Orhodontics FAQ

How will I know if I need to get braces?

If your teeth are out of alignment or there are gaps between some of your teeth, braces may be necessary.  Your dentist will discuss their findings with you as well as the options that you may have in order to straighten your teeth.

Who will put on my braces?

Dentists do not typically place and maintain braces.  Instead, this branch of dental medicine is handled by an orthodontist, who is specially trained in this area.

What are the benefits of getting braces?

Braces can help you to not only achieve a more pleasing appearance for your teeth, but also to improve your dental health by reducing the possibility of problems occurring where teeth are not aligned or gaps exist.

What do braces do to straighten teeth?

Every month, you will visit your orthodontist, who will make minute adjustments to your braces so that over a set amount of time, your teeth are gently coaxed into place.

Are braces only for children?

No.  In fact, more adults than ever before are electing to have braces used to correct their oral alignment issues.

How much do braces cost?

The cost of braces can differ by the material used, whether your entire mouth is affected, and the length of time necessary to achieve permanent results.  The typical range is from $1500 to $5000.

Does insurance cover braces?

Some dental insurance plans do cover braces, although there will likely still be an out-of-pocket component.

Are metal braces my only option?

No.  There are many different other types of braces, including plastic, ceramic, and Invisalign.

Can I use Invisalign to hide the fact that I need braces?

Invisalign only works in certain situation.  Typically, Invisalign is best indicated when you have only minor alignment issues and are willing to pay a larger cost to have them fixed faster.

Why should I use plastic or ceramic braces?

Plastic and ceramic braces work much the same as traditional metal braces but because they are either see through or designed to match the color of your teeth, they are a more discrete option, especially favored by results.

Will I have to wear a retainer?

It is possible that after wearing braces, you will have to wear a retainer for some amount of time to reinforce the results achieved by braces.

Can I use colored bands with my metal, plastic or ceramic braces

Colored bands have become quite popular in turning braces into fashion items.  They are most often used with metal braces, since the point of plastic and ceramic braces is to blend in, not stand out.

Will I need to have teeth pulled before getting braces?

It is possible that your mouth may be overcrowded and that some teeth may need to be pulled in order to assure that your final results will allow for the remaining teeth to be spaced appropriately.

I have large gums.  How will that affect getting braces?

You may need to have a procedure performed called gingivectomy, to remove a portion of your gum tissue so that more area is exposed on your teeth to seat the braces.

How long will I need to wear braces?

The length of time necessary for braces differs from patient to patient.  Most commonly, it takes between 1 and 3 years to achieve desired results, but this time can vary depending upon your own unique dental circumstances.