Traditional Braces – Los Gatos, CA

How Do Traditional Braces Work?

Alignment issues such as gaps, crowding, underbites, overbites, crossbites, and open bites can lead to a host of oral and overall health problems like infections, dental damage, pain in the neck, head, back, or jaw, and difficulty speaking and eating. Braces address these conditions by applying the consistent force necessary to shift the teeth into healthier positions through a system of wires and brackets cemented to the enamel. The patient will need to maintain excellent oral hygiene habits, observe certain dietary restrictions, and visit our office every six to eight weeks so we can monitor the treatment’s progress and make occasional adjustments. Traditional braces can usually address a misalignment in one to three years.

What Orthodontic Issues Can Braces Fix?

The only way to know for sure if braces can help you is to schedule a consultation at Dr. Herrera’s office. After she evaluates your teeth, she may recommend braces to address:

Bite Misalignment

Dental misalignments like overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites can lead to a host of problems like teeth grinding, oral injuries, hygiene difficulties, infections, TMJ issues, and aching of the head, neck, or neck. Braces can resolve these issues by drawing the teeth into a healthier alignment that protects the smile from injury and distributes the pressure of chewing more evenly.

Crowded & Crooked Teeth

Teeth that are too close together are harder to clean, easier to injure, and prone to oral infections. Braces can pull the teeth into an even alignment that is visually pleasing, can chew more efficiently, and helps the patient practice excellent oral hygiene.

Gapped Teeth

Large spaces between the teeth can expose the gums to injury and accumulate plaque and food residue that feeds the bacteria that cause nasty oral infections. Braces can pull the teeth closer together to close gaps and create a healthier and more beautiful smile.

Caring for Your Braces

You’ll need to practice excellent oral hygiene and adhere to a few dietary restrictions while wearing braces. Some habits to develop include:

• Thoroughly brushing and flossing every day to eliminate plaque and food debris.
• Using special tools daily to clean around and between the brackets and wires.
• Abstaining from foods and beverages that are tough, crunchy, hard, chewy, sugary, or acidic.
• Visiting our office every six to eight weeks for checkups and adjustments.

Understanding the Cost of Traditional Braces

Every smile is one of a kind, which means the cost of traditional braces can vary from person to person. To get a personalized estimate, it’s best to schedule an initial consultation with our team. At your visit, we’ll carefully assess your teeth, jaw, and overall smile before creating a tailored treatment plan to help you achieve a straighter, healthier smile. In the meantime, here are some key factors that can affect the total cost of orthodontic care.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Traditional Braces

The cost of traditional braces can change since every orthodontic case is unique. Before creating your personalized treatment plan, we take several factors into account that can influence the overall price:

• How complex your teeth's misalignment is
• Your age
• Whether one or both arches need correction
• The length of your treatment
• The number of follow-up visits required
• The need for additional appliances, like headgear, space maintainers, or rubber bands
• Your consistency with treatment, including wearing bands and following dietary guidelines

Professional Braces vs. “DIY” Braces: Which Costs More?

DIY braces might seem like an easy and inexpensive way to straighten your teeth, but they often carry serious risks. Without a complete initial evaluation or professional guidance, it’s easy for problems to go unnoticed, and some people even end up with worsened alignment. Trusted organizations, including the American Dental Association, advise against these at-home methods for safety reasons. For a reliable and effective path to a healthy, beautiful smile, traditional braces with professional care are the safest choice.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Braces?

Those with dental insurance need to check whether their plan includes coverage for traditional braces. Benefits vary widely between policies, so you’ll want to review the details with your provider before starting treatment. Some plans may cover braces fully or partially for patients under 18, while others may only provide a set dollar amount. Our team is always happy to help you understand your coverage so you can maximize your benefits and plan your treatment with confidence.

Options for Making Braces Affordable

If you don’t have dental coverage, there are still ways to make orthodontic treatment affordable. We know how important it is to access care that improves your smile and overall oral health. That’s why we offer flexible financing through CareCredit, allowing you to break your treatment cost into manageable monthly payments with little to no interest. This way, you can achieve the smile you’ve always wanted without stretching your budget!