Teeth Straightening Tips

In some, usually more extreme, cases you may need work done to your teeth prior to being fitted for braces. If you do find yourself in need of surgery, there are some great [books] out there which can help you through the process.

It isn’t terribly uncommon to have molars that are too far apart. Your orthodontist may place spacers between them for up to two weeks, before installing bracers. There is often some amount of irritation or pain associated with spacers, however it can normally be controlled through a combination of drinking cold water, eating ice cream and taking over the counter anti-inflammatory and pain killers. This is the most common “surgery” most people will ever run into.

Only in the most extreme cases is Orthognathic surgery required. This is surgery of the bone and ligaments around the mouth, the jaw and the “TMJ” or Temporomandibular  joint (it connects your jaw to your face). Normally this sort of surgery is done to correct issues with severe sleep apnea, serious TMJ related disorders (there are many common TMJ disorders that many people have, very few are serious enough to warrant surgery) or other serious problems with the jaw bone. It isn’t terribly uncommon for teeth to not interlock perfectly when closing your mouth (part of what braces will do is correct this!). However in very rare cases, it may be necessary to adjust the jaw itself before the teeth will be able to interlock correctly.

Orthognathic surgery is performed by either an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, plastic surgeon, or ENT in collaboration with your orthodontist and would be done prior to fitting for braces, or prior to fitting for a retainer (which is done after the braces are removed). Your surgeon and orthodontist will need to work together closely prior to surgery to ensure that your teeth with interlock property after surgery.

Normally, you are put under general anesthesia during the surgery (ie, you are unconscious). The surgery is usually done from within the mouth, so as not to cut the skin on your face. The surgeon will most likely wire your jaws together using stainless steel wires to ensure the correct re-positioning of the bones. This wiring is usually removed prior to regaining consciousness.

After surgery you’ll probably be put on an all-liquid diet and over time get reintroduced to solid foods, first soft foods, then hard foods. Making sure you take in sufficient calories during the recovery process is important, though weight loss due to a combination of liquid diet and lack of appetite is not uncommon. In most cases it should only take a few weeks to recover. Though recovery from more complicates surgery can take months. In surgeries related to teeth straightening this is extremely rare.

As with all surgeries, there may be some small amount of residual pain afterwards or lack of feeling due to minor damage of the nerves. You’ll normally be given pain killers and antibiotics during your recovery and you can expect some swelling or bruising of the jaw during the first week or so of recovery. Eventually the swelling and the pain will subside and your surgeon will authorize you to start (slowly) reintroducing solid foods into your diet. Once you’ve fully recovered you will then be able to return to your orthodontist and begin your teeth straightening regimen.

But to reiterate, it is very uncommon for people to have to undergo this level of work to straighten their teeth.

Congratulations! The braces are off, and you got your retainer. Unfortunately, the cost of retainers is an additional expense to your treatment. Luckily, there are ways to save money on them, particularly on Essix retainers. (Refer to Types of Retainers if you need a primer.)

1. Choose an Essix Retainer

Essix vs. Hawley is a common retainer debate. For the purpose of cost, Essix is certainly cheaper. However, it can be a flimsier retainer, so if you aren’t a careful wearer, many replacements may cost you more in the long run. Luckily, it will require less initial outlay of cash, and also provides more opportunities for savings not available with the Hawley. Of course, while you may want an Essix retainer, your orthodontist may think the Hawley is better suited for your mouth, so make sure to always go with his professional recommendation over aesthetics or cost.

2. Negotiate with your orthodontist

Just like the cost of your treatment isn’t set in stone, neither is the price of your retainers. Use the same tactics in lowering the cost of your initial braces or Invisalign. First, attempt to lower the price. Second, check for insurance coverage. Third, try to use an HSA or some other medical savings plan, to at least save on taxes. And fourth, negotiate a payment plan so you can save on interest and help lower payments.

