Braces

As you delve into the world of orthodontic treatment, understanding the financial aspects is just as crucial as understanding the clinical ones. While the cost of treatment can vary significantly based on the complexity of your case and other factors, it’s essential to consider additional factors that may affect your out-of-pocket expenses.

Insurance Coverage and Financing: Navigating Your Benefits and Making Treatment Affordable

For many patients, insurance coverage and financing options play a significant role in making orthodontic treatment more accessible.

Insurance Coverage: Some dental insurance plans offer orthodontic coverage, which can help offset a portion of the expenses. However, it’s important to note that coverage levels and limitations vary widely among insurance providers and individual plans.

Before beginning treatment, it’s advisable to review your insurance policy to understand the extent of your orthodontic coverage. Your orthodontist’s office can also assist you in navigating your benefits and determining how they apply to your treatment plan. While insurance coverage can help reduce costs, it’s essential to be aware of any deductibles, copayments, or exclusions that may apply.

Financing Options: For patients concerned about the financial aspect of orthodontic treatment, many orthodontic practices offer flexible financing options to make treatment more accessible. Interest-free financing plans allow you to spread the cost of treatment over manageable monthly payments, making it easier to fit orthodontic care into your budget.

Orthodontic financing plans typically offer competitive terms and can be customized to suit your individual needs. By taking advantage of these financing options, you can focus on achieving your dream smile without worrying about the upfront financial burden.

Consultation: Your First Step

Before diving into the specifics of cost, the first step in your orthodontic journey is a consultation with a qualified orthodontist. During this initial appointment, the orthodontist will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth, jaws, and overall oral health to assess your individual needs.

The consultation allows the orthodontist to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to address your specific concerns. It also provides an opportunity to discuss your treatment goals, ask any questions you may have, and address any financial considerations.

Understanding Phase One Orthodontics

Phase one orthodontics, also known as early or interceptive orthodontic treatment, is aimed at addressing orthodontic issues in children at a younger age, typically between the ages of 7 and 10. This early intervention helps guide the growth and development of the jaws, creating a more favorable environment for the eruption of permanent teeth and correcting certain bite problems.

The cost of phase one orthodontics can vary depending on the complexity of the treatment and the specific needs of the child. While it typically ranges between $2000 and $4500, it’s essential to consult with your orthodontist to get an accurate estimate based on your child’s individual case.

Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment

Comprehensive orthodontic treatment, often referred to as full treatment, is typically initiated when all permanent teeth have erupted, usually around the ages of 11 to 13. This phase of treatment focuses on achieving optimal alignment of the teeth and bite, resulting in a straighter, healthier smile.

The cost of comprehensive orthodontic treatment also varies depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the type of braces or aligners used, and the duration of treatment. On average, comprehensive treatment ranges between $5000 and $7000. However, it’s important to remember that this is just a general estimate, and the actual cost may differ based on individual circumstances.

Conclusion

Orthodontic treatment is a valuable investment in your oral health and overall well-being. While cost is undoubtedly a consideration, it’s essential to prioritize quality care and the expertise of a qualified orthodontist. Your orthodontist will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs and fits your budget, ensuring you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Don’t hesitate to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about the financial aspects of treatment. With the right guidance and support, you can achieve the smile you’ve always wanted while staying within your budget. Remember, the first step is scheduling a consultation to discuss your options and get started on your journey to a confident, beautiful smile.

Orthodontic treatment is a transformative journey that can lead to a stunning and confident smile. For those seeking to correct misaligned teeth or bite issues, orthodontics offers a promising solution. However, many people wonder about the duration of the process before they embark on this life-changing path. In this blog post, I will delve into the factors that influence the length of orthodontic treatment and provide a comprehensive overview of what to expect on this exciting journey to a perfect smile.

Factors Influencing Treatment Duration

1. Complexity of the Issue: The severity of the orthodontic problem plays a significant role in determining how long the treatment will take. Minor alignment issues might only require a few months of treatment, while more complex cases may extend the duration to several years.

2. Patient's Age: Age can also impact the length of treatment. Younger patients with developing jaws and teeth might see faster results as their bones are more responsive to movement. However, advancements in orthodontic technology have also made it possible for adults to achieve excellent results with proper treatment.

3. Type of Orthodontic Appliance: There are various orthodontic appliances available today, including traditional metal braces, clear braces, and clear aligners like Invisalign. The type of appliance chosen can influence the treatment timeline for the given case.

4. Patient's Cooperation: The success of orthodontic treatment is greatly dependent on the patient's cooperation. Adhering to the orthodontist's instructions, attending regular check-ups, and maintaining good oral hygiene all contribute to achieving optimal results in a timely manner.

