So you think you or your child may need braces, but you're not sure what to do next. Do you research orthodontic treatment options, orthodontic services available in your area, or just braces in general? There is a plethora of information out there on the internet, but it is very easy to get lost in all that information and get overwhelmed. There are a few basic questions you need to ask, and we hope to address them here in a nice, easy to understand format.
1. Do you need braces? This question cannot be answered here. You have to make an appointment with an orthodontist or a general dentist with experience in orthodontics to make that assessment. Every case is different. Depending on your level of misalignment, you may not need a full set of braces. If your issue is minor, a retainer may suffice. If you are searching for someone who does orthodontics in Mountain Home, Arkansas, there are several to choose from. Don't feel like you have to go to an orthodontist though. Dr. Reese, a General Dentist at Reese Family Dentistry, has over 25 years of experience in orthodontic treatment, and would be happy to evaluate your personal situation.
2. Do braces hurt? When speaking of pain with braces, there are a few things to keep in mind. The pain associated with braces is for the most part minor. Braces are moving your teeth into proper alignment, so there is constant pressure on them. When you first get braces on, there will be a certain level of discomfort that can be easily treated with an over the counter pain reliever and only lasts a day or two. The inside of your mouth where your braces are touching may also become sore until you become accustomed to the braces. You may also experience minor discomfort when your braces are adjusted. This typically occurs on a monthly basis, but will depend on your personal treatment plan.
3. How much do braces cost? This question also varies depending on your personal treatment plan. It typically ranges from $3,000 - $5,500+. Most places that offer orthodontics in Mountain Home, AR offer financing to help make this amount manageable for your family. Aside from general dental care and braces in Mountain Home, Arkansas, Reese Family Dentistry also offers something called “Interceptive Care”. This treatment is for children who are too young for braces, but it is recognized that they are going to need some sort of treatment in the future. Rather than wait for the problem to get serious, things can be done early on to help with spacing issues. This typically runs from $2,000 - $2,500. These costs include all x-rays, impressions, adjustments, appliances, etc. for the duration of the treatment.
4. How long does it take for braces to fix your teeth? The average time patients are required to wear braces varies from less than a year to over 2 years. It just depends on the severity of your misalignment and your personal treatment plan. After braces, you will most likely need to wear a retainer daily for a set amount of time to keep your teeth from shifting out of their new straight positions, and then just switch to wearing the retainer only at night.
Most of these questions will be answered for you during your initial evaluation appointment, so don't worry! Whether you're looking for a General Dentist with experience in orthodontics or an Orthodontist in Mountain Home, AR, we hope this list has helped ease your mind. Feel free to contact the helpful and knowledgeable staff at Reese Family Dentistry with any additional questions you may have. They'd love to help you get your perfect smile!