Traditional Braces – Buzzards Bay, MA

The Tried-and-True Path to Straighter Teeth

Straight, well-aligned teeth are attractive. Even more than that, though, they are important for oral health. They make it possible to enjoy a comfortable bite, and they are less likely to suffer from cavities and other oral health issues than misaligned teeth. If your teeth are not properly positioned, we encourage you to talk to us about our orthodontic treatment options. We may recommend that you get braces in Buzzards Bay. This tried-and-true teeth-straightening method has already helped generations of patients — it may be able to help you as well!

Why Choose Canal Side Family Dental for Traditional Braces?

1On-Staff Orthodontist
2Flexible Payment Options
3Friendly and Empathetic Team

How Do Traditional Braces Work?

Happy patient at orthodontic appointment, dentist in background

When you first get braces, we will bond brackets to your teeth. A wire will connect the brackets. Together, the brackets and wire will apply consistent, gentle pressure to the teeth. As your braces get tightened at periodic appointments, your teeth will move little by little into their proper positions.

Of course, not all braces treatments are exactly the same. Depending on your unique circumstances, you might require additional orthodontic accessories to achieve the best possible results. When you visit us for your consultation, your orthodontist or dentist in Buzzards Bay will be able to tell you more about the road ahead of you.

What Orthodontic Issues Can Braces Fix?

Illustration of braces being used to correct crooked teeth

Traditional braces are among the most versatile forms of orthodontics in Buzzards Bay. They are capable of correcting most types of alignment issues, from mild aesthetic problems to severe orthodontic issues that pose a serious threat to oral health. We commonly use them to address bite misalignment, crowded and crooked teeth, and gapped teeth.

Bite Misalignment

Braces may be used to correct virtually any type of malocclusion (misaligned bite), including overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite. Correcting these issues can improve facial appearance, reduce the risk of TMD, and provide other benefits.

Crowded & Crooked Teeth

Crowded and crooked teeth are at an increased risk of cavities and breakage. Braces, along with possible extractions, can help to shift your teeth so they work harmoniously together and have the space they need to thrive.

Gapped Teeth

Large gaps between the teeth can leave your gums vulnerable to injury. Braces can move the teeth closer together and thereby improve your oral health.

Caring for Your Braces

Young man with traditional braces using dental floss

Here are a few basic tips to help you care well for your braces:

Prioritize oral hygiene. It is important that you clean beneath your arch wire and around your brackets. We will coach you on proper techniques that can help to keep your teeth clean and minimize the risk of cavities and staining.
Be mindful of what you eat. We recommend that braces patients avoid hard, sticky, and crunchy foods. These items may damage your brackets or wire. They can also get stuck around your braces and increase the risk of cavities.
Rely on us for help. If you ever have any questions or concerns regarding your braces, call our team right away. We are ready and willing to assist you!

Understanding the Cost of Traditional Braces

Smiling woman, happy she could afford the cost of traditional braces in Buzzards Bay

The cost of traditional braces in Buzzards Bay varies from case to case. When you come in for your orthodontic consultation, we will be able to provide you with a personalized cost estimate. In the meantime, you can review the information below to learn more about the financial aspect of this treatment.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Traditional Braces

Illustration of metal braces being bonded onto teeth

The price of traditional braces depends on a few factors, including:

The complexity of your case. This is the biggest factor that influences the cost of braces. Logically, more complex and severe cases take more time to correct. They may also require extra accessories and more frequent visits to our office than simpler cases. Because of the effort involved in addressing such issues, they incur higher fees.
Your age. Generally speaking, the teeth of older individuals move more slowly than those of younger people. Hence, your care may cost more if you are a little bit up in age.
Compliance with treatment guidelines. If you accidentally break your braces, fail to use accessories as recommended, or make other missteps with your treatment, it can delay your final results and lead to a slightly higher overall cost.

Professional Braces vs. DIY Braces: Which Costs More?

Happy female patient at orthodontic checkup appointment

You might have seen or heard of “hacks” for at-home orthodontic treatment. Such methods may involve the use of paperclips, earring backs, dental floss, or other household items. You may be tempted to try these DIY techniques in order to save money. However, extreme caution is in order.

While you may be able to move your teeth, you may end up moving them in the wrong direction. You might even cause serious harm to your oral tissues, which could be quite costly to address. It is usually more economical to invest in professional treatment right from the beginning. Care from a qualified dentist or orthodontist is predictable, effective, and fairly priced.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Braces?

“Dental insurance” underlined in blue against white background

Dental insurance policies vary greatly in their approach to braces. Some do not provide coverage, while others provide coverage only for minors. A few premium plans cover about half the price of adult orthodontia, up to the amount of the plan’s lifetime orthodontic maximum. This means that you could potentially save hundreds of dollars — or more — out of pocket. Our team can help you figure out how your policy applies and file all the necessary paperwork.

Options for Making Braces Affordable

Tooth model in foreground, jar of change in background

In addition to assisting you with insurance, there are a few ways in which our team may be able to help you afford braces:

Special pricing. We periodically offer special pricing on braces. You may be able to get yours for as little as $187 per month when you sign up for autopay.
Many patients qualify for low-interest financing through CareCredit, a third-party financier.
Essential Dental Plan. This discount plan can lower the cost of many treatments, including general dentistry services throughout your braces treatment.

Traditional Braces FAQS

Smiling blond woman with traditional braces in Buzzards Bay

Our team is ready to help you straighten your teeth with traditional braces in Buzzards Bay. However, since this treatment represents a significant commitment of time and money, it is understandable if you want more information before you schedule your orthodontic consultation. Below, you will find answers to some frequently asked questions about braces. Give us a call if you would like additional explanation on anything you discover here.

Am I Too Old to Get Braces?

Traditional metal braces are often associated with teenagers and children. However, it is important to keep in mind that there is no upper age limit for this treatment. In fact, roughly one-quarter of orthodontic patients are adults!

Treatment for adults and younger patients is similar in most ways. However, adults’ teeth may take slightly longer to move. Also, while many dental insurance policies cover orthodontia for minors, they do not typically do so for older patients. If you do not wish to pay for the entirety of your treatment upfront, you may qualify for convenient CareCredit financing or a convenient monthly payment plan through our office.

What Happens After You Get Your Braces Off?

Once your braces are removed, your teeth will be inclined to begin drifting back into their former positions. To prevent this from happening, you must wear a retainer. If your retainer is removable (rather than fixed), you will have to remember to wear it for 20 – 22 hours each day at first. After some time, you might be able to switch to wearing it only at night. Eventually, you might need to wear it for just a few nights each week.

How Long Do Traditional Braces Take?

The average treatment time with braces is 1 – 3 years. Exactly how long they take varies greatly from patient to patient; during your consultation, we will be able to estimate your treatment timeline. The length of time you will have to wear braces will depend mostly on the extent of your dental misalignment. However, other factors, such as your age and your compliance with treatment guidelines, can also have a bearing on your overall timeline.

Do Traditional Braces Hurt?

Modern braces are more comfortable than ever before. However, it is important to keep in mind that orthodontic treatment works because it applies consistent pressure to the teeth. Logically, this can cause some soreness, particularly when you first get your braces or attend an adjustment appointment. The metal portions of the braces may also cause some irritation.

To cope with discomfort, you can take over-the-counter pain medications. Sipping on cool water and eating primarily soft foods can help as well. Applying orthodontic wax to any portion of the braces that bothers your soft oral tissues may help to reduce sores and irritation.

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