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braces FAQ
Are you considering braces as a treatment option? We’ve put together a guide to help answer the most common questions our patients have about beginning this orthodontic treatment with Dr. Shullman in Wellington, FL. Read on to learn more about caring for your braces, food restrictions, costs, and more.
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How much does Invisalign cost?The cost of Invisalign depends on how long you need to use it to reach your goals. Treatment plans vary from patient to patient, so cost may depend on the length of treatment and the severity of any issues needing correcting.
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What happens after treatment?After you complete the Invisalign treatment, you won’t need to wear your aligners anymore. However, you will need to wear a retainer to prevent your teeth from going back to their original positions. It is important to note that you should not use the last aligner in your treatment plan as a retainer. The clear aligner trays are thinner, so you should only use them for short periods of use. Using the trays for longer than your treatment period can result in discoloration and breakage. When you complete your treatment, you will receive a durable custom retainer to maintain the alignment. Your final retainer will use a stronger material meant to last you for years to come. In most cases, you will need to wear the retainer daily for at least six months. After the initial six-month period, you will typically only have to wear the retainer while you sleep.
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How is Invisalign treatment different than other teeth straightening options?Invisalign treatment is the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, backed by more than two decades of innovation. Unlike braces, Invisalign clear aligners are removable and virtually invisible. There are no wires and brackets, so you don’t need to change the way you brush and floss.
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Can I go to any dentist or orthodontist for Invisalign treatment?Many orthodontists and dentists are Invisalign-trained doctors, but not all are. Doctors who want to offer Invisalign treatment must complete specialized training.
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Are there any food restrictions with Invisalign?Invisalign aligners don’t have any of the typical food restrictions you might associate with traditional metal braces. You can enjoy chewy candies, popcorn, and nuts without worrying about breaking any brackets and wires when you use clear aligners. You only need to remove the aligners when you are eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing your teeth. You can store your aligner trays in a convenient carrying case while you eat. When you finish, brush your teeth, replace the aligners, and continue your day hassle-free.
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How do I care for my Invisalign aligners?It is easy to care for your Invisalign aligners. First, simply remove your Invisalign aligners when it is time to brush and floss your teeth. Then, gently brush the aligners while running cool water over them. You can also use Invisalign Cleaning Crystals to refresh the aligners each week. After carefully cleaning and rinsing the clear aligners, quickly replace the aligners over your teeth. By immediately replacing them, you can easily maintain the 22-hours per day requirement to ensure that your treatment is effective.
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What foods will I need to avoid with braces?A common frequently asked question about braces is whether you’ll have to skip eating certain foods with braces. Unfortunately, braces are not indestructible, and some foods can damage the appliances in your mouth. Since braces are carefully tuned to provide you with straight teeth, any bends or wear can prevent them from doing their job. Generally, you should avoid foods that fall into these categories: Crunchy Foods – Granola, nuts, and potato chips can push the wires in your mouth out of place. Gummy/Sticky Foods – Gum, caramel, and taffy can stick between the wires and brackets, leading to gum disease. Hard Foods – Pizza crust, apples, and ice can wear down the dental bonding holding your braces in place. Chewy Foods – Steak, bagels, and tootsie rolls can put unnecessary stress on the wiring.
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How do I care for my teeth with braces?While avoiding foods that can damage your braces is an excellent first step, you should also brush your teeth after every meal. A robust dental hygiene routine will help keep your permanent teeth in pristine condition and your braces in working order. Keeping floss or an oral irrigator on hand is also a great way to keep your teeth and braces clean since food is likely to stick between the wires.
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How do I protect my mouth when playing sports with braces?The best way to protect your mouth when playing sports is by wearing a mouthguard. Bumps and falls can cause the brackets and wires to loosen or twist, making your braces hurt. This occurs when the wires in your mouth become stretched or misaligned, loosening or tightening against your teeth. In addition to causing you discomfort, these slight changes in tension can derail the work of your braces. When this occurs, further adjustments will be necessary to reset the wiring. Since your front teeth are the most susceptible to damage during falls, a mouth guard will help by absorbing the impact and protecting your braces and teeth from harm.
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Do I still need to see my general dentist with braces?Yes, you should continue to see your general dentist as well as attend your regular appointments with Dr. Shullman. Food debris can become trapped in your braces, making it difficult to clean your teeth on your own. With their specialized tools, general dentists will ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy by cleaning out those hard-to-reach areas. Therefore, it is more important than ever to continue seeing your regular dentist when you have braces. Braces work most effectively on strong and healthy teeth, and having your teeth cleaned regularly will help Dr. Shullman provide you with a happy and healthy smile. Dr. Shullman can provide more information about caring for your braces and answer any other questions you may have about braces during your free ortho consult.
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How long will I need to wear braces?How long you’ll need to wear braces depends on the state of your teeth and the severity of the correction. Depending on your needs, treatment with braces can last between six months and three years. Staying up to date with regular appointments and following care instructions will keep you on track, although the length of time may change as your mouth adjusts to the correction.
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How much to braces cost?Price can vary depending on the type of braces and the work required to correct your teeth. During your free ortho consult, Dr. Shullman will provide you with a cost estimate based on his assessment. Another common question is whether they are covered by insurance. Some insurance companies will cover braces either in whole or in part, and it is worth checking with your carrier to find out. Our team can help with this during your consultation.
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