
Teeth-Straightening Solutions From The Teenage Years And Beyond
By age 13, most children have lost their baby teeth, and it’s easy to spot early signs of overcrowding or crooked permanent teeth. This is the ideal time to begin orthodontic treatment while their adult smile is still settling in.
Orthodontics isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s also crucial for oral health. Misaligned teeth and a crooked bite can be tough to clean, cause discomfort, and lead to pain. With treatment, these issues can often be fixed in as little as 6 months.
Your teen may benefit from orthodontics if they have:
- Overbite: Upper teeth positioned too far forward.
- Excessive spacing: Gaps between teeth.
- Underbite: Lower teeth positioned too far forward.
- Crowding: Overlapping teeth that are hard to floss.
- Crossbite: Bite misalignment.
- Pain: Chronic headaches, jaw pain, or upper back and neck pain.
Orthodontic Treatment Options
There are several treatment options available, tailored to meet each patient’s needs and budget. Here are a few choices:
Traditional Braces
When you think of braces, you probably picture bulky metal brackets. Today’s modern braces are smaller, less noticeable, and just as effective. They’re also easier to clean and much more comfortable.
Clear Brackets
For those who want braces but prefer a more discreet look, clear brackets are a popular choice, especially among young adults. These brackets offer the same functionality as traditional ones, with a more subtle appearance.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners, like SureSmile, have quickly gained popularity. These custom-made, transparent trays gradually move teeth into their ideal positions. They fit snugly and can be removed for eating, brushing, flossing, or special occasions like a school dance or class presentation.
The Cost of Orthodontic Treatment in Summerlin, Las Vegas
With most insurance plans, orthodontic treatment typically costs around $3,000 out-of-pocket. After an oral exam, we can provide an accurate quote, letting you know how much your insurance covers and your actual out-of-pocket costs. Without insurance, treatment generally ranges from $5,000 to $6,000.
How is the cost of orthodontic treatment determined, and why does it seem expensive? Several factors influence the cost of orthodontics:
- The current condition of your oral health, including teeth and gums: This helps determine the appropriate treatment plan and approach for your orthodontic care.
- How much the teeth need to move: The extent of movement required will influence the type of orthodontic treatment chosen and the duration of treatment.
- The type of orthodontic treatment selected: Different treatments, such as traditional braces, clear aligners, or other appliances, vary in cost and effectiveness based on your specific needs.
- The length of treatment: The duration of your orthodontic treatment can affect the overall cost, with longer treatments generally requiring more visits and adjustments.
Since every smile is unique, the best way to determine the ideal treatment and associated costs is to schedule a consultation. After an exam, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan, including a clear timeline and cost estimate.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ideally, orthodontic treatment is best for younger patients before most adult teeth come in. If you’re a parent, we recommend bringing your teen in for a consultation. But don’t worry—there are orthodontic options for adults too! It’s never too late.
Braces themselves don’t hurt when first applied. However, after they start shifting your teeth, you might experience some discomfort. Most patients describe it as more annoying than painful. If you feel any pain, let us know—there are ways to make your treatment more comfortable.
Avoid foods that could damage your braces (like candy apples, caramel, or corn on the cob) or those that are tough to clean out (such as gum, caramel, and popcorn). It’s also a good idea to steer clear of sugary or acidic foods that can be harder to clean off your teeth. For clear braces, foods like beets, curry, and Kraft dinner may cause staining.
Call us right away! Don’t wait until your next appointment.
Floss threaders and super floss are specially designed to help you floss around your braces or permanent retainers. We’d be happy to show you how to floss properly at your next appointment.
The duration of orthodontic treatment depends on the complexity of the changes needed. For minor adjustments, treatment can take as little as 6 months. For most patients, braces are worn for anywhere between 6 months and 2 years. We can provide a more accurate estimate after your oral exam.
