Wild Smiles by Dr. Kapus

Posts

Can an orthodontist straighten adult teeth?

January 27, 2022

You don’t have to give up on that perfect smile, an orthodontist can fix your teeth even if you’re fully grown. Most people have their teeth straightened while they are still at school, but what do you do if, as an adult, you’re not happy with your smile? Adults are often hesitant when it comes to getting braces. They imagine having to wear big and bulky braces and that puts them off. Modern braces from your Livermore orthodontist Fortunately, orthodontics has come a long way over the years and now there are options that are barely noticeable. Here are some of them. Clear aligners By far, the most popular of the orthodontic tools, clear aligners, are tailored to the individual. These removable appliances straighten the teeth in small increments. Your Livermore orthodontist will exchange the alignment tray every fortnight. If you choose clear aligners you will have to remove the tray every time you eat. These appliances take a lot longer to straighten teeth than wire braces ...

Livermore Invisalign and Retainers – the Difference Explained

January 02, 2022

Invisalign Livermore California patients often ask about the difference between Invisalign and retainers. So, here’s the explanation. Invisalign looks like a removable retainer but its job is to align your teeth. While the retainer aims to retain your smile. Here’s how they work. Why patients in Livermore California need Invisalign Crooked and misaligned teeth not only spoil your smile, but can also have a negative impact on your dental health. Misalignment can wear out your teeth and cause pain and discomfort. Still, Orthodontics has come a long way and today we can straighten your teeth using a combination of Invisalign and retainers. What is Invisalign? Invisalign is a discreet method of aligning your teeth. It consists of a sequence of alignment trays custom-made for your teeth. The trays are transparent so they are not obvious to others. You can remove Invisalign trays to eat but you have to wear them for at least 22 hours each day. You’ll change trays every week or two...

Understanding Your Benefits – Insurance for Braces

December 06, 2021

If you need orthodontic treatment, and you’ve opted for Invisalign, you’re probably wondering about the availability of insurance for braces. Not all medical or dental insurance covers orthodontics. Though most of the bigger companies will cover at least some of the costs. If your existing insurance doesn’t cover orthodontic treatment, you may have to arrange separate insurance for Invisalign . Bear in mind, many companies have a waiting period before you can claim so factor this in. How Much Will My Insurance for Braces Cover? The cost for orthodontic treatment differs from patient to patient. Still, it is unlikely that your medical insurance will cover the full cost of Invisalign. The company may offer a set percentage or pay up to a predetermined limit. So, you will have to pay a percentage of the costs. Most plans will cover between quarter and half of the cost of Invisalign. Many insurance companies view orthodontics as a cosmetic treatment so they don’t cover it...

Would clear braces or metal braces be better for me?

November 07, 2021

Clear porcelain braces can be an attractive choice for many people who need corrective alignment. Especially for adults, who may want something more discreet than traditional metal braces but who aren’t prepared to go as far as an Invisalign system. Today we take a look at how to decide what’s best for you. Discretion and power Before the Invisalign system hit the market, clear braces were designed for patients who wanted something less obvious than the standard stainless steel brace. After all, the tech itself is pretty simple, so it only needs crafting in a transparent material. Or that’s the theory, at least! In fact, there were some snags in creating the right strength and capability at first. These issues have, for the most part, been resolved today. It’s still important to realize that, unlike metal braces , clear braces have a lot of variances in material used, and not all of them are up to the attack. Typically, clear porcelain/ceramic braces are the highest quali...

4 Ways to Lower the Cost of Braces

October 04, 2021

If your teeth are misaligned, you may eventually find yourself at the orthodontist’s office in search of a beautiful smile. Your orthodontist will likely recommend traditional braces or aligners as the solution. The cost of braces is typically quite expensive, but if you have orthodontic insurance, it’ll help with about half the total cost. Insurance or not, you’ll still end up paying for some or all your orthodontic treatment yourself, so what can you do to afford it? Below are a few ways to make the cost of braces or the cost of Invisalign more affordable. 1. The Cost of braces is Often Cheaper the Earlier You Start Treatment Many orthodontic conditions get worse over time. So, it stands to reason that the sooner you start addressing the issue, the easier it will be to treat it, and thus, likely be cheaper to treat as well. 2. Comparison Shop the Cost of Braces As with anything, it pays to comparison shop the cost of braces. Different orthodontists provide differ...

How Orthodontic Insurance Works for Braces and Invisalign

August 31, 2021

One of the most common questions patients ask when braces are the recommended course of action is, “Will my dental insurance cover it?” This is a valid question, but unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Every insurance policy is different, so we recommend you speak with your insurance provider to know exactly what’s covered under your policy and what’s not. In the meantime, however, we can tell you this… Braces Insurance and Insurance for Invisalign is Different than General Dental Insurance Orthodontic insurance (braces insurance and insurance for Invisalign) is a lifetime coverage while your dental insurance renews year after year for as long as the policy is active. This means that you can only use orthodontic insurance once in your lifetime for braces or similar treatment, but your general dental policy can be used year after year for things like fillings, cleanings, and the like. The Cost of Orthodontic Treatment with Insurance The cost of braces ...