Kids, teens, and adults can smile with confidence! Braces can correct bite issues, crooked teeth, gaps, crowded teeth, or overlapping teeth. Poorly aligned teeth may affect the way you speak, bite, and chew. Braces can solve these issues and give you the smile you’ve always wanted.
At Smile Doctors, we offer several types of braces that will best suit any patient’s needs.
Braces for All Ages
Kids
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children see an orthodontist by age 7. Through our complimentary Rising Star program, your orthodontist will determine if treatment is recommended at this time, or whether to continue monitoring your child’s growth until they are ready to begin.
Teens
Teens now have more braces options than ever! From traditional braces with fun colors, to clear braces with a less visible appearance, your braces can help you express your personality while you’re straightening your teeth!
Adults
Braces are not just for kids! Adult braces are a great orthodontic treatment option. Whether you have had braces in the past or you are looking into treatment for the first time, your smile is in great hands with Smile Doctors.
How Much Do Braces Cost?
The cost of braces depends on the amount of adjustment needed to create your ideal smile. Taking care of your teeth between adjustments helps to reduce orthodontist visits.
Our orthodontist offices accept most major insurance plans, so check with your health insurance provider to learn whether braces are included in your coverage. We may also be able to help you with financing options—because everyone deserves an amazing, confident (and affordable) smile.
What to Expect When Getting Braces
Before you get braces, your orthodontist will perform a full orthodontic examination and take X-rays to determine the current position of your teeth. The doctor will create a plan to move your teeth into a more desirable alignment. Brackets are then carefully placed on each tooth to align the teeth efficiently and effectively.
The process involves two steps:
- Placement. Brackets for metal or ceramic braces are attached to your teeth. Small bands are placed between and around your molar teeth, which are then connected to the brackets with a flexible wire. This wire is tightened to create sufficient tension to gently pull each tooth to a more desirable position. Your orthodontist may recommend a Carriere® Motion Appliance or other temporary anchoring devices, which may take the place of headgear and rubber bands to help apply pressure and align your teeth.
- Adjustments. You will have regular appointments with your local orthodontist, who will check the progress of your realignment and tighten or bend the wires to help adjust your teeth. You may have mild discomfort after an adjustment, but you’ll find it amazing how quickly your mouth adapts to the treatment. And typically, over-the-counter pain relievers help reduce discomfort if it gets to be too much.
You may also use the Smile Doctors Anywhere app between adjustment appointments to scan your smile and update your orthodontist on progress—saving you the time and energy you’d normally spend in our clinic.
Depending on the adjustments that need to be made, the average orthodontic treatment for braces may last anywhere from 1½-2 years.
Your orthodontic team will advise you on oral hygiene routines to care for your braces. In general, foods to avoid include:
- Hard foods: whole apples, hard candy, fresh carrots, or corn-on-the-cob.
- Chewy or sticky foods: gum, caramel, or gummies.
- Crunchy foods: ice, nuts, popcorn, or hard pretzels.
What Will My Teeth Be Like After Braces?
Once your teeth are in their newly aligned position, your orthodontist will remove your braces and ensure you are happy with your new smile. We’ll then design your retainer to stabilize the new positioning.
With a little help from braces and your orthodontist, you’ll then have a healthy and beautiful smile!
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