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At Cassinelli, Shanker & Associates we understand that braces are a right of passage for many teenagers, and our team works diligently to make sure your teen’s treatment is flawless. Our doctors have an eye for even the most minor details, and with their expertise and passion for perfection, your teen can easily achieve the smile of their dreams. Once they complete their time in braces, teens will benefit from improved aesthetics and oral health, giving them the confidence to face everything from school dances to soccer games.
How Long Will I Wear Braces?
There is no one quite like you, and your smile is just as unique as you. You have special orthodontic needs and goals that will influence your progress through treatment and how long you need to spend wearing braces. If you have more extensive issues, we may need to keep you in braces longer to fully correct the problem and create a beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.
While every patient is different, many of our teen patients wear their braces for about one to two years. For a more exact timeline, we suggest you visit our office for your complimentary first visit, and our doctors will be happy to walk you through the first steps of treatment.
What Foods Will I Have to Avoid When Getting Braces?
To protect your progress in braces, it’s essential that you remove certain foods from your diet. We suggest that you avoid all hard, sticky, and chewy snacks in favor of foods that are softer and easier to chew. Things like popcorn and gum have the potential to break your brackets or pull a wire loose, which could cause discomfort and lengthen your time in treatment if not addressed quickly. Once you’ve finished treatment and have the smile of your dreams, you can eat all your favorite foods without worry.
How Do I Care for My Teeth While Wearing Braces?
Maintaining your excellent oral health is crucial while in braces. Continue your usual dental hygiene routine of brushing twice a day and flossing often to keep your teeth and appliance clean. Food can sometimes get stuck behind brackets and wires, so make sure you pay special attention to these areas. In addition to brushing and flossing, you should continue seeing your general dentist for cleanings and regularly scheduled appointments. While our doctors are experts in oral health, your dentist specializes in a different aspect of the mouth that is important to keeping your teeth healthy and your progress on track.
How Do I Protect My Mouth When Playing Sports with Braces?
Wearing braces doesn’t mean you have to give up the sports you love! You can wear a braces mouthguard to protect your appliance and your mouth as you score a winning goal or round home plate. By wearing a mouthguard, you prevent your braces from breaking or rubbing against your lips if something hits your mouth.
How Much Do Braces Cost?
The price of braces varies depending on how long the patient needs to remain in treatment. Each of our treatment plans is customized and tailored to perfectly fit every patient’s needs. While we believe that corrective treatment is an investment into a happier and healthier smile, we understand that it takes some planning to budget for braces. To help remove any roadblocks to achieving a beautiful smile, we offer a variety of affordable payment plans. We also work diligently with most insurance providers to limit out-of-pocket costs so you can easily afford the great level of treatment you deserve.
Benefits of Braces
There are many benefits to braces, including a beautiful smile that inspires confidence and boosts self-esteem. While many people are aware of the improved aesthetics that braces provide, you may not know that corrective treatment also helps your oral and overall health. Overcrowded teeth, misaligned jaws, and other issues can make it difficult for you to bite, chew, speak, and more.
After you finish braces treatment, not only will you have a gorgeous smile, but you will also have a better functioning mouth and jaw. Our teen patients often have very successful treatments because their mouths are still growing, and it is easy to correct emerging problems and direct the growth of teeth and jaws before they are fully formed. Our team is excited to work with our younger patients to help them achieve a healthy smile that will last a lifetime.