Estimated Treatment Durations for Different Appliances

On average orthodontic treatment can be anywhere from only a few months to as long as 1-3 years, it depends on your specific case. An average orthodontic case lasts somewhere between one(1) and two(2) years. 

Embarking on orthodontic treatment is an investment in both time and effort, but the results are undoubtedly worth it. The duration of orthodontic treatment depends on various factors, including the complexity of the issue, the chosen appliance, the patient's age, and their cooperation during the process. Remember, each individual's case is unique, and I will provide a personalized treatment plan based on your needs.

Before beginning any orthodontic journey, schedule a consultation with our office. It is important to see an orthodontic specialist for orthodontic needs.  I will thoroughly assess your case and provide an estimated treatment duration. Keep in mind that the length of treatment is only a small part of the bigger picture - the lifelong benefits of a beautiful and healthy smile are what truly matter. So, embrace the process, follow your orthodontist's guidance, and soon enough, you'll be flashing that stunning smile you've always dreamed of!

In short, treatment time depends on the severity of the issue. Most comprehensive orthodontic cases take 1-2 years, while minor or limited cases can be as short as a few months. We see patients from Hernando and Citrus County in areas such as Spring Hill, Brooksville, Crystal River, Lecanto, Beverly Hills, Inverness, and all surrounding areas. Schedule your consultation today!

Braces have come a long way in the world of orthodontics. Gone are the days when braces were considered purely functional; today, they are a fashion statement! If you or your loved ones are about to embark on an orthodontic journey, you may be wondering if you can add a personal touch to your braces. The answer is a resounding YES! In this blog post, we'll explore the exciting world of colorful braces and how you can express your unique style while on the path to a beautiful smile. Check out some Examples Below!

Traditional metal braces have been the staple of orthodontic treatment for decades, and they continue to be an excellent option for achieving optimal teeth alignment.

Choosing Your Brace Colors

At our orthodontic office, we believe that each patient's smile is as unique as their personality. We offer a wide array of color choices for braces, allowing you to have some fun with your treatment while expressing your individual style. Here's how you can choose the color for your braces:

Explore a Rainbow of Colors: Today's braces come in various shades, ranging from classic colors like blue, red, and green to vibrant hues like neon pink, electric blue, and lime green. You can even choose seasonal colors to match your favorite holidays or events.

Mix and Match: Some patients get creative and mix different colors for a unique look. For example, alternating colors on each bracket can create a playful effect.

Consider Your Personal Style: Your braces can be an extension of your personality and interests. If you have a favorite sports team, you can opt for their team colors. Or, choose a color that complements your eye or hair color for a coordinated and flattering look.

Benefits of Colorful Braces

1. Personal Expression: Colorful braces offer a chance to showcase your personality and add a touch of fun to your orthodontic treatment.

2. Boost in Confidence: Embracing colorful braces can make the journey to a beautiful smile feel more exciting and enjoyable, increasing your confidence throughout the process.

3. Motivation for Oral Hygiene: Some patients find that having braces in their favorite colors motivates them to be extra diligent with their oral hygiene routine, as they want their vibrant braces to shine beautifully.

At Strouse Orthodontics, we believe that orthodontic treatment doesn't have to be boring. With a wide range of colorful braces to choose from, you can make your smile journey uniquely yours. Express your individuality, showcase your style, and let your personality shine through your braces!

Ready to add some flair to your smile? Schedule a consultation with us, and together, we'll create a personalized treatment plan, complete with the colorful braces that best reflect your style. Get ready to embark on an orthodontic journey that not only transforms your teeth but also showcases the real you!

Did you know that even in ancient times, people wanted to improve the look and function of their smiles? We think of modern orthodontic appliances as sleek, efficient technology, but this was not always so! Take a look at the highlights in the evolution of braces.

Ancient Times: From Greece to Rome

• According to The Angle Orthodontist, Aristotle and Hippocrates first thought about methods for straightening teeth between 400 and 300 BC.
• The Etruscans, in what we now know as Italy, buried their dead with appliances that maintained spaces and prevented collapse of their teeth and jaws during life. Archaeologists have discovered mummified remains in various locations that have metal bands wrapped around the teeth.
• A Roman tomb has also been discovered in which the teeth were bound with gold wire, including documentation on the wire’s use as a dental device.

18th Century: A French Development

• The French dentist Pierre Fauchard is acknowledged as the father of modern dentistry. In 1728 he published a book that described various methods for straightening teeth. Fauchard also used a device known as a “blandeau” to widen the upper palate.
• Louis Bourdet was another French dentist who published a book in 1754 that discussed tooth alignment. Bourdet further refined the blandeau and was the first dentist to extract bicuspids, or the premolar teeth between canines and molars, for the purpose of reducing tooth crowding.

