Invisalign® has been one of the most innovative orthodontic systems for decades. Trusted and proven effective, this treatment is comfortable, convenient, and discreet.
Many patients have heard of Invisalign and want to know whether it can help them with their misaligned teeth. Patients want to know how Invisalign works and what to expect during their treatment.
We have compiled the top 10 questions we receive from our patients and provided thorough answers below. If you have further questions or concerns, we will gladly book a consultation with one of our expert orthodontists.
Invisalign Questions and Answers
1. How does Invisalign work?
The Invisalign system consists of a series of clear medical-grade plastic aligners created using your precise measurements. The aligner series moves your teeth from their original placement to an optimum location. You will change your aligners every one to two weeks.
2. How long does Invisalign treatment take?
The average duration of Invisalign treatment is about 12 to 18 months. However, some patients with minor alignment issues may finish before the first year ends.
3. Who is the best candidate for Invisalign?
Teens and adults with excellent oral hygiene who lack untreated tooth decay and gum disease are ideal candidates. Invisalign can treat mild to moderate misaligned teeth, including overbite, underbite, and crossbite. Patients with missing teeth may need to consider a different orthodontic solution.
4. Does dental insurance cover Invisalign?
If your plan covers orthodontia, you may already have coverage for Invisalign. Call your insurer to verify the details of your plan.
5. What makes Invisalign different from metal braces?
Invisalign possesses several advantages over traditional braces:
- Comfort
- Discretion
- Easy care
- No food restrictions
Metal braces may sometimes be a better choice for patients with severe malocclusion or other needs, but most patients can enjoy all the benefits of Invisalign.
6. Can I eat with my aligners in?
Remove your aligners before you eat or drink anything but water. Doing so may damage them and create prime conditions for tooth decay.
7. What happens if I lose or damage an aligner?
Contact your orthodontist immediately for a replacement.
8. What would happen if I forgot to wear my aligners?
If you forget your aligners, your teeth may drift out of position, setting your treatment back. Wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours daily to keep your treatment on track.
9. Can kids use Invisalign?
Teenagers with all their permanent teeth can use Invisalign. The teen version has special features to help them stay on track with their treatment.
10. How much does Invisalign cost compared to braces?
Invisalign and braces usually cost roughly the same. However, your cost may vary depending on your insurance, provider, and any additional circumstances, such as an overbite or underbite.
Greater Hartford Orthodontics is a welcoming, family-friendly practice located in Newington, CT. We provide comprehensive orthodontic care for patients of all ages and serve residents of the Hartford area and beyond. Contact Greater Hartford Orthodontics for more information on our services and to schedule a consultation.
Invisalign® is a convenient, highly effective orthodontic system that can treat misaligned teeth and restore a healthy, brilliant smile. Without the hassle of braces, Invisalign can bring your teeth into beautiful alignment while protecting your oral health.
Like any treatment, Invisalign has pros and cons. This blog will explain in detail the advantages and disadvantages of this orthodontic system and help you make an informed decision.
Pros of Invisalign:
Discretion
One of Invisalign’s most significant advantages is that it enables patients to keep their orthodontic treatment private. Clear aligners do not attract unwanted attention, and most friends and family will not notice them at all.
Comfort
With no wires, brackets, or sharp edges, Invisalign is the best choice for comfort. The clear medical-grade plastic aligners fit smoothly against soft oral tissues. Becoming accustomed to wearing Invisalign takes only days, and there are no uncomfortable adjustment appointments.
Speed
Most Invisalign patients complete treatment in about 12 to 18 months, while braces may take as long as 3 years, depending on the complexity of their needs.
Convenience
Invisalign treatment requires fewer orthodontic visits than traditional braces. Patients change their aligners every one to two weeks and visit the doctor approximately once every six weeks for a checkup.
No Food Restrictions
Braces wearers often feel annoyed by having to avoid their favorite foods. Invisalign comes out when patients eat or drink, so they can have anything they like as long as they keep their teeth and aligners clean.
Easier Care
Since Invisalign comes out, patients can effortlessly brush and floss. The aligners are also easy to clean, using branded cleaning crystals or mild antibacterial soap. Patients need not struggle with floss threaders or other assistive devices.
