Dental Braces for Teens and Adults in Culver City CA
There are potential health risks associated with malocclusion or a bad bite. Gum disease, loose teeth, tooth decay, speech defects, and abnormalities in jaw movement are some of the usual health-threatening problems that must be given attention and proper treatment.
Read along to learn more about how dental braces can help you refrain from these risks and help you achieve perfectly aligned teeth at the same time.
As malocclusion becomes the third priority for oral and health diseases worldwide, and America ranks third among all countries with a 53% prevalence rate in the entire population, this dental condition shouldn’t be overlooked.
Hence, let our orthodontists at Culver City Dentist United Dental Care fix your crowded, crooked, or misaligned teeth.
Read more to discover the art and science of this well-known orthodontic treatment.
Photo by: @Dental Refreshener
What are braces for?
Braces, also known as orthodontic cases, are dental devices correcting malocclusion or excessive, overcrowding teeth. This misalignment causes what dentists call a “bad bite.”
As the misaligned teeth protrude over the other teeth, these unfavorably lead to facial deformation, worse, soreness, and abnormal mouth function.
Therefore, addressing bad bites with braces will align a crooked jaw and restore one’s facial features.
Although dental braces vary in type, they are mainly composed of brackets, bands, wires, and other permanent and removable components - all secured to the teeth. An orthodontist adjusts these braces periodically to monitor teeth movement and progress.
What common orthodontic problems can braces fix?
Among all malocclusion cases, here’s a list of common orthodontic problems that braces can fix:
| Orthodontic Problems | Description |
| Overbite | The upper front teeth reach the lower gum when biting down, and the lower front teeth reach the roof of the mouth |
| Underbite | Also known as an anterior crossbite. The lower front teeth protrude over the upper front teeth. |
| Overjet | The top front teeth extend horizontally beyond the lower front teeth, thus interfering with speaking and chewing mechanisms. |
| Diastema | Also known as a gap in the teeth, i.e. the space usually in between two front teeth |
| Overcrowding | The teeth overlap over the other due to lack of space resulting in crooked teeth condition. |
| Spacing | The teeth have excess space in between one another |
| Impacted Teeth | The teeth cannot come out naturally from the gum due to overcrowding. Braces are fit once extracted out of the gums. |
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What are the main types of braces?
Dental braces come in various types, mainly in terms of materials. Nonetheless, all their function remains essentially the same.
Here’s a quick guide to the main types of braces that you must know and consider as you proceed with this treatment.
| Types | Features | Average Cost |
| Metal braces |
Also known as traditional braces.
Technically made of metal brackets, arch wires, and rubber bands |
$3,000 - $7,000 |
| Ceramic Braces | The brackets are made of tooth-colored ceramic materials | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Self-Ligating Braces | Brackets have built-in mechanisms to secure the archwire in place | $3,500 - $8,500 |
| Lingual Braces | Also known as inside braces
The brackets are attached to the back side of the teeth facing the tongue |
$8,000 - $10,000 |
| Clear Aligners | Also known as Invisible Braces or Invisalign
These are clear plastic trays that fit and give pressure to the teeth |
$4,000 - $7,400 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the best color for your braces relies on your personal preference. But there are points to consider in deciding which color fits you best:
Skin Complexion
• For Darker Skin tones: Gold, dark blue, green, pink, gray
• For Lighter Skin tones: Light blue, red, black, dark purple
Teeth Color
• For Teeth to appear whiter: Black, dark blue, dark purple, maroon
There are excellent ways to save money with dental braces.
• Buy dental insurance
• Use a tax-exempt savings account
• Enroll in no-interest financing
• Apply for financial assistance
• Take proper good care of your braces
Your orthodontist will not give you a long list of food to refrain from after having your braces. You must avoid common foods and/or be extra careful when eating hard, crunchy, and stain-causing food and beverages.
As these dental devices are prone to accumulating more set-in particles in the teeth, you’re expected to brush your teeth thoroughly - especially after eating - while being extra careful to avoid damaging the brackets. We recommend using a soft bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste for your oral hygiene.
On average, braces take 12 to 36 months, depending on the severity of the malocclusion. It is still best to consult us so our orthodontist can assess how long your dental treatment will go.
Ages 9 to 14, the pre-puberty stage, is considered the best period to get braces. Teeth and jaw movements are easier as compared to those who already are in the post-puberty stage.
Get In Touch With Our Orthodontist Now
Braces aren’t just made for cosmetics.
In fact, they are designed to restore your teeth and safeguard your oral health.
Boost your confidence and self-image while proactively taking care of your well-being.
Consult our orthodontists in Culver City Dentist United Dental Care.
Book a consultation to get started today.