General
The cost of orthodontic treatment varies depending on factors such as the case's complexity, the treatment duration, and the specific treatment option chosen. During your initial consultation, we will provide a detailed quotation and discuss flexible payment options and potential insurance coverage to help make orthodontic treatment affordable.
The duration of orthodontic treatment varies depending on the complexity of the case and the specific treatment plan. On average, treatment can range from 8 months to 24 months. Dr. Morrell will provide an estimated timeline based on your needs and treatment goals.
The duration of orthodontic treatment varies depending on the complexity of the case and the specific treatment plan. One of the best ways to ensure your treatment stays on time is to follow all of the guidelines provided. Make sure to eat the proper foods, keep your braces clean, wear any elastics or aligners as prescribed, keep all appointments, and always continue to see your dentist routinely. Also, if any braces break or you have trouble or even lose your aligners, make sure to contact us right away to avoid any delays in treatment. In some cases, advancements in orthodontic technology, such as the use of Damon Braces, may help expedite the treatment process. The Damon System, known for its innovative approach to orthodontic treatment, can often help streamline the orthodontic process and may contribute to shorter treatment times than traditional braces. With its self-ligating design and gentle forces, Damon Braces can efficiently move teeth into their desired positions.
When you first get your braces on, it is normal to feel a little discomfort. It just takes a couple of days for your lips, cheeks, and tongue to get used to the feeling of braces during this period. It is safe to do warm salt water rinse, and even use over-the-counter medicine for topical pain relief. We will also supply you with wax to help keep your braces comfortable.
Also, during the first two or three days, it is normal for your teeth to feel a little sore or loose.. This can make it difficult to eat and chew for the first two or three days. We recommend that you stay on a soft food diet, and use an over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Regular visits to the orthodontist are essential throughout the course of treatment. Typically, appointments are scheduled every 6-12 weeks, allowing Dr. Morrell to monitor progress, make adjustments, and ensure that your treatment is on track.
An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth vertically overlap significantly with the lower front teeth. Orthodontic treatment can help correct an overbite by properly aligning the teeth and jaws, achieving a more balanced bite and facial harmony.
Various factors, including genetics, small dental arch size, early loss of primary teeth, habits like thumb sucking, dental trauma, and retention of baby teeth, can cause crowding of teeth. These factors can contribute to insufficient space for teeth to align properly, resulting in crowding.
Tooth extraction is not always required for orthodontic treatment. The need for tooth extraction depends on several factors, including the severity of crowding or spacing, the size of the dental arch, and the specific treatment plan. In some cases, creating space for proper tooth alignment may involve extracting one or more teeth.
However, advances in orthodontic techniques and technologies have often reduced the need for extractions. Dr. Morrell will carefully evaluate your case and recommend the most suitable treatment plan.
Yes, you can continue participating in sports and playing musical instruments while wearing braces. However, wearing a mouthguard during sports activities is important to protect your teeth and braces. Playing musical instruments may require a period of adjustment, but most individuals adapt to playing with braces relatively quickly.
Taking care of your braces is simple and easy, and just takes a little effort. The most important thing you can do while in your braces, is keep them clean! Clean teeth equals healthy teeth, which means your smile is going to look great!
When it comes to brushing your braces, it is very similar to brushing your teeth without braces. We recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and dedicating a little extra time to ensure thorough cleaning. We like to say, listen to one of your favorite songs while you're brushing, and when the song is over, you should be just about done- about 2 minutes.
Flossing is just as important with braces as without braces. Flossing allows you to get in between the teeth where the toothbrush can't. Another great tool to get in between your teeth is an interproximal brush. These little tools are great for removing unwanted food and plaque in between teeth.
One of our favorite additional items that helps keep your braces extra clean, is the use of a water irrigator. This really helps to remove all of the germs that were loosened during brushing and flossing. To top it all off, we always recommend the use of a fluoride rinse to help strengthen your enamel.
Wearing retainers is essential to maintaining the results achieved through orthodontic treatment. The length of retainer wear varies depending on the individual case, but typically, full-time retainer wear is required for a few months, followed by nighttime wear for a lifetime to ensure the long-term stability of your new smile.