Orthodontic treatment doesn’t just improve the appearance of your smile. In many patients, it also improves their breathing. More and more research is finding links between the shape of the face and jaw, breathing, and sleep disorders. Children and adults who have obstructive sleep apnea can often benefit from airway orthodontics.
Understanding the Connection Between Sleep Apnea and Orthodontics
Sleep apnea is commonly treated with oral appliance therapy that repositions the lower jaw during sleep to keep the airway open. Airway orthodontics seeks to permanently reposition the jaw for optimal breathing using braces and other orthodontic treatments.
Airway orthodontics is most effective in growing children, as airway problems can be identified at a young age and corrected while they’re still developing. If a child has tongue thrust or a thumb sucking habit, we may be able to stop these habits before they cause airway issues. In other cases, a child may already experience airway issues, but because the jaw has yet to fuse, it can be influenced to grow into the proper shape and size.
Signs That Your Child May Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Children with learning, behavioral, and emotional problems may be suffering from sleep apnea. The lack of restorative sleep and low oxygen levels can have a significant impact on their overall health. Some of the most common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea in children include:
- Snoring
- Pauses in breathing during sleep
- Aggressive behavior
- Frequent ear and sinus infections
- Restless sleep
- Mood disorders
- ADHD
- Swollen tonsils
- Narrow jaws
- High blood pressure
- Bed wetting
- Mouth breathing
- Obesity
- Drowsiness
- Enlarged adenoids
- Overlapping incisors
- Facial and jaw deformities
Adults who suffer from sleep apnea have trouble concentrating and performance issues at work. No matter how many hours of sleep they get, they never feel well-rested. Obstructive sleep apnea increases their risk of anxiety, depression, diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular events, and obesity.
Treating Sleep Apnea with Orthodontics
By enlarging the airway, your child’s breathing can be improved. Airway orthodontics begins with careful analysis of the facial structure, teeth, jaw, nasal passages, and sinuses. Often, structural issues result from a restricted airway as the body tries to compensate for the lack of oxygen. Children and adults who need airway orthodontics commonly suffer from mouth breathing, forward head posture, and TMJ disorder as well.
Widening the arches, either with braces or a palate expander, can improve the airway, but ultimately, every patient is different and will receive their own unique treatment plan. Throughout treatment, we will continue to assess the airway to ensure that breathing is improving. In the process of correcting the airway, the position of the teeth and jaw will also improve. The result of airway orthodontics is better health and a beautiful smile.
Learn More About Airway Orthodontics
Do you suspect that you or your child suffers from sleep apnea or other breathing difficulties? If you’d like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Broccoli to learn if airway orthodontics is right for you, contact us today at 978-475-0450.
It’s one of the most common questions patients have during their consultations with us—how long do you have to wear braces? In a perfect world, we’d be able to give everyone a clear answer so they know exactly what to expect and can mark the precise day on their calendar when they’ll be done with their braces for good. The reality is a little more complicated—there are a number of factors at play, which means some people may only need braces for a year or less, while others could need braces for two or even three years.
The Average Treatment Time for Braces
For the average patient, braces need to be worn for one to two years, but as with everything, there are outliers. It’s possible to need braces for less than a year or even more than three years.
While it’s helpful to know the average treatment time, it’s important to understand that the only way to know how long you’ll need to wear braces is to come in for a consultation. As mentioned above, we can’t give you an exact timeline, but we can give you a good estimate.
Factors That Impact Your Treatment Time
Perhaps the most important factor in your treatment time for braces is the extent of orthodontic correction that is needed. Patients that only have minor misalignments in their teeth won’t need braces as long as patients who have severe bite issues in addition to misalignments. If you’ve been told you have an open bite, underbite, cross bite, or deep bite, you can expect to wear braces longer. Impacted teeth are another wild card that can extend treatment time.
Although you don’t have any control over how much orthodontic correction you need, you do have control over another factor in your treatment time: following our instructions. If you disregard the food restrictions we provide you and eat sticky candy or chew on ice, it’s likely that you will break off a bracket at some point; whenever this occurs, it adds time to your orthodontic treatment. If you make a habit of this, it has the potential to delay getting your braces off by months because whenever a bracket comes off, your teeth aren’t moving as they should and even relapsing.