Improved Oral Health
Cleaner teeth mean lower chances of tooth decay and gum disease, which can sometimes be an issue for braces patients. Invisalign also improves oral health because straighter teeth collect less plaque and tartar.
Cons of Invisalign:
Cost
Invisalign is a premium solution, and its convenience may translate to a higher out-of-pocket cost than braces.
Requires More Responsibility
Invisalign patients need to engage more with their orthodontic treatment than braces patients, meaning that Invisalign is appropriate for older teens and adults. Keeping track of aligners and avoiding damaging them can be a challenge.
Must Wear 20-22 Hours Daily
Patients must commit to wearing their aligners at all times, except when eating or caring for their teeth. If patients forget to put their aligners in, their treatment may stall or reverse.
Must Remove to Eat or Drink
Some patients find it difficult to remove the aligners, find a safe place to keep them and replace them after a meal. Always keep your aligners in their case when they are not in your mouth.
Fewer Treatment Options than Braces
Braces are more versatile than Invisalign, allowing for more types of orthodontic correction. If a patient has significant bite issues or needs extensive work, traditional braces could be a better choice.
Guiding Your Invisalign Decision
Selecting between Invisalign and other orthodontic treatments can be challenging. Not every patient is a good fit for clear aligner treatment.
Patients who need orthodontic correction should research their options while considering the pros and cons. Weighing your needs, requirements, and lifestyle can help you make your decision. Speak to a qualified orthodontist to resolve your questions and receive optimal treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign Treatment
Does Invisalign hurt?
Invisalign is considerably more comfortable than traditional braces. The aligners are smooth to the touch and lack sharp edges, so they do not irritate lips, gums, or cheeks. Teeth move gently and gradually without painful adjustment appointments. You may experience short-lived discomfort when you switch to a new set of aligners every one to two weeks.
If I have an overbite, can I receive Invisalign?
Invisalign is an excellent choice for mild to moderate overbites. A qualified orthodontist can add tooth-colored “buttons” and elastic bands to Invisalign treatment to correct overbite, underbite, and crossbite. However, a severe bite problem may require other therapies.
Call Greater Hartford Orthodontics
When considering orthodontic treatment, it pays to know the pros and cons of each treatment. Our orthodontic experts can help you select your ideal treatment based on your needs. Please call our Newington, CT, office at 860-667-8277 to schedule a consultation today.
If you or your child would benefit from braces, you may want to schedule an initial appointment with an orthodontist. You or your child may have the following symptoms:
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Dental bite issues (overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite)
Many patients feel uncertain about their first appointment with an orthodontist and want to know what will happen. This blog provides an outline of your first appointment and explains the best ways to prepare.
Scheduling a Consultation
The first step is scheduling a consultation with a trusted provider. Your family dentist may work with a specific provider, or you may want to research and find your orthodontist independently.
Preparing For Your Orthodontist Appointment
Assemble a list of questions for your orthodontic provider. You will want to know how long they expect treatment to last, how frequent your appointments will be, any dietary restrictions you need to follow, and the various treatment steps.
The provider’s qualifications you should keep in mind include the following:
- Experience treating children and adults
- Activity in local and national professional organizations
- Breadth and scope of available procedures
- Strong connections with the community
Your First Appointment
During your first appointment, your provider will discuss your medical and dental history. They will want to know as much as you can provide about your oral and general health.
Next, your orthodontist will take digital impressions of your teeth, using these to determine your needs. Your orthodontist will let you know what type of treatment you or your child would find the most beneficial, from Invisalign to standard metal braces.
Finally, your orthodontist will design and install your appliances to provide the best possible results.
Tips to Help Your Orthodontic Treatment Run Smoothly
- Keep all scheduled dental and orthodontic appointments
- Follow all recommendations, including wearing your clear aligners daily or changing braces elastics when necessary
- Keep your teeth as clean as possible using robust hygiene practices
- If your braces break or lose a part, contact your orthodontist immediately for repairs
Braces Can Change Your Life
If you or your child feel uncomfortable with your smile, braces can improve your self-image and boost your confidence. With a straight, brilliant smile, you will have a better attitude and want to show your smile to the world.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces
How long do braces take?
