Traditional Braces – Wellesley, MA
Straighten Your Smile for Improved Oral Health
Misaligned teeth can cause a range of oral health problems, including an increased risk of cavities and gum disease. Speech and bite function may also be affected. Fortunately, there are ways to address crooked teeth, including traditional braces in Wellesley. This tried-and-true treatment can work for even complex cases. Read on below to learn more about it and what you can expect with it. Get in touch with us when you are ready to schedule an orthodontic consultation.
Why Choose Wellesley Dental Group for Traditional Braces?
- Experienced & Highly Qualified Team
- Multiple Types of Braces Available
- Improve Your Appearance and Oral Health
How Do Traditional Braces Work?
Traditional braces have two primary components. There are brackets, which we bond onto the teeth. An arch wire connects those brackets. Together, the wire and brackets apply consistent, gentle pressure to the teeth to move them into their proper positions. Adjusting the wire every 6 – 8 weeks ensures that patients continually make progress with their treatment.
Total treatment time with braces varies from case to case, but most patients see ultimate results in 18 – 36 months.
What Orthodontic Issues Can Braces Fix?
Braces are much more than a cosmetic treatment. In fact, they can significantly improve oral health by addressing issues such as misaligned bites, crooked teeth, gaps between the teeth, and more. During your consultation, we will be able to let you know what braces may be able to accomplish in your unique case.
Bite Misalignment
Overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite are all forms of malocclusion (bad bite). These issues can contribute to teeth grinding, speech problems, TMD, and more. Braces, often with the help of accessories like elastics, can shift the teeth and train the lower jaw to rest in the proper position, leading to a more harmonious bite.
Crowded & Crooked Teeth
Crowded teeth can easily trap food between them, leading to a heightened risk of bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. Fortunately, braces can help to give each tooth the space it needs to function optimally. This may be accomplished with the help of extractions, special orthodontic accessories, or other aids.
Gapped Teeth
While a gap between the teeth is often regarded as a purely aesthetic issue, it can have consequences for gum health. To close empty spaces, braces can move the teeth closer together, thereby creating a more attractive smile that is at a lower risk of a number of oral health issues.
Caring for Your Braces
Here are some practical tips for caring for braces:
- Diligently attend all recommended appointments with your orthodontist or dentist in Wellesley.
- Stick to a thorough oral hygiene routine. You should brush and floss after each meal, drink plenty of water, and use special tools to clean around your braces.
- Avoid foods that might damage your braces, such as extremely sticky or chewy items. For example, things like gummy bears and pizza crust should be avoided. It is also smart to avoid foods that can easily get stuck in braces, such as popcorn.
Understanding the Cost of Traditional Braces
Traditional metal braces are usually one of the more affordable orthodontic treatment options. However, their cost can vary based on multiple factors. When you visit us for a consultation, we can share some specific numbers and help you understand your payment options. For example, we welcome insurance and work with third-party companies to provide low-interest financing.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Traditional Braces
There are a number of factors that can influence the cost of traditional metal braces, including the following:
- Severity of Dental Misalignment: More complex or severe misalignment typically requires longer treatment, more visits to our office, and additional orthodontic accessories. Logically, such factors can affect overall costs.
- Age of the Patient: Children and teenagers often see results faster than adults, and adults may require more extensive treatment because their teeth tend to move a bit more slowly. This may have a slight impact on costs.
- Patient Compliance: Following our instructions — such as maintaining proper oral hygiene and attending scheduled appointments — can help keep treatment on track, potentially helping you avoid additional fees.
Professional Braces vs. “DIY” Braces: Which Costs More?
Have you seen hacks on social media that claim to be able to straighten teeth with the use of household products, such as paperclips and superglue? While the idea of “DIY” braces might seem appealing due to their lower upfront costs, these do-it-yourself methods come with significant drawbacks that can end up costing you more in the long run. Without the expertise of a qualified dental team, DIY braces can lead to improper tooth movement, gum damage, bite problems, and other serious issues. Because these treatments lack professional oversight, complications are more likely, often requiring corrective procedures that are both expensive and time-consuming.
Investing in professional treatment right from the beginning can lead to better results and lower overall costs.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Braces?
Some premium dental insurance plans apply to braces. Here are a few important notes about coverage:
- Coverage for minors is more common than coverage for adults.
- Your plan might cover up to 50% of the cost of braces, after any applicable deductibles.
- Your plan may enforce a lifetime orthodontic maximum, which is a hard limit on how much your insurance will pay for braces.
Our Wellesley team welcomes insurance, and we will be happy to help you figure out how your benefits may apply.
Options for Making Braces Affordable
Outside of insurance, other provisions that might make your braces more affordable include:
- We work with CareCredit and Sunbit to provide low-interest payment plans for qualified patients. We can walk you through the easy application process.
- Essential Dental plan. This discount plan is geared toward patients without insurance. It provides reduced fees on many of the services available in our office.
Are you interested in learning more about braces and their cost? Contact our Wellesley team today!