Skipping appointments, not wearing elastics or other orthodontic appliances as directed, and poor hygiene can all cause you to have to wear your braces longer than you might have planned. Even when you feel that your teeth look fine, it’s important not to remove braces too soon because it takes time for your bones to set, which ensures lasting results.
The other way to guarantee that your beautiful new smile lasts a lifetime is to wear your retainers after your time in braces is complete. Once your braces are removed, it doesn’t mean your orthodontic treatment is done—it just means you’re ready for the next phase!
Learn More About Getting Braces
If you have questions about braces or other orthodontic treatment options, contact us today at 978-475-0450 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Broccoli.
When your braces come off or you’re done with your Invisalign aligners, you’re likely to feel jubilant—you’re done with orthodontic treatment! Well, we hate to be the bearers of bad news, but you’re not exactly done with your treatment. Instead, you’re about to embark on the next step of your orthodontic journey: getting a retainer. Wear it as directed and you’ll have a beautiful smile for a lifetime. But what happens if you don’t wear your retainer?
More About Retainers
As you might suspect from the name, retainers are used to help retain the proper positions for your teeth after braces or aligner therapy. They should be thought of as an integral part of your orthodontic treatment—your braces or aligners move your teeth into the proper positions, but it’s your retainers that keep them there in the long-term.
There are a few different types of retainers available. A Hawley retainer has an acrylic base that is attached to a wire that wraps around your teeth to hold them in place. A fixed retainer is a thin wire that is bonded to the backs of the lower front teeth. Essix retainers, also known as clear retainers, are increasingly popular as they look and feel much like Invisalign aligners, with the primary difference being that the material is thicker and sturdier for increased durability.
As you near the end of your treatment with braces or Invisalign, we’ll begin to discuss retainer options with you. The right choice depends on your orthodontic needs, personal preferences, and lifestyle.
What Happens When You Don’t Wear Your Retainer
Each of your teeth is held in place by a ligament. Think of these ligaments as thick rubber bands; your braces will move your teeth where they need to be for proper alignment and bite, but the ligaments become stretched like a rubberband. Once your braces are removed, those ligaments will want to snap back into place, moving your teeth with them. When this occurs, it’s called orthodontic relapse.
Although orthodontic relapse happens much more slowly than snapping a rubber band, even neglecting to wear your retainer for a few days can result in the shifting of your teeth. You don’t have to take our word for it, either—you’ll feel it when you put your retainer back on and it feels tight. Go more than a day or two without wearing your retainer and you’ll experience pain when you put it back in. Wait longer than that and it might not even fit anymore.
The last thing you want after investing so much time and money into your smile is to have your teeth shift back. This is why we emphasize the importance of wearing your retainer as directed.
What to Do If Your Retainer No Longer Fits
If you’ve forgotten to wear your retainer and it doesn’t fit anymore, we want you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Broccoli as soon as you can. It’s often possible to design a new retainer that can make slight movements to your teeth to get them back into their proper positions.
If you’re an adult who has experienced orthodontic relapse after decades of not wearing your retainer, you’re not alone. Invisalign, or clear aligner treatment, is an ideal solution in such cases—and once your treatment is complete, your older, wiser self will be sure to wear your retainers as directed!
Learn More About Retainers
Do you have questions about your retainer? We’re happy to help! Contact us today at 978-475-0450 to schedule an appointment at our Andover orthodontic practice.
Braces are used to move teeth into proper alignment and to correct bite issues. It is rare for teeth to come in perfectly straight, so many people require some sort of orthodontic treatment. One of the most common orthodontic issues is crowding, meaning there isn’t enough room in the mouth for the teeth to come in straight. Crowded teeth tend to overlap each other with some teeth in front and others behind.
Crowding occurs more commonly on the bottom row of teeth, which incites the question: Can you get braces on just your bottom teeth? The short answer is Yes, you can. However, you should see an orthodontist for a thorough bite analysis because it is not always recommended or even possible.
It is Best to Get Braces on All of Your Teeth at Once
While it is possible to get braces on just your bottom teeth, it is not very common. There are a variety of reasons for that, including:
- Top and Bottom Teeth Need to Meet Properly. Straightening out the bottom teeth can cause them to meet differently with the top teeth. If the problem is crowding, then straightening the teeth will likely push the entire bottom row of teeth outward in order to make room for all the teeth to be side by side. This could cause the bottom teeth to clash with the top or even lead to an underbite. When braces are on the top teeth too, adjustments can be made to ensure both rows of teeth fit together properly.
