Orthodontics is a field within dental science dedicated to preventing and treating facial and tooth-alignment irregularities. Orthodontics aims to enhance a person’s smile aesthetics and bite integrity by addressing crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, and crossbites.
This field of dentistry involves a variety of treatments, from traditional metal braces to more discreet ceramic braces, and clear aligner systems, all of whose objective is to gently and gradually move an individual’s teeth into alignment. The duration of orthodontic treatment will vary on a case-by-case basis, but most of these treatments tend to last between 12 and 24 months.
Why Is Orthodontics Important?
Orthodontics can be crucial to improving the oral health and overall quality of life of any patient, but it is especially impactful for adolescents and teenagers. This is because, by enhancing the integrity of a person’s bite, orthodontics allows for proper biting and chewing, which promote more optimal digestion and nutrient absorption. Also, fixing misaligned teeth can help reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease by making teeth and gums easier to reach and care for.
Finally, by moving teeth into proper alignment, orthodontics improves the appearance of a person's smile and makes it easier to speak more clearly, comfortably, and confidently. These factors, in combination with having a strong and healthy bite, can play a major role in boosting a person’s self-confidence.
Types of Orthodontic Treatments
Orthodontics comes in a variety of forms. The most common and popular include:
- Metal braces. Metal brackets are attached to teeth and connected by wires that are gradually adjusted by an orthodontist to move teeth into alignment.
- Ceramic braces. Similar to metal braces, but with brackets made of a tooth-colored or clear material.
- Lingual braces. Like traditional braces, but with the brackets attached to the back of the teeth to minimize aesthetic impact.
- Clear aligners. An orthodontic treatment system that uses several sets of custom-made, clear mouthpiece-like aligners to gradually move teeth into alignment. Another excellent discreet option. Invisalign® is a particularly popular example.
- Palatal expanders. Devices that are used to widen the jaws of individuals with narrow palates, creating proper spacing and improving alignment.
Cost, Insurance Coverage, and Payment Options for Orthodontics
The cost of orthodontics can vary based on several factors. The most significant of these are usually the type of treatment selected and the severity of a person's orthodontic issues. Insurance coverage for orthodontics also varies. Some plans cover a portion of the cost of orthodontic treatments, while others provide no coverage at all. Check with your insurance provider to determine the extent of coverage your plan provides. For patients who don’t have dental insurance and those who need to pay out-of-pocket for orthodontics, check with your dentist for alternative financial options, including financing, flexible spending/health savings accounts, or payment plans.
Consult with a qualified dentist or orthodontist to determine the right treatment plan for you, its cost, and the extent to which it is covered by your dental insurance plan.
Top-Quality Children's Orthodontics in Decatur, IL
If you’re in the Decatur area and want to learn more about your options for orthodontic treatments and dental prosthetics, contact dentist Dr. Bret Jerger and our friendly and knowledgeable Jerger Pediatric Dentistry team to schedule a consultation!