If you’re eager to have the smile of your dreams, the experienced McAllen orthodontists at Heroes Dental are here to make your wish a reality. But we know it’s not every day that you take a trip to get braces and you might have some concerns regarding the process.
You might not even know what questions to ask!
The Heroes Dental team is more than willing to step up to the plate and answer whatever questions you may have to help you on your first visit. Our goal is to make you as comfortable as possible and shine some light on those doubts.
Here are 7 major questions that you will want to ask your orthodontist to get the information you need to make an informed decision.
1. “What treatment options are available to me?”
For most individuals, getting braces means going the traditional route and getting metal braces. Luckily, they’re not the only choice. Options at Heroes Dental include:
- Metal Braces – Modern metal braces are far less noticeable than they once were and have a much cleaner appearance.
- Clear Braces – Clear braces are created from composite materials which can be transparent and blend in wonderfully with your natural smile.
Ask our Heroes Dental orthodontist about additional options and which type they would recommend to best meet your needs.
2. “How long will I wear my braces?”
Every patient is different and your unique needs will determine the amount of time that you will need to wear your braces. A few factors that could affect how long you will wear braces for include:
The average amount of time for treatment is anywhere from 1 to 3 years – again – depending on your specific needs. Your McAllen orthodontist at Heroes Dental will give you a more accurate time estimate.
3. “How often will I need to go back for visits?”
During orthodontic treatment, you will need to visit often with your orthodontist for periodic adjustments and maintenance checks. How often you will need to go will depend on the types of braces you have as well as your specific needs. Patients who wear traditional braces will likely need to visit their orthodontist about once a month.
This, of course, does not include surprise visits for things like broken brackets or other emergencies. Your orthodontist will give you an exact timeline of how often you will need to return for checkups.
4. “Do braces hurt?”
There will be a slight discomfort after first getting the braces placed on your teeth and after adjustments. Over-the-counter pain reliever should be sufficient to help ease any pain you are feeling. Over time, however, you will get used to the feeling of the braces and how they affect your everyday life.
5. “How much do braces cost?” and “Do you have a payment plan?”
Braces are absolutely worthwhile for your oral health but do require an investment.
Here at Heroes Dental, we can give you a free consultation and talk about the options available to you, including budget-friendly payment plans.
6. “How will I keep my braces clean?”
This is one of the most important steps of oral care, especially when dealing with braces. When it comes to braces, you must absolutely brush and floss after every meal to make sure no food gets lodged anywhere in your braces. Allowing food particles to stay stuck to your teeth can lead to the growth of cavity-causing bacteria as well as horrendous stains.
7. What do I need a retainer for?
Wearing a retainer is important after treatment. The retainer ensures that your perfectly aligned teeth do not shift and that all those months of wearing braces do not go to waste.
Invest in your health and happiness with orthodontic treatment from Heroes Dental.
Braces are an investment for better health and happiness. Now that braces have the potential to be more convenient, comfortable, and virtually invisible for your lifestyle, there is nothing holding you back from a perfect smile.
Schedule an appointment today at our Heroes Dental office in McAllen.