Straight teeth have many benefits besides giving the person a beautiful and welcoming smile. They can also help the person speak more clearly, chew food more efficiently, and attend to their dental hygiene. There are, however, a number of obstacles and drawbacks with braces that you should be aware of before climbing into the orthodontist's chair.
Cost
Braces are expensive. The cost begins at $4,000 and can run as high as $7,000. This can place a significant financial strain on your family's budget, so be sure to explore ways of reducing your braces bill. While it's rare for insurance companies to cover the cost of orthodontic procedures for adults, they will often partially cover the cost of children's braces. Medicaid can also pay for braces if a patient qualifies and needs the procedure for medical reasons. If these options aren't available, talk to your orthodontist about a payment plan or investigate whether you can have the procedure performed for a smaller sum at a dental college.
Pain
Braces can hurt, especially when they're first placed on the teeth. Patients may report pain and popping sounds in the jaw. The pain might be made worse when the wires in the braces are tightened. Orthodontists should be aware of any discomfort their patients have and try to make the experience of wearing braces as comfortable as possible.
Stigmas
Though some people love the look of their braces, others are embarrassed. Sometimes children are teased for having braces. Adults who have opted for braces may feel intensely self-conscious when they're in social situations. This is why many adults opt for systems like Invisalign, braces that are placed on the inside of the teeth, or braces that are fashioned from clear plastic and are hard to see.
Complications
A skilled orthodontist will apply the braces in a way that won't damage the teeth. However, badly installed braces have been known to damage the roots of the patient's teeth, which can lead to the death of the pulp in the root chambers. This leads to root canal therapy, which is another expense.
Maintenance
People who wear braces must take meticulous care of their teeth. This may be especially trying for young children. They must learn to brush and floss around the brackets and wires to make sure that they remove as much of the plaque on the teeth as possible. Plaque is a film caused by bacteria that builds up on the tooth and can lead to tooth decay. Patients who don't care for their teeth might find white spots on their teeth when the braces finally come off. This means the tooth enamel has been compromised and that a cavity is starting to form. Fortunately, most of the time white spots on the teeth resolve themselves.
Restrictions
Braces also come with a set of dietary restrictions. The types of foods a person can eat while wearing braces is limited to certain textures and consistencies. Patients are told to avoid hard, sticky foods like candy.
