Braces FAQ
How do braces work?
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Brackets designed to hold an archwire and elastic bands are bonded to the teeth. The elastics and wire work together to exert gentle pressure on your teeth and jaw, gradually shifting them into proper position.
What problems can braces fix?
Braces can improve a wide variety of orthodontic issues. If you have:
Then braces might be the orthodontic treatment for you!
Do I need to see an orthodontist to get braces?
Because braces require qualification in orthodontics to administer, they are only available from an orthodontist. Our Philadelphia, PA, team recommends that patients visit their dentist for a cleaning and checkup before seeking orthodontic treatment. This ensures their oral health and readiness for braces.
Many dentists offer corrective options like Invisalign®, but regardless of what treatment you choose, seeing a specialist like an orthodontist is the best way to ensure optimal results.
Read Why Greater Philadelphia Loves Us "Dr. Hodges and her team helped to give me my confidence back."
Heaven Elise
2021
Usually doctors and dental appointments aren’t things people look forward too, but I enjoyed every visit with this office! The staff is super friendly and always does what is in the best interest of the client. My mom brought me to Dr. Hodges when I was 9 years old for an expander, and came back on my own for my braces treatment 11 years later. They were always adamant about helping me and making sure that they followed up with the various insurance companies I dealt with during my treatment, to make sure they could minimize my out of pocket expenses; as well as ensuring my monthly payments weren’t straining me financially because I’m a college student. I could not have asked for a better experience!
View on Googletiara g
2022
The best orthodontics, hands down. I swear, I have met the most amazing women in my entire life here! These ladies literally have made my entire braces experience the best I could ever ask for. From walking into the door, to sitting in the chair and getting my braces done for the day. They make you feel so comfortable, and I feel that I have made so many connections with all of the employees there! Thank you all for making my time here anxiety free ❤️ I love you all ❤️❤️❤️❤️
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Are there other orthodontic treatments
I can choose instead of braces?
Patients who qualify may opt for these corrective treatments instead of traditional braces:
Fast Acting Adult Braces (FAAB)
Patients who have minor issues with tooth or jaw misalignment may prefer FAAB. This orthodontic treatment typically takes 6–12 months to achieve results.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a clear, removable alternative to braces. A set of Invisalign aligners is customized for every patient and designed to gradually change the position of teeth over time. Invisalign is widely available in Greater Philadelphia, but our orthodontic focus can provide you with outstanding results.
"Retainers Only" Treatment
Minor cases of misalignment may be treated with retainers alone, providing a discreet, removable way to straighten teeth.
Wilckodontics
Wilckodontics® is an accelerated treatment option that can straighten teeth almost immediately through a combination of orthodontics and dental surgery. Due to the surgical nature of this treatment, patients will require a 7–10-day recovery period.
How long will I have to wear my braces?
On average, most of our Greater Philadelphia patients achieve results with braces in less than two years. If you have a major life event coming up that might make you reluctant to begin treatment with braces, such as a wedding or milestone birthday, consult with your orthodontist to see if another orthodontic treatment like Invisalign might be the choice for you.
Am I too old for braces?
It's never too late to correct your smile with orthodontics! Our Philadelphia orthodontists help patients of all ages achieve stunning results with braces. Adult candidates who are considering orthodontics must be in good dental health before receiving treatment.
If you are experiencing a dental health issue that could affect your candidacy, such as missing teeth or gum disease, your orthodontist can recommend a preparatory restorative procedure.
Choose an Orthodontist for the Very Best Results
If dentists offer corrective alternatives to braces, why should you choose an orthodontist like Dr. Kellyn Hodges? Because orthodontists are specially trained to diagnose and correct the issues that treatments like braces can fix.
Our decorated team of orthodontists is fully qualified to treat patients in the Greater Philadelphia area with braces and other options in orthodontics, helping them achieve the highest-quality results.
To learn how orthodontics can transform your smile, contact us online or give Kellyn Hodges Orthodontics a call at:
(610) 617-0700
Are braces uncomfortable?
It's common to experience some tooth and jaw discomfort for the first few days after receiving braces and after subsequent adjustments. However, the pain should be mild and treatable with over-the-counter medication. If discomfort persists, our orthodontists recommend that patients eat soft foods and use cold compresses to minimize pain and inflammation.
How do I take care of my teeth while wearing braces?
It is important to maintain good dental hygiene throughout any orthodontic treatment by brushing and flossing regularly. Because braces can make flossing difficult, our orthodontists recommend using floss threaders, which are small plastic loops that help you work around the wire of your braces to easily access the spaces between your teeth.
How often will I have to
visit my orthodontist during treatment?
In most cases, patients visit one of our Philadelphia-area practices every 5–10 weeks for a checkup and braces adjustment. The frequency of your appointments will be determined by your specific needs and individual care plan.
During an adjustment, your orthodontist will check that your brackets are still firmly placed and change your elastics and wire to ensure the gradual progression of your teeth to their planned position.
What happens once my braces are removed?
Once you have completed orthodontic treatment with braces, you will receive a custom-made retainer that will help your teeth stay in position. While your bite is still stabilizing in the first month after treatment, it is especially important to wear your retainer in order to minimize the risk of shifting and the need for additional corrective orthodontic work. Your orthodontist may recommend that you wear your retainer to sleep each night for the first year or two after your braces are removed. In some cases, we may advise you to wear your retainer at night indefinitely.
How much will my braces cost?
A set of metal braces typically costs between $4,000 and $7,000, and ceramic braces tend to cost between $5,000 and $8,000. Because each patient has unique orthodontic needs, the cost of treatment with braces will vary per individual, and treatment for patients with minor misalignment may cost less.
We do our best to keep our orthodontic services affordable, and we can work with most insurance providers to help you obtain the best possible coverage. Our Bensalem, Montgomeryville, and Bala Cynwyd offices provide Greater Philadelphia patients with personalized payment plans with no down payments and low monthly installments.
5-Star Reviews from Throughout Greater Philadelphia
"The staff is so friendly and everything
is just made so easy when you're in there."
Sonya Yvelisse
2021
I have only good things to say about this place. The entire place is so beautiful and comfortable, sometimes they have amazingly scented candles burning. The staff is always friendly and everything is just made so easy when you’re in there. At my first appointment I was evaluated by Dr. Hodges and everything was explained very clearly in regards to time frame, what would be done, and billing. They also gave a sweet little gift when my braces were taken off. I’m so glad I picked this orthodontist.
View on GoogleHonor W
2022
We’ve been going now for several years, the staff is very friendly and professional, we are seen quickly every time we go. The whole experience has been very pleasant. My daughter and I are extremely happy with the results after her braces came off. We also especially enjoyed working with Linda, who was always really warm and made my daughter feel comfortable and safe!
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