Braces in Michigan

You can use this guide to discover how braces work. If you're interested in having orthodontic care, visit a braces dentist for a consultation to examine the treatments that will suit you best.

What Should I Consider When I Choose My Braces Provider?

When you make the choice to have braces, you're committing to a treatment process that can require a lot of time. It's important to choose an orthodontic team you trust. If you're looking for orthodontists, ask your general dentist for recommendations or call our office for more information.

We're pleased to offer braces and orthodontic care for you and your family in Michigan. When you receive your braces treatment with Contemporary Dentistry, we'll personalize each step of your care. We'll provide options that allow you to correct your alignment issues as quickly as possible.

What Is Involved With Getting Braces?

If you've chosen styles that are made of metal or ceramic, your orthodontist will begin your appointment by cleaning and drying your teeth. Then, you will have bonding glue applied to each tooth.

Next, brackets are attached to your teeth, and the bonding glue holds them in place. To finish the procedure, your orthodontist will install archwires to connect the brackets. Elastic bands are used to secure the wires.

What Are the Major Types of Braces?

When you visit your orthodontic care team in Michigan, you'll be presented with three options for braces. Your orthodontist will help you choose the style that is most appropriate for you.

Metal braces are the most conventional option, and they're built with a system of brackets and archwires. Your provider might recommend metal styles if you're coping with severe misalignment issues. Since metal options are made with titanium or stainless steel, they may be more durable than other choices. If you're using a metal option, you'll be able to choose from bands that are available in different colors. You can pick out new colors at each appointment.

Like metal styles, ceramic braces are designed with brackets, archwires, and elastic bands. However, ceramic brackets and bands are tooth-colored or clear, so they are less visible than metal versions. With less metal than conventional designs, ceramic styles may be beneficial if you're allergic to certain types of metal or if you need to have frequent imaging studies.

Invisible braces use a set of plastic aligners. They're designed to move each tooth into the proper position, and they're transparent. As your teeth shift into place, your provider will give you new aligners to keep your teeth moving into their final positions. You can remove your aligners for meals and oral care.

How Much Do Braces Cost?

The cost of orthodontic care depends on your location, provider, insurance coverage, and treatment plan. Some types of orthodontic appliances may be more expensive than others. In addition, you may need to pay more if you have severe misalignments which require a longer duration of treatment.

If you have dental insurance, contact your insurance company to ask about coverage options for your orthodontic care in Michigan. Make sure to confirm your coverage before you begin your treatment.

If you need help paying for your orthodontic treatment, our staff members will introduce you to all of the flexible financing services at Contemporary Dentistry.

How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Last?

In general, most people will need to be treated for 12 to 24 months. Throughout your treatment, you'll see your provider every four to eight weeks. You should allow up to two hours for each visit.

During each appointment, your provider will examine the alignment of your teeth. If you wear orthodontic devices with bands, your orthodontist will give you new bands at each visit. In addition, they'll tighten your archwires.

In most cases, you'll feel a bit of soreness for around seven days after each visit. You might want to eat mashed potatoes, yogurt, and soft foods during this time. You can take acetaminophen or other over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce any discomfort. If you don't feel better after taking an over-the-counter medication, contact your provider at Contemporary Dentistry.

What Happens After My Treatment Is Finished?

Once your teeth are in their proper places, your provider will let you know that it's time to complete your treatment. At your visit, you'll have your archwires, bands and brackets removed. Your team will polish your teeth to get rid of any residue from the bonding glue. You should allow around one hour for this appointment.

To help you preserve your treatment results, your Contemporary Dentistry provider may advise you to wear retainers. In general, you'll wear your retainers overnight, and you may need to wear them for several years. Some people have to wear retainers for 10 years or more. If you have questions about wearing your retainers, ask your orthodontist in Michigan.

For excellent orthodontic care in Michigan, contact our Contemporary Dentistry orthodontists. It will be our pleasure to discuss the treatments that are suitable for you, and we'll tailor your treatment to meet your wishes.