Regular Orthodontics in Richardson
Even if we’re able to provide early orthodontic intervention, we’ll likely encourage patients to go on with regular orthodontic care beginning around the age of 12. This is typically when all baby teeth are lost and adult teeth have erupted from the gum line. We may recommend braces or Invisalign depending on your needs, but the goal of regular orthodontic care is simple. We want to improve the look, feel, and function of the smile, so patients are able to maintain their optimal level of oral health for a lifetime.
Indications for Orthodontic Treatment
There are a number of indicators you may notice or a regular checkup may uncover that indicate a need for orthodontic intervention. If you notice any combination of the follow symptoms, we encourage you to talk to your general dentist to determine whether or not you may benefit from orthodontic treatment:
- Discomfort or difficulty when chewing
- Chronic mouth breathing
- For younger patients, thumb or finger sucking
- Crowding, wide gaps between teeth, or otherwise uneven spacing
- Teeth that do not erupt
- Teeth that erupt in an inappropriate position
- Teeth that do not develop
- Jaw that is improperly positioned or that shifts out of alignment when you bite
- Biting into soft tissue when chewing
- Over, under, or crossbite
- Teeth that don’t close together, sometimes called an open or deep bite
- Lips that do not close over teeth
Braces Step by Step
Initial Consultation
We’ll start with a careful evaluation including digital Ceph x-rays and panoramic scans, so we have a complete understanding of your smile, how the bite fits together, and what orthodontic care you may need. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have, explain your treatment options, and partner with you to create a personalized plan for ongoing oral health care. Before the end of your visit, we’ll review your treatment options, provide estimates for the duration of treatment and costs of care, and work with you to determine what orthodontic treatment will most benefit your smile.
Initial Bonding Appointment
As soon as we can following your initial consultation, we’ll schedule your first treatment appointment. The first treatment is the attachment of your brackets and spacers. The brackets are the pieces bonded to the front of the tooth that allow bands and wires to place pressure on teeth causing them to move. Spacers make room for bands. If your bracket or spacer comes out prior to your banding appointment, please call us right away, so we can reattach these. You’ll also need to provide a letter from your general dentist that verifies you are free from decay, gum disease, or other oral health concerns. The appointment itself typically takes a little over an hour.
Banding
Prior to the banding appointment, you may need to have one or more teeth removed. This is necessary if you are experiencing crowding or have other significant concerns with the eruption of teeth. We will not be able to attach your bands and wires until after this is completed. About two weeks after your bonding appointment, you’ll visit us for banding. We’ll remove spacers and attach bands and wires, adjusting them as necessary to place pressure on teeth to move them into position.
Adjustments
Every four to six weeks, you’ll come back to our office, so we can adjust your bands and wires. These visits will continue at regular intervals until the end of your treatment. You should plan for each of your adjustments to take about half an hour.
Debanding Visit
We will remove all brackets and wires at this appointment and supply your retainer. This treatment takes about an hour.
Final Appointment
About a month after the debanding visit, you’ll return for your final appointment. We’ll capture photos and x-rays to ensure you’ve achieved the desired results. We will also check the fit and comfort of your retainer. Plan to be in our office for about half an hour.
Understanding the Cost of Traditional Braces
The cost of traditional braces can vary depending on a number of different factors. When you visit us for a consultation, our on-staff orthodontist will evaluate the details of your case before we can provide a detailed cost estimate. Generally speaking, traditional braces are one of the most affordable ways to correct dental misalignment.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Traditional Braces
Some factors that may affect the cost of your braces include:
- The severity of your dental misalignment. This is the largest influence on the cost of braces. It affects how many appointments you need, the overall length of your treatment, and whether you require any special accessories. Naturally, all such factors can affect overall price.
- Your age. Often, the teeth of younger people move faster than those of mature adults. Therefore, there can be a price difference.
- Compliance with treatment guidelines. Mishaps during your treatment might affect costs. For example, if you do not wear rubber bands as instructed, that could slow down your treatment and potentially lead to higher fees.
Professional Braces vs. “DIY” Braces: Which Costs More?
You might have heard of so-called “hacks” that some individuals have used to straighten their teeth instead of professional braces. These methods might seem appealing because they tend to be inexpensive, often utilizing common objects like fishing line, earring backs, rubber bands, and superglue.
Before you try any of these ideas, it is important to acknowledge the fact that if you do not have professional training, you could easily end up worsening the alignment of your teeth. Some people have even caused serious damage to their smile. Often, it is more affordable to get professional treatment right from the beginning of your teeth-straightening endeavors.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Braces?
Here are some important notes to keep in mind about dental insurance and traditional braces:
- Some premium plans cover up to 50% of the cost of braces (up to a designated lifetime orthodontic maximum).
- Coverage for minors is more common than coverage for adults.
- Some specialty orthodontic treatments may not be covered at all.
Our Richardson practice welcomes insurance, and we will be happy to help you figure out how your benefits may apply to your treatment plan.
Options for Making Braces Affordable
Beyond insurance, there is another provision that might make it easier for you to afford your braces: financing. We work with CareCredit, a third-party lender, to provide low-interest and no-interest payment plans for our patients. The application process is fast, and the majority of people are deemed eligible for credit. You may be able to choose a monthly payment amount that fits your family’s budget.
Are you interested in learning more about traditional braces and their cost? Get in touch with EPO Dental Specialists today; our friendly team will be happy to answer your questions!
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