Traditional Braces – Franklin Park, IL
Straighten Teeth for Healthier Smiles
Orthodontic problems such as crooked, overcrowded teeth, gapped smiles, and bite misalignments can cause various dental issues that negatively impact aesthetics and oral health. These can include worn down tooth enamel, chronic jaw pain, and self-conscious gaps or bites that lead to unwanted attention. Our on-staff orthodontist, can fix these issues using regular braces in Franklin Park. Combining metal brackets and wires, this unique system can shift teeth into their proper place, generating a healthier, more aesthetically pleasing smile. Contact us today to find out if you’re a candidate for treatment.
Why Choose Grand Dental – Franklin Park for Traditional Braces?
- Available Orthodontist On-Staff
- Personalized Care for Every Patient
- Friday and Saturday Appointments Every Other Week
How Do Traditional Braces Work?
Traditional braces use a metal bracket and wire system that shifts teeth over time to realign bites, straighten crooked teeth, and eliminate unnecessary space caused by gaps. With continuous pressure applied, our orthodontist in Franklin Park can ensure teeth remain on the right trajectory until desired results are achieved. This is accomplished with regular follow-up appointments that allow our team to examine progress, tighten wires, and address any issues that might arise throughout treatment.
No two patient cases are the same, so timelines will differ based on the severity of a person’s dental problems. Typically, the average timeline is 18 months to three years, but an individual can expect to receive an estimation during the initial consultation.
What Orthodontic Issues Can Braces Fix?
A dentist in Franklin Park will likely recommend metal braces if a patient experiences one of the following problems:
Bite Misalignment
Metal braces are capable of realigning unhealthy bites, which can minimize the potential for a breakdown of tooth enamel, worsening jaw pain, and the possibility of TMJ or other serious dental problems.
Crowded & Crooked Teeth
Crooked and overcrowded teeth not only produce unappealing aesthetics but can also cause worn tooth enamel and increase the risk for gum disease and cavities. If teeth cannot be brushed or flossed properly, various dental issues can occur. Fortunately, metal braces can create space and align teeth to ensure optimal oral health.
Gapped Teeth
Bacteria and food particles can become trapped in minor or major gaps, increasing the risk for gum disease and dental decay. With metal braces, however, these unnecessary spaces can be closed, creating a more pleasing aesthetic and healthier smile.
Caring for Your Braces
When meeting with our in-house orthodontist, he will provide patients with clear instructions regarding the care of one’s braces. From brushing and flossing with the right form and products (i.e., interdental brushes, water irrigator) to which foods to eat and avoid, these tips can ensure a successful treatment that remains void of any complications. Some valuable tips may include:
- Avoid hard, crunchy foods
- Wearing a mouthguard while playing sports or an instrument
- Maintaining optimal oral hygiene
If you are looking for a trusted orthodontist in Franklin Park who can straighten your smile, schedule an appointment with our team at Grand Dental – Franklin Park.
Understanding the Cost of Traditional Braces
Every patient who receives metal braces should expect a unique treatment plan. This means that the cost of traditional braces will be different for each person. There are many variables that our team will consider when conducting a consultation. Not only will we outline a patient’s treatment costs, but we’ll also go over available payment options. In the meantime, individuals are encouraged to review the following information.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Traditional Braces
The factors provided below are some of the considerations our Grand Dental – Franklin Park team will look at before determining the cost of treatment:
- Severity of Misalignment: Depending on the case, some are more extensive than others. For example, if there is a large gap that needs to be closed or a bite that needs to shift, it may take longer to achieve results.
- Length of Treatment: The longer an individual wears braces, the higher the price of treatment.
- Age: Children and adolescents often have shorter treatment times because their oral and facial structures are still developing; however, adults may require more time and money. Older individuals’ teeth and jawbone are already set in place.
- Follow-Up Appointments: The number of follow-up appointments required will also be factored into the total cost.
- Additional Orthodontic Appliances: A patient might require additional appliances (i.e., headgear, retainer, elastics, space maintainers, palatal expanders, etc.).
- Compliance: How well a person stays the course of treatment will determine the cost. If they don’t regularly wear rubber bands but should, teeth will not move accordingly, prolonging treatment and increasing the cost.