3. Go directly to the retainer dealer

Your dentist can only lower his costs so much. In order to really save, you can try to cut out the middleman and go direct. Of course, this will require a proper fitting and knowledge of the type you need beforehand.

4. Make your own retainers

This is where choosing the Essix retainer really provides a possibly for savings. You follow the same process that the dentist would do, but at home. With tons of online tutorials, companies like Sporting Smiles and Neon Brite allow you to take your own impressions and are very easy to use. Sporting Smiles has a flat rate of $85, and depending on your insurance or health savings plan, you may be able to still get some reimbursement. While there might be an initial gag factor in doing this yourself at home, it should be overcome quickly by the amount of money you’re saving.

5. Get a Retainer Case

Replacing retainers is a drag, so make sure to keep a retainer case on you. Make it a force of habit, just like bringing your wallet or keys when you go out, and you can avoid the uncomfortable situation of needing to stash your retainer in an emergency napkin in a pinch. If that happens, you’re likely to toss out the napkin, and your retainer with it. Remember, even if you negotiate a low price or have some retainer coverage in your insurance plan, you will not be able to get an endless replacement supply for free. So, take care of placing your retainer in its case, and possibly get an extra one just for work, in your car, etc. They can come in a variety of colors, even in an economy cost-saving model.

6. Clean your Retainers Thoroughly

Make sure to take good care of your retainers, and clean them often. There are several specialty products for retainers, such as Retainer Brite and Denta Soak. The better care you take, the longer your retainers will last, and the longer your dollars will stretch.

Given the high cost of teeth straightening, if may be worthwhile to look for ways to save money.  Try to take advantage of any and all discounts that you may be eligible for to make braces more affordable.

Dental Insurance

Some dental insurance plans offer some coverage for orthodontic services.  Often, insurance will cover either a certain percentage of the cost of services or a certain dollar amount.  There may be age restrictions, such as only being eligible for children who start orthodontic services by age 19.  Be sure to speak with your insurance provider to see what benefits you may have.

Dental Discount Plan

Depending on the area that you live in and your dental provider, you may be able to take advantage of a dental discount plan.  Dental discount plans work similarly to insurance.  You pay a yearly membership fee, and participating providers will give discounts for services.  Before enrolling in a plan, ask your dentist or orthodontist what programs he or she may accept.  Make sure to ask what dollar amount you would save if you use such a plan to ensure that the savings is worth the membership fee.

HSA and Medical FSA

The HSA (Health Savings Account) and Medical FSA (Flexible Spending Account) are tax-advantaged accounts offered by employers that allow you to set a portion of your earnings to be used only for medical expenses, including teeth straightening services.  Money that is put in to the account is not subject to payroll tax.  Depending on the account provider, you may be issued a debit card that you can pay the provider with, or you can pay the provider directly and request reimbursement.  Discuss with your provider if you can use a payment schedule that spans over one year in order to use even more tax savings.  Speak with your employer’s benefits department to see if you qualify for either of these accounts.

Shop Around

Every dentist and orthodontist charges a different amount for their services; there are no set prices.  Of course, money shouldn’t be the only factor in choosing your orthodontist, but it can certainly sway your decision.  Typically, doctors will offer free evaluations.  Go in for a consultation and ask what the costs will be and what services are included.  Ask if all required x-rays and pre-braces care are included and especially ask about retention.  If you are feeling particularly daring and you like one doctor over another, you might even ask one to match the price of another quote.

Paying Upfront

If you have the money available to you, ask your orthodontist if he or she may provide a discount for paying in full upfront.  This may be an attractive option for the provider.  Aside from monthly operating expenses, if providing a service such as Invisalign, the doctor’s office has a fee schedule that they are responsible for when dealing with the Invisalign company.  Your ability to pay upfront gives the office some financial security and in return may offer you a discount (up to 10%!).  A word of warning: teeth straightening services are a lengthy process, spanning multiple years.  Paying someone upfront before you receive a service should only be done to a doctor that you trust, that is well reviewed, and/or comes as a recommendation.

