Straight Teeth Last Longer and Here’s Why

In the pursuit of a show-stopping smile, millions of teens and adults get orthodontics each year. Considered a rite of passage for most kids as they enter their teenage years, the cost for orthodontics is an anticipated expense deemed worthwhile for health and long-term happiness, despite the temporary wallet paralysis. But for others, the price is a significant concern, and therefore, orthodontia becomes a low priority and postponed.

But straight teeth provide much more than cosmetic benefits. There are medical benefits as well. 

“If your teeth are straight, they are easier to maintain and are less likely to fracture and wear,” said Michael Longlet, DDS.

The Cost of Crooked Teeth

Crooked and crowded teeth are harder to clean, as it is easier for food to get trapped between the teeth. This means a higher risk of tooth decay and tooth loss, leading to costly procedures to correct. Other health issues that can arise include sleep apnea, gum disease, speech impediments, chewing, and digestion difficulty, not to mention the risk of low self-esteem.

“I had a patient who needed to have a filling, but his teeth were so crowded I had to refer him to an oral surgeon to have a tooth extracted so I could have access to complete the filling,” said Dr. Longlet.

Depending on the needs of the individual and geographic location, the price for orthodontics can vary, but the money spent helps protect the long-term oral health of the individual. Thankfully, many insurances cover a portion of this expense, making it more affordable. If you compare the potential cost of restorative procedures such as fillings, extractions, and root canals, orthodontics is a wise investment. 

A tooth extraction alone can cost upwards of $250. A root canal can cost around $1000 if you don’t have insurance and around ¼ to ½ that amount if you do. These procedures – over a lifetime – can quickly multiply the cost of orthodontics.

A Clear Solution: Invisalign

At Mill Point Dental, we have adult patients who either wore braces as a youth and had orthodontia relapse, or they never wore them and are now in a position to seek treatment. We also have teens who are ready to take the plunge into orthodontics. To meet the needs of our patients, we are a proud Invisalign® provider. 

But not everyone is a good candidate for Invisalign, such as people with jaw issues or if teeth need to be extruded (pulled down) or a crossbite. An evaluation is necessary to determine if Invisalign is a viable treatment option. During an assessment, our dental team examines, photographs, and scans teeth. This data is then imported into Invisalign’s ClinCheck® software to see how the aligners will move the teeth and determine if the treatment will provide the desired outcomes. 

The cost of delaying orthodontic treatment can be significantly higher than the cost of braces. If you are considering orthodontics for your child or yourself, we invite you to schedule an appointment to talk with us about Invisalign. Your best interests are our top priority. If we can’t give you the results you desire, we will refer you to one of our outstanding local orthodontic specialists.