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The Pros and Cons of Orthodontics

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Braces were not very popular back in the day. The dreadful nickname “metal mouth” was often used to tease those who had to show horribly thick, metal wires and brackets all over their teeth. Then, there was the thought of experiencing a first kiss with a mouth full of metal. Most patients preferred to take a more natural route electing to live with a slightly imperfect smile over a metal one. Today, braces are fashion statements, imagine that! Patients can choose from a variety of color combinations for a trendy look, or they can choose the more natural kind. With more manageable materials and a variety of choices, all ages of patients are wearing braces with pride. While considering the need of braces, there are several key factors to …show more content…

Fixing broken appliances can sometimes be an extra charge and can become costly very quickly if intervention by a parent or dentist is not taken.
Braces are not cheap. It is not very often that an insurance covers orthodontics and when they do, sometimes it is for a specific age range of young adults. The average cost of orthodontic treatment is between $3,000 and $6,000, depending on where you live and what the treatment plan looks like (S., Lynn. "12 Things You Should Know Before Getting Braces"). Some dental offices offer a discount for paying upfront in advance for all your treatment. This may not be the best option depending on which office is chosen and what their reputation is like. Saving money is great, but protecting yourself financially is even better. While most orthodontists are principled and try run a financially legit practice, there are some occasions where that is not the case. Being on a payment plan is always the best way to go to protect assets. How long will the patient be in braces? Duration of treatment depends on the individual’s case. The average treatment is two years. There are methods for moving teeth faster, but before a method is chosen, all the information should be gathered about what the treatment will entail. For example, there is one six month method that incorporates fairly painful jaw surgery to accomplish its goals. Two years in braces may seem like a long time, but it

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