A 31-year-old member asked:
what do i need to know before getting braces?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Duane Kelleranswered
Dentistry 45 years experience
Functional position: Orthodontics needs to be done so your teeth, joints, muscles, head and neck relationships are in harmony. You have to find the best functional relationship first and then you can treat to that position. Braces are great at moving teeth, but it is also essential that the proper jaw posture be established and maintained during your treatment.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. S. jay Bowmananswered
Orthodontics 36 years experience
Oral health: First, your overall oral health must be assessed prior to even considering orthodontic care. The condition of your teeth, soft tissues, roots, and bone, must be considered before "moving" anything. Seek an opinion with a licensed orthodontic specialist.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Similar questions
A 37-year-old member asked:
Is there any danger to getting braces?
3 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Jonathan Engelanswered
Dentistry 39 years experience
Possibly: Depending on the anatomy of your teeth and if you have had bone loss there are some considerations that must be made. Talk to who ever is doing your braces and make sure they discuss all the risk benefits and alternatives so you can make the decision that is best for you.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
What foods should I avoid if I am getting braces in 2 weeks?
3 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Theodore Ritotaanswered
Dentistry 9 years experience
Sugars, always: Soda, junk food, start good habits now.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Does getting braces decrease your oral hygiene?
5 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in

Dr. Robert Eckelsonanswered
Dentistry 50 years experience
No: Poor health care habits increase the need for better hygiene. The appliances break up the soft tissue stimulation which the food supplies on a smooth tooth and with proper brushing. Therefore, with appliances in the mouth, one needs to spend a little more time keeping the soft tissues clean and firm with better toothbrushing and flossing.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
I'm getting braces, have a cross bite and worry it will giveme a speech impedement. What should I do?
3 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in

Dr. Keri Greeneanswered
Dentistry 24 years experience
It will not cause: Braces do not cause a speech impediment with or without a crossbite. Braces may cause temporary gum tissue and inner lip irritations which may lead to minor swelling and they may lead to some temporary problems forming certain sounds. Good luck!
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Can getting braces affect my smile?
3 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. Robert Passamanoanswered
Specializes in General Practice
Abolutely!: One of the primary indications for seeking orthodontics is to line up your teeth in an esthetic and functional position. We hope it has a positive effect on your teeth. Braces also can help improve speech, ability to chew food and also the health of your teeth.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated Mar 13, 2015
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
$30 per visit with
membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.