Braces in Lakeland

How Can I Get Braces?

Our Lakeland braces dentist has all the information you need when it comes to your smile. For most people, this is a major financial and health decision, and it often comes with many questions and concerns. Braces dentists in Lakeland will work closely with you to provide a personalized treatment plan that addresses your concerns and ensures you receive the smile of your dreams.

What to Expect from Getting Braces Put On

Orthodontic treatment typically consists of brackets securely bonded to teeth and wires, which are adjusted periodically to correct misalignments. You may be able to choose between metal or ceramic brackets. The ceramic brackets are tooth-colored or even clear for a more subtle look. Both metal and ceramic brackets are placed the same way. 

When putting on braces, you will start with a professional dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup. Then, our Lakeland dentist will dry your teeth and apply a special bonding glue. The bracket is attached to this glue and cured. Once the brackets are placed, the archwires are attached to the brackets and secured using elastics. 

During treatment, you will need to return to our dental office in Lakeland periodically to have the wires adjusted, which will gradually shift teeth into their correct positions and maintain progress. 

What Types of Orthodontic Treatments Are Available?

In the past, people who needed orthodontic work had one choice: metal brackets and wires. Today, people can choose from traditional orthodontics, but they can also choose clear or ceramic braces, which blend seamlessly with your smile, or invisible braces, which use clear trays to shift teeth. Braces for kids will typically result in faster results since kids’ jaws are still growing. Adult braces may involve longer treatment times to allow for the bone to remodel. Most people will have the option to choose between ceramic, clear, or metal brackets. Those with mild-to-moderate misalignments and spacing issues may be candidates for invisible aligners, too.

How Much Do Braces Cost?

The average cost of orthodontic treatment in Lakeland can vary widely, depending on the system you choose, the severity of your case, and your insurance coverage. Dental insurance that covers orthodontic work will generally cover at least part of the price of braces. Our office in Lakeland also offers financing options that can make your treatment more budget-friendly. Call us to learn more about the average cost for braces and what you can expect from treatment.

How Long Does Getting Braces Take?

At your initial appointment, our dental team will take detailed X-rays of your teeth and bone structure and a thorough dental exam that includes impressions. Then, the process of applying the brackets and wires can take an hour or two. Your jaw might be sore, and your teeth may feel more sensitive than usual after mouth braces are placed. This is normal, and you should feel better within a few days or a week. Treatment can take about one to two years, depending on the extent of your misalignment and your treatment needs.

Do I Need to Wear Retainers After Braces?

When the brackets and wires are removed from your teeth, you may need to wear a retainer to preserve your smile. During orthodontic treatment, the periodontal ligament and jawbone adjust to the gradual movements of teeth. A teeth retainer helps prevent relapse by holding teeth in their correct positions as these tissues settle into their “new normal.” Retainers may be worn most hours of the day in the weeks immediately after your ceramic or metal braces are removed. At some point, you may only need to wear your retainer at night. Most people will wear a retainer for a few years, but some might need to wear it longer since teeth can continue to shift as a result of bite forces and other natural changes. Clear retainers may be an option for those concerned with aesthetics.

If you’re not happy with your smile due to gaps, crowding, crooked teeth, or misaligned jaws, orthodontic treatment may be right for you. Contact our Lakeland dental office today to learn more or schedule a consultation with our dentist.