Credit Card Rewards

If you have a credit card that offers rewards, such as cash-back or points, ask your orthodontist if the office accepts credit cards.  As long as you can pay the balance in full at the end of the month, you can essentially get teeth straightening services for 1% or 2% off.  If you fail to pay the balance, any interest charges you incur will completely offset any advantage of the rewards.

Paying With Cash

If you pay with a credit card, the doctor’s office is charged a fee of 2% to 4%.  Just the opposite as above, you may discuss the possibility of paying with cash versus credit card with your provider.  You may get a small discount if you can convince them that they will save money if you pay with cash or check.

University Dental School

If you have a dental school in your area with an orthodontic program, you may be able to receive services from dentists who are undergoing orthodontic training for a fraction of the cost of a full-time orthodontist.  You can be assured that the doctors whose care you are under are already fully licensed dentists who are in the process of receiving extra education specialized for teeth straightening.  All care is overseen by professors, who are themselves certified orthodontists.  These services may be provided at up to a 50% discount.

Other Discounts

If you have several family members in need of dental services, ask about getting a discount for using the same doctor.  This may work with a family with multiple children getting braces around the same time, or it may work if you use the same dentist as you do for other services.

Depending on your area, some months of the year will be slow for orthodontic work.  Ask if your provider may offer a discount for starting in the winter.

Payment Plan

Speak to your dental provider if they will allow you to pay over a series of partial payments at no extra cost.  While there may be no actual savings with this option, if you cannot afford the large upfront costs of braces, this may allow you to afford it in the long run.

Upon concluding your orthodontic treatment, you will likely need to wear retainers. Retainers will hold your teeth in place and finish the work done by braces, Invisalign, or dental surgery.

Fittings for Retainers

Your retainer will be uniquely fitted for your mouth, and will help keep your teeth in place as well as the gum and bone that were also shifted during treatment. Three types of retainers exist: Hawley, Essix, and Bonded. The first two are removable, while the last is permanent. You can read more in depth material on the Types of Retainers article. Depending which type you get, the retainer will either be a molded plastic piece to hold in your mouth or a wire fixed to your teeth.

Wearing Your Retainer

At first, you may need to wear your retainer 24 x 7. This is a sensitive time for your teeth to settle, and it is crucial to follow the doctor’s orders. Eventually, this will lessen, and you will likely reduce the number of hours of wear. In the long run, most patients only need to wear their retainers overnight at bedtime. How quickly you can scale back is based on the severity of your treatment, as well as your own discipline. Try to make it part of your bedtime routine so you don’t miss an evening.

Retainers are the last, and sometimes most important, part of your orthodontic treatment for teeth straightening. They help to keep your teeth in place, and sometimes even move them to their permanent location.

Three types of retainers exist: Hawley, Essix, and Bonded.

Am I a good candidate for braces?  That’s a question that more and more people are asking themselves.  Teeth straightening can be a daunting task.  Many adults believe that the time for braces is behind them, and they are stuck with the smile they have.  Younger people may be put off by the dreaded metal-mouth.

If you think that you could benefit from having straighter teeth, then the easy answer to whether you are a good candidate is “Yes”.  With more options than ever before, people of all ages can discuss every alternative with their orthodontist to find the right solution.  All ranges of malocclusion, mild to extreme, can be addressed by braces.  If you are reading this material, then you already have teeth straightening on your mind.  Most orthodontists will provide a free consultation; use this option to speak with a professional about what you’d like to accomplish and what your concerns may be.

There are several points to consider before undertaking all of this.

1. Are your goals realistic?

While there are several straightening techniques and technologies on the market today, your smile may not end up looking as model-perfect as you’d like.  If you start off with unrealistic expectations, you may be disappointed by your results.  Straightness is just one facet of your smile — others include color, relative size, and depth of your teeth.  That being said, braces can have fantastic results.  A quick search for before-and-after pictures can certainly prove that.  The overwhelming majority of patients that undergo teeth straightening procedures will rate their level of satisfaction as high.