On average, braces take about 18 months to 3 years to complete. However, many patients experience shorter treatment times, especially if they need less extensive correction.
Are braces uncomfortable?
After you have become accustomed to wearing braces, the appliances will not be uncomfortable. You may experience some minor discomfort when your orthodontist adjusts your braces, but this should be short-lived.
Call Greater Hartford Orthodontics
Getting braces can improve your oral health and your self-confidence. If you want to know more about braces and how they can help you or your child, please call our office at 860-667-8277. We will gladly answer your questions.
Braces are a versatile, efficient way to achieve a beautiful smile. They can treat orthodontic problems from gapped teeth to severe malocclusion.
Braces treatment averages about two years, depending on the complexity of your alignment issues. We can correct simple misalignments in under 12 months, but more complex cases may need up to three years.
How Braces Work
Braces work by applying gentle pressure to the teeth with a system of brackets, wires, and bands. Directed by your orthodontist, the teeth move gradually into ideal positions.
The parts of orthodontic braces are as follows:
- Molar Bands: These bands go around the back teeth, holding the wires in place.
- Brackets: The orthodontist cements small metal or clear brackets to the teeth, allowing the wire to create tooth movement.
- Archwires: To facilitate tooth movement, the orthodontist tightens the archwire every two to four weeks.
- Elastics: Tiny rubber bands encircle the brackets and hold the archwire in place. Self-ligating brackets (H4 braces) do not need elastics, and they work faster than standard metal braces.
Advantages of Braces
Improve Oral Health
Patients find it more challenging to keep crooked teeth clean. Poor oral hygiene can cause dental problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. After your braces come off, you will enjoy the convenience of keeping your teeth clean.
Build Self-Confidence
If you feel you need braces, you may feel self-conscious about your smile. A brighter, straighter smile can improve your quality of life and make you feel better about yourself.
Correct Bite Problems
Many bite problems, such as overbite and underbite, can cause jaw soreness and expose teeth to excess wear. Well-aligned teeth are better protected from damage.
Braces Options We Offer
Metal Braces
Classic metal braces are the strongest and most versatile option. They are also among the most affordable.
Clear Braces
Clear brackets are not as strong as metal, but they are appropriate for older teens and adults who want to treat their orthodontic issues with more discretion.
H4 Braces
This brand of self-ligating braces allows for faster treatment and does not require changing elastics.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces go on the inside surfaces of the teeth for complete discretion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces
How can I keep my teeth healthy with braces?
If you have braces, you need to take extra care to keep your teeth clean. Brushing and flossing may be more challenging, but doing so is vital to your lifetime oral health.
Brush carefully at a 45-degree angle, covering both the tops and bottoms of your brackets. Use an interproximal brush to clear food and debris from behind your wires. Use a floss threader to access your gums.
Are braces uncomfortable?
Your oral tissues will quickly adapt to wearing braces. If you experience discomfort, use orthodontic wax to cover sharp edges.
Call Greater Hartford Orthodontics
Braces can improve your self-image and boost your oral health. For more information about braces, please call our Newington, CT, office at 860-667-8277. We would gladly schedule a consultation with Dr. Cos.
Invisalign® is a fast, discreet orthodontic system that teens and young adults prefer. While braces can take up to three years, Invisalign treatment typically lasts between nine and 18 months. Some patients may see permanent results sooner.
The Invisalign Process
Invisalign uses 3-D digital technology to create a series of custom aligners made of advanced, medical-grade plastic. The aligners gradually move your teeth into ideal positions as you progress through the series.
Step 1: Consultation
You will meet your orthodontist to determine whether you are a good candidate for Invisalign. Most older teens and adults with minor to moderate orthodontic issues meet the criteria.
You will discuss your treatment expectations with your orthodontist and have the opportunity to ask questions. Your orthodontist will create a clear treatment plan and ensure you understand the process.
Step 2: Design
To design the trays, your orthodontist will take digital impressions of your mouth using the proprietary iTero intraoral scanner. A digital impression is fast, comfortable, and significantly more accurate than the messy impressions you may remember.
