Traditional Metal Braces – Hamden, CT

Factors that Affect the Cost of Braces

A few factors that influence the cost of braces include:

• The severity of the dental misalignment. Issues like extremely crooked teeth or a badly misaligned bite take more time to correct than simpler issues. Therefore, they tend to incur higher fees.
• The use of accessories. Elastics, headgear, or other accessories are sometimes needed to facilitate successful treatment.
• If you accidentally break your braces or have other mishaps that interfere with your treatment, your overall costs may be higher.
• The type of braces used. Traditional metal braces are usually the lowest-priced orthodontic option offered by dental professionals.

Braces vs. DIY Options

You have probably seen ads for mail-order clear aligner treatments that come at a surprisingly low price. You might have also watched social media videos featuring individuals who claimed that they straightened their own teeth with household supplies. While such options might seem like a smart way to save money, you should be extremely cautious.

Any type of at-home, DIY braces are dangerous. Without professional dental guidance, you could end up worsening your dental health. Mail order clear aligners are slightly better because they provide a degree of oversight. However, they still do not come with the one-on-one attention from a dental professional that is necessary for truly high-quality treatment.

Although braces may seem expensive at first, they are a wise investment in your oral health. Not only do they have a proven track record of success, but they also have the potential to enhance your smile and boost your confidence.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Braces?

Some types of dental insurance cover braces in New Haven. It is common for them to provide orthodontic coverage for patients under age 19, but coverage for adults is harder to come by. You will have to look at your policy to see how it applies. If it does cover braces, it may reduce your out of pocket costs by hundreds of dollars or more. Our team will be happy to help you understand your insurance plan, file your claims, and maximize your benefits.

Options for Making Braces Affordable

As a braces dentist in New Haven, we want you to be able to afford your treatment. To help you out, we offer a few provisions:

• Most patients qualify for a low-interest payment plan through CareCredit.
• In-house payment plan. You can get braces for as little as $187/month when you sign up for AutoPay. We will even make your first payment for you!

Would you like to learn more about braces and their cost? Get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation. You can rely on us to help you navigate every aspect of your treatment, including its financial details.

How Long Do Braces Take?

Treatment time with braces takes an average of 18 – 36 months. That is quite a large range; the specific treatment time for each patient depends on a variety of factors, including the degree of a person’s dental misalignment, how well they comply with treatment, and their age. During your consultation, we will be able to estimate how long it will take for your braces to achieve the desired results. Although 18 – 36 months might seem like a long wait, the time is likely to fly by once you get into a good routine with your braces.

Do Braces Hurt?

Modern braces are more comfortable than their predecessors of past generations. However, keep in mind that orthodontic treatment is effective because it applies consistent pressure to the teeth. Naturally, they can cause some soreness, particularly in the first few days after you get your braces tightened. Taking over the counter pain relievers and sipping on cool water may help you cope with any discomfort.

Also, in some cases, the metal parts of braces may irritate a patient’s cheeks or tongue. If that happens to you, orthodontic wax may be able to help. Any severe or prolonged pain, as well as any obvious damage to the braces, merits a call to our office.

What if My Braces Broke?

If your braces suffer damage, one of the first things you should do is assess the situation. Something like a bent wire is a fairly common occurrence that is usually not difficult to manage, but if your teeth are hurting or there are major signs of damage to your braces, the situation is more urgent. In any case, you should call your cosmetic dentist in New Haven as soon as you can for guidance; we may also schedule an appointment for you. Prior to your visit, you may be able to reduce any discomfort by bending protruding wires against your teeth, and/or covering broken parts with orthodontic wax.

Who Is a Candidate for Braces?

Braces are one of the most versatile orthodontic treatments. They can benefit patients of almost any age, from young children to mature adults with many decades of life experience. They can also correct a wide variety of orthodontic issues, ranging from minor misalignment to severe crookedness and bite problems. During your consultation, we will be able to determine for sure whether braces are a good fit for your unique situation.