2. Is your timeline realistic?

Now that you have a realistic result in mind, remember that straightening your teeth is a lengthy process; and that’s a good thing.  Your teeth are very well planted where they are.  Unfortunately, some may not be planted where you would like them.  When you go about trying to correct malocclusion (teeth misalignment) you may weaken the tooth structure.  Thus, the process must be done very slowly to avoid complications.

Your orthodontist should be able to give you an estimate for how long it will take, but you should not feel surprised if the eventual process takes longer.  Teeth movement is difficult to predict, so some amount of time will be devoted to minor adjustments.  You should expect treatment time to last from one to several years depending on the case.

3. Can you afford braces?

By and large, having a dental professional straighten your teeth is a cosmetic procedure.  It may also be pricey.  Is the price worth the results?  That is a deeply personal question and depends on a few factors, including your financial well-being and the extent to which you think braces will improve your position.

Being cosmetic, you should never rank straightening your teeth above any health issues, family obligations, or generally putting yourself in a financially strapped position.  The ability to afford braces is a luxury.

4. Will braces be worth the money and hassle?

If your finances can physically handle the pressure that orthodontics will place on it, think about the value that a straighter smile will have for you.  Your smile will be with you for the rest of your life, so depending on your age, you can have decades of pay-off.  A straight smile can be a confidence booster.  If you ever find yourself avoiding smiling or have anxiety about your teeth, these can be subsided with orthodontia.  Remember though, when you assess your level of anxiety, be sure to measure how much of that comes from your smile versus other parts of your appearance.  After braces, you will still look like you, only with a straighter smile.  This of course goes back to having realistic expectations.  You’ll have to decide for yourself if it is worth it, but know that most people that have straightened their teeth have no regrets.

5. Are you devoted to the idea of straightening your teeth?

Not only is the process lengthy and costly, there is some amount of discomfort and maintenance work that goes in.  There is some amount of “sticking with it” that will need your cooperation.  You will need to go to your dental professional for check-ups often.  Braces adjustments and aligner tray changes can result in discomfort or minor pain.  Brushing your teeth will become a more common activity.  If using removable aligners, keeping track of them and following your orthodontists’ usage directions are imperative.  You have to take some of the “hassle” to get to the results.  Be sure that you are prepared to do just that.

Check out some of the other topics that go more in-depth to more specific topics.

There are several different options for braces, which vary not just on looks, but also material, time of treatment, cost, and location on the teeth or mouth.

Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional braces are the standard metal type most people think of when they hear the term “braces”. Traditional braces are made of stainless steel and are fixed to each individual tooth, through a process called bonding, where the bracket is adhered to the front of the tooth. They are the cheapest types of braces.  More recent innovations in this style including mixing the metal with nickel titanium, instead of solely stainless steel. A problem with traditional braces is that they may stain the tooth, and they are also very visible. If you are allergic to nickel, you can get gold plated braces (just as you might do for fillings).

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are applied with the same method as traditional braces, where the brace is individually bonded to each tooth. The difference is the type of material and subsequent look; because they use a natural color they cannot be seen as easily. Many are translucent, and ceramic braces may sometimes be referred to as clear braces. However, you will still see the metal line that goes along the front of both the top and bottom rows of teeth, where the ceramic piece bonds to the tooth. The trade-off to the look unfortunately is that ceramic braces are not as sturdy. They are brittle and can break.

Lingual Braces

Lingual Braces go behind the teeth and are mostly invisible from the front view. As you might be able to tell from the name (lingual meaning tongue), lingual braces can be cumbersome as they obstruct tongue movement. At first, many wearers suffer from speech trouble before adjusting to the lingual restriction. Because they are behind the teeth, they are generally more expensive and harder to maintain.

