Having a celebrity-like smile like the ones we are so used to seeing in magazines and Hollywood movies is the dream of many. Your Auburn Orthodontics team at Maidu Dental, along with Dr. Luminita Markham, are committed to making your dream come true with the help of orthodontic treatment with braces.
We all know that aside from giving us increased self-esteem and helping us have better social interactions, healthy, happy, and perfectly straight teeth also help us fight against tooth decay, tooth loss, difficulty swallowing, and even impaired speech.
So, if you have been thinking about starting your orthodontics journey in Auburn, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we will be taking a closer look at what orthodontics is and the different types of orthodontic devices that are available today.
What Is Orthodontics?
According to Wikipedia, Orthodontics is a dentistry specialty that addresses the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of mal-positioned teeth and jaws, as well as misaligned bite patterns. It may also address the modification of facial growth, known as dentofacial orthopedics.
What Is the Purpose of Orthodontic Treatment?
The purpose of orthodontic treatment is to straighten or move teeth into the proper position, thus improving the appearance of your teeth and how they work. It also helps the long-term health of your teeth, gums, and jaw joints, by spreading the biting pressure over all your teeth.
Having straight teeth will also make them easier to clean and will ultimately also increase your confidence and self-esteem.
Orthodontists use orthodontic devices such as braces, retainers, and bands when putting together orthodontic treatment plans for patients.
Types of Braces
There are many different types of braces, each with its pros and cons. Let’s take a look at what options are available.
Traditional Metal Braces
Because this is the most common type, it is usually the least expensive, costing anywhere from $3,000 to $7,500. This type is also the most noticeable since they use stainless steel metal brackets and wires.
Usually, this is the type of orthodontic device people think of when they hear the word “braces.”
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces, also known as clear braces, are much like the traditional brace we are used to but with a technological twist. This advanced twist is thanks to the fact that they use a tooth-colored material or clear bracket that blends into your teeth.
This also makes them not only less noticeable but also more expensive than traditional braces. Their cost ranges from $2,00 to $8,500. Unfortunately, they’re more delicate as clear materials make them stain easily and might not be suitable for all patients.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are the same as traditional metal braces, except that the brackets and wires remain on the inside of teeth. This characteristic gives them their biggest advantage: being invisible from the outside.
Although on the more expensive side, coming in at anywhere from $5,000 to $13,000, they tend to be more difficult to clean, more uncomfortable at the beginning than other types of braces. They may not be suitable for certain dental issues.
Invisalign or Clear Aligners
Invisalign or clear aligners consist of a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligning trays. These aligners are removable and are usually replaced every 2 weeks with the next tray within the set.
Orthodontic patients in Auburn love these aligners because since they are completely removable, there is no need to stick to dietary restrictions. However, the price for them ranges from $3,000 t0 $7,000.
Now, it’s natural to have additional questions regarding orthodontics in Auburn. These questions can include questions about the length of treatment or the variation of cost of the same. Below, we will try to answer these questions for you.
How Long Will It Take for Braces to Straighten My Teeth?
Usually, straightening your teeth with orthodontics may take anywhere between 6 months to 2 years.
However, the actual length of your treatment will depend on the severity of your dental issues and how well you follow your orthodontist’s instructions. Keep in mind that every patient’s smile needs are different. Hence, no patient has the same treatment time as another.
What Factors Impact the Cost of Orthodontics in Auburn?
Prices of braces vary. Factors that can influence the final cost of your treatment with braces include:
- Where you live
- Age
- Type of braces you get
- The severity of your dental issues
Aside from braces, there are other orthodontic devices that your orthodontist may use during or throughout your orthodontic treatment, depending on your specific issue.
Palatal Expanders
Palate expanders are oral devices used to remedy several common dental conditions.
They’re also called palatal expanders or orthodontic expanders. By creating more space in your mouth, they fix misaligned bites, crowding, and impacted teeth. Since palatal expansion is medically necessary most insurance plans cover most, if not the entire cost, of this device which ranges anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000.
Temporary Anchorage Devices
Also known as TADs, Temporary Anchorage Devices are mini-implants or mini-screws that are inserted into the mouth to help move teeth quickly and accurately.
TADs may sound intimidating to patients who are considering orthodontic treatment but come with many benefits, which can be explained by your orthodontist depending on your smile needs.
Now that you know the ins and outs of orthodontics in Auburn, you are ready to schedule your appointment with Dr. Luminita Markham. To take the first step toward the smile of your dreams and set an appointment with us. We look forward to seeing you in our office.
