Everything You Need to Know About Braces

You or a loved one needs braces – and you have questions. How much will braces cost, how can you find quality, affordable orthodontic care, and what do you need to know about choosing, paying for, getting and living with braces? Read on to discover the answers to these and other frequently asked questions about braces.

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontic treatment helps to ensure a healthier mouth and increased confidence. By realigning teeth that don’t line up correctly (“bad bites”) braces can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss, jaw problems, abnormal wear to tooth enamel, and problems in chewing properly and speaking clearly.

How do I know if my child needs braces?

Some of the indications that your child may need braces include:

• Abnormal bites – Crossbites, overbites, underbites, open bites, and deep bites are all signs that your child may need braces.
• Crowded teeth – Crowded teeth are difficult to clean properly. If left untreated, your child may experience tooth decay, bad breath, or gum disease.
• Difficulty chewing or biting – This can signify that your child has misaligned teeth or jaws.
• Early or late baby teeth loss – If your child lost their baby teeth early, their teeth might move into the empty spaces before their adult teeth emerge. On the other hand, losing baby teeth too late can cause alignment and spacing issues.
• Thumb or finger sucking – If your child sucks their thumbs or fingers, it can pull their front teeth forward, which may cause crowding on their bottom teeth.

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends children get an orthodontic checkup no later than age 7.

How do orthodontists straighten teeth?

Orthodontic treatment realigns teeth by applying constant, gentle pressure. In the not-so-recent past, this was typically done with metal braces. Small brackets cemented to the teeth were connected by a wire, which was regularly tightened by a dentist or orthodontist to shift teeth into the desired position. Metal braces are still utilized today, but so are ceramic, clear and micro braces, along with invisible aligners.

How do I find an orthodontist near me?

Your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist. Or you can use a dentist search tool to find an orthodontist in your area.

What causes orthodontic problems?

Orthodontic problems are typically inherited, but they can also be acquired by developmental factors. Some of the most commonly inherited conditions include crooked teeth, crowded teeth and other irregularities of the teeth and jaw. Acquired problems can be caused by developmental factors such as thumb sucking and the premature loss of baby or permanent teeth.

How much do braces usually cost?

The cost of treatment depends on numerous factors, including the complexity, method and estimated length of treatment. The typical costs are:

• Metal (traditional) braces cost $4,000 – $7,500.
• Ceramic braces – a blend with the color of teeth with only a thin metal wire visible – cost $4,500 – $8,000.
• Lingual braces – bonded to the inside surface of teeth, lingual braces are virtually invisible when the wearer smiles – cost $6,000 – $10,000.
• Clear aligners – such as Invisalign – cost $3,000 – $9,000.
• Lingual braces, which are made out of metal but are bonded to the inside surface of teeth making them virtually invisible when the wearer smiles, cost $8,000 – $10,000.

Does dental insurance cover braces for kids?

It depends on the plan. If your dental insurance only covers preventive (basic) care, then it doesn’t include braces. If you have full coverage, check the plan details to see if there is a separate benefit for braces and if it is a “lifetime limit.” Otherwise, check your plan benefits to see what your annual spending limit is, typically it’s between $1,000 – $1,500.

Does dental insurance typically cover braces for adults?

Adults are less likely to have orthodontic coverage included in their dental insurance. And generally, adults may require longer treatment times or more specialized care, both of which can increase costs. Consider joining a dental savings plan to reduce the cost of braces for adults (and children) if dental insurance will not pay for braces.

See how much you can save with a dental savings plan.

How long do I have to wear braces?

Generally, orthodontic treatments usually last from 18 to 30 months, with the average treatment taking 24 months. Length of treatment depends on the severity of the problem, the proposed treatment plan, the patient’s age, compliance to the treatment plan, and other factors.

How do I take care of my braces?

As always, it’s very important to practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing after every meal. Here are some tips on how to clean your teeth while wearing braces. Hard and sticky foods should be avoided since they can damage your braces. Be sure to keep all of your orthodontic appointments and follow the instructions and recommendations given by your orthodontist.

What can I eat in the first few days after getting braces?

Choose nourishing options like green smoothies, yogurt, and oatmeal. These foods, along with other braces-friendly choices, not only provide essential nutrients but also require little to no chewing, reducing the risk of irritating your sensitive mouth. Soups and broths are also excellent as they are comforting and hydrating. Avoid anything that might stick to the braces or require biting into, as this can increase discomfort and potentially harm the brackets.

What’s the best way to get used to braces?

Know what to expect, stock up on soft foods, get the right supplies, and keep the end result in mind are some of the best ways for kids (and adults) to get accustomed to wearing braces. And, after the first few weeks when your mouth is less sore, it’s a good idea to practice eating with braces.

Do I have to wear a retainer after my braces come off?

Yes, a retainer (fixed or removable) is a vital part of the orthodontic treatment that helps ensure that the teeth you’ve invested time, effort, and money in repositioning remain in their proper place. Here’s how to keep your retainer fresh and clean.

How can I save money on braces?

Dental insurance is one way to reduce the cost of braces. Check your plan’s details to see what your annual spending limit is – the maximum they’ll pay in one year. You’ll also want to see if your plan has a separate spending limit for braces, or a lifetime spending cap (there often is) as these factors can help you understand just how much you can save on braces with dental insurance and how much you’ll need to pay out of pocket.

If you don’t have dental insurance, or if your insurance doesn’t provide you with enough coverage, consider a dental savings plan. These plans are a flexible alternative to insurance that offer discounts on virtually all dental services, including braces and other treatments often associated with orthodontic care, at a nationwide network of dentists, orthodontists, and other specialists.

Plan members of dental savings plans typically save 20% or more on braces, which can easily amount to thousands of dollars saved per child on the plan. How? Because while dental insurance typically has annual limits and restrictions on how much you can save, dental savings plans do not. And quick activation lets you join today and start your braces treatment tomorrow.

Want a quick peek at how much you can save on braces with a dental savings plan? Use our calculator below. Just enter your zip code, select braces and we’ll populate a personalized plan recommendation.

All cost averages obtained from the DentalPlans.com procedure search tool, and/or independent research.