- Bottom Braces Alone Can’t Correct Bite Issues. Another purpose of braces besides teeth alignment is bite correction. It can be problematic if the top row of teeth goes too far over the bottom row when you bite down, called an overbite. Simply fixing the bottom row of teeth will not usually correct an overbite. Getting braces on just the bottom teeth also makes it difficult to treat an underbite, where the top teeth meet behind the bottom teeth when the jaw is closed. Other bite problems include an open bite (the front teeth don’t meet at all when the back teeth are touching) and a cross bite (some of the top teeth go behind the bottom teeth and others go in front when you bite down), both of which would be hard to correct with just bottom braces. Because bite issues affect both jaws, it is important to get braces on both to make the proper adjustments.
- Top Teeth Are More Visible. If your main goal for getting braces is cosmetic, the top row of teeth are more visible than the bottom, meaning it would be in your best interest to correct the top teeth in order to improve appearances. If you or your child are self conscious about how metal braces will look on the top front teeth, consider less visible options such as Invisalign. Invisalign straightens the teeth using clear plastic aligners that fit over the teeth and are barely noticeable. This is a much more effective solution than just getting braces on the bottom row of teeth.
Customize Your Treatment
While it may be beneficial to treat all of your teeth at once, ultimately this is your treatment and it is up to you how you wish to do it. Getting braces on just the bottom teeth does have some benefits from saving money to a more subtle-looking appearance. We listen to your wants and needs and use our expertise to make a recommendation based on the corrections you need and the treatment you want.
Andover Orthodontics Provides a Wide Range of Treatment Options
No patient is exactly like another. At Andover Orthodontics we understand that you will have different wants and needs from your orthodontic treatment than other patients. We do our best to customize your treatment, offering a range of options to help you achieve your goals. We provide many orthodontic treatment types from traditional metal braces to Invisalign.
Call 978-475-0450 today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment. We look forward to providing you with the best orthodontic treatment for your needs.
Are you or your child getting braces? Braces are very common these days because nearly everyone can benefit from some orthodontic intervention. Braces not only straighten your teeth, but also correct your bite and help maintain your oral health.
If you’re getting braces, do you know what to expect? There are some things you should know ahead of time that will help you avoid any surprises.
Your Mouth and Jaw May Be Sore
Getting braces put on does involve some pushing and pulling at your teeth. It won’t hurt while you are getting the braces put on, but soreness may develop a few hours afterward, later that night, or the next day. Your teeth may ache a bit or hurt when you bite down on anything hard or chewy. Your jaw may also be sore from holding your mouth open for longer than usual while your braces were being put on. You can ease the pain with Tylenol or Advil, and by sticking to a soft diet. The soreness should subside in a few days.
You May Salivate More Than Usual
When your mouth detects a foreign object, such as your braces, it naturally creates more saliva. Your mouth may water and cause you to swallow more often. This will only happen for 20 minutes to an hour at the most until your mouth gets used to the braces and adjusts accordingly. Feel free to sip water to help wash down the excess saliva.
Braces May Irritate the Inside of Your Cheeks and Lips
The metal brackets take some time to get used to. The soft tissues in your mouth like the insides of your cheeks and lips and sometimes even your tongue, can become irritated from rubbing against the metal when you talk or eat. Cover the braces with orthodontic wax wherever you feel irritation and allow the tissue to heal. Your mouth will adjust in a few days or a week at the most and you likely won’t need the wax anymore. Each time you get your braces adjusted, check carefully with your tongue and cheeks for any rough spots or wires that are poking you and let us know before you leave.
There Will Be Some Foods You Shouldn’t Eat
You will be given a list of foods to avoid while wearing braces. These typically include hard or sticky foods that could damage your braces or pull the bands off of your teeth (think taffy). Never chew ice because it will likely damage your braces.
It is Important to Brush and Floss Your Teeth
You still need to brush and floss your teeth while wearing braces. In fact, you should brush your teeth more often to ensure you remove food particles from your braces. Brushing after you eat something is a good idea, for your dental health as well as to avoid the embarrassment of having food visibly stuck in your braces. If you are unable to brush, a good rinsing with water can help remove the stuck food. Flossing is more difficult, requiring you to thread the floss under your archwire between each tooth. But it is still important to keep flossing. Braces make your teeth more susceptible to cavities by giving food more areas to get trapped in, so good oral hygiene is crucial.
