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Cost of Braces & Financial Options

The cost of orthodontic treatment varies with the individual patients’ dental conditions and treatment selected. The purpose of the orthodontic consultation is for the doctor to discuss your personal needs and concerns, examine your dental conditions and then present treatment options that will best suit your dental needs and lifestyle.

Once we have arrived at a course of action, we can have a candid discussion of the fees and finances. Orthodontic treatment is not an every day occurrence and we have many options and financial arrangements to cover the cost of braces so straightening teeth does not have to be a strain on anyone’s budget.

Clear Braces

Modern orthodontic treatment can make even traditional braces clear so you can see only a tiny thin wire from conversational distance. No more “metal mouth”. In some cases it is even possible to have all of the braces on the inside so there is nothing at all to see from the outside.

Invisible Braces with Invisalign

Invisalign is a system that uses a series of virtually invisible plastic aligners instead of traditional braces to move the teeth. They look like ultra thin clear mouth guards or bleaching trays. They are so hard to detect that even a dentist cannot see them from conversational distance.

Another benefit is that you can take them off to eat, brush and floss. This makes the whole process more comfortable and easier to manage.

All of the aligners are made by a computer from a model of the patient’s teeth. The computer figures how many steps will be required to more the teeth from the current position to the desired position. Then a series of aligners are made and they are changed sequentially once every two to three weeks and the teeth are gently moved. These are two actual cases that show the computer simulations for how the straightening is a accomplished, step by step. Each step is a different aligner.

Straightening Teeth with Porcelain Veeners

Some adults dental conditions are not suited for braces, some adults just do not want to take the time for orthodontic teeth movement. Some adults have teeth that are crooked, discolored, decayed and would need porcelain veneers after braces any way. Sometimes we can straighten, repair and whiten teeth all at once. At Dental Care Kids and Dental Care of Stamford we have both orthodontic specialists and cosmetic procedures like porcelain veneers. Click the two links below to see how we can use veneers to “straighten teeth” in just two weeks.

Orthodontics for Children & Adults

Tooth straightening with orthodontics can be done for children as young as 8 years old and for adults at any age. There is no limit in age for adult orthodontics. Our orthodontic team can work with the cosmetic team at Dental Care of Stamford to create a program to give you the best results in the best way for you.

What age should my child have an orthodontic evaluation?

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends an orthodontic screening for children by the age of 7 years. At age 7 the teeth and jaws are developed enough so that the dentist or orthodontist can see if there will be any serious bite problems in the future. Most of the time treatment is not necessary at age 7, but it gives the parents and orthodontist time to watch the development of the patient and decide on the best mode of treatment. When you have time on your side the orthodontist can plan ahead and prevent the formation of serious problems.

Why is it important to have orthodontic treatment at a young age?

Research has shown that serious orthodontic problems can be more easily corrected when the patient’s skeleton is still growing and flexible. By correcting the skeletal problems and working with the baby teeth at a younger age the orthodontist can prepare the mouth for the eventual eruption of the permanent teeth. If the permanent teeth have adequate space to erupt they will come in fairly straight. If the teeth erupt fairly straight their tendency to get crooked again after the braces come off is diminished significantly. After the permanent teeth have erupted, usually from age 12-14, complete braces are placed for final alignment and detailing of the bite. Thus the final stage of treatment is quicker and easier on the patient. This phase of treatment usually lasts from 12 – 18 month and is not started by the orthodontist until all of the permanent teeth are erupted.

Doing orthodontic treatments in two steps provides excellent results often allowing the orthodontist to avoid removal of permanent teeth and jaw surgery. The treatment done when some of the baby teeth are still present is called Phase-1. The last part of treatment after all the permanent teeth have erupted is called Phase-2.

What Causes Crooked Teeth?

Crowded teeth, thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, premature loss of baby teeth, a poor breathing airway caused by enlarged adenoids or tonsils can all contribute to poor tooth positioning. And then there are the hereditary factors. Extra teeth, large teeth, missing teeth, wide spacing, small jaws – all can be causes of crowded teeth.

How Do Teeth Move?

Tooth movement is a natural response to light pressure over a period of time. Pressure is applied by using a variety of orthodontic hardware (appliances), the most common being a brace or bracket attached to the teeth and connected by an arch wire. Periodic changing of these arch wires puts pressure on the teeth. At different stages of orthodontic treatment your child may wear a headgear, elastics, a positioner or a retainer. Most orthodontic appointments are scheduled 4 to 6 weeks apart to give the teeth time to move.

Will It Hurt?

When teeth are first moved, discomfort may result. This usually lasts about 24 to 72 hours. Patients report a lessening of pain as the treatment progresses. Pain medicines such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) usually help relieve the pain.