Orthodontics Parsippany

What are Ceramic Braces?

Patients who are self-conscious about their appearance can find success with ceramic braces. Consisting of clear or tooth-colored brackets and wires, they not only make it less noticeable that you’re receiving treatment, but you’ll receive the same dramatic results as you would with regular braces.

Patients with crooked, gapped, or overcrowded teeth, as well as those with bite alignment problems, can achieve a new and improved smile with ceramic braces.

The process is simple, but it’s important to know that depending on your individual case, treatment can last several years. Using brackets that we’ll place on each tooth, a wire is strung through and designed to apply continual force, moving the teeth in the proper direction.

What are the Benefits?

• They are less noticeable than traditional metal braces, which can be important for individuals looking for a more discreet method of treatment.
• Ceramic braces offer the same results as regular braces.
• It is unlikely you’ll experience much demineralization of your tooth enamel.
• Once treatment is finished, they are easier to remove.
• Most brackets tend to lay flatter against the tooth, making it less likely you’ll experience much discomfort or irritation to the soft tissues of your mouth.

Who is a Good Candidate?

The one thing you should know about ceramic braces is that they are considered to be less durable than traditional metal braces. For this reason, we recommend that older teenagers and adults receive ceramic braces, not children or young teens.

It is also possible that you might have a more complex orthodontic issue that only metal braces can resolve. This will be determined after Dr. Kitay evaluates your mouth with the use of X-rays and a visual examination. Only then will she be able to determine if you are a good candidate for ceramic braces.

Understanding the Cost of Ceramic Braces

Every patient is different, so no price tag will be the same for every person. When calculating the cost for ceramic braces, it is dependent on several factors, all of which Dr. Kitay will include in her official estimate. During your consultation, you can expect to learn more about the process and these factors, which can include:

• Condition of the teeth prior to placement
• Number of teeth that need to be corrected
• How long the patient will need to wear the braces
• Materials used

What is a Retainer? How Does It Work?

A retainer is a device that is used to keep the teeth in place after treatment with braces, including traditional braces and Invisalign, is complete. Without a retainer, the teeth with gradually move back into their original position. Most people will need to wear the retainer around the clock right after the braces are removed, but can gradually be reduced to nightwear only after several months. If used diligently, a retainer will keep the teeth where they should be for a lifetime after the initial treatment with braces is complete.

There are two main categories of retainers:

Removable Retainers

As their name implies, removable retainers are easy to place and remove in and from the mouth. As such, they are easy to clean. However, they do require a certain level of self-discipline if patients are to get the full benefit from them. This type of retainer should be worn at least 22 hours each day during the first few months after braces are removed. Your orthodontist will let you know when you can start wearing it less.

Fixed Retainers

Fixed retainers are quite convenient because they are cemented into the mouth. They usually consist of a small metal bar that is placed behind the teeth (which makes them very discreet). These retainers are often used to keep the front teeth in their proper places because these teeth are the most likely to drift back out of place. You may have to wear a fixed retainer for life.

Retainer Basics

Here are some tips and guidelines to help you have a successful experience with your removable retainer:

• If your retainer seems more snug than usual when you are placing it in your mouth, it is probably because your teeth are moving. This means you need to wear your retainer more frequently.
• Do not wear your retainer while you are eating and brushing your teeth.
• When you are not wearing your retainer, make sure it is stored safely in its case. Don’t wrap it in a napkin; that makes it too easy for you — or someone else — to accidentally throw it in the trash.
• Make sure your pets won’t have any opportunities to chew on your retainer.
• Many retainers are made with heat, which means they can become warped if they get too hot. Keep your retainers away from hot water, car dashboards, washing machines, and pockets.
• Gently clean your retainer once each day with a soft-bristled toothbrush (no toothpaste) to remove debris. You may also want to soak your retainer in a special retainer- or denture-cleaning solution.
• Bring your dental retainer to all your appointments at Rauchberg Dental Group.
• Remember that retainer adjustments should only be made by your orthodontist.
• If you accidentally lose or break your retainer, call us right away. It does not take long for teeth to shift, so we will work to replace or repair your retainer as quickly as possible.
• Your retainer can last for many years with proper care. Keeping it in good shape can spare you the expense of paying for a replacement.

What is a Palatal Expander? How Does It Work?

The roof of the mouth is one of the most important features of your oral cavity. Its width affects everything from how your teeth look to how the TMJ (temporomandibular, or jaw joints) function. If the palate is too narrow during childhood, there may not be enough room for the permanent teeth to erupt. A palatal expander can help — it is a stainless-steel appliance that is inserted into the roof of the mouth. The palatal expander may be used during childhood to widen the palate and improve the alignment of the bite. By exerting outward pressure on the molars and premolars, the expander encourages growth of new bone tissue in the palate. This widens the upper jaw for improved bite alignment.

What is a Tongue/Thumb Crib? How Does It Work?

Thumb sucking and tongue thrusting, or pushing the tongue through the teeth when swallowing, are two common habits during childhood. Most kids will grow out of these habits on their own, but if they don’t, thumb sucking and tongue thrusting can cause real issues for the development of the mouth that may require complex orthodontic treatment later on.

If you find it difficult to break these habits for your child, a tongue/thumb crib can help. It is a metal appliance that is affixed directly behind the teeth the prevent the forward motion of the tongue (preventing thrusting) and to block the space for the thumb (stopping thumb-sucking).

What Factors are Considered When Determining the Cost of Orthodontic Treatment?

No two patients are alike. This means that varying factors can determine how much you will pay versus how much another individual will pay for a particular treatment. A few of the factors our team will consider when creating a cost estimate for your orthodontic care include:

Treatment

In the past, traditional metal braces were the only way to achieve a straighter, more properly aligned smile. Nowadays, you have alternative solutions like Invisalign or Tooth-Colored Braces. Depending on which type of treatment you are eligible to receive will determine how much you can expect to spend. While metal braces are often more affordable, the convenience and ability to achieve faster results with Invisalign make it a popular option.

Technology

The technology your dentist uses to capture impressions and map out your treatment plan can make a difference in the overall cost as well. Digital impressions produce clearer, more high-resolution images that minimize the potential for ill-fitting Invisalign trays, and digital X-Rays make it possible to clearly identify areas in which the bone or other facial/oral structures might require additional correction that traditional X-Rays may have been unable to capture.

Duration

How long your orthodontic treatment will last is another factor. Regular metal braces can take years to achieve the desired results. Depending on your preference, the same timeline can be set with tooth-colored, ceramic braces (unless opting only to treat visible teeth). Invisalign, however, can take as little as 12-18 months.

Does Insurance Cover Braces?

Fortunately, most dental insurance companies include coverage for orthodontics; however, your plan may only specify certain types of treatments that are covered (i.e. traditional braces). You or a member of our team will need to speak with a representative from your insurance company to determine the details of coverage as well as how much you can expect to pay out of pocket. Your deductible and annual maximum can play an important role in determining your share of the overall cost.

Once this information is collected, we will be able to give you a more clear-cut idea as to how much your new smile will cost.

Available Payment Plans

Apart from accepting dental insurance, we also accept the following payment options:

• Cash
• Check
• Debit cards
• Major credit cards (i.e. American Express, Visa, Mastercard, Discover)

We also are pleased to help you enroll in CareCredit. This third-party financier makes it possible for you to sign up for a low-to no-interest payment plan. Not only will this allow you to remain within your budget, but you can choose between interest-free financing or extended fixed-interest payment plans.