Posted on August 10, 2022
Metal braces are often recommended as a treatment option for a wide range of corrections. According to Kids Health, the typical amount of time a person will have to wear metal braces is about two years. There are several questions you should ask before you or your child gets braces to ensure success.
For most people, a large part of their concern about any dental treatment is the unknown. It can be scary walking into an orthodontist’s office to start treatment and not knowing what to expect. Inquire about the pain, whether you will need to take the day off to rest, and if your child will need to take the day off from school. Ask pointed questions about the process and what you can expect afterward. It will ease some of the apprehension and help you to get prepared.
It is important that you know what you can and cannot eat while wearing braces because there will be changes to your diet after you start treatment. It is best to know in advance what those changes are. At a minimum, you should avoid sticky foods like caramel and chewing gum to protect the wires on the metal braces.
Your orthodontist has a care plan in place for you. That care plan will outline how frequently you will need to return for adjustments. It is important to know how often you will need to schedule an appointment. Also, ask about office hours. This will help you plan scheduled visits that are convenient for you.
Your orthodontist may have options that can speed up treatment. If you’re in a hurry, you may want to consider those options. There are other things you also should know about. Metal braces can come with color options. You should ask about what options are available to you and make that decision before you start treatment.
It is your responsibility as a patient to ask as many questions as you need to. Your orthodontist will be happy to answer your questions and address your concerns. The more informed you are about what to expect and how to manage your braces, the more successful the treatment will be. Make an appointment today for metal braces to get all the answers you need.