Teeth-Straightening Solutions from the Teenage Years and Beyond
By the age of 13, most children have lost their baby teeth and have most of their adult teeth in place. At this stage, it’s often easy to identify potential issues such as overcrowding or crooked teeth. Starting orthodontic treatment now can help guide their developing smile into proper alignment.
Beyond aesthetics, orthodontic treatment is crucial for oral health. Misaligned teeth and an uneven bite can make it difficult to clean your teeth effectively, potentially leading to discomfort, aches, and even pain. Orthodontic solutions can address these problems, often within just 6 months, leading to a healthier and more comfortable smile.
- An Overbite: When the upper teeth extend too far beyond the lower teeth.
- Excessive Spacing: Noticeable gaps or spaces between the teeth.
- An Underbite: When the lower teeth extend beyond the upper teeth.
- Crowding: Overlapping teeth or those that are difficult to floss properly.
- Crossbite: A bite where the upper and lower teeth do not align properly.
- Pain: Persistent headaches, jaw discomfort, or pain in the upper back and neck.
Your Teen Might Benefit from Orthodontic Treatment If They Have:
Orthodontic Treatment Options
There are several orthodontic treatment options available, tailored to meet individual needs and budgets. Here are a few possibilities:
Traditional Braces
When you think of braces, you might picture the old-fashioned metal brackets with wires. Today’s traditional braces are much smaller and less noticeable. Modern brackets are designed to be more comfortable, easier to clean, and just as effective as their bulkier predecessors.
Clear Brackets
For a more discreet option, we offer clear brackets. These are particularly popular among young adults who prefer a less noticeable treatment. Clear brackets blend with the natural color of your teeth, making them less visible while still providing effective orthodontic care.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners, like Invisalign, have become a popular choice for many patients. These aligners are custom-made transparent trays that gently shift teeth into place. They are designed to fit snugly and can be removed for eating, brushing, and special occasions, offering both convenience and aesthetic benefits.
The Cost Of Orthodontic Treatment In Waterloo
Following an oral exam, we’ll provide a detailed quote to help you understand your insurance coverage and out-of-pocket expenses. Without insurance, orthodontic treatment generally ranges from $3,500 to over $6,000.
How Do We Actually Determine the Cost of Your Orthodontic Treatment and Why Does It Seem So Expensive?
When evaluating the cost of orthodontic treatment, several key factors are taken into account:
- Current Oral Health: The state of your teeth and gums plays a significant role. Issues like decay or gum disease may need to be addressed before starting orthodontics, which can impact the overall cost.
- Degree of Tooth Movement: The extent to which teeth need to be shifted or aligned affects the complexity of the treatment and, consequently, the cost.
- Type of Orthodontic Treatment: Different orthodontic options (e.g., traditional braces, clear brackets, or clear aligners) have varying costs associated with them.
- Duration of Treatment: The length of time required to achieve the desired results will influence the overall cost. Longer treatments typically require more adjustments and thus increase the cost.
Since every smile is different, the most accurate way to determine the best orthodontic treatment and its cost is by coming in for a consultation. After a thorough examination, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan that includes a clear timeline and cost estimate.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ideally, orthodontic treatment is most effective when started in younger patients, typically before most of the adult teeth have fully arrived. If you are a parent, we recommend scheduling a consultation for your teen to evaluate their needs. However, if you are an adult considering orthodontics, don’t worry! There are many effective treatment options available for adults as well. It’s never too late to achieve the smile you want.
When braces are first applied, they should not cause pain. However, after the braces start to work and shift your teeth, you might experience some discomfort. This is usually more of an annoyance than actual pain. If you do experience pain or significant discomfort, please let us know. We have various solutions available to ensure your treatment is as comfortable as possible.
To keep your braces in good condition and make cleaning easier, avoid foods that can damage or get stuck in them. This includes sticky or hard foods like candy apples, caramel, and popcorn, as well as chewy gum. Sugary or acidic foods can also be problematic because they’re harder to clean off your teeth. If you have clear braces, be cautious with foods that can cause staining, such as beets, curry, and certain sauces.
If a wire, bracket, or tray breaks, contact us immediately. It’s important not to wait until your next appointment to address the issue.
Flossing with braces can be tricky, but tools like floss threaders and super floss are designed to help. These tools make it easier to get between the wires and around the brackets. We’ll be glad to demonstrate proper flossing techniques at your next appointment to ensure you maintain good oral hygiene throughout your treatment.
The duration of orthodontic treatment varies based on individual needs. For minor adjustments, braces might be needed for as little as 6 months. However, most patients wear braces for between 6 months and 2 years. After an oral exam, we can provide a more accurate estimate tailored to your specific situation.
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