Follow Your Orthodontists Instructions
The better you follow your orthodontist’s instructions, the sooner you will be able to get your braces off. Avoid the foods you shouldn’t eat, wear your rubber bands correctly and as much as possible. And be sure to keep up with your scheduled appointments.
Getting Braces at Andover Orthodontics
If you still have questions about getting your braces on, Andover Orthodontics would be glad to answer all of your questions so that you feel comfortable. Braces technology has come a long way in making them less irritating and more effective. At Andover Orthodontics, we make the process as gentle as possible and help you ease into your new braces. Soon enough you’ll hardly notice them and next thing you know your treatment will be done.
Call 978-475-0450 today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment. We look forward to helping you transform your smile.
You already know how important it is to take care of your teeth. Dental hygiene is even more important when you have braces for a variety of reasons. In order to brush and floss your teeth effectively, you may need to change your technique a bit now that you have braces.
This guide will help you learn how to take care of your teeth while you’re in braces so that your final result will be a dazzling smile.
Why is brushing your teeth important with braces?
Braces consist of brackets that attach to your teeth and bands that fit around your back molars. They also include an arch wire that connects all of these brackets and bands together to move your teeth into place. All of this orthodontic equipment in your mouth creates extra spaces for food particles and bacteria to hide and cause decay and gum disease.
Acids produced by the hidden bacteria eat into your tooth enamel and can cause demineralization or white marks on your teeth. These permanent marks are noticeable when you get your braces off, and look like little squares on the front of your teeth that are whiter than the tooth material around them. But this can be prevented by brushing your teeth thoroughly while you have your braces on and by avoiding too much sugar and acids (think soda). Using a fluoride rinse is also helpful in protecting your enamel.
Brushing Techniques
Here are some tips for brushing your teeth with braces that will help to make sure you remove all food particles and don’t miss any spots.
- Using a soft bristled toothbrush, brush along the gum line above and below your brackets to ensure you scrub away any plaque forming there. This is a commonly missed area and you may need to push your lip out of the way to get your brush on your gum line.
- Brush around your brackets and archwire as well to remove any food or plaque.
- Brush the back and sides of your teeth as well, taking extra care to brush the back molars and the bands around them.
- Be sure to brush gently and use a brush with soft bristles rather than medium or hard bristles. Sometimes a toothbrush with a smaller head is useful for getting into the smaller spaces. An electric toothbrush can be helpful.
- You may need to replace your toothbrush more often as braces will wear out the bristles faster.
Flossing Techniques
It is also important to floss your teeth while you have braces. The archwire makes flossing a little more difficult. However, it can still be done with a little extra effort.
- Thread the floss underneath your archwire and then push the floss between your teeth as you would normally.
- Use a floss holder made for braces. These have a thinner end to slip under the archwire.
- Use a floss threading needle, sometimes provided by your orthodontist. It is usually plastic and shaped like a sewing needle. It isn’t sharp, just has an eye on one end and a narrow end to make it easier to get the floss under your archwire.
- Super floss can be helpful. It consists of a reinforced end for easier threading and spongy floss for getting into small spaces.
Using Mouthwash
Your orthodontist will usually recommend that you rinse with mouthwash after brushing. Mouthwash gets into the smallest places in your mouth and kills the bacteria that may be hiding there and causing decay. Mouthwash also helps keep your breath fresh.
When and How Often You Should Brush with Braces
It is a good idea to brush more often when you have braces. Whenever possible, brush your teeth after every meal and snack. It can help to carry a toothbrush with you in your purse or backpack. If you can’t brush, the next best option is to rinse your mouth out with water to dislodge any food particles that may be stuck in your brackets. At the very least, be sure to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day.
Learn Proper Braces Care from Andover Orthodontics
At Andover Orthodontics we have seen patients who suffer from the consequences of poor dental hygiene while wearing braces. That is why we stress the importance of braces care, especially proper brushing and flossing habits. By taking good care of your teeth while you are wearing braces, your smile will be even better when you get your braces off.
Call 978-475-0450 today to schedule a braces consultation or request an appointment. We look forward to helping you improve your smile.
