What are braces?

Braces, also known as dental braces, are oral devices used to correct common problems such as crooked teeth, crowded teeth, and misaligned jaws. They’re made of metal, ceramic, or plastic and place slight pressure on your teeth to slowly but surely move them into place.

Many people get braces during their teenage years, but this treatment option is popular for adults as well. If you’re self-conscious about your smile, make an appointment with Dr. Singh at Advanced Orthodontics today.

Are there different types of braces?

At Advanced Orthodontics, Dr. Singh offers several different types of braces, including:

Clear Braces

Dr. Singh proudly offers Invisalign® oral aligners. This type of orthodontic treatment uses a series of clear, nearly invisible plastic aligners to straighten your teeth. Unlike traditional braces, you’re able to remove them. This means no food restrictions or risk of getting cut or punctured with a wire.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are similar to traditional metal braces. However, because the brackets are made of ceramic, they blend in more naturally with your permanent teeth, are durable, stain resistant, and are very discreet compared to metal braces. Ceramic braces aren’t as durable as metal braces, but they provide equally stunning results.

Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces have been around since the 1950s. They use brackets, wires, and rubber bands to gradually correct the position and alignment of your teeth. In certain orthodontic treatment cases, metal braces may be the best method for improving the desired smile. The elastic ties which go around the braces can now be colorful. You can mix and match to go with your outfit or support your favorite team. Most people can achieve their ideal results by wearing traditional metal braces for 12-18 months.

How do braces work?

Braces move your teeth by placing constant pressure on them for extended periods. Ultimately, this causes your jaw to conform to the pressure and change shape.

Believe it or not, your teeth aren’t fused to your jaw bone. Instead, they sit on top of a membrane that controls the position of your teeth. Braces put pressure on your teeth, and the membrane responds to this pressure.

Are braces expensive?

Many people think the orthodontic treatment of getting braces is very costly. However, that’s not necessarily the case. At Advanced Orthodontics, braces are very affordable, and the best options are available to patients.

If you’re concerned your budget won’t allow for getting braces, let Dr. Singh know. She’ll be happy to develop an orthodontic treatment plan that aligns with your budget and individual needs.

To request a consultation for braces at Advanced Orthodontics today, call the office or use the online booking tool.

Life With Braces

Daily care for your orthodontic appliances is essential to ensure you receive optimal results from your treatment. Recommended care varies depending on the type of appliances that you are using, so it is best discuss your daily habits with our team to determine the best practices to support your long-term goals.

With braces, it is very important to clean around the wires and brackets, while checking for loose wires and brackets that need to be repaired. If a band or wire is loose, you can call us right away to determine if immediate repair is required.

Removable appliances, like Invisalign or retainers, should be worn according to the instructions your have receive from our team. They can be removed as needed while eating or participating in vigorous activities. Bring these appliances to each appointment appointment you have to ensure everything is up to date. It is important to brush the appliance daily with toothpaste or denture cleaner and store it in a plastic appliance case when it is not in your mouth.

At what age is orthodontic treatment needed?

Orthodontics can be used at any age, although treatment is most effective in the childhood years. The American Association of Orthodontists recommendations that children visit an orthodontist around age seven to determine if early intervention will be beneficial. Adults can also benefit from orthodontics, and we treat all ages at Advanced Orthodontics.

How long will I wear braces?

Treatment times vary depending on your orthodontic needs. The anticipated timeframe can be determined during a thorough examination and consultation. In most situations, treatments last between 6 months and 30 months based on the complexity of the treatments you need.

Will my teeth hurt?

While new technology helps to minimize the discomfort of braces, there are still a few days when your teeth will likely be sore after adjustments. This pain is minimal and will go away as your mouth adjusts, but an over-the-counter pain reliever can be used as needed. Remember: a few days of discomfort is worth the long-term results that you will achieve.

Why is orthodontic treatment important?

When the teeth are crowded or crooked, it can be hard to maintain and clean all surfaces of the teeth. An improper bite can wear down tooth surfaces and also cause difficulty with speaking or chewing. Without proper treatment, dental problems can become worse over time and result in further problems.

Financial Information

Treatment cost depends on each individual patient’s goals, along with the type of orthodontic treatment needed. Once our team determines which treatment option best suits you, we will discuss the fees and payment options with you before your treatment begins. We have different payment options and are able to work with most insurance plans. We are committed to helping you maximize your insurance benefits.

In an effort to keep your orthodontic treatment affordable, we have designed a financial policy to fit each individual’s budget.

• We offer a discount for payment in full at the start of treatment. If there is insurance, we will offer a discount on the portion of payment not covered by insurance.
• We accept credit card payments from American Express, Visa, Mastercard, and Discover.
• Our interest free payment plan can be extended over the full course of treatment.
• We can utilize your Flexible Spending Plan or HSA.

Please have your insurance information at the ready when you schedule your initial consultation. Then, we are able to have your benefit information available at your first appointment as we discuss your treatment plan and financial arrangements.