Digital impressions allow your orthodontist to see your oral anatomy in 3-D and plan the movement of each tooth over time. Invisalign software helps to turn the designs into aligner plans.
Step 3: Manufacture
The orthodontist transmits the data to the Invisalign lab, where expert technicians create your aligners using advanced materials.
Step 4: Treatment
When your aligners return from the lab, you will have a fitting where your orthodontist will ensure they are comfortable and made accurately.
You will wear each aligner for roughly one to two weeks and change to the next in the series. You must see your orthodontist approximately every six weeks to check your progress.
In nine to 18 months, you will have a beautiful, well-aligned smile with no hassle and discomfort associated with traditional braces.
Step 5: Retainer
Retainer use after treatment is essential to protect your investment. Wearing your retainer as directed ensures that your teeth will settle in new positions and not slip back to their original locations.
Best Uses of Invisalign
The following orthodontic conditions respond best to Invisalign treatment:
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Rotated teeth
- Minor to moderate bite issues (overbite, underbite)
Advantages of Invisalign
Faster Than Braces
One of Invisalign’s top advantages is that it can be faster than braces for some orthodontic conditions.
Comfortable
Smooth plastic aligners have no sharp edges, brackets, or wires to irritate soft oral tissues. Since the aligners fit close to your natural teeth, you may forget you are wearing them.
Discreet
Many teens and adults feel anxious about braces because they believe the treatment will attract unwanted attention. Invisalign allows patients to keep their orthodontic work private.
Improved Oral Health
Compared to braces, Invisalign patients have significantly better gum health. Removable trays allow patients to keep their teeth cleaner, reducing their chance of gum disease and tooth decay.
Eat What You Like
With Invisalign, you will not need to stop eating your favorite foods. Steak, apples, popcorn, corn on the cob, and candy can stay on the menu.
Tips for Success With Invisalign
- Practice excellent oral hygiene, brushing your teeth and flossing as your orthodontist recommends
- Thoroughly clean your aligners daily, avoiding hot water and abrasive toothpaste
- Wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours every day, removing them only to eat, drink, and keep them clean
- If you lose or damage an aligner, inform your orthodontist as soon as possible to obtain a replacement
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign
Who is a good candidate for Invisalign?
Patients should have excellent oral hygiene habits. They should be responsible enough to follow directions and wear their aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily. They should have all their permanent teeth, no missing teeth, and their jaws should have finished growing.
Why should I see an orthodontist for Invisalign treatment?
While many general dentists receive training to prescribe Invisalign, only a qualified orthodontist can provide expert care. Orthodontists receive years of additional training in the science of moving teeth and creating permanently beautiful smiles.
Call Greater Hartford Orthodontics
If you want to pursue Invisalign treatment, please call our Newington, CT office at 860-667-8277. Dr. Cos would enjoy meeting you and explaining how Invisalign can change your life one tooth at a time.
Invisalign® provides impressive results with few of the drawbacks of traditional braces. Comfortable, quick, and discreet, Invisalign can help transform your smile.
Invisalign uses a series of graduated aligners to shift teeth into their best positions gently. Each aligner moves a few teeth, gradually building your ideal smile. You can show off your results in just 12 to 18 months.
Advantages of Invisalign
Comfort
The medical-grade plastic aligners are strong, smooth, and comfortable to wear, making treatment simple. After you become accustomed to the aligners, you will hardly notice them on your teeth.
Discretion
Adults and older teens often dislike getting braces because they don’t want the extra attention. They may also worry that braces will interfere with their personal or professional image. Invisalign lets these patients keep their treatment private.
Versatility
Researchers find that Invisalign is as effective as braces. The system can correct simple cases of crooked and gapped teeth. With an orthodontist’s expertise, it can also treat bite issues and more complex issues.
Better Oral Health
Many patients find brushing and flossing around braces challenging, which can lead to a higher risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Researchers have found that Invisalign allows patients to maintain better gum health during and after treatment.
Fewer Orthodontic Visits
With braces, most patients must visit the orthodontist every few weeks for an adjustment. Tightening wires can cause discomfort. With Invisalign, you only need to move to the next aligner in the series. You will only need to visit your orthodontist about every six weeks.
