Orthodontia

Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that provides correction for problems such as crowded teeth, extra teeth, missing teeth or misaligned jaws. Orthodontic procedures top the list as one of the more expensive dental procedures. For those with limited dental insurance, or without insurance, the overwhelming cost of orthodontia may seem too much. Left untreated, the crooked and crowded teeth may become worse, making it increasingly difficult to maintain good oral health. The result is potentially higher dental bills later in life to correct more serious problems, as there is an increased likelihood for tooth decay, gum disease and/or tooth loss.

Orthodontia procedures, while lengthy and expensive, result in properly aligned teeth. Patients who receive orthodontic treatments benefit from attractive teeth, more self-confidence, and future oral health. Benefits include:

• Long-term dental health – easier to maintain oral hygiene, resulting in less risk for tooth decay, gingivitis or infection
• Prevention of nutritional deficiencies – in very severe cases, misalignment that is not treated can decrease the ability to chew
• Correction of speech problems – by aligning the teeth properly, speech issues are effectively corrected
• Reduced wear on back teeth – providing better alignment of teeth reduces the impact on back teeth

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Key Elements of Orthodontic Treatment

During your first visit to an orthodontist, you will go over your history, have x-rays and photos taken, and ultimately decide on a treatment plan. Because of the uniqueness of each patient’s orthodontia needs, a custom treatment plan is developed. This outlines how your orthodontist will correct the problem, including the type of appliances (most likely braces or a retainer), the number of “adjustments” required to ensure the teeth are moved correctly, and the “retention” period following the removal of braces to be sure that teeth stay in the proper position.

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Length of Treatment

According to the American Dental Association, orthodontia treatment is typically 24 months, but can vary depending on the problem, health of teeth, gums and bone, plus how well the care instructions are followed. Adult treatments take slightly longer than a child’s because children are still growing and aligning the teeth is easier as the jaw develops.

Offsetting the Cost with a Dental Plan

Given the length of time it takes for orthodontia procedures, including frequent office visits for adjustments, it is not surprising that braces are very costly. Depending on the severity of the problem and the length of treatment, the cost of braces varies, with estimates between $1,800 to $5,500 considered average. While some dental insurance plans do provide orthodontia coverage, many insurance plans do not cover orthodontia – or coverage may be inadequate.

Discount dental plans can provide exceptional savings on orthodontia, as the majority of plans offer significant discounts. Visit the Products and Solutions page for more details.

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