Traditional Braces – Sycamore, IL

How Do Traditional Braces Work?

Braces consist of a number of metal brackets and wires. The brackets are attached to the teeth, and the wires (held in place by elastics) connect them. The pressure exerted on the teeth by the wire will gradually push them to a new position. To make sure that the braces continue to apply the right amount of force to the teeth, we will schedule an appointment every 4 to 6 weeks to tighten them.

The timeline for wearing braces can look drastically different from patient to patient, but the average is between 18 months and three years. The complexity of the case at hand is a major factor in how long the treatment takes. Our office is fully prepared to handle complicated orthodontic cases, and we will always be transparent about how long we expect the treatment to last.

What Orthodontic Issues Can Braces Fix?

When an orthodontic issue is too severe to be fixed with clear aligners, braces generally remain a viable option. The following are common examples of issues that traditional orthodontics tend to be effective in fixing.

Bite Misalignment

Overbite, underbite, and crossbite can all lead to numerous oral health issues, such as causing the enamel protecting the teeth to wear down unusually fast. Braces can be used to resolve many different bite alignment issues.

Crowded & Crooked Teeth

Crowded teeth can detract from your appearance, and they are difficult to clean properly. They can be straightened and properly spaced with traditional braces.

Gapped Teeth

A gap between teeth near the front of the mouth can be embarrassing. The empty space can often be closed with traditional braces.

Caring for Your Braces

When wearing braces, you will need to adjust your brushing and flossing technique to account for the constant presence of brackets and wires for your mouth. Our in-house orthodontist can explain the best methods for keeping your braces and your teeth clean throughout your treatment. Do not eat hard, sticky, or crunchy foods while wearing braces, as they could potentially cause your brackets and wires to break. Always wear a mouthguard to keep your braces safe while playing any kind of sport.

Understanding the Cost of Traditional Braces

If there is one lingering question most patients have when it comes to learning about orthodontics, it’s “How much will traditional braces cost?” The only way to determine the answer is to schedule an appointment with our dental team at Grand Dental – Sycamore. Based on various factors, we can identify how much you can expect to pay out of pocket and whether your dental insurance will assist in paying a portion of the total cost.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Traditional Braces

Each patient who receives traditional braces can expect a personalized treatment plan. As a result, they are not a one-size-fits-all form of care. When determining how much your braces will cost, we will first need to determine:

• The underlying issue and its severity (i.e., overcrowding, bite misalignment, gapped teeth, etc.)
• Your age, as adults tend to spend more time wearing traditional braces than teenagers
• If you require any additional orthodontic appliances, like a space maintainer, palate expander, elastics, etc.
• How committed do you plan to be to treatment

Professional Braces vs. “DIY” Braces: Which Costs More?

There are countless DIY orthodontic solutions that are regularly promoted online, encouraging individuals to save money and still achieve a straighter smile. Unfortunately, these do-it-yourself solutions can lead to greater problems, especially since there is no professional oversight. Choosing professional braces ensures that your teeth and bite will move into proper alignment in a timely manner. Not to mention, you will be closely monitored so that if a problem occurs, it can be addressed swiftly.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Traditional Braces?

Orthodontics is a service that many dental insurance companies offer coverage for; however, this is not always the case. There can be stipulations and exclusions for you to consider. For example, your plan may only cover braces for those who are under the age of 19. It’s best to talk to a representative about your policy and what kind of coverage you can expect to receive. If you need assistance, you can ask a member of our team to help. We’ll work closely to understand the details of your plan and help you maximize any available benefits.

Options for Making Traditional Braces Affordable

If you don’t have dental insurance or you’re unable to pay out of pocket for your portion of the total cost, there are additional ways to financially afford traditional braces. These include:

• Grand Advantage Plan – Our dental team makes it easy to enroll in our Grand Advantage Plan so that you can receive valuable discounts on various services offered in-house, including a 10% discount on orthodontics.
• Flexible Financing – Through CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit, you can choose a little-to-no-interest plan that allows you to pay off your bill over time and stay within your budget.