19th Century: Orthodontics Defined
• Orthodontics started to become a separate dental specialty during the early 19th century. The first wire crib was used in 1819, marking the beginning of modern orthodontics.
• During this period, gold, platinum, silver, steel, gum rubber, vulcanite, and occasionally wood, ivory, zinc, and copper were used — as was brass in the form of loops, hooks, spurs, and ligatures.
• Edward Maynard first used gum elastics in 1843 and E. J. Tucker began making rubber bands for braces in 1850.
• Norman W. Kingsley published the first paper on modern orthodontics in 1858 and J. N. Farrar was the first dentist to recommend the use of force over timed intervals to straighten teeth.

20th Century: New Materials Abound
• Edward Angle developed the first classification systems for malocclusions (misaligned teeth) during the early 20th century in the United States, and it is still in use today. Angle founded the American Society of Orthodontia in 1901, which was renamed the American Association of Orthodontists in the 1930s.
• By the 1960s, gold was universally abandoned in favor of stainless steel.
• Lingual braces were the “invisible” braces of choice until the early 1980s, when tooth-colored aesthetic brackets made from single-crystal sapphire and ceramics became popular.

Today
As we arrive in the present, you need only look at your own braces to see how far we’ve come. Your treatment plan was probably created with a 3D digital model, and we’ve likely used a computerized process to customize your archwires. Perhaps you have clear aligners, self-ligating brackets, or highly resilient ceramic brackets with heat-activated wires.

Orthodontics has come a long way from the days of Aristotle, and even the bulky wrap-around braces of just 60 years ago. Regardless of your specific treatment plan, the development of high-tech materials and methods has made it possible for your orthodontic experience to be as effective, efficient, and comfortable as possible.

Sources: Angle.org, ArchWired

Proper mouth protection is recommended when you participate in any sports activities. If you wear braces, this protection becomes essential. Injuries to your mouth can not only damage your teeth, but your braces could break and cut open your lip.

Full Facial Guards

Full facial guards are often used in football and offer protection to your mouth from most injuries. Even with full facial protection, you may benefit from additional mouth protection. While your face is protected from outside impact, you could still suffer from cuts or damage to your braces from internal impact.

Mouth Guards
Mouthguards referred to as boil-and-bites can be purchased at many retail stores. As the name implies, these guards are boiled in water to heat and soften the material. While the guard is still warm, you place it in your mouth and bite down gently. This causes the guard to form to the shape of your mouth. Unfortunately, these guards do not necessarily offer the best protection or fit.

The custom fitting of a mouthguard ensures you of better protection and a comfortable fit. Custom guards are also built in layers for durability. The American Dental Association recommends custom guards for orthodontic patients. Your mouthguard will be designed to provide proper protection for both your teeth and your braces.

No matter what type of sport you participate in, a mouthguard can protect your braces. Even an activity as seemingly harmless as table tennis can result in a contact injury. The Academy for Sports Dentistry states that a properly fitted mouthguard should not interfere with any athletic activity.

Our office will be glad to answer any questions you have so you can continue the activities you enjoy with little concern. If you do suffer any injuries to your mouth or braces during sporting activities, please contact us immediately. The sooner we can care for your mouth, the better the results will be.

While braces play an important part in helping to create a healthy mouth and teeth, you might experience a few side effects while wearing them that are common and can be easily treated.

Even with the best of care, braces can cause soreness to your mouth. As your teeth begin to move, it is natural for your teeth to feel aches and your jaw to develop soreness.

If there are broken wires or loose bands on your braces, a sore tongue, mouth, or canker sore will occur. Canker sores are a common occurrence when braces rub inside the mouth. There are ointments available to reduce the pain and irritation associated with mouth sores. If you experience a sore mouth or any of the following problems, call our office to schedule an appointment.

· Loose brackets: Apply a small amount of orthodontic wax to the bracket temporarily. You might also apply a little between the braces and the soft tissue of your mouth.

· Loose bands: These must be secured in place by our dentist. Try to save the band for repair.

· Protruding or broken wires: The eraser end of a pencil can be used to move the wire carefully to a less painful spot. If you are unable to move it, apply orthodontic wax to the tip. If a mouth sore develops, rinse with warm salt water or antiseptic rinse.

· Loose spacers: These will need to be repositioned and sometimes replaced.

Everyone wants a naturally aligned and beautiful smile, and it is no secret that orthodontic braces can help deliver one. However, there are greater benefits to wearing braces than just having straight teeth. You’ll gain many oral health benefits in addition to the cosmetic ones.

