Traditional Braces Holden

Factors That Affect the Cost of Braces

To put together an estimate for traditional braces, we will need to answer several questions:

• How severe is the misalignment problem? More complex cases usually carry a higher cost.
• How long is your treatment expected to last? The number of routine checkups and adjustments you’ll need all factor into the final cost.
• How old are you? Orthodontic treatments for adults tend to cost slightly more since their teeth are more firmly set in place and require additional time to move.
• Will you need other orthodontic appliances? Sometimes you’ll also have to pay for space maintainers, palatal expanders, elastics, and headgear.

In addition to the above factors, you should also keep in mind that if your braces are damaged in some way, your teeth might not move as planned. That can affect the treatment timeline as well as the overall cost.

Professional Braces VS “DIY” Braces: Which Cost More?

If you’ve heard of DIY orthodontic treatments, you might think that they’re the more cost-effective option. But while it’s true that professional braces come with a higher price, they’re also more reliable. DIY braces are far riskier and are associated with the following problems:

• The results of DIY braces often don’t last very long. There’s a very high chance that your teeth will simply shift back to their original positions.
• If your braces aren’t attached by a professional, you may risk damaging your teeth and jaw. In the most severe cases, you might even lose a tooth entirely.
• Your teeth might not move in the correct direction if you don’t have an oral health expert overseeing the process.
• Despite supposedly costing less, DIY braces can end up being the more expensive option if they cause any oral health issues that require treatment.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Braces?

Some dental insurance plans offer orthodontic coverage while others don’t; if yours does, you can generally expect traditional braces to be included, especially if they’re needed for medical reasons like a misaligned jaw. Keep in mind, though, that some plans will only help cover braces for patients who are under the age of 18. Call your insurance company to confirm the details.

Options for Making Braces More Affordable

We offer in-house financing to help our patients pay for the treatments they need. There’s no interest to worry about; you’ll have the opportunity to pay at a rate that’s right for you. Be sure to ask about our financing and discount options during your initial consultation.

Am I Too Old to Get Braces?

When you think of metal wires and brackets, you may associate them with childhood and adolescence. However, you’ll be happy to know that there is no upper age limit for braces! The only thing adults must keep in mind is that it may take longer for the teeth to move positions since they’re more firmly embedded into the jawbone. Also, your oral health needs to be in tip-top shape before you can begin orthodontic treatment. If that’s not the case, you may have to undergo preliminary procedures like fillings, root canal therapy, or gum disease treatment to get your smile up to par.

Can I Get Traditional Braces on Just My Top or Bottom Teeth?

During your consultation, we’ll determine whether you need braces on both arches or just one. Most patients benefit from getting braces on the top and bottom, mainly because they shift the teeth forward and backward, affecting bite alignment. Choosing to get braces on just one arch could do more harm than good, causing even a slight underbite or overbite to become much more pronounced. That may lead to issues like difficulty chewing, TMJ disorder, or teeth grinding.

What Happens After You Get Braces Off?

Once your braces are removed, they’ll no longer be putting pressure on your teeth. As a result, your pearly whites will try and move back to their original pre-treatment positions. You must wear a retainer to prevent that from happening. It’s the best way to preserve your hard-earned results! You’ll be given the option to choose between a removable retainer or one that’s permanently fixed in the mouth. If you opt for a removable one, you’ll need to wear it for 20-22 hours each day for the first few months after finishing treatment. Eventually, you’ll be able to wear it only at night.

Can I Chew Gum with Traditional Braces?

It’s not recommended because the sticky substance can get stuck in your braces, causing your wires to bend and shifting your teeth in unexpected directions without you even realizing it. However, some studies suggest that chewing gum can actually relieve discomfort and reduce gum inflammation. It has even been proven to lower the risk of decay if chewed for 20 minutes after eating by stimulating saliva. Of course, these so-called benefits are not worth the risk of jeopardizing your treatment timeline.

Do Traditional Braces Hurt?

You can expect some soreness in your teeth and gums when you first get braces. It should fade after about a week once your mouth adjusts; in the meantime, over-the-counter pain relievers can help keep you comfortable. Remember that discomfort is nothing to worry about. It is simply a sign that the braces are doing their intended job of exerting pressure on the teeth to shift them into new positions.