Good Candidates for Invisalign
- Adults and teens are eligible
- Able to follow treatment instructions
- Ready to wear the aligners 20-22 hours daily
- Excellent oral hygiene
- Ability to properly care for aligners
- No missing teeth
Starting Your Invisalign Journey
If you need orthodontic treatment, Invisalign can help you straighten your teeth like braces without the hassle. We will gladly meet with you for a consultation to determine whether you are a good candidate for Invisalign and what you can expect from your treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign
Why should I see an orthodontist for Invisalign?
Many dentists receive training to prescribe Invisalign and provide adequate treatment. However, an orthodontist is a true expert in moving teeth. They receive significantly more specialist training and experience with treatment methods like Invisalign. If you visit an orthodontist, you will get better, more efficient results.
How do I care for my aligners at home?
The clear plastic aligners are durable but need special care. Clean them with non-whitening toothpaste and a soft brush. Whitening toothpaste may be too abrasive for the smooth, transparent plastic material. You can also use Invisalign’s branded cleaning crystals for a brighter sparkle.
Call Greater Hartford Orthodontics
We look forward to meeting you and helping you reach your oral health goals. Please call our Newington, CT, office at 860-667-8277 to book your consultation today.
You may have noticed swollen, tender gums if you or your child has braces. Standard braces have many wires and brackets, making it challenging to keep teeth and gums clean and healthy. In addition, some patients’ gums react to new braces by swelling and overgrowing.
This blog will explain how to combat swollen gums when you have braces and offer solutions for keeping your teeth sparkling clean.
Why Do Gums Swell With Braces?
Braces patients’ gums can swell for several reasons. Most braces patients are adolescents, meaning that the natural hormones in their bodies make it more likely that gum tissue will swell and bleed easily. Gum tissue sometimes grows down too far over the tooth in reaction to new braces, and this tender, new tissue may swell.
Gingivitis can also cause gum swelling. As the first stage of gum disease, gingivitis deserves attention from your orthodontist or family dentist. A dental practitioner should check at the patient’s next appointment and determine the cause of swollen gums.
How to Manage Swollen Gums
Improve Oral Care
Step up your child’s at-home oral care routine, including detailed flossing and careful brushing multiple times daily. Use interproximal brushes and floss threaders, if necessary, to reach between teeth and avoid wires.
Many children and teens may be reluctant to clean swollen gums due to discomfort. However, this will only make the problem worse. Your family dentist or orthodontist can help them understand the importance of positive oral care.
Avoid Hard Foods
Chewing on hard or crunchy foods can make gum swelling worse. While your child’s gums swell, advise them to eat a softer diet.
The Consequences of Periodontal Disease
Swollen gums are not unusual for braces patients. They could swell for benign reasons like hormone changes but also exhibit signs of gingivitis.
You or your child could have gingivitis if the swollen gums are tender to the touch or bleeding when brushed or flossed. Reversing gingivitis early on is key to protecting you from the serious effects of periodontal disease later in life.
If gingivitis goes untreated, it eventually progresses to full-blown periodontal disease. The end stages of periodontal disease may result in tooth loss. If your gums swell with braces, it is not too late to protect your healthy teeth for a lifetime.
Promote Excellent Oral Hygiene
Braces have amazing effects on your smile, but caring for them can be challenging. Keeping up with your oral hygiene or that of your child is a must with braces. To prevent lifelong oral health issues, take action now.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces
How long will I have to wear braces?
Braces take approximately 18 months to three years for most patients. Depending on your orthodontic issues, you or your child may have a longer or shorter treatment time.
How do I use a floss threader?
A floss threader works like a thin, soft, blunt-tipped sewing needle. Simply thread the floss through the eye and use the threader to guide the floss between the teeth.
Call Greater Hartford Orthodontics
If you have swollen gums, visiting your orthodontist for an evaluation is a good idea. Please call our Newington, CT, office at 860-667-8277 to schedule an appointment with one of our orthodontic specialists.
Braces are an effective and highly versatile orthodontic system. When you have braces, small gaps in your teeth will close relatively quickly, starting at about six to nine months. If you have multiple gaps in your teeth, it may take about 12 months to 2 years to close them with braces.
