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Traditional Braces – Bergenfield, NJ

Tried and True Solution for Healthier Smiles

Traditional braces in Bergenfield have been around for decades. Whether faced with overcrowding, gapped teeth or bite alignment issues, metal wires and brackets have given patients all around the world an opportunity to enjoy healthier, more beautiful smiles. At Washington Dental Associates, our team of professionals can safely and effectively shift your teeth with the same tried and true solution provided to so many others throughout the years. You can finally say goodbye to your unpleasant smile and say hello to a brand-new you.

A female patient smiling with her traditional braces in Bergenfield showing while a dentist wearing a mask looks on

Why Choose Washington Dental Associates for Traditional Braces?

  • The perfect solution for children and adults
  • Highly-qualified, certified orthodontist on staff
  • Safe and effective treatment designed to straighten teeth and improve smiles

Who is a Good Candidate for Traditional Braces?

A young female smiling to expose her metal braces while a dentist uses dental forceps to check her wire

When meeting with your orthodontist in Bergenfield, don’t be surprised if you are recommended for traditional braces. These metal brackets and wires make it possible to achieve your desired results by moving and shifting your teeth and bite in the proper direction. But how do you know if you’re a good candidate for this type of orthodontics?

During a consultation with Dr. Roubicek, she will examine your oral cavity and facial structure to determine the problem area(s). In most cases, regular metal braces will prove to be an ideal orthodontic solution. However, you must have good oral health before beginning the process. Why? Because you do not want your teeth to be negatively impacted by decay or disease. Should she notice any signs of these common dental problems, you will need to seek treatment before beginning with traditional braces.

It is also possible that if you have crowded teeth, it will be necessary to have one or more teeth extracted first. This will ensure more successful results when being treated with braces.

What Are the Benefits of Traditional Braces?

An image of a person’s mouth who is exposing the top row of teeth that have metal brackets and wires on them
  • They make it possible to see a new and improved smile that is free from overcrowding, gaps, or a misaligned bite
  • Boost in confidence because you are now pleased with the way your smile looks
  • Improved oral health because of your teeth’s new alignment and jaw functionality
  • Decreased risk of developing tooth decay or gum disease
  • Safe and effective for children, teenagers, and adults

How to Get Started

A young woman wearing a white shirt and using her index fingers to point to her cheeks while she smiles

Before you can begin the process of receiving traditional braces, you will need to schedule an appointment with Dr. Roubicek. If she believes you can benefit from this method of orthodontic treatment, she will take impressions of your smile before placing the metal brackets on the surfaces of your teeth. She will then thread a metal wire through the brackets and secure it in place.

Throughout treatment, you will be required to maintain regular appointments with your orthodontist to allow her to adjust and tighten your wire. This will force your teeth to shift into the proper position and may require a bit of discomfort for a few days. With an over-the-counter pain reliever, cold compress, and soft foods, you will notice a difference in the way you feel.

The average timeline for wearing braces is 1-2 years, but this can vary depending on the severity of your initial problem.

To find out how you can get started on the journey to better oral health with the help of traditional braces, contact our office today.

Understanding the Cost of Traditional Braces

a model of a tooth next to a stack of coins

While traditional braces are designed to straighten a person’s teeth, you won’t expect the same price for every patient’s treatment plan. After all, no two smiles are alike. Our team will need to evaluate your oral health and smile pattern so that we can develop the proper method to help you achieve your orthodontic goals. During your consultation, we’ll also provide you with an estimate of the price of your treatment. Until then, here are several things to consider about the cost of traditional braces.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Traditional Braces

a person with traditional braces getting a checkup

For your initial visit, our team will assess your smile pattern and jaw alignment to determine the proper way to straighten your bite. Some of the factors that can impact the price of your braces include:

  • Age: Your treatment process will be different based on whether you’re a teen or an adult, as adults generally have matured jawbones that can require more time for their teeth to move properly.
  • The orthodontic problem: Having a crooked, gapped, or misaligned bite can affect the complexity and severity of the orthodontic issue.
  • The length of the process: How long you’ll have to wear your braces can influence how much you’ll end up paying.
  • Additional orthodontic appliances: Some patients may require a palate expander, headgear, rubber bands, or a retainer, which can change the total price.

