Braces in Berkley

How Should I Choose My Braces Dentist?

Getting braces is a medical and financial decision, and the process can take a lot of time. It's crucial to choose a trustworthy provider who makes you feel comfortable. Your general dentist may be able to recommend providers who would be appropriate for you.

Our experienced orthodontists in Berkley are proud to provide braces and other orthodontic treatments. We're here for you at every stage of your care, and we'll tailor each part of your treatment to align with your wishes. Our Contemporary Dentistry Berkley teams will optimize your treatment so that your alignment issues are corrected in an efficient manner.

How Will My Provider Install My Orthodontic Appliance?

Metal and ceramic braces are both installed in the same way. To start the installation process, your teeth will be cleaned and dried. Next, your orthodontist will put bonding glue on your teeth.

Then, a bracket will be attached to each tooth, and the glue will hold it in place. To finish up, your orthodontist will link the brackets with archwires that run through each bracket. The wires will be secured with elastic bands.

What Types of Braces Are Available?

When you go to your orthodontist in Berkley, you'll be able to choose from three different types of braces. Your provider will help you understand which type may be most appropriate for your concerns.

Metal braces are the most traditional option, and they use brackets and wires. Your orthodontic providers may suggest using metal styles if you have severe misalignment issues. Usually, metal brackets and wires are made of stainless steel or titanium, and this enhances their durability. When you select this treatment option, you can choose bands that come in a variety of color options. Your provider will let you choose new colors at each visit.

Ceramic designs use clear or tooth-colored brackets and elastic bands, so they are less noticeable than metal styles. Although they use archwires, ceramic styles don't contain as much metal as traditional designs. They may be a better option if you have metal allergies or would like a less noticeable style. In addition, their reduced metal content can make them useful for people who need to have medical scans on a regular basis.

Invisible braces are clear trays that are made of plastic. The trays are molded to move each tooth into its proper place. As the teeth shift, updated aligners are made to keep everything moving smoothly. When you use clear aligners, you can take them out for eating, drinking, and oral hygiene.

How Much Do Braces Cost?

The price of your orthodontic care will depend on where you live, your insurance coverage, the provider you choose, and the type of orthodontic treatment you need. If you have severe misalignment issues that require extensive treatment, your costs may be higher than those of patients with less severe concerns.

If you're hoping to use dental insurance to pay for your orthodontic care in Berkley, check with your insurance company to confirm that your care will be covered. You should do this before your treatment starts.

To make paying for orthodontic care more affordable, we're pleased to offer flexible financing options for all of our patients at Contemporary Dentistry Berkley. Our staff members will set up a payment plan that works with your budget.

How Long Will I Need Braces?

Generally, most patients need to be treated for one to two years. During your treatment, you'll have appointments with your provider every four to eight weeks. Each appointment lasts about one to two hours.

Your orthodontist will check the position of your teeth at each visit. If you're wearing orthodontic appliances that have bands, you'll get new bands at every appointment. In addition, your team will tighten the archwires.

It's normal to experience soreness for up to a week after each appointment. During this time, it can be helpful to eat yogurt, mashed potatoes, and other soft foods. If necessary, you can take ibuprofen or another over-the-counter pain reliever to manage discomfort. Call Contemporary Dentistry Berkley right away if you're struggling with excessive soreness that doesn't get better with over-the-counter medicine.

What Happens When I Finish Orthodontic Treatment?

Once your teeth are properly aligned, you'll be able to stop wearing your orthodontic appliance. During your last appointment, your orthodontist will begin by removing your brackets, archwires, and bands. To remove any residue from the bonding glue, you will have your teeth polished. This visit will take around one hour.

After your visit, your orthodontic team may recommend that you wear a retainer to maintain your treatment results. In most cases, you'll wear your retainer overnight. Many Contemporary Dentistry Berkley patients wear their retainers each night for several years, and some patients may need to wear their retainers for 10 years or more. Our clinical team members in Berkley will let you know how long you may need to wear your retainer.

If you're looking for orthodontic treatment in Berkley, stop by Contemporary Dentistry Berkley for more information. We provide individualized care for all of our patients, and we will be honored to answer any queries you have about your orthodontic treatment options.