Dental Services

Whether you are an adult looking to have a straighter, healthier, more beautiful smile or a parent who wants to provide a child with the benefits of straighter teeth, we have multiple orthodontic options available.  

Dr. Seaman has been straightening and improving patients' smiles for over 30 years.  He utilizes fixed and/or removal appliances when needed to broaden the arches or to assist in correcting the relationship in which the upper and lower teeth come together.  When it comes to the actual straightening of the teeth, you will have multiple options for the type of braces used. 

You can choose from traditional metal braces (with or without colorful elastics which are popular with a lot of kids and teens), ceramic braces (tooth colored brackets which are less noticeable than traditional braces), or removable braces (Clear Correct^©) which are virtually invisible while you are wearing them.  Typically we only recommend Clear Correct^© for adults or very mature teens, since these are removable, the results and length of treatment are dependent on these being worn the majority of the day and night, and not lost. 

To begin your orthodontic journey, you will need to come in for a set of orthodontic records (x-rays, models, and photos) that Dr. Seaman will utilize to determine the best type of orthodontic treatment for you (or your child).  Once the treatment plan is established, then you will have a consultation with Dr. Seaman (which is included with the records fees).  At the consultation visit (normally one week after the records are taken) the doctor will sit down with you and go over the type of treatment options you have and the length of each option (if there are multiple options for your case).  After that, you are ready to get started on your orthodontic treatment.  

Visit our Video Library section on Orthodontics and then choose from the video lists to learn more.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?  This depends on your needs.  Some orthodontic plans take as little as 6-9 months, while others could take as long as 3-4 years, the most common cases are 18-24 months, especially for children and teens.  Many adults seeking orthodontic treatment are for more minor changes or to re-straighten their teeth because they did not wear their retainers after their childhood orthodontic care and now want them straightened again; these cases are typically on the shorter end of the treatment lengths.

Do braces hurt?  In the beginning more so than later, but nothing which cannot be handled with over-the-counter pain medications.  Also, they don't hurt all the time - but typically a day or two after each adjustment in the early stages.  This also depends a great deal on how much movement is necessary, so some teeth may be more tender than others and this may change at different stages.  This is something most orthodontic patients, whether adult or child, learn to handle very quickly and to anticipate so they can take some Tylenol or Advil prior to their visit or so they avoid hard to chew foods on the days their teeth are likely to be more sensitive.  As the treatment progresses, this becomes less and less of an issue.

Are braces comfortable?  Some patients adapt right away and are not bothered at all by their braces.  Some take a little longer for their tissues to adjust, so we provide you with wax to help cover any areas that are rubbing your lips or cheeks.  One thing that will occur initially, is that your saliva glands will produce more saliva, since there is something foreign in your mouth, but this too will lessen as your treatment continues.

Can I only get colored rubber bands (elastics) with metal braces?  No, you can also have them with the ceramic (tooth colored) braces and you can change your color scheme at each adjustment if you like.  We have a large variety of colors available, but don't worry, if this fashion trend goes out of style or you do not care to be a part of it, we have clear elastics too.

Does insurance cover orthodontics?  This varies from plan to plan.  Some insurance plans have no orthodontic coverage at all, some have coverage only for covered children (dependents) on the plan, and other plans cover everyone on the plan, including the adults.  We can find out this information for you before you ever start, just contact us with your insurance information and we will find out your specific coverage.  Also, it is important to note that even if you have orthodontic benefits, your plan will typically only cover a portion of the fees involved and will have a lifetime maximum which is usually less than half the cost of most orthodontic treatment plans.

Do you have to pay for orthodontics all at once?  Payment for orthodontic care will depend on how the office you are going to have treatment at handles their orthodontic fees and what payment options they have available.  At our office, we have multiple different payment options, including discounts if the fees are paid at the start of the treatment.  We offer short and long term financing options so that anyone able to make a down payment toward their costs, can finance the remainder over the course of their treatment plan - interest free.

How much does orthodontic treatment cost?  Part of the consultation visit, before you start care, is used to go over the costs of the treatment plan, any applicable insurance coverage, and your payment options.  The fees for orthodontics vary considerably depending on the type of care and the length of time it will take to achieve the necessary results.  The average costs are typically $3,000 - $4500, but if it is an involved case utilizing both appliances and braces and/or will take more than 18 months the cost can be as high as $5600 per case.  Again, this is totally dependent on your needs and the type of treatment needed.

Can I still eat the same things while in braces?  Yes and No - there will be times when you will want to avoid certain foods, either because your teeth are currently sensitive or because certain foods may be more difficult to eat.  Also, there are some things you need to stay away from completely, like taffy, gum, or other really sticky foods - these will tend to pull your brackets off your teeth or be very difficult to clean off your braces.  Some foods you may need to cut into smaller pieces to make them easier to chew and less likely to get stuck in your braces.  So this is something you will adjust to as you are undergoing your treatment.

If you have other specific questions, you can email us or ask about these when you come in to find out about braces.  We encourage you to make a list of everything you want to know.  If you are informed, there will be not surprises once you start your treatment!

Send us a question now... office@seamanfamilydentistry.info

If you are ready to talk Dr. Seaman about your orthodontic needs, give us a call 913-631-2626 or request an appointment via email at the same address above for questions.