Traditional Braces – Palm Harbor, FL
Building a Better Smile with Braces
Dr. Alex Johnson has performed many different kinds of orthodontic treatment over the years, but at the end of the day, there are few that can match traditional braces when it comes to fixing a wide range of orthodontic complications. And with the advancements made in the last few decades, today’s braces are much more comfortable and contribute to a more enjoyable orthodontic experience. Call us today to set up a consultation for yourself or your child to discuss treatment with traditional braces in Palm Harbor, FL.
Why Choose Dr. Alex Johnson Orthodontics
for Traditional Braces?
- Whole-Body Approach to Orthodontics
- Time-Tested Techniques with Reliable Results
- Boutique Orthodontic Office with Knowledgeable Staff
What Can Traditional Braces Correct?
Traditional braces are useful for adjusting the teeth and jaws to make a wide variety of corrections. Common reasons to get braces include:
- Fixing severely crooked or overcrowded teeth
- Closing the gaps between teeth that are spaced too far apart
- Correcting underbite, overbite, and crossbite so that the upper and lower jaws come together correctly
- Finding relief from a TMJ disorder (as misaligned teeth can throw off the way the forces of your bite are redistributed throughout your mouth, putting strain on your jaw joints)
How Do Braces Work?
A series of brackets will be attached to the teeth. Each of these brackets will be connected by an archwire, which will be held in place by a series of elastics or rubber bands. Securing the archwire this way causes it to exert pressure on the teeth, slowly pushing them in a specific direction. Periodically, we’ll adjust and tighten the braces so that they keep applying an appropriate amount of pressure. Eventually, the teeth will reach their ideal position and alignment.
Benefits of Braces
- Improved Oral Health: Once the teeth have been straightened out by braces, it becomes easier to brush and floss properly to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
- Improved Digestion: Misaligned teeth and jaws can make it difficult to chew your food into easily digestible bits. Braces allow you to chew your food as thoroughly as you need to.
- A Safer Smile: Protruding upper teeth are more vulnerable to being broken in accidents until they’ve been corrected with braces.
- Improved Confidence: A straighter smile is one that you can be proud to let people see.
Who Can Wear Braces?
Naturally, you might think of getting braces for your children if you notice that they have crooked teeth, an overbite, or other common orthodontic issues that tend to make themselves known early in life. However, adults are often viable candidates for traditional orthodontics as well! It should be noted that the treatment will take a little longer since the jaw is fully developed and less susceptible to change, but the results will be no less dazzling for it.
Understanding the Cost of Traditional Braces
The total cost of traditional braces in Palm Harbor depends on the details of your treatment. For example, a case that lasts just one year will of course be less expensive than one that takes multiple years to complete. During your consultation, we will be able to evaluate your situation and provide you with a personalized cost estimate. In the meantime, the following information may help you to anticipate what will be involved in paying for your treatment.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Traditional Braces
Several factors can affect the cost of braces, including:
- The severity of your misalignment: This affects treatment length, what type of accessories you will need, and more. It is the most significant contributing factor to the overall price of braces.
- Age: Adults’ teeth tend to move more slowly than those of teenagers, which can make treatment more complex and slightly more costly.
- The number of appointments needed: Braces must be adjusted periodically throughout the treatment. How frequent your appointments are can influence the total cost of your care.
- Compliance with treatment guidelines: Failing to wear your elastics, or eating food that damages your braces, can delay your treatment and incur extra expenses.
Professional Braces vs. “DIY” Braces: Which Costs More?
You might have seen reports on social media about people who have created their own “braces” using household objects, such as fishing line, Super Glue, and paperclips. At first, such methods might seem like a feasible solution for saving money, especially if you are on a tight budget and don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on professional braces.
However, extreme caution is in order. Many people who have tried DIY braces end up worsening their dental misalignment. They may also harm their tooth enamel and gums. Correcting such issues can be much more expensive and uncomfortable than investing in professional treatment in the first place.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Braces?
Some higher-end dental insurance plans cover braces. Typically, such plans have a lifetime orthodontic maximum, which covers 50 percent of the cost of treatment up to the given spending limit. A few plans limit their orthodontic coverage to patients under the age of 18 or 19.
Our team will be happy to help you navigate your benefits and file your claims. If your plan does not cover braces, you might consider using your flexible spending account or healthcare savings account to pay for them.
Other Options for Making Braces Affordable
If you don’t have insurance coverage for braces, consider this to make it easier for you to afford braces:
- Financing: We are partnered with CareCredit, plus we have our own in-office financing. Both options offer little-to-no interest plans with flexible schedules and clear terms so you can breathe easy when it comes to affording your orthodontic treatment.
- Special Offers: It’s always a good idea to check what special offers we have going. Right now, we’ll provide free teeth whitening to qualified patients who get orthodontic treatment!
Are you ready to learn more about braces and their cost? Contact our team today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Alex Johnson Orthodontics.
Traditional Braces FAQs
Am I Too Old to Get Braces?
There’s really no such thing as being too old for braces. As long as your teeth are in good condition, you are likely still a good candidate for orthodontic treatment regardless of your age. Usually, adults have to wear braces longer than children because the teeth tend to be more firmly embedded in a jaw that’s fully developed. Despite this, however, you can still expect great results. It’s worth remembering that some dental insurance plans only offer orthodontic coverage for kids; that means the out-of-pocket expenses for adult braces will likely be larger.
What Happens After You Get Your Braces Off?
Once your braces have been removed, you will be given a retainer. This oral appliance is used to prevent the teeth from returning to their original positions. Typically, you’ll be given a removable retainer that needs to stay in the mouth for a certain amount of time each day. At first, you should expect to wear it at all times except when eating or brushing your teeth. After several days or weeks, you can start wearing it less often; eventually, you may only need to wear it at night.
How Long Do Traditional Braces Take?
Typically, the treatment will last about 1 to 3 years, but the exact amount of time depends on several factors:
- Adult patients with fully developed jaws usually need to wear braces longer than children and teenagers.
- Severe alignment issues usually require moving teeth a greater distance, which naturally extends treatment time.
- Patient compliance is important for keeping the treatment on schedule. For example, you might be told that you need to wear rubber bands on your braces. If you don’t keep the rubber bands in your mouth for the required amount of time, the teeth won’t move the way they’re supposed to, and the treatment will take longer as a result.
Do Traditional Braces Hurt?
Braces exert constant pressure on your teeth to move them, so it’s normal to experience some soreness at first. It usually only lasts about a week, and over-the-counter pain medication should help you keep it under control; you may also want to stick to eating soft foods for a while if it helps. The soreness will return for a few days whenever you have your braces tightened, but it won’t be as bad as when they were first placed. If you’re bothered by your braces rubbing against the soft tissues in your mouth, you can cover the problematic areas with orthodontic wax.