Orthodontic Braces in Grand Rapids

The cost of treatment with orthodontic braces can vary considerably based on the nature and severity of the misalignment being treated. It can also vary depending on the type of braces being used. 

While translucent braces are usually more costly than traditional braces, at Karl Orthodontics we offer a free upgrade to translucent braces whenever they are a suitable option.

Self-ligating braces are also more expensive than traditional metal braces, but if these braces are right for you, we are happy to offer budget-friendly payment plans to make this option more affordable.

Most children, teens and adults who have healthy teeth and gums are generally good candidates for braces. That said, certain people with significant recession or oral health conditions may not be candidates.

Braces come in a variety of styles and can address a wide range of moderate to complex orthodontic issues, so there are very few limits to who can benefit from them.

We offer self-ligating braces and translucent (polycrystalline) braces at Karl Orthodontics.

Self-ligating braces don't require elastics or ties like traditional braces do, giving them a neater, more streamlined look. Translucent braces have brackets that are made from polycrystalline that is color matched with your teeth, allowing them to blend in with your smile.

Invisalign clear aligners are also an option for low-profile orthodontic treatment.

The average treatment time for braces is 12 to 24 months, but this can vary significantly from one patient to another. The duration of your orthodontic treatment depends primarily on the type and severity of your misalignment. As you might expect, mild or moderate cases are quicker to treat than more complex ones.

You'll probably need a week or two to become fully accustomed to your braces after you first get them. You may find it hard to resist poking them with your tongue as you get used to how the wires and brackets feel.

You may also notice that certain areas of your mouth rub against the braces and get sore. Orthodontic wax can be placed on any rubbing brackets or wires to help create a smoother surface with less friction as your mouth adjusts. Again, this discomfort is temporary, and after a couple of weeks, your mouth will likely feel normal again.

If you have metal braces with rubber bands, you can update the color of your braces every time you come in for an adjustment appointment. Orthodontic elastics can come in a rainbow of different colors for you to choose from. Having the option to personalize your braces in this way can make the orthodontic treatment process a little more fun!

We also often use e-chain to close the spaces between teeth, and these come in lots of colors as well.

You can change your braces color based on the season, upcoming holidays, or your personal style.

You will almost certainly experience some discomfort at different points of your orthodontic treatment with braces. However, any pain you feel during your braces treatment is temporary and usually resolves over a few days or even hours.

You can expect some discomfort from braces for a week or so after you first get them. You should also expect some soreness for a few hours or days after your adjustment appointments as the teeth begin to shift. Patients tend to describe it as a sensation of pressure or an ache. This type of pain is usually easily managed with over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen until it has passed.

Another type of temporary discomfort you may experience during your braces treatment is when the brackets rub against the inside of your mouth. This can also happen when you first get your braces and directly after adjustment appointments. Orthodontic wax can be applied to the braces in the areas where the rubbing occurs to create a smoother surface against the inside of your mouth. You can also use painkillers to manage this discomfort until it passes.

Absolutely! Braces can be an excellent orthodontic treatment option for adults. In fact, more and more adults these days are opting to undergo orthodontic treatment that they missed out on when they were younger to improve their oral health and the appearance of smiles.

Many of our adult patients prefer the lower profile, more streamlined look of translucent ceramic braces, self-ligating braces, or Invisalign. All these options allow you to straighten your teeth without the more pronounced appearance of traditional braces.

Yes, children as young as seven years old may be candidates for braces in certain cases. Some developing misalignments and bite problems can be more easily treated when children are young, when we can work with and guide their oral development, rather than undoing issues that are already established later on.

With all that being said, we take a conservative approach to braces for children and only prescribe them when there's a serious risk of future orthodontic problems.

Yes, it's a good idea to brush your teeth at least after each meal throughout your braces treatment.

Oral hygiene becomes more important than ever while you're wearing braces. The presence of braces in your mouth introduces a multitude of tiny crevices, nooks, and crannies that were not there before. It's very easy for food particles to get caught in these tiny spaces, making them a breeding ground for bacteria.

To avoid developing cavities (not to mention tooth discoloration and bad breath), extra vigilance with your oral hygiene is essential.

Flossing with braces may seem complicated, but it's fairly straightforward once you get the hang of it!

To floss your teeth with braces, feed the floss down through the space between the archwire and your teeth. We supply floss threaders for our patients to make this easier. Pull the end of the floss gently towards the back of the tooth and draw the floss up and down between the teeth. Then repeat this process between each pair of teeth.

Eating with braces requires some extra care, but you should still be able to eat many of the foods you love.

You'll need to avoid hard, crunchy, or overly sticky/tacky foods. It's also important to chew carefully while wearing braces and take your time. Avoid biting into foods like apples or corn on the cob (cut your apple into bite-sized pieces and shell your corn instead!), and avoid chewing gum completely.

But, for the most part, you can go on eating your normal diet – with a few modifications along the way.

We generally recommend avoiding any sports that involve direct blows to the face as a matter of routine while wear braces. Even with a mouth guard, sports like boxing are not advisable.

Other contact sports, like football or rugby, may be possible if you wear a mouth guard, but we advise extreme caution in these cases as well.

For most sports, though, you should be able to keep playing with no problem. If you want to continue getting out on the field, court or rink during your treatment, we recommend wearing a sports mouth guard to protect your teeth, your mouth, and the braces themselves from damage.

Braces and Invisalign are both effective orthodontic treatment options, but there are differences between them that may affect their suitability for different individuals. 

Factors to consider when choosing between braces and Invisalign include your personal preferences and lifestyle, aesthetics, the nature and severity of your misalignment, and cost. You can learn more here.

Your orthodontist will assess your specific case and recommend the best treatment option for your needs.