Traditional Braces in Leander

Why Choose Austin Family Orthodontics in Leander for Traditional Braces

If you're wondering why our Leander Austin Family Orthodontics in Leander should be your first and only choice for braces, the answer starts with our commitment to customer service. We use state-of-the-art techniques and technology to ensure that you receive the best and most advanced treatment possible. We have a caring and compassionate staff that will ensure your comfort and your satisfaction with your treatment.

We also offer a free orthodontic consultation that includes a comprehensive estimate of your treatment costs. We accept most dental insurance plans to ensure that you receive the treatments you need at a price that fits your budget. Various forms of financing are available to help you maintain good oral health.

For these reasons and more, we think our Leander office should be your first call for traditional braces and other orthodontic treatments.

How Do Traditional Braces Work?

Traditional metal braces use a system of stainless-steel wires and brackets to gently guide your teeth into proper alignment. The brackets are installed, then a metal archwire is threaded through the brackets. It's held in place using elastic ligatures.

This gently shifts your misaligned teeth in the right direction. You'll need follow-up appointments during your treatment, and we'll adjust or replace the wire as needed. This will continue throughout your treatment.

We may need to apply attachments or have the patient use rubber bands between the upper and lower bands to facilitate and expedite the treatment. On average, treatment time for traditional metal braces is between one and two years.

Metal braces are usually used for complex issues and for children who aren't old enough to care for clear aligner trays. Modern metal braces aren't like the old-style metal braces. Today's braces are more comfortable and attractive, with options that appeal to children as well as adults. Call us if you have questions and we'll be happy to answer them.

Which Orthodontic Issues Can Braces Correct?

For patients with the following orthodontic issues, braces may benefit you:

• Bite misalignment: A misaligned bite can cause problems with eating, speaking, and maintaining good oral hygiene. Unevenly spaced teeth allow gaps that can trap bacteria and food particles, making it difficult to brush and floss. Braces can correct the gaps and misalignment issues, and you'll be able to eat and speak properly.
• Crooked or crowded teeth: Misaligned or crowded teeth can make you self-conscious about your smile. They can also cause poor oral health because it can be difficult to floss in the spaces and brush effectively. When braces have properly aligned your teeth and you have a beautiful smile, you'll have more self-confidence.
• Unevenly gapped teeth: If your teeth are unevenly gapped, it may be difficult to maintain good oral hygiene. Food particles and bacteria can become trapped in the spaces, but braces can eliminate uneven gaps and facilitate proper hygiene.

How to Care for Your Braces

No matter the type of braces you have, you must maintain good oral hygiene. Otherwise, you can develop additional teeth or gum problems that may delay completion of your braces treatment.

We recommend that you maintain a good oral hygiene regimen of brushing twice daily for at least two minutes each time. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth and interdental brushes to clean around braces and wires. Use floss or a water irrigator to clean between teeth. Avoid crunchy, hard, or sticky foods, as they can damage your braces. If you participate in contact sports, wear a custom mouthguard, and make sure you don't miss any of your follow-up appointments.

Understanding the Cost of Traditional Braces

Your cost for traditional braces will be influenced by several factors, but we'll provide you with a comprehensive estimate for your treatment. We recommend that you speak to your insurance provider before your initial consultation and determine your dental coverage, any exclusions, and any copays. Bring that information with you, and we'll help you maximize your benefits.

Factors that will influence your total braces cost include the severity of the misalignment, your age, the type of braces selected, and your compliance with your treatment instructions. Also, complex cases take more time to complete. Teeth in older adults move more slowly, so it takes longer for them to become properly aligned. Also, failure to comply with treatment instructions can delay completion of the treatment.

Professional Braces vs DIY Braces: Which Costs More?

There really aren't any DIY treatment protocols for braces, and some can be dangerous. Although these DIY hacks are abundant online, we don't recommend any of them. Ultimately, you can spend more time and money repairing the damage caused by a DIY hack than if you had invested in professional treatment. Your budget and your oral health will benefit from using high-quality professional orthodontic treatment rather than trying DIY methods, and insurance doesn't cover any DIY methods.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Braces?

Although many dental insurance plans cover braces, you need to check with your provider to see if your plan covers braces and if so, which types. Sometimes, braces are covered for minors but not for adults. Some plans cover 50 percent of the cost, others don't cover any of the cost for any age patient.

We recommend that you speak to your insurance provider before your initial consultation. This will help you determine your coverage, any exclusions, and any copays. Bring that information with you, and we'll help you maximize your benefits.

Options to Make Braces Affordable

If your insurance plan doesn't cover braces, we offer affordable financing so patients can have the good oral health they need at a cost they can afford. We offer 0% financing for the duration of the time you're in treatment, and we also accept CareCredit and HFD financing. You can apply for both of these programs in our office, and most patients are approved quickly.

Traditional Braces FAQs

Am I Too Old to Get Braces?

Although the majority of people who wear braces are children and teens, many adults now wear them for several reasons. Some adults may have needed them at an earlier age, but couldn't afford them. Some may have recently developed the need for them. There are many reasons why an adult may need braces, and with the advent of clear or invisible braces more adult patients are wearing them. If you need braces, don't let age deter you from getting the beautiful smile you've always wanted. Contact Austin Family Orthodontics in Leander today for more information.

What Happens After Your Braces Treatment Ends?

When your braces treatment is complete, you may need to wear a retainer at times. Typically, your retainer will be worn only at night, and we'll custom-make it for you. Unfortunately, your teeth won't stay in alignment forever without assistance, so you'll need to wear your retainer for the time Dr. Hertzberg prescribes.

What Foods Must Be Avoided While Wearing Traditional Braces?

When you first get braces, we recommend a soft diet such as soup, yogurt, mashed potatoes, spaghetti, pancakes, and so forth. As your mouth adjusts to the braces, you can eat a more varied diet, but we recommend avoiding hard, crunchy, or sticky foods. Examples of these types of foods include chips, nuts, popcorn, and hard taco shells. These restrictions help you avoid orthodontic emergencies and the cost and inconvenience of replacing a broken bracket.

How Can I Reduce the Cost of Traditional Braces?

If the cost of traditional braces is a factor that's hindering your getting braces, we can help. We have several financing options that will improve affordability. We welcome dental insurance and will help you file claims so that you maximize your coverage. We offer flexible financing plans as well as periodic specials, and as always, CareCredit and HFD financing plans are available.

Do Traditional Braces Hurt?

Any type of orthodontic treatment will initially cause some discomfort. Your teeth are being moved, and your tissues may need to adjust to the wires and brackets. However, discomfort can be easily alleviated with over-the-counter medications, dental wax, or a cold compress. Usually, people find the wires are more comfortable when they're cool, so drinking a cold, non-alcoholic beverage may help ease the discomfort.