The state Medicaid program provides free braces if you qualify and have Medicaid.
We will also work with you to provide nominal payment plans to make it affordable if you have true financial difficulty.
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How long do you have to wear braces?
The length of time a person may need to wear braces varies widely. Treatment length usually ranges between 18 to 32 months. Complex or severe bad bites will take longer to correct. Patients who don’t do their part in cleaning their teeth or in following their orthodontist’s instructions will also require a longer treatment course. Other factors which can prolong treatment duration include unexpected bone growth, abnormal bone, broken braces and missed appointments. Patients who follow all of their orthodontist’s instructions and who take care of their braces will have the shortest treatment course. Remember, whether or not you decide to listen to your orthodontist will determine your treatment length!
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Have a look at out our cases; you can view them full screen by clicking the icon on lower right corner of the slideshow.
How should I look for the early warning signs of a bad bite?
For parents, it is key to examine your child’s teeth as the permanent teeth grow in. Although children mature at different rates, the following are signs that may indicate the need for an early orthodontic examination:
- early or late loss of baby teeth
- difficulty chewing or biting
- crowding, malpositioned, or blocked out teeth
- a gap between upper and lower front teeth when the child bites down
- biting of the cheeks or the roof of the mouth
- teeth that do not meet at all
- jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face
- finger sucking or pacifier habits beyond the age of six
- top front teeth which stick out, protrude or are “bucked”
- baby teeth that do not grow to full height like their neighbors
- top front teeth which grow in behind the bottom front teeth
- top front teeth which cover more than 25% of the bottom front teeth when the back teeth are biting together
- a weak or prominent chin
- neighboring teeth which shift out of alignment when the tooth between them has been removed
- when the centers of the top and bottom front teeth don’t line up
- teeth which wear unevenly
- jaws that shift off center when the teeth bite together
- excessive spaces between teeth that persist after the top permanent canine teeth appear
- teeth which cause embarrassment or smiles that are hidden by hands
How do orthodontists save room for the permanent teeth?
Baby teeth hold the space for the permanent teeth that will come in later. When baby canines and molars loosen or fall out, a lower lingual arch or a Nance space maintainer can be placed to ensure there is space when a child’s permanent teeth come in. The space maintainer prevents both the lower back permanent molars from slipping forward and the lower front permanent incisor teeth from tipping backwards. This saves or preserves the maximum amount of space for the permanent teeth (canines and bicuspids) that grow between the permanent back molar and the lower incisors.
Adult Treatment
More than one million adults in the United States are currently in braces, according to the association, and adults now account for one of every five orthodontic patients.
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. Many adults look in the mirror and wish they had their teeth straightened or bite fixed when they were younger. With modern orthodontics and different kinds of appliance systems, we are now able customize your care to your specific goals and lifestyle with greater comfort and esthetics than ever before!
We can straighten teeth, correct irregular bites, bring teeth and lips into proper alignment, and close gaps between teeth. When your teeth are straight and aligned properly, they can be cleaned more thoroughly and chewing is easier. And you feel great about the way you look!
As safe and successful as adult orthodontic treatment is, there are special considerations that must be made. Adults are more likely to have gum disease and other issues that may require attention during treatment. Preparation for orthodontic treatment also improves overall dental health by targeting problem areas. The overall result is straighter, more functional teeth and a new sense of self-confidence about your smile.
What are the benefits of early treatment?
Early treatment provides the opportunity to:
- guide the growth of young jaw bones to create a better environment for those new emerging permanent teeth
- guide incoming teeth into optimal positions
- modify the width of the jaws
- lower the risk of trauma to prominent front teeth
- correct harmful sucking habits
- reduce the likelihood of teeth becoming stuck or impacted under the gums
- preserve or gain space for arriving permanent teeth
