What Does Your Jaw Pain Mean
Jaw pain can indicate a dental issue such as a toothache, TMJ Disorder, or perhaps a more serious condition. In this post, our Brantford dentists explain possible causes of jaw pain and what to do with those sore joints.
Straighter Teeth for a Healthier Smile
At Cornerstone Dentistry, our orthodontist provides in-house orthodontic services for Brantford patients, including braces.
Orthodontic Services: Braces in Brantford
Metal braces to date are still the most common type of orthodontic treatment used by patients.
At Cornerstone Dentistry, we use The Damon® System for our metal braces.
This system allows wires to slide back and forth within the bracket. There is no need for steel or elastic ties with these braces, and this can result in less friction and fewer mouth sores.
Our In-House Orthodontist in Brantford
Cornerstone Dentistry is home to a certified orthodontist, meaning our patients do not have to go outside our office for this specialty service.
Providing this service on-site also allows us to have instant access to patient records such as radiographs (x-rays). We can consult and provide other aspects of dental care related to our patient’s orthodontic treatment.
We can also provide trouble shooting, usually on the same day, should a bracket detach or a wire come loose.
Orthodontic FAQs
- How much do braces typically cost?
The cost of your braces treatment will depend on the nature and extent of your misalignment, and the overall duration of the treatment. Only your orthodontist can give you an accurate estimate for how much your braces will cost, so feel free to contact us to book a consultation.
- Are braces usually covered under dental insurance plans?
The exact answer to this question can depend on a variety of factors, including your insurance provider, your specific plan, your age and the nature of your misalignment. That being said, most insurance plans cover some portion of orthodontic treatment for children under 18. Talk to your orthodontist and your insurance provider to find out what your plan covers.
- Do braces hurt?
You may experience some discomfort during your orthodontic treatment. For most people, this discomfort is minimal and manageable with over the counter pain killers, ice to reduce swelling, and orthodontic wax to reduce friction from the braces on the inside of the mouth.
You are most likely to experience discomfort when you first get your braces, and also during and directly after adjustment appointments. Once you get used to wearing braces, pain and discomfort will decrease, and you may even forget you're wearing them. - Do I need to change what I eat?
Yes, there are some dietary restrictions you'll have to adhere to in order to avoid damaging your braces. You will have to avoid hard, sticky foods, and food that you have to bite into. The best foods to eat while wearing braces are soft foods. If you must eat something hard, cut it up into small pieces first.
- Do I need to change how I brush or floss?
You will need to take even more care than usual when brushing and flossing during orthodontic treatment. Braces introduce many more crevices and tight spaces in which food debris can be lodged and bacteria can buildup, so these will all need to be thoroughly cleaned each day. For special instructions on how to brush and floss effectively with braces, talk to your orthodontist or dental hygienist.