At University Centre Dental Associates, Dr. Elizabeth Haynes offers braces as part of her top-notch orthodontic services for local residents in and around Washington, DC, including residents in Greenbelt, MD, and Bowie, MD, as well as Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, and Anne Arundel County.
What Are Braces?
Braces are a popular dental appliance that uses gentle, steady pressure to address issues such as crooked teeth or an overbite. The process entails a series of brackets that are attached to your teeth. Wires are then threaded through the brackets. During a series of appointments, the wires are tightened, slowly moving your teeth into the proper position.
Are Braces Right for Me?
Although many people associate braces with children and teenagers, this corrective treatment is an effective option for adults as well. At University Centre Dental Associates, we recommend braces to our patients for a variety of reasons, including the following:
- Crowded, gapped, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
- Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all
- Overbite or underbite
To learn more about your suitability for braces, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Elizabeth Haynes. She will thoroughly examine your teeth and help you determine the best course of action for you.
Why Choose Dr. Elizabeth Haynes of University Centre Dental Associates?
Dr. Elizabeth Haynes is well known for her skill, experience, and caring. She is an accredited orthodontist with the American Dental Association, the American Association of Orthodontics, the Maryland State Society of Orthodontics, and the District of Columbia Dental Society.
How Much Do Braces Cost in Greenbelt, MD?
The cost for braces varies. Please schedule a consultation with University Centre Dental Associates to discuss your particular case.
Your dental insurance may cover the cost of braces. Because every policy is different, the staff at University Centre Dental Associates will review your information and help determine the status of your braces coverage.
We provide financing through CareCredit® as an option for any out-of-pocket braces costs you may have. University Centre Dental Associates also offers a variety of payment methods to help make the process easier for our braces patients.
For more information about braces, please take a look at the following pages:
Braces FAQs
What is a good age to get braces?
For most patients, the best age to get braces is between the ages of 10 and 14. During this time, patients will have most of their adult teeth, which is the first requirement for a braces treatment. Additionally, the braces will be most effective during this time while the body is still developing and growing. However, as long as a patient has their adult teeth and is interested in correcting the alignment of the teeth and jaws, any age can be a good age to get braces.
How long will braces take?
On average, braces treatments take between 18 and 24 months. However, it is important to keep in mind that this timeline can vary significantly from patient to patient, and take more or less time to complete.
Can braces ruin your teeth?
Braces will not ruin your teeth on their own. The only damage that patients may expect during a braces treatment comes from poor dental hygiene. If the teeth are not properly cleaned and cared for throughout a braces treatment, food and debris can get trapped in the teeth, causing tooth decay or discoloration. We’ll provide you with full hygienic guidelines to prevent any damage to the teeth during your braces treatment.
What foods should not be eaten with braces?
In general, the foods that should be avoided by patients with braces are particularly hard, crunchy, chewy and sticky foods. These are foods that can damage the brackets, causing them to come loose from the teeth or even breaking. This includes foods like popcorn, ice, chewy candy and gum or bread with a hard crust.
How long will my teeth hurt after braces are put on?
Generally, patients can expect soreness and moderate discomfort in the teeth for about one to two weeks after getting braces put on. Fortunately, most of this pain subdues within the first week, at which point patients can transition to eating like normal. Until then, we recommend that patients stick to soft foods that require minimal chewing, such as soups, smoothies, mashed potatoes, soft pastas, etc.
How Do I Schedule a Consultation?
Please call 301-220-1900 today to schedule your initial consultation!The general dental and orthodontic services we offer at University Centre Dental Associates have improved the lives of people from in and around Washington, DC, including residents in Greenbelt, MD, and Bowie, MD, as well as Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, and Anne Arundel County. Whether you are an adult, a child, or a teenager, our knowledgeable staff is committed to helping you achieve the smile you deserve.