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Cost depends on the type of braces recommended by your dentist. On average, braces cost $5,000 to $6,000. Check with your major medical or dental insurance provider to determine if your plan covers orthodontic work.
You probably will experience some discomfort or difficulty speaking or eating at first. While wearing braces, keep your teeth and brackets clean. If you wear cemented, non-removable braces, food and plaque can get trapped between teeth and gums. To reduce your risk of cavities, follow a regimen of brushing, flossing and rinsing, and reduce your consumption of sweets and carbohydrates. Plaque and sugar combine to make acid, which can cause decalcification (white spots) on teeth and tooth decay if left behind. Reviewed: January 2012
