Traditional Braces – Northborough, MA

Crowded Teeth

Crooked and crowded teeth can easily trap food between them, increasing the risk of issues like decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Braces can ease this problem by moving the teeth apart, providing each one with the space it needs to function properly and be easily cleaned. In some cases, extractions prior to orthodontic care make it possible to address overcrowding in the mouth.

Gaps Between Teeth

Abnormally large gaps between the teeth can look unsightly, particularly if the empty space is near the front of the mouth. They also leave the gums vulnerable to irritation and damage. Often, braces can lessen or eliminate this problem by shifting the teeth so they are closer together. Treatment typically results in improved aesthetics and other noteworthy benefits.

Overbite

Your top teeth should rest slightly in front of your bottom ones, but if they rest too far in front, you have an overbite. This issue is often associated with jaw pain, speech challenges, premature wear and tear on the teeth, and more. Braces, along with rubber bands or other accessories, are an effective way to correct many cases of overbite.

Underbite

If your bottom teeth rest in front of your top ones, you have an underbite. Not only does this affect your facial profile, but your speech, chewing, and even your breathing can all be negatively affected. Braces and appropriate accessories can often be used to address misalignment and help your lower jaw rest a bit farther back, thereby eliminating the underbite and opening the door for greatly improved aesthetics and function.

Crossbite

A crossbite occurs when some of the bottom teeth rest in front of the top teeth. Whether this is caused by genetics, poor habits, or premature loss of baby teeth, a crossbite can lead to painful TMJ issues and a range of functional issues. Braces may be able to shift your teeth in a way that causes the upper and lower arches to work harmoniously together.

Open Bite

If there is a vertical gap between your top and bottom front teeth, even when your back teeth are closed, you have an open bite. This can interfere with proper biting, negatively affect your speech, and allow for premature wear on your back teeth. Braces are usually an effective method for closing an open bite.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Traditional Braces

Some factors that can have a bearing on the cost of traditional braces include:

• Severity of the dental misalignment. More complex and severe cases require a longer treatment timeline, more appointments, and possibly specialized accessories. Therefore, they tend to incur higher costs.
• Your age. In some cases, treatment for adults is more challenging than it is for younger patients. Therefore, more mature individuals may have a higher overall financial obligation.
• Compliance with treatment guidelines. You should be diligent to follow all treatment instructions. For example, you should wear rubber bands if necessary. Failure to do so could slow down your treatment and increase the total cost of your braces.

Professional Braces vs. “DIY” Braces: Which Costs More?

Sometimes, social media promotes DIY braces. Influencers might encourage the use of household or over-the-counter objects, such as paperclips, fishing line, and even superglue to make at-home braces. These ideas might seem like an inexpensive and convenient way to straighten teeth, but they could actually end up costing you more in the long run.

Often, people who try DIY braces end up moving their teeth in the wrong direction. Therefore, they worsen their oral health and end up having to pay more to get their smile back on track. In some instances, they have even caused permanent harm to their teeth. It is wiser to invest in professional treatment right from the outset.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Braces?

Here are a couple of notes to keep in mind about dental insurance and braces:

• Plans are more likely to cover braces for minors than for adults. Usually, only high-end insurance policies cover orthodontia for patients over 19 years of age.
• If your plan includes orthodontic coverage, you may have a lifetime maximum for how much the insurance company will pay for braces. Usually, the maximum is around $1000.
• The coverage rate for braces is usually 50%, up to the amount of the policy’s orthodontic maximum.

If your insurance does not cover braces, you might be able to use your flexible spending account or healthcare savings account to reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

Options for Making Braces Affordable

Beyond insurance, there are a few provisions that might make it easier to afford braces:

• We work with CareCredit and Sunbit to provide low-interest payment plans for dental and orthodontic treatment. Applying is easy, and most patients are approved for credit.
• Essential Dental plan. This discount plan, designed for patients without insurance, provides reduced fees for most of the services available in our practice.

Are you ready to learn more about braces and their cost? Contact Northborough Dental Associates today! We are looking forward to speaking with you.

Am I Too Old to Get Braces?

Traditional braces are often thought of as a treatment for children and teenagers. The truth is, though, that there is no upper age limit for braces. Many patients in their 20s, 30s, and older have benefited from them.

The treatment experience for adults is slightly different than it is for younger people. For example, it might take a bit longer for you to see results. It might also cost more because dental insurance is more likely to cover orthodontia for minors than it is for adults. Fortunately, our office offers a number of convenient payment options that may make it easy for you to afford your braces.

What Happens After You Get Your Braces Off?

Teeth have a sort of memory, so after your braces are removed, your smile will be inclined to shift back to the way it was before your orthodontic treatment. To prevent that from happening, we will provide you with a retainer.

At first, you may need to wear your retainer full-time (22 hours a day). After a while, though, you might need to use it only at night.

How Long Do Traditional Braces Take?

The treatment timeline with braces can vary greatly from case to case. On average, braces can take anywhere from 12 months to 36 months.

Some factors that can affect how long your treatment will take include:

• Your age. The teeth of adults tend to move more slowly than those of children.
• The severity of your dental misalignment. Logically, more severe and complex cases take longer to address.
• Your compliance with treatment instructions. If you fail to do as we ask, it could delay your final results and lead to higher overall expenses.

Do Traditional Braces Hurt?

A degree of soreness is to be expected with any type of orthodontic treatment. After all, braces are designed to apply pressure to your teeth! For some people, the metal brackets and wires of their braces can also cause some discomfort.

Here are some tips to make your experience as easy as possible:

• Sip on cold water to sooth sore oral tissues.
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers as necessary.
• Eat soft foods for a few days after every braces adjustment.
• Call us if you experience any severe or prolonged pain.