A lot of people dream of going into the field of orthodontics because they are interested in helping others get their teeth straightened out. The truth, however, is that there are some disadvantages to being an orthodontist as well as advantages, and it’s important to know what these are if you’re considering a career change or are looking to learn more about this profession before becoming an orthodontist yourself. In this article, we’ll share with you some of the disadvantages that many orthodontists face. You may be surprised at some of the things we share!
How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take?
It’s a common question for patients to ask: How long does orthodontic treatment take? The answer, however, is not as simple as you might think. While some treatments may be completed in less than two years, others may last four years or more. Factors that can influence length of treatment include severity of malocclusion and whether your child will require additional procedures to correct gaps between teeth or spacing issues due to jaw growth. Treatment times also vary based on each patient’s situation and ability to maintain orthodontic appliances like braces. Finally, it is important to note that although orthodontics has come a long way over the past few decades, no two cases are exactly alike—and how long it takes depends on how complex your case is!
How Much Will I Spend on Treatment?
One disadvantage to being an orthodontist is you could easily spend years getting your teeth straightened. While braces typically cost between $2,000 and $7,000, those costs can go even higher if you’re a patient who requires multiple appointments or specific services like invisaligns or clear braces. Fortunately, most dentists offer financing plans so you don’t have to wait until you save up enough money to pay for treatment in full. Still, it’s worth noting that some orthodontists won’t take on patients who require certain treatments due to their high costs.
What Can I Do While in Treatment?
As we’ve mentioned, you can eat almost anything during treatment—though there are some foods that may cause problems with your braces. Because orthodontic wires are made from stainless steel, they can rust if they come into contact with acidic foods like lemons and tomatoes. And while you shouldn’t eat these foods while wearing braces anyway, it’s definitely best to avoid them entirely. In addition to citrus fruits and tomato sauce, don’t chew on nuts and hard candy because they could get stuck in your gums or between your teeth; chewing gum is also out of the question as it could dislodge a bracket.
How Can I Prevent Food From Sticking in My Teeth After Getting My Braces Removed?
After you’ve worn braces for a few years, it’s common to get them removed and still have food or small particles get stuck in your teeth. Since these braces have moved your teeth into a more favorable position, it can be tough to gauge where objects are in relation to your mouth. As such, you may find yourself with crumbs stuck between your teeth at odd times (including during business hours). Read on for tips on how to prevent food from sticking in your teeth after getting braces removed.
If I Have Bad Teeth, Do I Need to See an Orthodontist Right Away?
If you have braces and food is stuck in your gums, you may need to see an orthodontist. It’s hard to judge whether or not you need treatment without seeing a professional. However, food stuck in gums could cause infection over time so it is important to address it sooner rather than later. An orthodontist near me can perform an exam to see if your teeth are even worth treating with braces. The longer you wait after a toothache begins, the more expensive dental treatment will be.