Do you or your child have a misaligned bite or crooked teeth? If so, it may be time to seek treatment from an Ottawa orthodontist. An orthodontist is a dentist with specialized training that enables them to treat problems resulting from irregularities in the alignment of the teeth or the jaw. If you have a family dentist, he or she can probably refer you to a good orthodontist. While there are many kinds of procedures that orthodontists can perform, braces are by far the most common ways to treat alignment problems. In the event that you suspect you or your child may need braces, here’s some useful information to help you get started.
How do braces work?
For a detailed description of how braces can fix your alignment issues, the best source is your Ottawa orthodontist. In short, braces are used to apply continuous pressure to the teeth in order to gradually push them into a more normal alignment over a period of months or years. Even the simplest braces are usually made of a number of components. The most basic parts of braces are:
- the brackets, which are rectangular parts that attach directly to the teeth and apply pressure;
- spacers, the binding elements that maintain proper spacing between the brackets;
- the bands, which are wrapped around the teeth and anchor the brackets in place;
- and rubber bands, which perform a variety of functions relating to pressure and binding.
After braces are put in, then what?
The full treatment can last anywhere from several months to several years, with the average length of treatment being one to three years. In all likelihood, your Ottawa orthodontist will have you schedule regular check-ups to make sure that the realignment is happening as it’s supposed to.
Are braces painful?
As with any medical procedures, some amount of pain is to be expected. However, the pain that goes along with braces placement and adjustment is usually relatively minor, requiring nothing more serious than some over-the-counter pain medications. If an ache or pain gets severe or goes on for longer than a day or two, you might want to consider giving your Ottawa orthodontist a call.
What happens after the full treatment is complete?
When the treatment is finished and the braces have done their work, the removal process is relatively easy and painless. The Ottawa orthodontist will likely want to run a few tests and take X-rays to make sure that the bite and the alignment are where they should be. Also, because discolorations are a common side effect of braces, you may also work with the orthodontist or your dentist to clean and whiten the teeth.
Soon after the braces are off, it’s usually recommended that patients with wisdom teeth have them extracted as soon as possible. Otherwise, the teeth may get pushed back out of alignment. Also, following treatment, most braces patients are required to use a retainer during sleep for about six months.
What is the price of braces?
Your Ottawa orthodontist will be able to give you an accurate estimate of the cost. In general, they may cost anywhere between $2,000 and $6,000, with the exact price depending upon several factors, including:
- the expertise of the orthodontist;
- other treatments or operations that may be necessary;
- the seriousness of the orthodontic issue;
- the type of braces and features needed;
- the length of time the treatment will take.
