Maidu Dental

What Can Traditional Braces Do For Me?

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Depositphotos 144801423 s 2019
Portrait of smiling young man with metal and ceramic dental braces

Straight teeth are synonymous with attractiveness and good oral health. While some of us grow into adults with naturally straight teeth, many of us are not so fortunate. Orthodontic treatments at our Auburn, CA dental office offer a safe and effective means to straighten misaligned teeth.

By the time your child is around seven years old, they should have an appointment set with Dr. David Markham at Maidu Dental. During those early years, it will be easier to identify and diagnose dental issues. If you wonder which dental problems you can solve with traditional braces, this overview will help.

Metal Braces: Pros, Cons, and Benefits

Traditional metal braces have multiple unique benefits over other types of braces. If you or your child have significant gaps between your teeth, metal braces may be a more effective treatment option.

Traditional braces allow Dr. Markham to have more control over “fine-tuning” adjustments throughout your treatment period. Finally, metal braces may be a better option for children and teenagers because they remain bonded to your teeth. Now that you know the unique benefits of metal braces over the competition, it’s time to take a look at some of the pros and cons of this type of braces.

Pros

  • Metal braces are one of the most cost-effective orthodontic solutions
  • Being the most traditional type of treatment, any orthodontist can help install them
  • They can help you solve complex dental issues
  • You will be able to opt for multicolor wires or even wires of the same color as your enamel.

Cons

  • They are the most noticeable and obvious form of braces
  • More likely to cause irritation or sores on the inside of your mouth
  • Can cause hygiene problems if you don’t maintain proper hygiene

In addition to traditional metal braces, Maidu Dental offers:

  • Invisalign
  • Ceramic braces
  • Invisible braces
  • Lingual braces (which fit behind the teeth)

Dental Problems You Can Solve With Traditional Braces

There are many dental problems you can solve with traditional braces. A few of these include:

Tooth Alignment

  • A twisted tooth: A twisted tooth is not flush with the neighboring teeth. This problem is most common with the anterior teeth (front-facing incisors). If your teeth did not have enough room to emerge properly early in your childhood, they might have become twisted. This can make cleaning difficult because certain parts of the tooth may be hard to reach with a toothbrush. Orthodontic treatments can rotate the tooth into proper alignment.
  • Overlapping teeth: If one or more of your teeth cannot emerge to the front of your jaw due to teeth crowding, your smile may have overlapping teeth. This problem often results from teeth crowding. We offer multiple treatments that address this problem. Once your braces create enough space for your teeth to align properly, braces can gently realign your teeth to eliminate overlapping.
  • Tipped teeth: A tipped tooth does not point straight down and appears to point toward the left or right. An angled tooth can result from several causes, including nearby tooth loss or teeth crowding.
  • Gapped teeth: Gapped teeth can be a source of embarrassment. You can use traditional metal braces to reduce these large spaces. Small gaps are often solvable with Invisalign treatments.

Jaw Malocclusions

  • Jaw pain: While many people think about braces as a cosmetic treatment, proper alignment of the jaws can provide pain relief for individuals suffering from TMJ disorder and other alignment problems.
  • An Overbite: An overbite is a common dental problem that you can correct with the help of an orthodontist. The teeth on the lower jaw may overlap or protrude, which will cause an individual to have difficulty chewing and speaking.
  • Underbite: This issue occurs when there isn’t enough space in the upper jaw for all of your teeth to fit comfortably. This causes some of them to end up overlapping while others are pushed back into their sockets. Because of this dental problem, some patients might suffer from headaches and have difficulties making certain sounds for the letters “f” and “v.”
  • Crossbite: A crossbite happens when the teeth on one side of a patient’s mouth interfere with those found on the other. It can be difficult to chew or even speak when this happens, but this also can be corrected using braces.
  • Open Bite: If you have too much space in the upper jaw for all of your teeth to fit comfortably, you have an open bite. As a result, you may suffer from difficulties chewing or speaking. Luckily, this dental problem can be treated using braces, just like the other issues mentioned above.

How Much Does Treatment With Braces Cost?

When inquiring about the cost of treatment with braces, it’s important to always keep in mind that each person’s issues are different and that their severity will be the main factor that determines the final cost and length of treatment.

The American Dental Association (ADA) lists the average price of comprehensive orthodontic treatment, including braces, as $5,000 to $6,000.

Your total cost will also depend on which braces type you, and your orthodontist decide is the best fit for your malocclusion and lifestyle. Some types of braces are more expensive than others. Here’s a look at how they compare.

Traditional Metal Braces

Standard braces are usually the least expensive, but they’re also the most noticeable. Cost ranges from $3,000 to $7,500.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces work the same way standard metal braces do, but their brackets are clear or tooth-colored, making them less noticeable. The price for the more attractive option to traditional braces ranges from $2,000 to $8,500.

Invisalign Braces

Invisalign, the virtually invisible and removable option, usually falls between $3,000 to $7,000.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces also work the same as traditional braces, but they’re attached to the backside of your teeth, not on the front. The price of lingual braces can be between $5,000 to $13,000.

How Long Will My Treatment Last?

The average orthodontic treatment falls somewhere between 16-18 months but can sometimes take as long as 24 months, or even more, depending on the severity of your dental issues.

More so than worrying about how long your treatment will last, you must be compliant. If you fail to comply with your orthodontist’s instructions, your treatment time can increase. However, if you follow the directions provided by your orthodontist, your treatment will remain on schedule.

Your treatment efficiency will ensure you achieve the desired results. Other things to keep in mind are:

  • Be consistent with regular brushing and flossing
  • Keep your appointments with your Orthodontist and follow any directions given
  • Don’t put off making an appointment if your braces become damaged

Contact Our Auburn, CA Office Today

If you or someone in your family is considering braces, our Auburn, CA practice can help. To book your orthodontic consultation, contact us online or give us a call at 530-823-8771. We look forward to seeing you soon.