Professional Braces vs. “DIY” Braces: Which Costs More?
It’s natural for patients to consider a DIY solution when it comes to orthodontics; however, this approach can often lead to serious problems over time. Various trends are now making it popular to use household products and over-the-counter kits (i.e., paper clips, rubber bands, orthodontic wax, superglue, etc.) to straighten teeth. Although they may be convenient, they can be disastrous for a person’s smile. Some issues to consider include:
- DIY braces are not as effective as professional treatment. While meeting with a licensed dentist or orthodontist will take longer, the results are likely to last, unlike DIY options that are likely to cause teeth to shift back to their original position.
- DIY braces can damage a person’s teeth, gums, and jawbone. Homemade braces can lacerate the gum tissue and cause sores or infections.
- DIY solutions can cause teeth to shift in a different direction, causing more problems for a patient’s smile. The upper and lower jaws may not align correctly, which can cause problems with eating and jaw pain.
- Patients who choose a DIY option are likely to spend more money in the long run because of the help that will be required to fix any problems that develop.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Traditional Braces?
Each dental insurance plan is different, so there is no guarantee that a patient’s policy will cover orthodontics. It’s important to review one’s plan before agreeing to treatment. Traditional braces are more likely to be covered than clear aligners; however, if an individual needs braces for a medical reason, there is a greater chance that insurance companies will cover a portion of the cost as opposed to if they are being used solely for aesthetic reasons.
Insurance coverage for braces may only be available for those who are under the age of 18. While coverage in these instances will likely only be 50%, there is the option to use a Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account to help pay for the additional costs.
Options for Making Traditional Braces Affordable
Paying for traditional braces may require additional assistance. This is why Grand Dental – Franklin Park is pleased to provide alternative solutions for patients. Not only do we offer flexible financing through CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit, but we also offer our Grand Advantage Plan. Uninsured patients can pay a low membership fee and receive a 10% discount on available orthodontic treatment.
Traditional Braces FAQs
Am I Too Old to Get Braces?
It’s not uncommon to associate orthodontics with children and teenagers, as the majority of patients are under the age of 18. However, many adults are also recognizing the benefits of treatment, which is why there is generally no age cap for traditional braces. Although the teeth and jawbone may be harder to move because of the solid integration, the process is not impossible.
But before an adult can begin treatment, a dentist or orthodontist will need to determine if any preliminary services are required, such as a dental filling, root canal treatment, gum disease treatment, and more.
If cost is a concern, it’s important to note that most dental insurance plans only offer coverage for young patients. For adults, the out-of-pocket costs might be much higher, but with flexible financing or our Grand Advantage Plan, patients can still save along the way.
What Happens After You Get Your Braces Off?
Once a person’s braces come off, treatment is not yet finished. In fact, the retention phase begins. In most cases, an individual will need to wear a custom-made retainer that helps to hold teeth in their new location. Failing to wear this will put a person’s smile at risk, as their pearly whites can begin to shift back toward their original position.
Initially, a dentist will suggest wearing a retainer full-time (except when eating); however, after some time, it may only be necessary for a person to wear it at night while they’re asleep.
How Long Do Traditional Braces Take?
Every patient is different because each case is unique. This means that the timeline can vary from person to person; however, the average timeframe for completion is one to three years. Patients can expect to receive more details when meeting with the dentist or orthodontist for a consultation.
There are a few factors one must consider when it comes to determining how long orthodontic treatment will take, such as:
- An individual’s age, as those who are older will likely require more time because their teeth and bone are already “set” in place.
- The severity of misalignment, as teeth that are farther apart will only require more time to fix.
- How compliant the patient is with treatment, as failing to wear certain appliances (i.e., rubber bands) can delay results and prolong treatment.
Can I Chew Gum with Traditional Braces?
A dentist or orthodontist will likely recommend that patients do not chew gum while wearing traditional braces. The reason is that it is sticky, and these substances can get stuck between brackets and wires, causing potential damage. The wires can bend, resulting in teeth that shift in the wrong direction. This can cause a delay in treatment.
While it is believed (by researchers) that chewing sugar-free gum can help reduce the chances of decay as well as relieve discomfort immediately following the placement of braces, the potential risk of damaging one’s appliances should result in avoiding chewing gum until treatment is complete.