Even though your braces are now off, there is probably still a bit more to do – wear your retainer! In most cases, the role of the retainer is to keep your newly straightened teeth set in their new position now that your braces are off.  When you first have your braces removed the bone around the teeth is still quite soft from the movements of your teeth and it needs some time to ‘harden’.

I am often asked, “will my teeth go back to how they were if i don’t wear my retainer”? Though it is quite unlikely that all the work the braces have done making your smile perfect will be undone by not wearing your retainer, it is almost certain that you will experience more shifting of the teeth than if you don’t

It is very tempting to now wear your retainers, but after all the hard work and expense of braces, i’m sure you want to keep your teeth as they are. Your almost at the finish line, don’t give up now.

Braces are a great investment that will last a lifetime.  So let’s start with the good news.  The cost of braces since 1980 has only increased by approximately 75-80% whereas the cost of an average new car has gone up four fold.  Improved materials have led to more affordable and gentler treatment.

The average cost of full braces ranges depending on the level of complexity.  You can expect to find a range of $4000-8000.  Orthodontic treatment is NOT a commodity so carefully research the credentials of your orthodontist and that they are using the most current materials and technology to properly diagnose and treat you or your child’s case.

Most offices now offer flexible payment plans with no interest.   If you have dental insurance it may cover a portion of the treatment.  In our office, we check for those benefits during the new patient consultation and include that in the estimate of treatment costs.

Straight teeth contribute to healthy teeth and gums.  There have been many studies that demonstrate how properly aligned teeth and jaws can decrease the likelihood of TMJ, sleep apnea, and even heart disease.  Having a beautiful smile elevates self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-image.  We have seen many of our patient’s lives transformed from having their teeth straightened.  Their heightened self-confidence improved their social lives, careers, and general attitude towards life.

Teeth that are well aligned are less prone to decay, gum disease, and injury.  Straight teeth collect less plaque.  Decay starts when the bacteria in plaque feed on simple carbohydrates (sugar and starch) and produce acid resulting in cavities.  Plaque accumulation also leads to increased risk for periodontal disease.  Proper alignment of the teeth decreases the risk by creating improved access when cleaning.  Finally, protruded teeth can be unattractive and at risk for trauma.  When repositioned the upper front teeth are protected from accidental damage.

First, welcome to the Walkow Orthodontics blog!

This is a question I get on the soccer fields, school events, cocktail parties, and a variety of other community gatherings.

The American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) recommends that all children receive an orthodontic screening by age 7.  The permanent teeth generally begin to come in at age 6 or 7.  It is at this point that orthodontic problems become apparent.  Because the bones are still growing, it is an ideal time to evaluate a child and determine a long-term treatment plan to achieve the optimal result.

Orthodontic treatment in young children is known as interceptive or Phase 1 Orthodontics.  At this age, the teeth are still developing and the jaw is growing making certain conditions easier to address.  Before the permanent teeth come in, it may be possible to guide their eruption into better positions.    For instance, a few decades ago, the solution to crowding was to extract permanent teeth.  Today, we take advantage of the jaw growth potential and use a palatal expander to create the necessary room which reduces the need for extractions.  Increasing the amount of bone and gum tissue also leads to a decreased incidence of gingival recession as an adult.  In general, children who are candidates for early treatment have the opportunity to receive an improved long-term result and less invasive treatment during the full braces stage (Phase 2).