Crooked teeth can lead to gum disease, tooth decay and even bone loss, braces new york can help improve these conditions by straightening crowded or misaligned teeth.
Health insurance can sometimes contribute to the cost of orthodontic treatment. Additionally, many orthodontic offices offer flexible payment plans or financing options.
Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most common type of orthodontic treatment. They are made of stainless steel and apply constant pressure to the teeth. These forces help to align crooked teeth and improve the bite. In addition, a straighter bite helps to promote oral health by making it easier to brush and floss.
In addition, a properly aligned bite can reduce the risk of jaw problems and other issues like gum disease and tooth loss. Additionally, a straighter smile is more attractive.
Unlike the old-fashioned metal braces of the past, today’s brackets are smaller in size and more comfortable to wear. They also feature an improved appearance and are available in a variety of colors. They work in a similar way to the traditional braces, but offer more control and a faster rate of correction. They are also easy to clean and allow for a shorter treatment time. Patients with metal braces should avoid foods with a sticky or hard consistency like corn on the cob, taffy, ice and gum.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces work similarly to metal braces but use clear or tooth-colored composite to blend in with the teeth. This makes them less visible than traditional metal braces, which is a major benefit for adults and teens who are self conscious about their appearance during treatment.
However, they are a bit more fragile and can break more easily. The composite is also more porous, meaning it can absorb stains easier than stainless steel. This is why it’s important to avoid foods and drinks that stain teeth (like tomato sauce, berries, coffee, red wine, etc.) and to schedule regular visits to the orthodontist for adjustments and replacement of ligatures (elastic bands).
It’s also a good idea to brush and floss regularly, especially after eating and before bed. This will help prevent plaque buildup and discoloration. Because of these drawbacks, ceramic braces tend to be more expensive than metal braces and may take a few months longer to correct the teeth and bite.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners offer a discreet treatment option, free of metal braces and wires. They’re also removable, meaning that you can eat and drink what you want without worry. Plus, you can brush and floss your teeth as normal without having to work around brackets or wires.
The treatment process involves taking an impression of your teeth and creating a digital model. The model then suggests a series of gradual shifts to help move your teeth into their final positions. You’ll change to a new set of aligners every two weeks, and you’ll visit the orthodontist at regular intervals to check your progress.
Some cases may require the use of attachments, small clear ‘buttons’ that give the aligner a surface to push against and improve its ability to move the tooth. This is often the case for adults whose teeth have shifted back after previous orthodontic work or with mild cases in mixed dentition (children with both baby and adult teeth). Attachments are typically removed at your review appointments.
Invisalign
Achieve a healthier, straighter smile with clear aligners. They’re comfortable, easy to use and virtually invisible. Plus, they remove easily for meals and allow patients to avoid food restrictions (aside from hard foods).
The clear plastic aligners are comfortable on the teeth and gums and are easy to clean. However, it’s important that they remain in the mouth for the prescribed amount of time each day. This is because if they’re not worn consistently, they won’t work as well as they could.
Invisalign has been shown to be comparable to braces in treating mild to moderate malocclusions (crowding, spacing and over/underbite). Treatment times may vary. Some dental insurance plans cover the cost of Invisalign, and flexible spending accounts such as FSAs and HSAs also may provide reimbursement. Talk to your orthodontist about financing options.