Do you or your child require braces? The vast majority of people need some kind of orthodontic intervention during their lifetime, so you can rest assured you are on par with the norm.
Whether you’re considering braces or you’ve already scheduled an appointment, you probably have some questions about how the whole process works. Here are the top 10 questions people ask about braces.
- How much do braces cost? The average cost of braces is between $3,000 and $7,000, sometimes more, sometimes less. It depends on a variety of factors, such as your orthodontist, the type of braces you get, where you live, the extent of your treatment, and more. Your insurance plan may cover part of braces and financing options can help to make it more affordable.
- How long will treatment take? The average time in braces is 1-2 years. The exact time frame will depend on the extent of the corrections your teeth and bite require. Certain conditions such as impacted teeth can increase your treatment time. You may be able to choose a quicker treatment if you only want to fix a specific issue.
- Are clear braces as effective as metal braces? There are many different types of clear braces available. Clear ceramic brackets are similar to metal brackets and can be just as effective, however, they tend to be more fragile. Invisalign is another option that uses clear plastic aligners that are removable to move your teeth. Invisalign can be as effective as other types of braces depending on your orthodontic needs.
- Do clear braces cost more than metal braces? Some practices may charge a little more for clear ceramic brackets, but others allow you to choose the brackets you want without any change in the cost of treatment. Invisalign was once more expensive, but is now very comparable to the cost of metal braces, depending on the length and extent of treatment.
- Are braces painful? The answer to this question is really a matter of opinion. Most people experience some minor soreness after getting braces put on that can last a few days. A softer diet and an over the counter pain reliever is typically all that is needed. Some patients will feel a bit more discomfort after each adjustment. One of the biggest benefits of Invisalign is that the clear aligners shift the teeth more gradually and gently, reducing the amount of discomfort.
- What is the best age to get braces? It is usually recommended that young people get braces in adolescence, especially during puberty when the body experiences the most growth. This allows the teeth to be more easily shifted, and allows the orthodontist to take advantage of growth modification to improve the patient’s bite. Adults can get braces too, and still experience effective results.
- How often will I need to visit the orthodontist? This depends on the type of braces that you get. For traditional metal or ceramic braces, you will probably go to the orthodontist for adjustments every 5-6 weeks. With Invisalign, you can be given multiple aligner trays to allow your visits to be more spaced out, such as around 8 weeks apart.
- How do I take care of my teeth while wearing braces? With Invisalign you simply remove your aligners and brush and floss like you always do. With metal or ceramic brackets, it is important to brush carefully around your braces to remove all food particles. Make sure to pay special attention to the gum line. To floss, you will need to thread your floss under the archwire between each tooth so that you can get in between your teeth effectively. All forms of braces cause an increased risk of cavities and gum disease, so it is important to follow good oral hygiene habits.
- What foods do I need to avoid? With Invisalign there is nothing you can’t eat, because you can remove your aligners. With metal and ceramic braces you will need to avoid biting into foods like hard, sticky, or chewy candy and avoid chewing ice.
- Will I need to wear retainers afterwards? Yes, retainers are necessary following braces to keep your teeth in the proper position. You will likely need to wear your retainers all the time for a few months, and then just at night for longer. Some orthodontists recommend wearing your retainers at night for the rest of your life for best results. Failing to wear your retainers could allow your teeth to shift back into their previous positions, leading to another round of braces.
Still Have More Questions? Ask Andover Orthodontics
If you have more questions about getting braces for yourself or your child, Andover Orthodontics is happy to help. We offer many different types of braces so you can choose one that fits your lifestyle.
Call 978-475-0450 or request an appointment today. We look forward to helping you or your child achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.
Are you considering Invisalign for yourself or your teen as an alternative to traditional braces? There are many benefits to Invisalign treatment. With advancements in technology, Invisalign can correct orthodontic issues as effectively as traditional braces in a comparable amount of time.
You’re probably also considering one important question: how much does Invisalign cost in Andover, MA and the surrounding area? Does Invisalign cost more than braces?
Average Cost of Invisalign
The exact price depends on a few different factors, but generally speaking, Invisalign will typically cost somewhere between $2500 and $6500. If the necessary corrections are extremely basic, such as just one or two teeth that need to be straightened, the cost can be as low as $300.