Tooth Decay and Gum Disease

Crooked or crowded teeth may overlap each other and create tight spaces in between. These can make it very difficult to brush and floss effectively, allowing bacteria and plaque to build up, and eventually leading to tooth decay and gum disease. With orthodontic treatment, your teeth will become properly aligned and spaced, which allows for more effective brushing.

Difficulties with Speech

Your teeth play an essential role in speech. When they are out of line or lean too far forward or backward, this can affect your speaking patterns, and possibly cause embarrassment and frustration. Braces can readjust the positioning of the teeth to allow for clearer, more professional speech.

Bone Erosion

Bone and gum tissues begin to erode when there are no teeth to support. This is also true for poorly aligned teeth that leave gaps and spaces or place too much pressure on the jawbone due to a bad bite. With braces, the bones and tissues are less likely to erode and can continue to support the teeth in their new alignment.

Digestion

Your teeth play an important role in digestion. Before food ever enters your stomach, it has been partially digested by the teeth. If teeth are severely out of line, however, they may not play their role in breaking down food as effectively as they should. With braces, your teeth will be straightened into optimal alignment for eating and chewing.

One exciting part about wearing braces is getting to choose the colors of your rubber bands. Orthodontists place elastic bands, or ligatures, over each bracket to secure the archwire in place. These rubber bands may be individual or connected, depending on your mouth’s needs. You have the option of choosing the color of your elastics, which are changed about once every month at every visit. Our offices keep a color wheel handy to help you choose which ones suit you best!

Children and teens often enjoy picking different colors each month to express their creativity and coordinate their braces with outfits. Decorating your mouth with your favorite colors is fun for kids and takes some of the stress out of wearing braces. Adults who wish for subtlety have color options that blend in with the metal brackets and archwire. Common choices for adults include silver, clear, and gray tones.

Common Color Combinations for Rubber Bands

With individual ligatures for each bracket, you may choose different color combinations for special events. You can have alternating colors or place an entire rainbow over your teeth. Here are a few options to consider:

• School spirit colors
• Favorite sports team colors
• Patriotic colors
• Holiday themes

Some patients choose only one color to match their mood, personality, or favorite outfits. The palette of choices allows you to make bold statements with your braces or go for subtler tones that blend in with the metal structures. Keep in mind that bright colors make your teeth look whiter, while lighter shades, such as yellow and white, may cause your teeth to appear less bright.

What Your Rubber Band Color Says About You

• Red tones indicate that you are ready for action and take charge of your life with aggressive, forward-thinking steps.
• Blue tones are calm and relaxing. You are conservative and exhibit integrity when dealing with situations.
• Green tones represent growth and balance. You are level-headed and look for opportunities to grow emotionally and spiritually.
• Purple tones attract creative energies. You like to have fun and use your imagination in every aspect of your life.
• Orange tones indicate that you are optimistic and thrive in social situations where communication is open.
• Pink is a romantic color that represents a caring personality. You also enjoy having fun with silly games and endless laughter.

Orthodontic braces are used to straighten the teeth, which not only creates a more pleasing appearance, but also helps prevent tooth decay and other oral health problems. Braces are only effective when they are properly cared for, however. Certain foods, for example, are better suited for individuals who have braces, as opposed to hard and sticky foods that can cause damage. So what types of foods should you or your kids eat to protect dental appliances?

The best foods to eat with braces are those that are not high in sugar and do not require excessive chewing. For breakfast, try eggs, yogurt, bacon, wheat toast, or oatmeal. Lunch may steer toward a banana rather than an apple, a salad without nuts, and a glass of water. If you are looking for some after-school snacks for your kids, consider baked tortilla chips with salsa and guacamole, or try string cheese with fruit.

A healthy dinner can include most types of vegetables, so long as they are cooked to an appropriate softness. Pair that with a lean protein, such as fish or chicken, and follow up with dessert. Just be sure to brush afterward!

Post-Tightening Foods

As braces begin to adjust the alignment of the teeth, our office will periodically tighten them to continue the alignment process. After tightening occurs, the teeth may be sore and sensitive to certain foods. During this time, it is best to eat soft foods. Examples include:

• pudding
• mashed potatoes
• soup
• ice cream
• cottage cheese
• peas
• pancakes
• pasta

Foods to Avoid

According to the American Dental Association, anyone who wears braces – whether fixed or removable – should avoid excessive snacking and should aim to eat a healthy and balanced diet. It is also important to avoid foods that could cause damage to the braces, such as:

• hard candies
• gum
• nuts
• popcorn
• certain raw vegetables (for example, carrots)

Considerations

Regardless of what types of foods you eat with braces, it is important to keep the crevices between the teeth and around the braces very clean. That means brushing and flossing after meals to prevent the build-up of plaque and decay. Not only can failing to do so damage the teeth, but it can also cause discoloration.