Clear Braces

Clear Braces are clear plastic aligners, usually available in progressive trays that are changed over time. These types of braces come off for eating and brushing. A tray, or aligner,  is worn for a set period of time, until the teeth correct themselves to that phase of the alignment process, and then a new set is worn. These braces are barely noticeable and don’t require wires or tightening. Invisalign is one brand type of clear braces, as are Originator and ClearCorrect. They are usually not used for major orthodontic corrections and may be administered by dentists as well as orthodontists.

Spring Aligners

Spring aligners are used for light treatment. They are usually applied to only the front six top and bottom teeth. Spring aligners are less expensive but still not as common than other types of braces. A brand of spring aligners is NightShiftOrtho.

A-Braces

A-Braces are shaped true to their name, like a capital letter A. These are put on, controlled, and taken off by the patient using a small crossbar. When turned, the pressure is adjusted. Individuals looking to limit and control pain may be interested in A-Braces.

Customized Orthodontic Treatment Systems

Customized Orthodontic Treatment Systems involve software that customizes the bend in the wire of the braces. These are more expensive, but are custom for the patient and can produce better results in a shorter time. Customized orthodontic treatments are  usually more limited and harder to find options, especially outside of major metropolitan areas. A popular brand is SureSmile.

Smart Brackets

Smart Brackets are a very new and not yet established type of braces. They contain a microchip that measures the forces acting on the tooth and bracket. Ideally, using this technology will shorten the time of treatment, the patient’s discomfort, and hopefully related expenses.

$5000 – $6000 is a very good number range to plan around. However there are numerous factors which can change the cost of your braces. You’ll come across people saying braces can cost as little as $3000 to well over $10,000.

Here are some cost considerations:

1. Are braces or teeth straightening dental visits covered by your insurance?
It is not uncommon for insurance to provide some minimal level of coverage for braces for your children, if you’re lucky enough to have dental insurance. Even if you have dental insurance it is very unlikely to cover adult braces.  Make sure to check with your insurance provider!

2. Are you looking for braces for a child or an adult?
While children may have some level of insurance coverage, they’re also more likely to damage their braces, if invisalign, they could lose their liner! This can mean extra trips to your Orthodontist or Dentist and possibly more orthodontics remade.

3. How much straightening do you need?
The more straightening your teeth need, the more upfront costs you will encounter (sometimes even removal of teeth), and the longer you will have braces. Longer translate into more adjustments or liners and more $$$. If you’re not sure what the straightness of your teeth is, you can ask your dentist or schedule a consultation with an Orthodontist.

4. How important are the look of your braces?
Are you okay with the look of metal braces, or would you prefer less visible braces, such as lingual braces (behind the teeth), Invisalign braces, or even ceramic braces which can come in a variety of colors. Regular metal braces are always the cheapest route, but some people do not like the look. Choosing ceramic braces, lingual braces or invisalign can minimize the impact on your smile, but not your wallet. They even make braces with microchips in them!

5. Are you allergic to nickel?
You might need to use gold plated braces. With the cost of gold on the rise, having a nickel allergy could add at least a $1000 to your pricetag.

6. How long will you be wearing retainers?
Essix retainers can run you $100 per year, assuming you don’t lose them! Don’t be surprised to spend $500 after your braces come off on your first set of retainers. Don’t forget, you’re supposed to wear these for the rest of your life.

7. How careful are you?
If you’re not careful you can accidently damage your braces, requiring additional trips to the Orthodontist and possibly even replacement orthodontics. Invisalign liners need to be removed while eating, leave these somewhere or drop them and you’ll be paying for the replacements! Regular metal braces, on the other hand, can be damaged in a variety of ways, which will result in additional trips to the Orthodontist. Even if you have great dental insurance, careless children can easily blow your original budget out of the water.

Orthodontia professionals tend to agree that younger people are better suited for braces because their bones are still growing, and teeth are easier to manipulate before the adult jaw bones develop. However, adults are making up more and more of the brace wearing population.