Causes of Teeth Gaps
The most common cause of gapped front teeth is a low-seated frenulum that keeps the teeth from meeting. The frenulum is a fold of skin that attaches the upper lip to the gum.
Other causes include having small teeth, large jaws, unerupted permanent teeth, and an absence of teeth in the jawbone.
Effects of Gapped Teeth
Many patients feel self-conscious about gapped teeth. Gapped teeth can also affect your oral health. If your teeth have a large gap, you may not have room in your mouth for teeth that need to erupt, disrupting your bite.
Correcting Teeth Gaps With Braces
Gapped teeth are among the most common reasons patients choose to receive braces. Braces are a cost-effective way to achieve permanent tooth realignment. While clear aligners also work to correct gaps, braces are more versatile and appropriate for children and adult patients.
Before you receive braces, your orthodontist will thoroughly examine your teeth and determine whether gaps interfere with your bite or the eruption of other teeth. They will take a complete set of 3-D digital impressions with the iTero® Element Digital Impression Scanner, making a model of your teeth to plan your treatment.
Braces Options We Offer
Metal Braces
Metal braces are the most cost-effective option. They are appropriate for all ages and have great flexibility in treating misaligned teeth.’
Clear Braces
These braces come with clear brackets, making them less visible on the patient’s teeth and allowing some discretion in treatment.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are attached on the inside of the patient’s teeth, giving the control and versatility of braces while keeping brackets and wires out of sight.
H4® Braces
Self-ligating braces need no elastics or metal ties to hold the wire on the brackets.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces
Are braces uncomfortable?
There can be some discomfort when you adjust to wearing braces and sometimes after adjustments, but it should be minor. Use orthodontic wax on the brackets and wires if they rub against the inside of your lips and cheeks.
After I have braces, will my teeth stay in place?
If you wear your retainer as prescribed, you will not lose the hard work you put into your orthodontic treatment. If you ever need a tooth extraction after treatment, replace the tooth immediately to avoid alignment problems and the reappearance of gaps.
Call Greater Hartford Orthodontics
If you have gaps in your teeth and want a beautifully aligned smile, please call our Newington, CT, office at 860-667-8277. You can schedule a consultation with Dr. Cos to plan your treatment.
Palate expanders or palatal expander devices are common tools in early orthodontic treatment. Children and teens may receive them if they do not have enough room in their jaws for their permanent teeth to erupt.
After a palate expander, the next step typically involves putting braces on the patient’s teeth. Braces can correct alignment issues and work more effectively after a palate expander, often shortening treatment times.
What is a Palate Expander?
A palate expander is a custom-made orthodontic appliance that widens the upper jaw over time. The two bones that make up the roof of the mouth do not fully fuse until adolescence, allowing a palate expander to do its job. The expander creates more room for the permanent teeth and allows braces to work more effectively.
The palate expander is a stainless-steel device that the orthodontist bonds to the teeth at the back of the upper jaw. This device includes a small key that the parents turn once or twice daily to increase its width. Over time, the gentle pressure exerted by the palate expander will widen the jaw, allowing better permanent tooth alignment.
Conditions Treated By a Palate Expander
Malocclusion
A palate expander allows more room for the permanent teeth to erupt in the right places. The patient’s teeth will come in straighter, and subsequent braces treatment may be less complicated.
Prevent Impacted Teeth
When teeth become impacted, they cannot emerge through the gums in the proper location. Gum tissue or bone blocks an impacted tooth from erupting. The most commonly impacted permanent teeth are the canines. Palate expanders often allow the impacted teeth to erupt without extracting healthy teeth.
Crossbite
Crossbites happen when the upper and lower jaw are different in size. The upper jaw is usually too narrow, meaning the bottom teeth bite outside the top teeth. Untreated crossbites can lead to TMJ, excessive tooth wear, and an altered facial appearance.
Underbite
An underbite happens when the front lower teeth bite outside the top teeth. Palate expanders can help with this condition as well.
Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea may happen when a child or teen has a narrow upper jaw, meaning the airway becomes blocked during sleep. Correcting the jaw’s size using palate expanders can improve overall health and have a lower chance of serious complications.
