Orthodontic Services in Flint

What Is Orthodontic Treatment?

Most people think of moving teeth and bites into alignment when they think of orthodontics. Orthodontists are dentists who successfully complete a two- to three-year residency program after graduating dental school. They limit their practice to their specialty, which is orthodontic care for children and adults. Some dentists offer orthodontic treatments but orthodontists have extensive training and experience beyond the scope of most general dentists.

Why Do Orthodontists Suggest Braces?

Orthodontists suggest braces in Flint when patients come in with tooth or jaw alignment issues, such as crowded or crooked teeth or crossbites, overbites or underbites.

Orthodontic treatment to straighten teeth will make it easier for someone to brush and floss their teeth, which reduces their risk of decay and gum disease. Correcting alignment issues can also make it easier for people to chew and speak clearly.

Orthodontic treatment also has obvious cosmetic benefits. Many of our adult patients say they feel embarrassed by their smile and find crooked or protruding teeth are hindering them in their personal and professional life. Once they finish their treatment, they have a smile which they are proud to show off.

How Similar Are the Different Types of Braces?

You have the traditional metal orthodontic appliances which are smaller than they once were, but they are still the most noticeable. They are popular with preteens who enjoy the colored bands which they can use to create their own look. Ceramic appliances have tooth-colored brackets, making them less obvious. Invisible appliances have brackets that go behind your teeth. You also can select clear aligner trays that you remove to eat and to brush your teeth. These types of braces are similar since they gently shift teeth into alignment, however, they are very different in appearance.

If you call our office for an appointment, you can learn more about which appliances would work best for you. We take your cosmetic preferences, budget, and desired timeline into account when suggesting a specific dental appliance.

What Should Parents Know About Orthodontics for Children?

If you have a child, your dentist may recommend he or she sees an orthodontist around age seven to make sure their teeth and jaws are developing correctly. Early intervention can make it easier to fix certain issues.

Adolescence is an ideal time to begin orthodontic treatment since most 11 year olds have most of their adult teeth. Fixing alignment issues can help boost a preteen’s self-confidence. Your adolescent probably has friends having orthodontic work done so they generally are not as upset as parents expect. They would probably be more upset to be seen with crooked teeth. If you’re searching for an orthodontist near me for your child, please call our office.

Are Adult Braces Popular?

One out of every four people who seek orthodontic care is an adult who is looking for better oral health and a more confident smile. We often see adult patients who wish they were able to get braces as a teenager but their parents couldn’t afford it. Today’s barely noticeable appliances make it practical for adults to straighten their teeth without impacting their professional or social life. Chronological age isn’t something we consider when determining who is a good candidate for orthodontic treatment.

Many of our adult patients choose clear aligner trays since they can remove them to eat. Business lunches and dinner dates go smoothly when you don’t have to worry about food getting stuck in braces.

How Much Will Braces Cost?

We understand cost is a concern for many of our patients. We base your cost on the type of appliance you select, the length of your treatment, and whether you need any preparation work. If you have dental insurance with orthodontic benefits, we’ll help you maximize your benefit. Check your policy carefully to see if there is an age limit for coverage as some policies limit orthodontic care to people under age 18.

To make orthodontic care more affordable, we suggest our discount dental plan which you can use with or without dental insurance. We also offer financing options to make orthodontic care more affordable. If you call our office and ask for a consultation, our orthodontist can give you an estimate of your total cost after assessing your needs.

Where Should I Go for Braces in Flint?

If your dentist has suggested you seek orthodontic treatment or you are unhappy with your teeth, we have the experience to help you get your best smile. Call our office to request a consultation with our orthodontist in Flint.