Orthodontic Services in Indiana
Misaligned teeth can cause many problems, including trouble chewing and unbalanced facial structure. Fortunately, you can get braces to improve these problems. These orthodontics are used to gradually put crooked, crowded or uneven teeth into the correct positions. Learn more about the best options for you when you talk to our dentists.
Why Do Patients Get Braces?
If you want to straighten your teeth, talk to our dentists. It's essential that you visit the right dentist for this type of treatment because it's a medical procedure that requires skill. Our dentists have the training and experience necessary to help you choose the treatment that's best for you and to deal with any orthodontic issues that come up during the course of that treatment.
During your consultation at our dental office, you'll need to answer some questions about your overall health and dental health for your braces dentist. Along with performing an exam, the dentist will likely request pictures, X-rays and impressions of your teeth in order to recommend the right orthodontic devices and attach them correctly. If your misaligned teeth are too difficult to treat at our office, we can refer you to an orthodontist. Call us to learn more.
How Do Dentists Put Braces On?
Whether your braces are metal or ceramic, the dentist will use the same process to apply them. First, the procedure begins with a thorough cleaning and drying your teeth. Second, an adhesive or bonding glue will be applied to your teeth in order to attach the brackets. Although the glue doesn't taste great, it's safe to use in your mouth. Third, the dentist will insert the wires into the brackets and stabilize their positions with elastic bands. Learn more about getting braces in South Bend when you visit our practice.
What Are the Options for Braces?
Our dental practice offers a range of correction options for misaligned teeth. Here's a short description of each type:
Metal braces — These are the conventional orthodontic devices that most people get. They involve attaching metal brackets and wires to your teeth, so they're more noticeable than other options. However, advancements in dental technology have made them smaller than they once were. With the addition of heat-activated wires, they're less painful too.
Ceramic braces — The components of this treatment are the same as the metal option in size and shape. However, the bracket material is ceramic, so it looks more like a part of your teeth. You can get tooth-colored or clear wires too, and then your orthodontic devices will be significantly less noticeable. Just make sure that you keep the ceramic clean because it can stain easily.
Invisible braces — Unlike other orthodontic devices that use wires and brackets, these use mouthguard-like plastic that's nearly invisible. You replace each set of customized aligners about every two weeks to gradually move your teeth. Also, you remove them to eat and sleep.
Are Braces Expensive?
How much do braces cost? This is a question we hear very often. Most orthodontic devices don't have fixed prices. The cost of your treatment will depend on your insurance benefits and the severity of your misalignment. The specific devices that you choose will affect the cost as well. In general, the metal type are the least expensive, and invisible aligners are the most expensive. In order to make your treatment more affordable, our office has flexible financing options.
How Long Does the Braces Application Take?
Your orthodontic treatment time will vary, depending on the type of braces you want and the amount of correction you need. For example, it only takes up to two hours for the dentist to apply the device components. If your molars are too crowded, the dentist will put spacers in between them during your first visit. After wearing them for about a week, you'll return to our office for the dentist to complete your orthodontic treatment.
You're likely to have a sore mouth for a few hours following the application process. Before your tongue and cheeks get used to the brackets and wires, they might become sensitive from them rubbing together. An achy jaw and headaches are normal symptoms as well. This discomfort shouldn't last beyond a week. Contact us if the discomfort or pain doesn't go away with over-the-counter medications.
Do Dentists Require Patients to Wear Retainers After Braces?
When your braces have shifted your teeth into the correct positions, the dentist will remove them, which takes about one hour. Without the device there to hold your teeth into place, they can move again. Along with your teeth, the soft tissue and your jaw need additional time to settle. A customized retainer will aid this process and prevent you from having to straighten your teeth all over again. Contact us to find out what wearing a retainer means for you.