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When your teeth are crowded or improperly spaced, it can cause you to lose confidence in your smile. However, the benefits of straight teeth are more than cosmetic, correcting the appearance of your teeth can make it easier to speak, chew and can alleviate gum disease. If you’re unhappy with the alignment of your smile, call our office today to speak with our braces dentist. With braces in College Park, you can achieve the healthy, aligned smile you always imagined.
Our dentists usually suggest orthodontic treatment for patients with gapped teeth, crooked teeth or for those with bite issues. During orthodontic care, you will wear an appliance that gradually shifts your teeth or the underlying bone into place. Learn more about the braces process by reading the guide below.
What Dentists Provide Braces?
Visiting an experienced dentist is the first step in achieving a straighter smile. At our office, we’re here to help you understand each step of the orthodontic process, from initial placement of the appliance to treatment costs. We’ll create a personalized treatment plan that treats your alignment issues as quickly as possible. If you’ve been wondering how to get braces, you’ll find the answers you need at our practice.
What’s the Process for Getting Braces Put On?
No matter what style you choose, a brace and corresponding wire is attached to your teeth using the same method. The procedure is painless and usually takes about one to two hours. To attach the brackets, the dentist uses a special adhesive that will firmly hold them in place. Then, the archwire is attached to the brackets and held in place using rubber bands. Over time, the orthodontic process will place pressure on your teeth, causing them to move into the desired position.
What Braces Options Are Available?
Our experienced dentists provide multiple orthodontic options to suit your needs and budget. Traditional metal braces are the most popular style and are effective at correcting a variety of alignment issues. However, many patients express interest in ceramic braces, which are similar to the metal variety but have tooth-colored brackets instead. Ceramic appliances blend more seamlessly into the teeth but are often more costly than metal.
Those desiring a discreet, convenient way to straighten teeth may be interested in invisible braces, also referred to as clear aligners. These trays are made using a durable yet flexible plastic and are worn over the teeth. You’ll wear a series of trays until your teeth move to the aligned position. Many of our patients enjoy clear aligners because they can be removed at any time for eating, drinking or special occasions. Learn more about the different types of orthodontics by contacting our office.
Where Can You Find Affordable Braces in College Park?
When a straighter, more vibrant smile is your goal, you may wonder if the treatment cost is in your budget. You’re not alone. One of the most common questions we receive from patients is, “How much do braces cost?”
Several factors will determine how much your treatment costs, including where you live, how many follow-up appointments are required and whether your insurance covers braces. The type of braces you choose will also determine cost. If you have questions about your insurance, contact our office – we’re happy to help you navigate your benefits.
We’re here to help you find an orthodontic solution that won’t break your budget. In some cases, flexible payment options are available to help you manage the cost of care. These plans can be used alongside your insurance coverage, but they’re also a great option for getting orthodontics without insurance. Give our office a call for more information.
How Long Will It Take to Straighten My Teeth?
The process of attaching the brackets and wires for your new braces usually takes between one and two hours. This procedure usually can be completed in one visit. It’s common to feel slight soreness following the procedure, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medicine. However, a dentist should evaluate your appliance if the pain becomes unbearable or persists longer than a week.
Treatment time varies from person to person, but it typically takes less than two years to complete. Your dentist will provide an estimate of how long you’ll require braces during your visit.
Are Retainers Necessary?
When treatment is complete, you’ll return to our practice to have your teeth and bite evaluated and your appliance removed. This is a painless process where your dentist uses a set of special pliers to separate the brackets and wires from your teeth.
One of the most important parts of maintaining your brilliant new smile after braces is wearing the retainer recommended by your dentist. A retainer is designed to fit over your teeth and is usually worn overnight. If the retainer isn’t worn regularly, your teeth may shift. Retainers are often worn for several years following treatment.