Average Cost of Traditional Metal Braces
One of the reasons some people don’t consider Invisalign for themselves or for their teen is because they are under the impression that Invisalign is more expensive. But the average cost is about the same, between $2500 and $6500.
How Much Will Invisalign Cost Me Specifically?
There’s no way to determine the exact cost of Invisalign without a consultation with a dentist or orthodontist. There are quite a few factors that affect the cost, such as:
- Extent of Corrections Needed. Each individual patient is different and will require specific orthodontic corrections. The more the teeth will need to be adjusted, the more aligners will need to be made to achieve the desired results. Each aligner comes at a cost, which increases the total cost of treatment.
- Length of Treatment Time. The more aligners are required to shift the teeth into the desired positions, the longer treatment time will take. Longer treatment requires more orthodontic consults, which could increase the total cost.
- Your Orthodontist’s Level of Experience. Orthodontists will set their own prices based on their level of experience. Not all orthodontic treatment will provide the same result. Patients are willing to pay more for an orthodontist they feel they can trust to effectively and efficiently correct their teeth.
- Where you live. Orthodontists will also take cost of living and competitive pricing into consideration when setting a price range for Invisalign. Larger cities with a higher cost of living may have higher prices for Invisalign than small towns.
- Your Insurance. If you have dental insurance that includes orthodontics, a portion of orthodontic care could be covered. It is usually not 100% coverage, but a lump sum toward braces or a certain percentage of the total cost. Insurance can reduce the amount you’ll pay out of pocket.
What are the Benefits of Invisalign?
There are definite advantages to Invisalign over traditional braces, though both are highly effective and comparably priced. Invisalign aligners are:
- Invisible. When you want to correct your teeth without drawing attention to your mouth, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible. Most people will not be able to tell that you are wearing them.
- Comfortable. The aligners are made of smooth, flexible plastic that fits snugly to your teeth and gently shifts them into proper position.
- Removable. You can remove your aligners to eat, brush and floss your teeth, and even play a musical instrument.
Will Invisalign Work for Every Patient?
Not necessarily. Some patients need extensive orthodontic corrections that require traditional braces and a combination of other orthodontic interventions. Invisalign works for many patients, but not all. An orthodontic evaluation will reveal whether or not you are an ideal candidate or if a different treatment option may be better for you.
Andover Orthodontics is a Certified Provider of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen
For an orthodontist to offer Invisalign, they must be trained to administer the treatment. Invisalign uses computer software that takes digital impressions of a patient’s teeth and creates a complete series of aligners to correct the teeth and bite. The orthodontist monitors the patient’s progress and advises them on when to switch aligners.
Andover Orthodontics is a certified Invisalign provider. Dr. Broccoli has treated many satisfied patients with Invisalign clear aligners and believes them to be equally as effective as traditional braces in many cases.
For a free consultation, call 978-475-0450 today or request an appointment. We look forward to helping you achieve your best smile through the orthodontic treatment that’s right for you.
Are you wondering how much braces cost? Whether your child needs them or you need them yourself, you may be concerned about the cost. The important thing to remember is that orthodontic care is an important part of your oral health. Dental care is only part of what’s required to have healthy teeth. When the teeth and bite are in proper alignment, dental health is easier to achieve and maintain for a lifetime.
So what can you expect when it comes to the cost of braces for a child or an adult? Read on for a general estimate and explanation of the cost of orthodontic care.
What’s the Average Price Range for Metal Braces?
Generally speaking, braces usually cost somewhere between $2,000 and $7,000. Each individual case is different and will likely fall somewhere within that range. You may choose limited treatment to address a specific concern, like a space, and your cost will be on the lower side. If you require full orthodontic treatment to fix your bite and smile, the cost will be more.
Do Clear Braces Cost More than Metal Braces?
Many offices will charge more for Clear braces but at Andover Orthodontics the price is the same for clear or metal braces. Some cases are better suited for clear or metal braces, and the doctor will help you make the best decision for you.
Does Invisalign Cost More than Braces?
Invisalign is usually comparable to braces or slightly more expensive, depending on the complexity of the case. Invisalign and Invisalign Teen consist of a series of clear plastic aligners that fit over the teeth and gently shift them into proper alignment. Each aligner is worn for a certain period of time before switching to the next per instructions from your orthodontist. The duration of treatment and how many aligners need to be made in order to achieve the desired results will affect the total cost.