Improve Smile Aesthetics
Palate expanders can make the patient’s smile broader and brighter.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontics
At what age should you start orthodontic treatment?
Ideally, children should see an orthodontist for the first time at age seven. The permanent teeth begin to emerge around this time, and the orthodontist can determine the possibility of future problems. Interceptive orthodontic treatment, including using devices like palate expanders, can also begin earlier in childhood.
Can an adult get a palate expander?
By the time a patient reaches adulthood, the palate bones have fused. This means that a palate expander is less likely to work.
Call Greater Hartford Orthodontics
If your child or teen has a narrow upper jaw and your orthodontist recommends a palate expander, you may be concerned about this intervention. Palate expanders are safe and effective and produce only minor discomfort, particularly in the first few days after installation.
Please call our Newington, CT, office at 860-667-8277 to learn more about palate expanders and how they can help your child or teen achieve a healthy smile.
Does your child need a palatal expander device (also known as a PED)? Do you need one?
Following the advice of an oral health professional if they recommend palatal expansion is important. That said, if you or a loved one needs a palatal expander, you might have questions regarding how much treatment will cost.
There’s no universal answer to the question “How much does a palatal expander cost?” However, the following guide will help you better understand why palatal expansion may be necessary and how much you might expect to spend on this form of treatment.
The Purpose of a Palatal Expander
A qualified dentist or orthodontist may recommend a palatal expander to widen the palate (roof of mouth or upper section of the jaw). Most patients who need palatal expanders are children or teenagers. However, in rare instances, an adult might also benefit from using one.
Palatal expanders qualify as interceptive orthodontic devices. Interceptive orthodontic treatments serve to correct bite problems early, before relatively minor issues develop into potentially significant misalignments. For example, if a child uses a palatal expander for a period of time, later on, they may avoid the need for braces, or they might not have to wear braces for as long as they otherwise would have.
Benefits of Palatal Expanders
Palatal expanders can offer a range of benefits and advantages to patients who need them. Examples include (but aren’t necessarily limited to) the following:
- Preventing or reducing airway obstruction
- Reducing crowding, so that teeth may erupt in the correct positions
- Correcting a crossbite
- Allowing for greater facial symmetry
- Potentially guarding against tooth impaction
Again, by using a palatal expander to treat an orthodontic issue early, a patient could minimize their need for future orthodontic treatments. Thus, it’s possible that equipping your child with a palatal expander now could theoretically help you save money in the long run. Additionally, by addressing bite issues, a palatal expander could decrease a patient’s chances of developing the following:
- Dental decay
- Infections
- Gum disease
- Pain or discomfort
Wearing a Palatal Expander: What You Need to Know
A palatal expander consists of two main pieces, both of which attach to a patient’s upper molars. One piece attaches to the upper left molars, while the other attaches to the molars on the upper right. Together, they exert pressure to expand the upper jaw area.
It’s unlikely a patient will experience any significant pain when wearing a palatal expander, although they may experience some discomfort as they grow accustomed to the device. Some patients only need to wear palatal expanders for about half a year to achieve the desired results. Others may need to wear the devices for a year to see maximum benefits.
What is the Cost of a Palatal Expander?
The cost of a palatal expander can vary from one patient to another. Factors that may influence a palatal expander’s cost include:
- The patient’s age
- How complex the device is (as not all palatal expanders are exactly the same)
- How long a patient needs to wear a palatal expander
- A patient’s dental insurance
Palatal expansion for children usually costs between $1,000 and $2,500. For adults, whose cases are often more complex, palatal expansion may cost between $3,500 and $6,000.
Those are average cost ranges. Some patients may pay less than average, while others might pay more. Just remember, palatal expansion could potentially reduce the need for future orthodontic and dental treatment, thereby minimizing long-term expenses.
Learn More About Palatal Expanders in the Greater Hartford Area
At Greater Hartford Orthodontics, in Newington, CT, we’d be happy to answer any questions you may have about palatal expanders and your options for paying for this treatment. Get started today by contacting us online or calling us at 860-667-8277 to request an appointment.