All About Braces: What You Need to Know
Braces do more than improve the look of your smile. They help your teeth work together properly, support a healthy bite, and protect your long-term oral health. While braces are often thought of as cosmetic, they play an important role in keeping your teeth and jaw functioning the way they should.
At Meinhardt Orthodontics, Dr. Meinhardt and Dr. Jacobson focus on creating smiles that are both healthy and confident. Braces are an affordable way to improve your smile while also setting you up for long-lasting results.
Thanks to today’s orthodontic technology, braces are more comfortable, more efficient, and easier to manage than ever before. Treatment is designed to fit into your lifestyle — and your budget.
What Makes Braces Affordable?
Factors That Determine the Cost of Braces
The cost of braces varies because every smile is different. One of the biggest factors is the type of braces you choose, since different systems use different materials and technology.
Your individual orthodontic needs also play a role. If your alignment or bite concerns are more complex, treatment may require more planning, time, and monitoring. The length of treatment and the level of ongoing care needed are all part of determining the final cost.
Affordable Care vs. Low-Cost Treatment
Choosing affordable braces doesn’t mean choosing lower-quality care. Professional orthodontic treatment ensures your teeth move safely and predictably. When treatment is carefully planned, it helps avoid future dental issues that could become more expensive to fix later.
High-quality care is an investment in your smile and your overall oral health.
Types of Braces
Common Braces Options
Traditional metal braces are a trusted option and work well for correcting a wide range of orthodontic issues. Ceramic or tooth-colored braces offer a more subtle look while still providing excellent results. Self-ligating braces use specialized brackets that reduce friction and may help make appointments quicker and more comfortable.
Making the Right Choice
When selecting braces, it’s important to think about what matters most to you. Some patients prefer a more discreet option, while others focus on strength, efficiency, or cost. Teens and adults often have different priorities, which is why a personalized consultation is so important.
Dr. Meinhardt and Dr. Jacobson take the time to help you choose the option that best fits your needs and goals.
Financial Flexibility
How Orthodontic Care Can Be Budget-Friendly
Many orthodontic offices offer monthly payment plans that allow you to spread the cost of treatment over time. Insurance benefits can also help reduce out-of-pocket expenses, making orthodontic care more accessible for families.
The Importance of Payment Flexibility
Flexible payment options make it easier to begin treatment when it’s needed. Starting orthodontic care earlier can help prevent bigger problems later, often saving time, stress, and money.
What Daily Life with Braces Is Like Eating and Food Choices
With braces, some foods are easier to enjoy than others. Soft foods are especially helpful after adjustments, and avoiding sticky, hard, or crunchy foods helps protect your brackets and wires.
Oral Hygiene With Braces
Braces require a little extra care when it comes to brushing and flossing. Cleaning your teeth after meals, flossing carefully around brackets, and using tools like interdental brushes help keep your smile healthy. Regular visits with your orthodontist help ensure everything stays on track.
Prevention of Adverse Effects
It’s normal to feel mild soreness or pressure after adjustments as your teeth begin to move. This discomfort usually fades within a few days. Orthodontic wax, soft foods, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help ease soreness.
If you notice ongoing pain, loose brackets, or wires that are bothering you, reach out to our office so we can take care of it quickly.
Adults and Teens Braces Braces for Teens
Orthodontic treatment during the teen years helps guide proper jaw development and bite alignment. When teens follow instructions and maintain good oral hygiene, they often see great results. Today’s braces also allow teens to feel confident at school and during extracurricular activities.
Braces for Adults
More adults are choosing braces to improve both their smile and oral health. Discreet treatment options make it easier to fit orthodontic care into a busy or professional lifestyle. No matter your age, it’s never too late to benefit from braces.
Long-Term Value of Orthodontic Care
Braces do more than straighten teeth. They improve how your bite functions, reduce uneven wear on your teeth, and lower the risk of future dental problems. A healthy, confident smile can have a positive impact long after treatment is complete.
Locations We Serve
- Sheboygan
- Plymouth
- Kohler
- Chilton
- Howards Grove
- Greenbush
- Johnsonville
- Oostburg
- and surrounding areas
Braces FAQs
What influences the price of braces?
Every smile is unique, so the cost of braces depends on the type of braces you choose, how much correction is needed, and how long treatment lasts. During your consultation, we’ll walk you through your options and provide clear pricing upfront.
Are there affordable options for braces?
Yes! At Meinhardt Orthodontics, we offer flexible payment plans and work closely with insurance providers to make orthodontic treatment more manageable for families.
What is the average time of the braces treatment?
Most patients are in braces for about 18 to 24 months, but treatment time can vary depending on your specific needs. We’ll give you a personalized estimate before treatment begins.
Are payment plans available?
Absolutely. We offer monthly payment options and accept insurance to help spread out the cost of treatment and reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
What should I expect when I have braces?
You can expect regular adjustment visits, some mild discomfort as your teeth move, and steady progress toward a healthier, more confident smile. Our team will guide you through every step and is always here if you have questions.