to have braces. There is no age limit to having braces, as long as the teeth and its supporting structures are healthy. There are some people as old as 60 having braces because teeth can still be moved to its proper positions.
Can any dentist place braces?
Not all dentists can start and successfully treat a case. Only dentists who have had additional training or formal education after six years of dental medicine, can successfully treat most cases. There are even some specialists who have undergone 2 to 3 years of full-time university based postgraduate residency training (as what Dr. Tuano Cabrera has accomplished) in order to learn the special skills required to deal with the complexities of orthodontic treatment. Choosing the wrong person could do harm to your teeth and your appearance, and may sometimes lead to irreparable damage. So make sure that the doctor treating you is qualified, and not just someone who has taken a weekend course on the subject.
How much does orthodontic treatment cost?
The cost of orthodontic treatment depends on a number of factors. Some of these factors include the following: the type of case, the type of braces you will have, additional appliances required and the location of the clinic (city or province). A significant amount may be asked by your orthodontist to cover start-up costs of placing all the appliances. After this a reasonable monthly fee may be asked when you come in for adjustments. Usually there are installment plans available. Costs and plans may vary so please ask your orthodontist.
Self-proclaimed “orthodontists” may charge you much less than the average rate. At first this may seem cheaper but you should ask yourself – are you really saving money? Are you getting quality work? I have seen cases treated by so-called “orthodontists” and these cases needed to be treated again – costing a lot more in the process.
What do braces feel like?
For some people who have had braces for only a few months, it doesn’t feel like it’s there. For people who have had their braces recently attached, there will be some discomfort starting a few hours after the braces are attached up to 2 to 7 days. This is quite a normal feeling when the teeth are being moved and is usually tolerable. There will also be some soreness or tenderness when you come in for monthly appointments. Some people readily adapt well to these procedures. After all, braces, in the end will make you look wonderful.
How do braces move my teeth?
The archwires and other devices move the teeth by exerting pressure on the teeth. If prolonged pressure is applied on a tooth, this causes a chain reaction of microscopic events, which will cause the bone surrounding the teeth to be selectively removed in some areas and added in other areas. Eventually, this will make the teeth move. The process from exerting pressure on the teeth, to microscopic events and then actual tooth movement takes time to happen (around three to four weeks). This is the reason why check-ups or adjustments are spaced that way.
Why do I need to have x-rays, models and pictures taken? Why can’t my orthodontist just go ahead and attach the braces?
All of these diagnostic aids (x-rays, pictures and models) are absolutely needed before having braces. These will let your orthodontist to determine if your teeth and the surrounding structures are okay, to study the problem/s which is/are usually not seen from just looking at your mouth alone and to determine the procedures to be done. Without the x-rays, pictures and models any orthodontist cannot properly treat and finish a case.
Is there anything that needs to be done before attaching my braces?
You should be seen first by your family dentist for cleaning (prophylaxis) and for checking of cavities. If there are any cavities or other oral conditions they first have to be treated before the braces are placed. The teeth and the gums must be healthy before orthodontic treatment is started.
Once you have your braces on you should see your family dentist every 3 to 4 months for regular cleaning and cavity checks.