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

a teenage boy smiling with traditional braces

While it might appear to be more convenient or affordable to opt for do-it-yourself (DIY) braces, you may want to reconsider. Undergoing orthodontic treatment without the supervision of an orthodontist or dentist can increase the risk of complications during the process. In some cases, you may not be recommended a retainer, which can lead your teeth to revert to their original positions. Without professional oversight, you might not be eligible for particular orthodontic treatments, which can cause further problems for your teeth.

Many of these potential issues can end up costing you much more later on, even though the upfront cost might be lower. If you want to undergo a more comfortable and effective process while straightening your teeth, it’s always more cost-effective to seek help from a professional.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Braces?

a person showing a dental insurance form

Many dental insurance companies offer coverage for orthodontic treatment, especially since it can help prevent other oral health problems down the road. Of course, not every plan will be the same, so you’ll need to double-check your policy with your provider. Our team will also be more than happy to walk you through the details of your benefits, that way you can be stress-free while getting the coverage you need to achieve your dream smile.

Options for Making Braces Affordable

a dentist showing a brochure to a couple

If you aren’t insured, our team can offer plans through CareCredit so that you can make low-to-no-interest monthly payments for your entire treatment. Other than financing, you might even consider looking into our Smile Savings Club, which allows members to enjoy significant discounts on many of our services. Feel free to reach out to our office if you have any questions about your options, and we’ll be glad to help!

Traditional Braces FAQs 

Am I Too Old to Get Braces?

This is a common question we hear from patients – even those in their 20s or 30s. If you’ve been wondering if you’re “too old” for braces, you’ll be happy to hear that candidacy is determined by things like the state of your oral health and the complexity of your case, not by your age. So, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us if you’re interested in straightening your teeth or aligning your bite. Remember, it’s never too late to have a healthy, beautiful smile that you love!

Can I Get Traditional Braces on Just My Top or Bottom Teeth?

Single-arch treatment is possible in some cases. That said, it’s pretty rare. After all, moving one row of teeth will have an impact on your bite, and we want to make sure you have a smile that’s as beautiful as it is healthy and functional.

What Happens After You Get Your Braces Off?

Once your teeth and your bite are properly aligned, we will remove your braces, allowing you to see the results in full. Then, we need to take impressions of your teeth and get to work on creating a retainer. This appliance is crucial when it comes to preventing orthodontic relapse, which is why we recommend wearing it every night – no exceptions.

Do Traditional Braces Hurt?

Immediately following your first appointment, it’s normal to experience some soreness. The good news is that this should go away within a week, and you can manage your discomfort with the tips we give you (i.e., taking OTC pain medication as directed, eating only soft foods, rinsing periodically with warm saltwater). At each follow-up visit, which is when we tighten your braces, you will feel that same pressure again, but don’t worry – the sensation will get less and less as your teeth adjust.

What Can You Not Eat with Traditional Braces?

Pretty much all crunchy foods are off-limits, including popcorn, thin pizza crust, whole apples, croutons, and almonds. It’s also important that you avoid sticky ones, like caramel candies, since they can pull a bracket or wire out of position. In other words, you should do your best to fill your plate with scrambled eggs, oatmeal, plain yogurt, and other soft, nutrient-dense foods.

Can You Drink Coffee with Traditional Braces?

Yes, you can drink coffee with traditional braces. Just make sure that you use a straw, rinse your mouth with clean water when you’re done, and brush your teeth about 20 minutes after that. That way, your teeth don’t get stained, taking away from your final results.

Can I Chew Gum with Traditional Braces?

Like caramel candies and other sticky foods, gum increases your risk of common orthodontic problems, like a protruding wire. For that reason, we don’t recommend chewing gum during your time with braces. If you need to freshen your breath, opt for a sugar-free mint!

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