Braces in Beaumont, TX

Like many people, you may have crooked teeth. If you do, you probably don’t enjoy smiling when around others. However, just because you have crooked teeth at the moment doesn’t mean you’re stuck with them for a lifetime. Instead, you can explore the possibility of getting orthodontic braces for your teeth. Like many other areas of dentistry, orthodontics has evolved quite a bit over the past few decades. While traditional wire braces are still widely used for many patients, you may also have other options available to you. If you are ready to learn all you need to know about braces in Beaumont, TX, keep on reading to find out more fascinating facts.

Who Can Benefit From Braces?

When it comes to braces, patients can run the gamut from preteens to adults in their 30s or perhaps even older. While most people obtain braces so they can correct the problem of having crooked teeth and thus have a beautiful smile, some adults may use them to help correct problems associated with sleep apnea or speech impediments. But in most cases, braces are used for cosmetic purposes.

How Do Braces Straighten Teeth?

No matter what types of braces you have on your teeth, they all generally work by applying continuous pressure to your teeth. As they do, this forces your teeth to start moving in a certain direction that will eventually result in them becoming properly aligned. Whether you have crooked teeth or even an underbite or overbite, braces can be used to correct the problem.

Are There Different Types of Braces?

Yes. While traditional metal braces are still widely-used, other options are now available for many patients. For example, ceramic braces are now used for some patients. Installed in much the same manner as wire braces, they are less visible due to being transparent. However, they can stain easily if you don’t brush regularly while wearing them. For other patients, lingual braces are an option. Using metal brackets and wire-like traditional braces, they are instead installed on the back of the teeth rather than the front. However, if your teeth are severely crooked, these are rarely used. Finally, invisible braces such as Invisalign are becoming more popular options for many people. Consisting of custom-made mouth trays, they are usually changed out every two weeks, and of course, are almost invisible to others. But again, if you have teeth that are extremely crooked, this option probably won’t work.

How Long Will I Need to Wear Braces?

This is a tough question to answer since each patient’s circumstances are different in terms of tooth alignment and other factors. But in most cases, patients who get braces wear them for 12-36 months, depending on how well they respond to treatment, how well they take care of their braces along the way, and if they are suffering from other problems with their teeth or gums. Once you get your braces removed, you can expect to wear a retainer to keep your teeth in their proper places. While for the first six months or so you may need to wear your retainer full-time, afterward you’ll probably only need to wear it at night while sleeping.

What about Brushing and Flossing?

Once you have braces, brushing and flossing will become even more important than it already is for your oral health. When brushing, you’ll need to remove any rubber bands or other elastics, then make sure to brush carefully to remove food particles and keep your braces as clean as possible. As for flossing, most dentists recommend using waxed floss that is threaded carefully under the wire, allowing you to gently floss. While this can be time-consuming, doing so will keep your teeth and gums healthy, ensuring your orthodontic treatment will have a better chance of success.

How Much Do Braces Cost?

Again, this can vary from patient to patient. Overall, traditional wire braces are the least expensive, while ceramic braces and invisible braces such as Invisalign tend to be more expensive. To get a better idea of what your braces may cost, you’ll need to talk to your dentist.

What Foods Can or Cannot be Eaten?

When many people initially think about getting braces, one of their primary concerns involves what types of food they will be able to eat. If this sounds like you, the good news is that you won’t have to spend the next year or two living on soup or other forms of a liquid diet. In fact, you can probably continue to eat most foods, with the exception of those that are hard or sticky, since these can severely damage your braces.

Now that you know so much about braces, you’re ready to schedule a consultation with your Beaumont, TX dentist to find out the specifics and get started on your path to a winning smile.