As your child becomes a preteen, image is always on his or her mind. Straight teeth are an important part of that image. Of course, braces aren’t just for cosmetic reasons. Straight teeth are easier to clean, and a cleaner, healthier mouth means better overall health. A misaligned bite can also lead to TMJ issues or headaches.
As parents, we all have regrets – from the occasional fast food meal eaten in the car to the nail polish left within our toddler’s reach. It’s always a good idea to weigh the pros and cons of anything up front to be sure there are no regrets. Our dentists in Gainesville, FL, know that getting braces can be a significant commitment. Everyone is different, but the average treatment time is one to two years. During that time you will see the orthodontist every six to eight weeks.
Dietary changes will also play a part in getting those teeth straight. It’s difficult for a parent to watch that first meal after braces and wonder if your child will ever be able to enjoy eating again. It’s also sad to hear, “I’d like an apple, but it takes so much time to cut in into little pieces“ or “Isn’t there any kind of popcorn I can have?”
Ultimately you and your family have to make the decision. Is a year or two of inconvenience worth a lifetime of beautiful, healthy smiles?
Invisible braces can treat many orthodontic cases. They are certainly an option to consider if you are concerned about the appearance of traditional braces or about the inconvenience of food restrictions or brushing and flossing.
It is a myth that invisible braces are more expensive than traditional ones. Like traditional braces, invisible braces are used for more than cosmetic dentistry. That means they are covered by most dental insurance plans.
Invisible braces allow patients to eat the foods he or she enjoys and to remove the device for brushing and flossing. The smooth plastic material is also more comfortable than metal braces.
Talk to the Van Dyke General and Implant Dentistry team today to see if invisible braces are right for you. We’d love to help you with this all-important decision.