Usually patients in orthodontic treatment already have their permanent teeth – they are pre-teens, teens and adults. But in some cases we have to start treatment earlier, even before the patient’s permanent teeth come in. We call this “two-phase treatment.”

When we have patients with clear developmental problems at an early age, it’s best to start work when they are young, before the problems get bigger and more difficult to treat.

Examples include:
• An upper or lower jaw that is not growing correctly
• A mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in
• A severe malocclusion, or bad bite, which means the jaw doesn’t fit together correctly

In these cases we will start early and do one round of treatment – phase one – while the patient still has their baby teeth. Phase one usually does not involve braces, but can include a different type of appliance that helps the jaw grow into place properly. We’ll follow up with phase two usually a few years later, when permanent teeth are in place. Generally phase two involves braces.

In order to catch early problems, we recommend that children have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven (and so does the American Association of Orthodontists). However, if your dentist or pediatrician sees any sign that early treatment might be necessary, he or she may recommend your child visit our office even sooner.

Having braces can present some new challenges when it comes to oral hygiene. Preventing tooth decay can be a big challenge simply because of the tendency for braces to trap food under the wires and between the teeth and the brackets. Here are a few tips to keep your teeth healthy while wearing your braces:

1.Eat Braces-Safe Foods
Keeping your teeth from decay starts with a proper diet. Foods that are high in sugar or starch can cause more plaque, which is difficult to remove during your brushing. There are certain foods that should be avoided while wearing your braces. First, sticky foods like caramel or gum can get stuck in your braces and be difficult to remove during brushing. Next, hard foods such as nuts and candy could bend wires or even break a bracket. Foods that are firm or hard to bite into like apples, carrots, or corn on the cob should be avoided. As much as we like to snack on them, those crunchy treats can harm your braces. Things like chips, ice, and popcorn can also bend or break your braces. On the other hand, bananas, mangoes, milk, water, poultry, and pasta all tend to be low in enamel-busting acids.

2. Proper Brushing
You want to place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums in order to clean the whole tooth, and brush gently in the area between the wiring and the teeth. Use a softer toothbrush with fluoride paste for best results. Rinsing every day will help, too. Rinsing is important regardless, but especially important when you have braces as you need to disinfect the entire mouth, including those spots under the braces where your brush can't always reach.

3. Ask About Special Cleaning Tools
There are also special brushes, or other tools, to get under and clean your braces. You can find many of these items at your local pharmacy.

4. Regular Teeth Cleaning
It's important to keep your routine appointments with your dentist and dental hygienist for a thorough cleaning twice a year or as directed. The exact frequency of these visits will be up to your dentist as some types of braces are more demanding of a regular cleaning than others.
As long as you practice good oral hygiene and follow these basic tips, you should have no problem keeping your teeth from decaying while you wear braces.

When coming to our office to have braces put on, you may find yourself feeling a bit intimated and nervous about the experience. We hope to help you feel more at ease by explaining exactly what the different parts of braces are, and what they do.

Parts of Braces

• Elastic Tie — This is a very small rubber band, and it holds the archwire in place.
• Archwire — This is the main part of the braces. It is a wire guide that tracks the teeth. The wire may be moved from time to time during treatment to continue straightening a patient's teeth.
• Loop in Archwire — This is not in all braces. If it is used, it is to close a gap left from a tooth extraction.
• Bracket — This piece of equipment holds the archwire in place. Formerly, many patients used colored rubber bands to keep the brackets in place, but now since most brackets are cemented on, this is no longer necessary.
• Headgear Tube — This is a hollow area near the back bands, which allows the headgear to fit into the braces. This is only used on patients who require headgear.
• Coil Spring — If needed, this would fit between a bracket and the main archwire. Its purpose is to open up the space between the teeth. This is not necessarily used on all patients.
• Tie Wire — This is another piece of equipment that is used to keep the archwire in place. It is a thin wire that wraps around the bracket.
• Band — This is a metal band that fits completely around a tooth. It is used to help adhere brackets to the tooth.
• Hook — This is the piece of equipment that is used to attach the elastics, also known as rubber bands, around the bracket.
• Elastic — These elastics are used to connect one point of the appliance to another. The purpose is to apply pressure, and encourage the teeth to move into the proper positioning.

By defining each appliance we hope you or your child will be less apprehensive about getting braces put on. At the end of your treatment, you will have a bright, straight smile to show off to all of your friends.