Braces in Dearborn

This guide will help you understand what to expect when you wear braces. To evaluate all of your treatment choices, schedule a consultation with a braces dentist to discover the options that work with your goals.

How Can I Select an Orthodontist?

Having braces is a medical and financial commitment, and the treatment process takes time. It's vital that you choose a provider you can trust. To find orthodontists who may suit you, check with your general dentist for advice.

If you're searching for orthodontic treatment in Dearborn, contact the Contemporary Dentistry Dearborn team for more information. We will craft an individualized treatment plan for you, and we have options that will address your alignment issues quickly.

What Happens at My First Appointment With My Orthodontist?

If you've selected metal or ceramic styles, your appointment will begin with a dental cleaning. Next, your orthodontist will dry your teeth, and bonding glue will be applied to the surface of each tooth.

Metal or ceramic brackets will be secured to your teeth, and the glue will keep them in place. Finally, your providers will link the brackets with archwires, and elastic bands will hold the wires in position.

What Types of Braces Can I Choose?

Currently, most orthodontic offices use three types of braces. During your appointment in Dearborn, your orthodontic team members will assist you with selecting the styles that are appropriate for your treatment goals.

Metal braces are the most conventional option, using archwires, brackets, and bands. This treatment option can be especially helpful for severe misalignments of the teeth and jaws. The brackets are made with stainless steel or titanium, and they provide enhanced durability. With this style, the bands come in an array of color options. You'll be able to choose new colors for your bands at each visit.

Ceramic braces rely on clear or tooth-colored brackets and bands. Although they're connected with traditional archwires, ceramic brackets and bands are made to match the shade of your teeth. They contain less metal than conventional designs, so they may be particularly useful for patients with certain metal allergies. If you need to have frequent MRI scans or other medical imaging, ceramic options may be appropriate for you.

Made with a series of plastic trays, invisible braces are a transparent treatment option. As your teeth start to move, you'll receive new aligners to keep everything shifting into the proper position. You can take the trays out when you need to eat, drink or complete your oral hygiene routine.

How Much Do Braces Cost?

When you're considering the cost of orthodontic care, it's important to understand that your cost will depend on where you live, the provider you select, the type and length of your treatment, and the insurance coverage you have. Certain kinds of orthodontic appliances are more expensive than other styles. If you're receiving care for severe alignment issues, you may need more extensive treatment that lasts for a longer period, and this could increase your costs.

If you're planning to use dental insurance to cover the cost of braces, you should contact your insurance provider before you start treatment. Your insurance company will be able to tell you about your coverage options for your orthodontic care in Dearborn.

At Contemporary Dentistry Dearborn, it’s our mission to make orthodontic care affordable for everyone. We have flexible financing options so that patients can pay in installments. Our billing team can set up a payment plan that suits your budget.

How Long Will I Need To Use Braces?

Typically, most patients end up wearing braces for one to two years. During that time, you'll meet with your orthodontic team every four to eight weeks. Each visit will take one to two hours.

Your provider will monitor the alignment of your teeth at every visit. If you use devices with elastic bands, you'll have new bands installed at each appointment, and your team will tighten the archwires.

After your appointment, it's normal to feel a little bit of soreness or discomfort for roughly seven days. To ease your symptoms, try eating soft foods and taking over-the-counter pain relievers during this period. Inform your orthodontist at Contemporary Dentistry Dearborn if over-the-counter medicine doesn't reduce your discomfort.

What Happens After I Finish My Treatment?

When your teeth have reached their proper positions, your orthodontist will let you know that you're ready to have your braces removed. During your visit, your team will take off the archwires and bands, and your brackets will be removed. Your provider will remove any remaining glue with a polishing instrument. This appointment takes approximately one hour.

To keep your teeth in position after treatment at Contemporary Dentistry Dearborn, you may need to wear retainers. Usually, you'll wear the retainers at night for several years. Some of our patients in Dearborn may need to wear retainers for a decade or more. Our providers will give you detailed instructions about how you should wear your retainers.

For cutting-edge orthodontic care in Dearborn, schedule an appointment at Contemporary Dentistry Dearborn. We'll be honored to discuss your options, and we will work with your health needs, goals and financial situation.