Teeth-Straightening Solutions From The Teenage Years And Beyond
Sky Dental - Orthodontics FAQ's
Sky Dental - Do Braces hurt?
Sky Dental - What type of Ortho work is right for me?
Most children lose their baby teeth by the age of 13. Before they’ve even lost their last few baby teeth and have most of their adult teeth it’s pretty easy to tell where there will be over-crowding or where permanent teeth are coming in crooked. This is the best time to begin orthodontic treatment while they’re still settling in to their permanent adult smile.
As much as we love bringing out the natural beauty of a smile, orthodontic treatment is even more important for their oral health. Misaligned teeth and a crooked bite can be difficult to clean properly, feel uncomfortable and even cause aches and pains. With orthodontic treatment, these issues can be resolved in as little as 6 months.
Your teen might benefit from orthodontic treatment if they have:
- An overbite – when the upper teeth sit too far forward.
- Excessive spacing – gaps or spaces between the teeth.
- An underbite – when the lower teeth sit too far forward.
- Crowding – when teeth are overlapping or impossible to floss.
- Crossbite – a bite that doesn’t mesh comfortably.
- Pain – Chronic headaches, jaw pain, or upper back and neck pain.
Orthodontic Treatment Options
There are many different treatment options available depending on the patient’s personal needs and their budget. Here are a few of the options that may be available:
Traditional Braces
When the term “braces” comes to mind, you probably envision those bulky metal brackets with wires. However, contemporary dental brackets are now smaller, less conspicuous, and equally as efficient as their older, bulkier counterparts. They are also easier to maintain hygiene-wise and significantly more comfortable.
Clear Brackets
If you’re in search of braces, we also provide clear brackets that tend to be a preferred choice among our young adult patients. These brackets are crafted to blend traditional orthodontic treatment with subtlety. At a cursory glance, it’s unlikely that anyone will even notice you’re wearing braces.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners like Invisalign have seen a rapid rise in popularity. These custom-made transparent trays are designed to gently guide teeth into their optimal positions. They fit snugly and precisely, and on occasion, can be removed for eating, regular oral hygiene routines, and special events such as school dances or class presentations.
The cost of orthodontic treatment in Thunder Bay
With a typical insurance plan, Orthodontic treatment usually averages between $3000 and $5000+ out-of-pocket. After an oral exam, we would be happy to provide you with an accurate quote so you can find out how much your insurance plan will cover and what your actual out-of-pocket expenses would be. Without insurance, orthodontic treatment typically costs about $4000 to $6000+.
How do we actually determine the cost of your orthodontic treatment and why does it seem so expensive?
- The current condition of the patient’s oral health including teeth and gums.
- How much the teeth need to move.
- The kind of orthodontic treatment chosen.
- The length of the treatment.
When considering the cost of orthodontics, there are a few things to consider:
Because every smile is so different, the only way to find out which treatment is the best solution and how much it will cost you out of pocket is to come in for a consultation. After an examination, a personalized treatment plan can be made that will include an accurate timeline and cost.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ideally, orthodontic treatment is most effective when started in younger patients, before the majority of adult teeth have fully emerged. If you’re a parent, we encourage you to schedule a consultation for your teenager. However, rest assured that there are also orthodontic treatment options available for adults. It’s never too late to consider improving your smile.
Braces do not hurt when they are first applied. After they begin to shift your teeth some discomfort may be felt. Most patients describe the feeling as more annoying than painful. That being said, if you have any pain or discomfort, let us know! There are solutions available to make your treatment as comfortable as possible.
Avoid food that might damage your braces (like candy apples, caramel, or corn on the cob) or may be difficult to clean out of braces (like caramel, gum and popcorn). You may also want to avoid sugary or acidic foods which will be more difficult than usual to clean off your teeth. Clear braces can become stained by some foods like beets, curry and kraft dinner.
Call us right away! Don’t wait until your next appointment.
Floss threaders and super floss are available and specially designed for flossing your braces or permanent retainers. We’d be happy to show you how to floss your braces at your next appointment.
For small changes, orthodontic treatment can be as short as 6 months but for the majority of patients, braces will stay on for between 6 months and 2 years. We can give you a more accurate estimate after an oral exam.
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