Object Stuck Between Teeth

Are you a Candidate for Orthodontic Treatment?

If you have any of the following, you may be a candidate for orthodontic treatment:

Overbite, “buck teeth”

The upper front teeth lie too far forward over the lower teeth

Underbite

The lower teeth are too far forward or the upper teeth are too far back

Crossbite

The upper teeth do not come slightly in front of the lower teeth when biting together normally.

Open Bite

Space between the biting surfaces of the front and/or side teeth when the back teeth bite together.

Misplaced Midline

The center of your upper front teeth does not line up with the center of your lower front teeth.

Spacing

Gaps or spaces between the teeth as a result of missing teeth or teeth that do not “fill up” the mouth.

Crowding

There are too many teeth for the dental ridge to accommodate.

Fixed Appliances vs Removable Appliances

Orthodontics use many different type of appliances to help move teeth, retain muscles and help the growth of the jaw. Depending on the severity of the problem, determines which appliances are used.

Fixed Appliances:

Removable Appliances:

Headgear

a strap is placed around the back of the head and attached to a metal wire in front. Headgear slows the growth of the upper jaw and it holds the back teeth where they are while the front teeth are pulled back.

Types of Braces

Metal Braces/Traditional:

Metal brackets and wires used to move the teeth into the desired position. Modern day braces are now, smaller and less noticeable. Also, new heat-activated arch wires use your body heat to help your teeth move more quickly and less painfully than in the past.

Ceramic Braces:

Are the same size and shape as metal braces, except they have tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend in to the teeth.

Lingual Braces:

Are the same as traditional metal braces, except that the brackets and wires are placed on the inside of the teeth.

Invisalign:

Consists of a series of 18 to 30 custom made, mouth guard like plastic aligners. The aligners are removable and are replaced every 2 weeks.

Cost of Treatment

Generally, dental insurance providers do not pay for orthodontic treatment for people over the age of 18, but do partially cover children under the age of 18. You can also buy supplemental orthodontic insurance. Ranges of cost typically vary:

Metal Braces: $3,000-$7,000

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Ceramic Braces: $4,000-$8,000

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Lingual Braces: $8,000-$10,000

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Invisalign: $4,000-$7,000

Plan Ahead

An early checkup with an orthodontist will help you to know what is coming so you can budget in advance. Orthodontists suggest that by age 7, a child be seen to determine if braces or another orthodontic treatment will be necessary in the future.