What Other Factors Affect the Cost of Braces?
There are a variety of factors that play a part in the total cost of braces for a patient. Your location and the cost of living in your area is one factor. A larger city will tend to have higher prices than a smaller town. Another consideration is your insurance. If your dental insurance covers any part of braces, it can help to reduce the cost. The extent and duration of your treatment may also affect the total cost of braces. If your teeth will take longer to correct because the orthodontic issues are severe, you may be quoted a higher price than someone else who needs more subtle corrections.
How Can I Afford Braces?
If the cost seems to be more than what you can afford, don’t forgo treatment. There are options for financing to help spread the cost out over time into affordable monthly payments. Orthodontic care is important for a lifetime of healthy teeth. It is not merely cosmetic. Misaligned teeth and incorrect bite patterns can cause teeth to wear down unevenly over time. People can also experience jaw problems, headaches, and even breathing problems. Orthodontic care is worth the cost.
Andover Orthodontics Offers Many Types of Braces
Whether you’re interested in traditional braces, clear brackets, or Invisalign, Andover Orthodontics provides all of these treatment options. At your initial consultation, Dr. Broccoli will recommend the best course of treatment for your individual needs. It is then that you’ll know what the cost will be and payment options will be discussed. At Andover Orthodontics we believe that no patient should miss out on the benefits of orthodontic treatment.
Call 978-475-0450 today to schedule a free consultation or request an appointment. We look forward to helping you realize the benefits of orthodontic treatment.
Invisalign is one of the most popular teeth straightening systems. Using clear aligners rather than metal brackets, the treatment is nearly invisible. Invisalign Teen was created to make the system more kid-friendly, including some unique features like extra replacement aligners and the blue dot feature that shows orthodontists and parents whether or not the teen is wearing their aligners enough.
If you’re debating whether or not Invisalign Teen is the right choice for your child, one of your biggest questions is probably how much it costs. You may have heard that traditional braces are cheaper, but your child really wants Invisalign. The good news is that the price range is about the same.
On average you can expect to pay around $6000 for full treatment to align all the teeth and the bite. Limited treatment to address a specific issue can be much less, ranging between $2000 and $5000. This is comparable to the cost of traditional metal braces. But the only way to get an exact price is to see an orthodontist for a consultation and quote.
Why Does the Price of Invisalign Teen Differ?
Why can’t you find an exact price for Invisalign Teen online? Because it’s not a one-size-fits-all treatment, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all price. The cost will vary based on a few different factors, such as:
- Duration of treatment. When the initial evaluation is done of the teeth, a plan will be made for treatment. A set of aligners will be created that the patient wears for the recommended amount of time, switching to the next consecutive aligner until the treatment is complete and the teeth are properly aligned. The longer this will take and the more aligners that need to be made, the higher the cost will be.
- Extent of the necessary corrections. Some patients have minor orthodontic issues that can be corrected with just a few aligners in a short time. Other patients may need more extensive treatment to correct misalignment of teeth and bite. The more complex the treatment, the higher the cost will be.
- Insurance. If you have dental insurance, some plans include orthodontic treatment. It is usually a lump sum that is offered toward braces or a similar treatment. With insurance funding factored in, you may pay less for Invisalign.
Why is Invisalign Teen Worth the Cost?
Are you wondering whether or not it is worth paying for Invisalign Teen? There are many reasons why orthodontic treatment is important. But if you are trying to decide between Invisalign and traditional braces (which may cost slightly less, depending on your provider), there are some definite advantages to Invisalign.
- Appearance. Teens like the fact that Invisalign is nearly invisible. Braces can make anyone feel self-conscious about how they look, and they may have to wear them for years.
- Comfort. The smooth plastic aligners are more comfortable to wear than traditional braces.
- Convenience. Removable aligners make it easy to brush and floss your teeth. You can also eat whatever you want because you can take them out for meals and snacks.
How Much Does Invisalign Teen Cost at Andover Orthodontics?
If you’re interested in trying Invisalign Teen for your child, Andover Orthodontics is a leading provider in Andover, MA and the surrounding area.
Call 978-475-0450 today to schedule your free consultation. After an evaluation we can offer you a more accurate quote for treatment. We look forward to helping your teen transform their smile.