Traditional Orthodontics – Newbury Park, CA

Providing Excellent Results with Orthodontics

Conventional metal braces have long been associated with teendom, but we know that children, adolescents and adults can all benefit from the trusted treatment. In addition to braces in Newbury Park, Paraiso Family Dental and Orthodontics also employs retainers and spacers to help you achieve the straighter, more beautiful smile you deserve.

Children's Orthodontics Fixes
Problems Early

One big benefit of considering orthodontic treatment for your child is the simple fact that many problems in the alignment of teeth are far easier to correct at a younger age, before the jaw and gums have fully formed. Problems like overbite, underbite, crossbite as well as mouth breathing, and the effects of thumb sucking can all be dealt with early -- so we recommend your child to have her first orthodontic visit around age 7.

Adult Orthodontic Treatments

There's nothing that says orthodontics are limited to children and teens. In fact, it’s estimated that more adults than ever wear braces these days -- with as many as one in every five adults currently undergoing orthodontic treatment. For adults who have developed an alignment issue, or who have always dealt with crooked, crowded, gapped or otherwise misaligned teeth, orthodontics provide the beautiful, functional smile everyone wants -- and deserves.

Additional Orthodontic Options

Some adults and image-conscious teens just cannot bear the thought of conventional metal braces. For these patients, we’re thrilled to be able to offer other options -- like braces with clear brackets and wires, or lingual braces, which attach to the back of your teeth, rather than the front. Sometimes we decide that a patient is more suited for Invisalign, which uses clear, plastic aligners to gradually shift teeth into the preferred position.

Understanding the Cost of Traditional Braces

The amount that you’ll end up paying for traditional braces isn’t set in stone; there are several variables that we’ll need to consider before we can give you an estimate. Our team will make sure that you have a firm idea of what the overall cost will look like before you have to commit to long-term orthodontic treatment. In the meantime, though, the following information can help you get a grasp on what to expect.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Traditional Braces

The cost of your braces will largely depend on the following factors:

• Severity of the Orthodontic Issue: More complex cases generally have a higher cost since treatment normally takes longer.
• Age of the Patient: Adults typically have to wear braces longer than children since their teeth tend to be more set in place. As such, adult orthodontic treatment often costs more, although usually not by much.
• Follow-Up Appointments: Periodic adjustments are needed to make sure that the braces move the teeth in the proper direction. The number of adjustments required affects the overall cost of the orthodontic process.
• Additional Orthodontic Supplies: You’ll need to wear a retainer after your braces are removed. Furthermore, elastics and other supplies may be required during the actual treatment. Each additional orthodontic device comes with its own cost to consider.
• Compliance Issues: Not following your orthodontist’s instructions (such as wearing rubber bands for a certain amount of time) could cause your treatment to take longer and add to the overall cost.

Professional Braces vs. "DIY" Braces: Which Costs More?

Over the years, many people have tried to straighten their teeth with “do-it-yourself” braces made out of paper clips, earring backs, fishing lines, dental floss, and other materials. While a do-it-yourself approach might sound budget-friendly, it could cost you in the long run; braces that haven’t been designed by a professional could cause serious damage to your teeth and jawbone, resulting in severe oral health issues that require costly care.

It's always better to have braces placed by an orthodontist so that you can be sure that your teeth only move as intended. Furthermore, having a trained expert oversee the process makes it more likely that any problems with the treatment can be caught and corrected, allowing you to avoid major headaches later down the line.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Braces?

Every dental insurance plan is different; you should call your insurance company to make sure that your policy includes coverage for orthodontic care. If braces are included under your plan, you can usually expect them to receive around 50% coverage. Our team can file any necessary claims on your behalf.

Options for Making Braces Affordable

Some patients either don’t have insurance or don’t receive adequate coverage for orthodontic treatments. If either category applies to you, we may suggest CareCredit financing. You can sign up for a low-to-no-interest plan that divides the cost of your care into smaller, easier-to-pay installments. Reach out to us today to learn more about CareCredit and how it works at our practice.

Traditional Orthodontics FAQs

For generations, children and adults alike have been able to enjoy straighter, healthier, and more confident smiles thanks to bracket-and-wire braces. Even though traditional braces are a tried-and-true solution, our team at Paraiso Family Dental & Orthodontics understands that you may have questions before starting the process. After all, braces in Newbury Park are a big commitment! You’re always welcome to call us and ask any questions you may have, but for your convenience, we’ve answered some of the most common questions we get asked about braces below.