When you have your braces tightened every few weeks, you may experience some soreness again. Don’t worry, though; it won’t be nearly as bad as what you went through when your braces were first attached, and once again over-the-counter pain medication can help you keep the discomfort under control.

Can I Drink Coffee While Wearing Braces?

Yes, it is perfectly safe to drink coffee while wearing your braces though. That said, it should be noted that coffee is rather infamous for staining teeth as well as metal brackets. If your teeth become stained during your traditional orthodontic treatment, you may find that unsightly, uneven splotches have formed on your teeth once your braces have been removed.

To protect your teeth and your braces from staining, we recommend that you start drinking your coffee through a straw. That way, the liquid will bypass the visible front side of your smile. It’s also a good idea to brush your teeth 20 minutes after drinking coffee; if that’s not possible, simply rinse your mouth with water once you’re done.

Are My Teeth Supposed to Feel Loose with Braces?

When you’re wearing braces, you might feel as if your teeth are loose. This is actually a good thing because it means that your orthodontic treatment is proceeding exactly how it should. Braces work by slightly loosening the ligaments that hold the teeth in place so that they can be slowly pushed into a better position. During this process, your teeth may sometimes feel loose; some patients even describe it as a floating position.

Don’t worry; the feeling of looseness isn’t permanent. Once your braces are removed, you’ll wear a retainer so that your jawbone can get used to the new positions of the teeth. It won’t be long before your teeth are solidified into their new positions and the feeling of looseness fades away.

How Can I Reduce the Cost of Traditional Braces?

Many dental insurance plans do have orthodontic coverage, although you’ll need to check to see if there are any limitations; for example, sometimes the insurance company might only pay for children’s braces but not adult braces. Patients who don’t have coverage for braces can apply for in-house financing at Witt Orthodontics. You’ll be able to pay at a rate that’s comfortable for you with 0% interest. Be sure to ask about any discount options that we offer; we believe that a straighter smile should always come at a reasonable price.

How Long Do Traditional Braces Take?

The timeline for braces is different for everyone because every mouth is as unique as your fingerprints. Various factors affect the length of your treatment, like your age. Teeth move more quickly with children and teens because they are still growing and developing. Adults’ teeth are more firmly set in the jawbone, so treatment can take a little longer. The severity of your alignment issues will also affect the duration. Complex movements will require more time than minor adjustments. Your orthodontist will explain how long you can expect your treatment to last during your consultation for braces. You can avoid delays in your journey to a straight smile by following your orthodontist’s instructions, like wearing rubber bands or maintaining your adjustment appointments.

Can Traditional Braces Fix TMJ Disorder?

Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are on either side of your face, allowing you to open and close your mouth. Strain or dysfunction of the joints can cause facial pain and several other complications. TMJ disorders can be caused by many things, like an uneven bite. Crooked, overcrowded, and other alignment issues can cause uneven pressure on the joints. Correcting your bite with traditional braces can stop TMJ pain for good. Your orthodontist can determine if braces can fix your TMJ disorder.

Can You Whiten Your Teeth While Wearing Braces?

Most dentists and orthodontists will advise against teeth whitening until after your braces come off. Whitening agents won’t reach under the brackets, which can cause color inconsistencies. Not to mention, your teeth are moving gradually. Bleaching solutions may not reach areas where your teeth overlap. Although it’s best to skip any professional whitening treatments, OTC products are fine if they are toothpaste or mouthwashe. While they may not provide the drastic results you want, it’s only a temporary solution. After finishing your orthodontic treatment, you can put the final touch on your new smile with professional teeth whitening.

Do Traditional Braces Cost More Than Invisalign?

There’s no flat fee for either treatment because many factors influence the cost, like the complexity of your alignment problems. As a result, both treatments can cost about the same; however, traditional braces tend to be slightly less expensive. After examining your mouth and creating a treatment strategy, your orthodontist will review your estimate. Our office provides several solutions to keep braces affordable, like using your dental insurance. If your plan includes orthodontics, you will have access to an allowance to use toward the cost of braces after meeting your deductible. This can offset the amount you’ll pay out-of-pocket. A member of our team will work on your behalf to maximize any applicable coverage and explain how it’s being used to pay for your braces. If there’s any remaining balance, our office accepts various payment methods, including third-party financing with CareCredit. You can pay the balance using monthly installments with little or no interest based on your credit approval.