Dental Insurance for Braces

Having dental or orthodontic treatment is a monetary investment for families. A study conducted by Earnin.com in November of 2018 showed that more than 60% of Americans postpone dental treatment because of their financial situation. An average of more than 40% postponed required dental treatment for more than 12 months.

Dr. Redford and Dr. Burke at Burke & Redford Orthodontists in Temecula and Lake Elsinore have dedicated their careers to helping transform oral health issues into healthy, beautiful smiles. They understand dental insurance for braces might not cover the entire cost of treatment. That’s why they offer no-interest payments that make straightening your teeth with Invisalign or braces affordable.

What are Braces?

Braces are a type of orthodontic appliance orthodontists use to straighten teeth and correct bites. There is more than meets the eye when someone has crooked teeth. Upper and lower jaw size mismatches that result in overbites, underbites, or crossbites can cause additional orthodontic treatment complexities, too.

The design and appearance of braces has changed greatly in recent times. Orthodontic technology has surpassed many people’s expectations to include small metal braces, clear braces for adults, and clear teen braces options.

1.    Metal Braces

This is the traditional type of braces, also known as “metal brackets.” They are very effective and are the most common type of braces used, but they are also the most noticeable. Children and teens oftentimes prefer metal braces, as the option of changing the colored ties for “decoration” makes them appealing. In some cases, the cost of metal braces is lower, too.

2.    Ceramic/Clear Braces

These braces are like metal ones, except different materials are used. They are created from ceramic material that can be clear or white colored. White wires can also be used. As for the teeth straightening process, it is identical to metal braces. Quality of treatment result and time in treatment is the same as with metal braces. The average cost of braces may be a little bit more in comparison to metal braces cost.

3.    Lingual Braces

A similar teeth straightening method makes use of lingual braces. These are braces where the brackets and wires are placed on the inside (tongue/roof side) of the teeth. They are considered one of the best methods to ensure no one notices the braces. There are downsides, however, including difficulty adapting to both speech and the associated discomfort to the tongue.

4.    Invisalign Clear Aligners

Developed and continually improved over the past 20+ years, orthodontists have used clear aligners like Invisalign as a tool to treat more than 9 million adults worldwide. It gives patients the ability to experience orthodontic treatment without any dietary restriction and in a more discrete (although not totally invisible) way.

Some even ask themselves which is better: Invisalign or braces? There is no straight answer, as both options can treat a variety of orthodontic conditions. When it comes to the price for Invisalign braces or clear braces price, the severity of the condition will determine which type of orthodontic option a patient needs and duration they need to be worn. Dental insurance for braces can lower this cost.

Invisalign Advantages

The doctors offer a free consultation to determine your best orthodontic options. Here are some advantages of Invisalign:

• Appearance – Invisalign aligners are transparent. The attachments placed on teeth and used in conjunction with clear aligners are more discrete than ceramic braces.
• Eating Comfort – Invisalign braces are removable. This results in no dietary restrictions whatsoever.
• Oral hygiene – The entire tooth brushing and flossing process stays the same, making it easy for the patient to maintain proper oral hygiene.
• Fewer appointments – Invisalign patients receive their aligner sets after the orthodontist makes sure they fit and function properly. These aligners are changed every 7-14 days. Visits to the orthodontist’s practice are needed just every 8-10 weeks.
• Comfort – Being changed so frequently, the pressure on the teeth is more gradual than with braces. Many patients find them more comfortable than metal, ceramic or Damon braces.

Invisalign Disadvantages

We are aware that undergoing orthodontic treatment is not always a walk in the park. Braces and aligners have their downsides are well. Consider the following:

• Discipline – Invisalign aligners work only if the patient wears them for at least 22 hours each day. Some might find this commitment difficult to follow. Failure to wear the aligners as indicated can compromise the treatment result and extend time in treatment.
• Taking Aligners In and Out – Clear aligners need to be removed when a patient eats or drinks anything other than water. Brushing and flossing is, of course, mandatory. If not performed correctly, remaining food can stain the aligners, defeating their transparency
• Cost – The common belief is that Invisalign costs more than braces. In some cases, it is. Depending on the treated condition and duration, however, Invisalign might be less than or the same price as metal, ceramic or self-ligating (Ie. Damon) braces.

Braces Advantages

In order to create a better comparison with the advantages of braces (both traditional and clear) please note the following:

• Suitable for all Treatments – Orthodontists can use traditional (metal, lingual or ceramic/clear) braces can treat any type of condition. This applies to the most severely crooked teeth or bite misalignment.
• Greater precision and control – Orthodontists have the ability with braces to correct more defects and adapt to any anatomy, reaching nearly perfect results. They have greater precision and control with these materials.
• Variety – Patients can choose from traditional (metal), lingual, ceramic (clear) and Damon braces to correct their bite, which correct the full spectrum of orthodontic problems.
• Faster Treatment Time – While patients need to be aware that the average orthodontic treatment takes between 18 to 24 months, specific conditions and moderate/severe orthodontic cases can often be treated faster with braces than aligners. It should be mentioned that some mild cases can be treated faster with aligners than braces. It all depends on the case!

Braces Disadvantages

Understanding the disadvantages of braces is also important in a decision making process. These are as important as the advantages of braces in order to choose the best course of treatment upon consulting with the orthodontist.

• Physical Aspect – Braces are more noticeable than clear aligners. This is true even for small self-ligating braces (like Damon) or ceramic braces.
• Oral Hygiene Challenges – Braces need to be properly brushed and flossed. If not, food residue can accumulate and lead to cavities or staining.
• Dietary Restrictions – Hard, chewy, and sticky foods should be avoided to prevent damaging the braces and wires.

Choosing Between Invisalign or Braces

Many factors need to be taken into consideration and discussed with the doctors during your free consultation. Consider the following:

• What is the treatment plan?
• Who will be executing the treatment plan? It is important to remember that the results achieved in treatment are directly related to the skill level of the orthodontist and staff involved in treatment. The materials (either braces or Invisalign) are simply a tool used by the treating professionals.
• Which material, braces or Invisalign, is most appropriate for accomplishing the goals of the treatment plan?
• Discuss the specific conditions that need to be corrected – Ie. Invisalign or braces for an overbite and what are the limitations with each?
• Teenage and adult braces cost.
• Are there affordable payment plans and/or dental insurance for braces?

Burke & Redford Orthodontists are the best orthodontists in Temecula and Lake Elsinore, having served Southern California for over 30 years. If you need more details about Invisalign or braces, contact the office at (951) 699-8011 or fill out the contact form on our website for a free consultation.