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Orthodontics and Tooth Braces: You and Your Smile Are Worth It!

Our jaws do more than chew, grind and tear our food. They also help us swallow and enable us to experience normal speech. And, they contribute to our basic oral health. But most of us take our jaws for granted.

Orthodontics dentists know that when jaws meet correctly and teeth are configured properly, it's called occlusion. When things don't fit, that's malocclusion. About two million Americans suffer from malocclusion. Tooth braces can help improve the effects of malocclusion and other orthodontic problems.

For 20% of us, jaw problems are a handicap. For 5% of us, malocclusion can be considered a physical and mental hardship. Tooth braces and orthodontics make it possible to eat, breathe, and communicate normally.

Tooth braces can literally affect the quality of life in the most fundamental ways and give you the smile you have always wanted.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Learn About the Cost of Braces from a Dentist or Orthodontist

When contemplating orthodontic treatment, the cost of braces can be a major concern. Though there's plenty of variation depending on where you are and what sort of treatment you want, on average, dental braces cost about $5,000.

Dental insurance does not always cover orthodontics. Some dental plans may offer supplemental orthodontic insurance plans. If you are insured, you should check with your insurance carrier to see if they will cover getting braces.

In general, teen braces tend to be the most affordable braces option. (Since teens' teeth are still developing, it can be technically easier to straighten crooked teeth.) Adult braces can cost a little more, especially if you choose cosmetic dentistry options like invisible braces or ceramic braces that have tooth-colored ceramic brackets.

"Clear braces" are a popular choice. Invisalign braces are not actually braces per se; they are clear plastic aligners that straighten teeth. Patients get a progressive series of aligners that move crooked teeth into the desired position. Cosmetic dentists and their patients often prefer the look of Invisalign. The average Invisalign cost is about the same as for adult braces.

Your braces expense will also depend on what sort of braces dentists you see. Orthodontists tend to charge about $600 more than general dentists for orthodontic work. While a general dentist may be fully qualified to offer braces, an orthodontist will have completed several extra years of study, and will be capable of handling more complicated orthodontia.

The cost of dental braces varies by region. Orthodontic treatment costs the most in the Northeast, the Pacific states, and Canada. Affordable braces can most easily be found in the Western mountain states. In addition, urban dentists charge more for orthodontic treatment than do suburban or rural doctors.

Whether it's for yourself or your child, getting braces is a big choice, and can be a significant expense. But in the long run, straight teeth are a priceless reward.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.