Braces in Gainesville

What Do You Need to Know About Getting Braces?

To start the process of getting straighter teeth and a healthier smile with braces, you’ll meet with a qualified orthodontist for a consultation and exam. Ideally, whichever dental professional you choose will have experience placing braces for children and adults, and the office should have several choices available that you can tailor to fit your needs. The initial visit when you come to Gainesville and visit Atlas Walk Dental & Orthodontics involves an exam by our staff, and they may order X-rays or digital scans to help figure out which treatment plan will work best. 

Getting Braces Put On - The Basics

Remember, getting braces is a meticulous medical procedure requiring high precision and expertise. Whether you choose ceramic, metal, or clear options, the first step for getting this treatment option involves the orthodontist cleaning and drying your teeth. Then, the staff will put a layer of specialized bonding glue on your teeth, which may taste funny but it’s entirely safe for use. They use this glue to get a firm bond between your teeth and the hardware. Once it’s on, our staff will insert arch wires through the brackets and secure them using elastic bands. This process takes an hour or two to finish, and you’ll go home afterward. 

Different Types of Adult Braces and Braces for Kids

 Today, you have several choices for straightening. For kids, metal braces are very durable, making them a popular and long-lasting choice. Ceramic braces are also durable but come designed to blend with your teeth for a more unobtrusive look. Clear or invisible braces involve using a series of transparent aligners that will slowly move your teeth to the correct place. The removable trays make it easier to eat or drink without the restrictions that metal or more traditional options have. 

How Much Do Braces Cost? Factors That Influence Price

When you come to Atlas Walk Dental & Orthodontics and consider orthodontic treatment, you’re most likely wondering what the average cost is. How much braces cost depends on several factors, including the type you want, how difficult it is to get them in place and maintain them, and how long your treatment takes. Generally, the price for metal hardware is less, while ceramic or clear options are more expensive because they come with advantages. The average cost of this procedure will also vary depending on your insurance coverage and whether it will pay for dental work. Also, Atlas Walk Dental & Orthodontics in Gainesville is happy to work with you, and we encourage you to ask us about our flexible payment plans. 

Getting Braces - How Long Does the Process Take?

Mouth braces will work, but this isn’t a quick fix for most people. Instead, most of our patients will wear them for at least a year, maybe two. The exact treatment timeframe will depend on when you get them, how severe your dental problems are, and how well your teeth respond to having them on. Also, it’s very common to experience mild pain or discomfort right after we attach the braces, but this usually disappears in less than a week. We’ll schedule your regular appointments at Atlas Walk Dental & Orthodontics so our staff can carefully adjust the tension and make minor modifications to move your teeth into the correct spot as efficiently as we can. 

Wearing Retainers After We Remove the Braces

When you finish your treatment and we remove the hardware, you’ll usually wear a retainer. They’re critical to help keep your teeth in the position the hardware moved them into. Clear retainers are a viable option because they hold your teeth in the correct spot while being very discreet. Depending on your needs, you’ll wear your retainer around the clock for a few months before we gradually shift you to nighttime-only wear. Our experienced staff in Gainesville at Atlas Walk Dental & Orthodontics will tell you how long we’d like you to wear it to ensure you keep your even, bright smile.