Over the years, discreet teeth-straightening solutions, like Invisalign, have skyrocketed in popularity. While the clear aligners certainly offer plenty of benefits, it’s important not to dismiss traditional braces in Moses Lake. After all, this tried-and-true orthodontic treatment is not only extremely reliable, but it also has the ability to address a wide range of issues, from slight misalignment to severe overcrowding. If you’re interested in learning more, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team or read on!
To understand how braces work, you need to understand how your teeth work. In short, they are attached to the bone via tiny ligaments. As a result, they aren’t cemented in place – they can be moved! With the metal brackets and wires, our skilled dentist in Moses Lake can apply just enough pressure to gently guide your teeth into their properly aligned positions. To ensure this happens safely, the process will be gradual, often taking 12+ months to complete. If needed, we will add accessories, like attachments, to help you achieve perfectly straight teeth and an even bite.
One of the biggest perks of traditional braces is that the metal brackets and wires can efficiently address several orthodontic issues. A few of the most common ones include:
Do your teeth not come together evenly when you bite down? Whether it’s an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or something in between, braces can help. Not only will this benefit the look of your smile, but it will also improve your chewing patterns and it may even help enhance your speech.
Overlapping teeth can take a serious toll on your self-confidence. Plus, the unique crevices they create can harbor food particles and plaque, increasing your chances of developing cavities. Don’t worry – traditional braces can seamlessly move your teeth into a position where they meet evenly.
Even small spaces in your teeth can be a nuisance because they detract from the appearance of your smile and easily trap food. Again, the metal brackets and wires have the ability to exert just enough pressure to bring your teeth back together, improving the look and function of your smile in the process.
Caring for your braces is essential. After all, the last thing you want to do is accidentally break a bracket or wire, derailing your treatment timeline in the process. To help prevent that from happening, make sure to implement the following best practices:
If you want to learn more about the cost of traditional braces – from the factors that play a role in the price to the financial solutions available to you – you’re in the right place. This next section is dedicated to covering important information about the cost so you don’t have to wait to learn more. Of course, if you want an exact number, then schedule an appointment with our Moses Lake dental team!
At your consultation at our Moses Lake dental office, Dr. Harder will conduct a thorough oral exam to determine:
From there, he can create your custom treatment plan and provide you with an estimate of the cost. Before the end of your appointment, we will also review the financial solutions available to you, including flexible financing with CareCredit.
Many patients are drawn to DIY and mail-order braces because of the lower upfront price. It’s important to remember, however, that they cut costs by cutting corners, like using DIY impressions. Initially, this may not seem like a big deal, but it’s one of the reasons previous patients have experienced worsened misalignment and even serious dental emergencies, like a tooth falling out. In short, it’s not worth risking the look and function of your smile to save a bit of money. Instead, trust your smile to a tried-and-true orthodontic treatment, like traditional braces.
There are some cases where dental insurance providers cover a portion of the cost, like when braces are considered “medically necessary.” For that reason, you should absolutely review the fine print on your dental plan or call the helpline to learn more about your benefits. We’re also in-network with Delta Dental and are proud to welcome out-of-network providers as well, which means that we can explain your benefits, provide you with an estimate of your out-of-pocket expenses, and answer any questions you have about your coverage.
If you don’t have dental insurance and you’re looking for another way to make braces affordable, then ask our team at Moses Lake Family Dentistry about flexible financing with CareCredit. This financial solution allows you to space out the cost of braces instead of paying for it all in one lump sum. The good news is that there are several payment plans available, which makes orthodontic treatment manageable for nearly every budget. Plus, there are even some options with little-to-no interest attached!
Now that you know a bit more about traditional braces and the benefits you can enjoy, you can be sure to achieve the straighter smile you’ve always wanted. Still, it’s natural to have certain reservations about the process before committing to anything. To help you feel well-informed and confident about this treatment, our team has listed and answered some of our most frequently asked questions about traditional braces in Moses Lake. Keep reading to find out more about the process or give us a call today to schedule your consultation!
It’s normal for most patients to feel some soreness in their teeth and gums after first wearing their braces for a few days. This typically means that the process is already working and that the wires and brackets are straightening your pearly whites into their proper position. Any discomfort should be short-lived and vanish on its own. In the meantime, you can manage your symptoms by taking over-the-counter pain relievers as well as eating softer foods. In some situations, you might consider using orthodontic wax on your brackets to prevent irritation and protect your soft oral tissues.
Even if you aren’t feeling discomfort during the process, we recommend sticking to a softer food diet for at least the first several days. This will allow you to adjust your metal brackets and wires more smoothly. Additionally, some foods can easily damage or ruin your wires, brackets, or elastic bands. Some meals to steer clear of include:
You should always avoid chewing gum while wearing traditional braces. These products can get lodged between your braces very easily, which can result in bent wires or your teeth shifting in unplanned directions. That said, some studies found that chewing gum can often relieve pain while undergoing an orthodontic process and reduce swelling of gums. It’s also been found that this can minimize your chances of decay if done for 20 minutes after chowing down on a meal or snack. Still, these “benefits” aren’t worth it if chewing gum can harm your braces or interfere with your treatment plan.
Most people associate traditional braces with childhood and adolescence, as they’re the main demographic that undergoes this treatment. Even so, you can still consider straightening your smile with braces no matter your age. Since adult teeth are more firmly rooted in the jawbone, it can take a little more time to achieve your desired results. You’ll also need to have excellent oral health before you can undergo the process. If necessary, we can provide preliminary treatments such as fillings, periodontal therapy, and root canal therapy. You should also verify your dental insurance policy before paying for any work, as some plans might not cover braces for adults.