Are dental braces right for you?
Does your child need braces?
Are you looking for a straighter smile?
These are all questions asked when considering orthodontic treatment or dental braces.
At Seaman Family Dentistry we provide orthodontic treatment for children, teens, and adults. This page is specifically about braces. If you are looking for another type of orthodontic service or want more specific information for children, teens, or adults; visit those pages to better address your specific questions by age group. Dr. Robert Seaman is happy to help you find the right orthodontic service for you and/or your child. You are invited to call or visit us to discuss your options for braces in Lenexa, Kansas. If you already understand braces and are familiar with the different types, but have other questions, feel free to scroll down to our Frequently Asked Questions About Braces section to see if we have the answers you need.
Most people are familiar with traditional metal braces, but in addition to this option, we also provide ceramic braces (also called clear or porcelain braces). The difference is the bracket which attaches to each tooth, they are either made of metal or ceramic. The ceramic braces are more popular for patients who want their braces to be less noticeable than traditional metal braces. Both options provide the same orthodontic results and can be used on any age of patient. Also, currently popular among youth, are the colored ties (the tiny rubber-like bands that hold the wire on the brackets). We offer a variety of color options, as well as clear ones for patients using ceramic braces and wish to be more discreet. Here are some pictures of the different types of braces we offer.
Not sure if braces is right for you or your child? You can always discuss this with Dr. Robert Seaman at your next exam, or you can call us and schedule a complimentary Smile Consult to discuss this subject. If you or your child are a candidate for orthodontic care, then we will go over the necessary records involved, which is the first step. We cannot give you an exact cost or treatment plan until after the records have been done. Once they are completed you will have another consult to go over the recommended treatment plan, time frame, and costs. So give us a call and schedule your initial Smile Consult or if you know orthodontics is your next step, you can schedule to have the records done at your first visit.
With dental braces, we are able to correct orthodontic issues such as:
- Crowded, Overlapped teeth
- Too much spacing between teeth
Turned or misplaced teeth
Problems with the bite, including crossbite, open bite, underbite, and overbite
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BRACES:
Are braces the only way to straighten teeth? Not for everyone, many adults may be able to utilize ClearCorrect (a brand of dental aligners) to straighten their teeth. Also, adults or older teens, just looking for a cosmetic result, to make your front teeth straight, there are other services which can be used for this purpose. If this is the case, visit our Create A New Smile page for other options which are much faster than orthodontic treatment.
How much do braces cost? The fees for orthodontic records are approximately $ 230-350 then the braces vary depending on the complexity of the changes and estimated length of time to complete, the current range for braces is $ 2,800 – 6,000.
Do you have to pay for braces all at once? No, we offer payment plans for orthodontic care which include a down payment and followed by monthly payments.
Does dental insurance cover braces? In some cases yes, it depends on your plan. Also, some insurance plans cover orthodontic treatment but only for dependent children on the plan. We are happy to contact your dental insurance to determine if this service is covered and any restrictions. But, keep in mind that dental plans almost always have a lifetime maximum for orthodontic care, per covered person. So even if your plan covers 50% of orthodontics, if you have a lifetime maximum of $ 1,500 and your braces cost $ 4,000, then the insurance is not going to pay a full 50% they will only pay $1,500 and you will be responsible for $ 2,500.
What is the first step in getting dental braces? Before we actually put braces on your teeth, it is necessary to have orthodontic records done. This consists of photos, models of your teeth, a panoramic and a cephalometric x-ray which are then reviewed by the dentist to develop a treatment plan to handle your orthodontic needs. Typically, the records are done at one visit, then a week later you return for your orthodontic consultation. At this visit, all the conditions which need correction are discussed and the plan for how they will be treated is gone over. The cost of your plan and the financial options, including any applicable dental benefits, will also be discussed at this visit. Once this is all done – you are ready to begin your dental braces treatment.
What happens at the first braces visit? Typically, all of the brackets are bonded on your front teeth and premolars. In some cases, the bands which go around the molars are also fitted and cemented, but in most cases “spacers” are placed between the molars to slightly move your teeth and make room for the bands to be placed. When spacers are used, you will return in a few days to a week for the fitting and cementing of the molar bands. Whether bands are placed on the first visit or not, the wire which fits into all the brackets will be secured using ties (the color of your choice).
How frequently do I need to return for adjustments to my braces? In most cases, you will come in for monthly adjustments. There are special cases where this is too frequent and so we can accommodate patients who need 6 weeks between adjustments.
How long will I need to wear braces? This will be discussed at your consultation visit, each treatment plan is different, because the problems being corrected are different. The average time is about 2 years, but often can be less or longer than that.
Do braces hurt? There are times, especially initially and for days following adjustments when your teeth will be sore, but not so severe that over-the-counter pain medication cannot relieve. We also recommend that you stay away from difficult to chew foods and extreme hots and colds during these times. Discomfort lessens the longer you are in the braces.
Do I need to avoid certain foods or habits while wearing braces? Yes – you will need to avoid very hard foods and candies and extremely sticky candies. So stay away from large nuts, toffee, caramels, and gum, but also avoid biting directly into hard foods, like apples, instead cut them in smaller pieces. As far as habits go, do not chew on pencils, pens, or anything similar as this will cause your brackets to snap off.
What happens at the end of my braces treatment? You will have an appointment to remove your braces after impressions have been taken to make a retainer. It is necessary following any orthodontic treatment to wear some form of a retainer – there will be different types you can chose from when you get to this stage. Typically, retainers are worn all the time immediately following treatment, then you will change to nights, then you can change to a few nights per week. But to insure your teeth do not shift back, you should minimally wear your retainers at least one night or one day each week, forever.
If you have additional questions, please feel free to email or call us.
