Smile Appeal Orthodontics offers the full scope of orthodontic care so you can achieve your best smile. Advances in orthodontic care have made it possible to provide a variety of treatments to suit most conditions, preferences, and budgets.
Dr. Youngker provides compassionate care to patients of all ages. Whether you’re interested in orthodontic treatment for yourself or your child, we encourage you to contact our office to schedule a consultation. A consultation is the best way to receive a truly customized treatment plan and help you determine which type of braces is best for you.
Types of Braces
The type of braces you will have is often a combination of the best treatment option and personal preference. Smile Appeal Orthodontics has multiple options for braces to ensure you are satisfied throughout your treatment. The most popular options for braces include:
- Traditional metal braces use metal brackets and wires to straighten the teeth. For added fun, the ligatures and ties used with traditional braces come in a variety of colors that can be changed at every adjustment. We also offer clear ligatures and ties.
- Clear braces are less noticeable than traditional metal braces for a discreet and comfortable way to straighten your teeth.
- Clear aligners offer an alternative for those who want straighter teeth but are not comfortable with the look of traditional metal braces. Teeth are straightened using a series of virtually invisible and completely removable aligners. Invisalign® is the clear aligner of choice for many.
What to Expect During Braces Treatment
At Smile Appeal Orthodontics, we specialize in creating healthy, straight, and beautiful smiles. We want you and your child to feel comfortable and informed throughout treatment. We will make sure you have all the information needed so you know what to expect and feel confident while under our care.
The average orthodontic treatment time falls somewhere between 16 and 18 months, but it can sometimes take as long as 24 months. The length of your treatment time will be provided to you during your consultation appointment.
You will need to schedule an appointment for adjustments every 4–6 weeks. This will keep you on track to complete your treatment timeline.
Smile Appeal is proud to be a Propel® orthodontics provider, a system designed to accelerate treatment times to help patients achieve their desired smile faster. Propel works with both braces and aligners to provide effective treatment with fewer visits. If you’re interested in straightening your smile, contact us to schedule a consultation. Dr. Youngker will create a customized treatment plan to give you the smile you deserve.
Benefits of Braces
If you or your child require orthodontic treatment with braces, you can experience several advantages, in addition to a bright, beautiful smile. Some benefits of braces include:
- Improved alignment
- Correction to the bite
- Easier to speak and chew
- Healthier teeth and gums (straight teeth are easier to brush and floss)
- Increased confidence
At Smile Appeal, we care about you and want your treatment to be successful. It is important to take care of your appliances and teeth during and after treatment to ensure you enjoy a lifetime of beautiful smiles.
How Much Do Braces Cost in Oklahoma City, OK?
We strive to provide our patients with exceptional care that is affordable. Because we tailor every treatment plan to best suit the patient’s individual needs, the final cost of braces will vary from patient to patient. There are several factors that will determine the final cost of your orthodontic treatment, such as:
- The use of braces on both arches of teeth, upper teeth only, or lower teeth only
- Type of braces
- Insurance
- Length of treatment
We will provide a total cost estimate based on your unique needs and personalized treatment plan. We offer multiple financing and payment options for your convenience.
If you or your child has been recommended for braces, or if you are simply curious to learn about your options for a straighter smile. We are happy to answer any questions you may have and schedule a consultation with Dr. Youngker. We look forward to providing you and your loved ones with exceptional care at Smile Appeal Orthodontics.
Life With Braces
Creating your best smile takes time and patience. We want every step of your orthodontic journey to be as comfortable and pleasant as possible. At Smile Appeal Orthodontics, we are dedicated to providing outstanding care every step of the way. The following information will help to improve your results and ensure your treatment stays on track.
Caring for Your New Braces
Taking care of your appliances ensures you stay on track with your treatment plan and experience the best possible result. Please follow your orthodontist’s instructions, including the use of your headgear, rubber bands, retainer, and other appliances to ensure treatment does not affect your oral health.
As always, it is important to take care of your teeth. A delay in orthodontic treatment, cavities, or gum disease can occur with improper care. Brush, floss, and wear your appliances as directed to ensure you maintain a healthy smile.
Soreness Caused From Braces and Appliances
It is normal for your mouth to feel a little different after you first receive your orthodontic appliances. Wax can be applied to any tender or irritated area during this time as your mouth adjusts.
You might experience a little soreness after you first get your braces or after an adjustment. This is normal as the adjustment can put pressure on the teeth. Swishing and gargling with a mild salt water solution (1 teaspoon of salt dissolved in 8 oz of lukewarm water) can help relieve the pain. Over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen, can also help.
You might notice that your teeth are a little loose—this is necessary for tooth movement! Your teeth will no longer be loose once treatment has been completed.
Eating With Braces
While you can still eat many of your favorite foods with braces, some foods can damage your appliance. Below are lists of foods you can continue to enjoy and foods that you should avoid.
Foods to Avoid With Braces:
- Chewy foods: bagels, licorice, beef jerky
- Crunchy foods: popcorn, chips, ice
- Sticky foods: caramel candies, chewing gum
- Hard foods: nuts, hard candies
- Foods that require biting into: corn on the cob, whole apples, carrots
Foods You Can Eat With Braces:
- Dairy: cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks
- Breads: soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins (without nuts)
- Grains: pasta, soft cooked rice
- Meats/poultry: cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats
- Seafood: salmon, crab cakes
- Vegetables: mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans
- Fruits: applesauce, bananas, fruit juice
- Treats: ice cream (without nuts), milkshakes, JELL-O®, soft cake
Braces FAQs
What should I do if the wire of my braces becomes loose, or a bracket falls off?
Loose or broken wires or brackets can happen but are not a serious emergency. If a bracket or wire comes loose or breaks, leave it in place covering it with wax. This should keep you comfortable until we are able to fix it for you.
Can I play sports with braces? Can I play a musical instrument?
Absolutely! Playing sports or a musical instrument with braces may require some adjustments, but braces will not prevent you from enjoying these activities. If you do play a contact sport, we encourage you to wear a mouthguard to keep your smile and appliances protected.
Do braces hurt?
In general, braces do not hurt. You may experience some minor discomfort when you first get your braces on or after an adjustment appointment. Over-the-counter medication, such as Tylenol® or ibuprofen, can help to relieve pain as your mouth adjusts.
Do I need to take time off from work/school while I get braces?
We do our best to schedule appointments with your busy schedule in mind. If you are getting braces during a time when you have work or school, you will be able to return right after your appointment.
Where Can I Get Braces in Oklahoma City, OK?
Here at Smile Appeal Orthodontics, we are dedicated to providing quality orthodontic care to patients of all ages. We have two offices located in North Oklahoma City and South Oklahoma City to serve patients of each area and their surrounding neighborhoods. Dr. Youngker and his team find joy in helping all of our patients achieve a beautiful smile they can feel proud of.
