Getting Braces In Orange County

One thing to note is that every orthodontic case is different.

A proper set of records which include X-rays, model, and photographs is needed to make an accurate assessment.

The following is not intended to make a diagnosis about a case but should only be used as very general guidelines.

Should I get an expander before braces?

Whether you need expanders or not really depend on how constricted the upper jaw is.

If you are a mouth breather or have a cross bite in the molar area, the expander is usually needed to correct the problem.

It is far more effective in a growing child than it is in an adult.

In fact it may not even be of any use in a patient over the age of 30.

Gaps and braces?

If the teeth are not unusually narrow or misshapen and there is gap between the teeth, it can be closed by orthodontic movement (either Invisalign or traditional braces).

Types of braces?

Braces can be metallic or clear (ceramic).

How long do braces take?

Braces can take as little as 4 months to 2 years or longer depending on the case.

Cost of braces?

There is such a big variety in the types of orthodontic cases that it is virtually impossible to arrive at a specific fee until the proper records are taken; it can be as little as 300-400 dollars for an appliance to move a tooth to over 5000 dollars for a complex case.

Orange County Orthodontic Braces Most of the cases fall in between these two extremes.

How do braces align the teeth?

Think of braces as handles that you put on the teeth.

The orthodontic wire goes into these handles.

As a result, the wire movement will move the teeth.

Most of the new wires have shape memory which means they want to go back to being straight and flat.

When you put the wire through the braces that are attached to the teeth, the wire gets deflected because of misalignment of the teeth.

Now the wire will want to go back to its original state (straight and flat) and because it is attached to the teeth through the braces, it will move the teeth and make them straight as well.

Who can benefit from braces?

Almost everyone with crooked teeth or a bad bite.

There is no age maximum for getting braces.

When teeth are crooked, it is hard for even the dental professional to clean in between them, therefore they stain easier, are more prone to gum disease and wear unevenly over time exaggerating the appearance of being crooked.

Straight teeth make your smile significantly more attractive and give the person a much more youthful appearance.

Paying for braces?

Because the braces generally take several months to complete, the payment is spread over the course of the treatment thereby reducing the financial impact, at our Orange County dentist office we use outside financing companies such as Care Credit that allow you to finance the treatment for up to a year or longer with no interest.

What are other methods to straighten teeth other than braces?

There are two other methods to straighten teeth.

One is the use of an active appliance which is similar to a retainer with springs to move one or more teeth.

This device is typically used for minor tooth movement.

The other method is Invisalign which is a series of clear aligners that the patient wears in sequence until the teeth are straight.