Adult Braces Options

Great advances have been made in the field of orthodontia and there have never been this many different types of treatment options available. Adults can chose from traditional metal braces as well as less visible braces. A popular choice is ceramic braces, which are sometimes called clear braces, and are worn on the front of the teeth but are a more natural and translucent color. Adults can sometimes afford to pay the higher cost for treatments not usually used for children, and which are more aesthetically pleasing. Another option, which may be preferred among adults, is a clear aligner, such as Invisalign. These are made up of a series of trays that are changed out over time, and are very popular because of their aesthetics and lack of wires.

Of course, any of the types of braces out there are available for adults. You can read more details about types of braces here.

Time of Treatment

Adult braces treatments will take longer than for adolescents, not only so that the bones can move, but also so the muscles can heal. The adult jaw is fully formed so the teeth move more slowly during the correction process. However, just as with kids, the treatment time varies based on severity. On average, adult braces treatment will take from 1-2 years, and possibly the rest of a lifetime wearing retainers.

Cost of Treatment

Because adult treatment takes longer, they can be more expensive. There are also concerns with insurance. Some dental insurance providers will only pay for the cost of patients until a certain age, or limit the benefit paid to those insured over the age of 25. In general, adult braces will cost $5,000, with out of pocket expenses of at least $2,000. You can read more details about the cost of braces here.

Reasons for Adult Braces

Adults get braces for many reasons, including aesthetic and medical concerns. The smile is a powerful and striking feature, and a good smile not only looks great, but can make a person feel great. Many adults get braces to increase their self confidence with a better smile. Some can also find difficulty speaking in public because of a crooked smile and speech impediment combined. Some speech problems can be alleviated with braces.

Overbites, underbites, crossbites, open bites, and crowded teeth can cause grinding and other problems that can be corrected by braces. In some cases, braces can relieve symptoms from TMJ (or Temporomandibular joint disorder) and tension migraines. However, they have also been reported to possibly worsen a TMJ condition, depending on the situation. It is always important to consult with your orthodontic professional to determine the root cause of your problem.

Chances are you already knew that braces were going to be expensive, however there are a number of ways you can pay for them and, thankfully, generally they won’t all be up front.

1. Insurance
If you have insurance, call them up and find out what kind of coverage they might offer on Orthodontics. Chances are that they won’t cover everything, but always take the time to find out. Be warned, as it is not uncommon for dental insurance plans to have very low yearly maximum benefits (the most money they’ll pay per year on anything). You may be able to pay your Orthodontist quicker by starting the process late in the year, paying your dentist in December and then again in January when the maximum benefit is reset. Be warned, if you already use this coverage up to the maximum each year (for checkups, fillings, etc.) than you probably should plan to pay for the whole thing out of pocket anyway.

2. Cash
If you have enough money, today, to pay for braces consider opening up a savings account for that money. Chances are that you won’t be paying for the whole procedure up front, since it will take anywhere from 1 to 2 years. If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and/or Health Spending Account (HSA), you can use these to pay for your braces.

3. Talk with your Orthodontist
Its not uncommon for Orthodontists to offer payment plans for the teeth straightening process. But be warned, the longer you take to pay the Orthodontist the more a payment plan is going to cost you. Often the Orthodontist is going to look for some sort of down payment on your procedures, possibly as high as 50% of the total standard cost.

4. Borrow the money
You can charge the cost of your Orthopedics to a credit card or even look at getting a special medical expenses credit card, like Credit Care, which may offer lower interest rates as long as you pay on time. Alternatively, you can take out a loan from a bank or credit union. Be warned though, this last option can be very expensive if you have a low credit score.

5. Cash
Didn’t we already cover this? Yes and no! Another option is to start saving money today, to put towards braces in the future. Rarely are braces ever done in an emergency, starting up a savings account and putting money into it every month can be a good exercise. Build up enough money to pay up front, or at least for a down payment. Doing this can easily save you hundreds of dollars on interest.