How much do braces cost?
May 16th, 2013
This is one of the most common questions that is asked at Smiles by Dahar and, unfortunately, it does not have a simple answer. Just as every patient we see is unique, so is their treatment plan. Some patients have very simple problems which require less appliances and time, while other cases are much more complicated and may require multiple appliances and phases.
The treatment fee usually reflects the amount of orthodontic work required to complete the treatment plan. The only way to find out how much braces will cost is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Dahar. During your consultation, we will perform a complete oral examination, listen to your concerns, and explain how we will address your needs.
Our findings will include the cost of orthodontics and how long the treatment will take to complete. Give us a call today at our convenient location in Avalon or Zelienople, PA for a consultation and discover how quickly we can make you smile!
Keep us updated and stay connected with us online!
May 9th, 2013
Have you recently moved, changed your phone number, orchanged any of your information that we use to best serve you? If so, be sure to inform us of your changes!
Also, did you know that we have a vibrant social mediapresence? Have you had a chance to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube? We’re always looking to stay connected with our patients outside of the office, and our social media networks are an awesome way to see our photos and get some great updates and information!
So, when you have a chance, be sure to visit our website and then connect with us on our social media networks! We can’t wait to hear what you’ve been up to since your last visit with us!
May Marks National Physical Fitness and Sports Month!
May 2nd, 2013
Did you know the month of May is designated National Physical Fitness and Sports Month? After all, there isn’t a better time to celebrate physical activity as when the warm weather and sunshine makes its way back into our lives!
Now that the flowers are in bloom and the weather has warmed up, it’s easier to go outside and soak up the sun. After spending the winter working out in gyms or doing crunches at home, exercising outdoors can be a lot more enjoyable as well. Whether you enjoy hikes, jogging, or biking, spring gives us a chance to smell the grass, take in the rays, and enjoy the blue sky—all senses that we just can’t duplicate at the gym.
If jogging or biking isn’t your cup of tea, we encourage you to try a sport! Sports have some amazing qualities that we often overlook. Team sports like baseball and soccer, and individual sports like golf and tennis can improve your coordination and agility, in addition to building determination, confidence, drive, hard-work, pride, leadership, and time management.
At Smiles by Dahar, we always encourage our patients to stay fit by exercising or participating in sports. However, we want to remind you to always wear a mouthguard or other form of facial protection when playing sports. To learn more about how often your child should exercise, or to ask us about obtaining a mouthguard, please give us a call!
Are Braces Right for Me?
April 25th, 2013
According to Preferred Consumer, it’s estimated that 50 percent of people have teeth that are crooked, not aligned properly, or irregular. Fortunately today, orthodontics has advanced to the point where corrective devices, such as braces and retainers, are less obvious, more comfortable, and can be worn for shorter periods of time.
So, with that being said, how do you know if braces are right for you? Typically your dentist will be able to point out any issues with your teeth at your regular six-month cleanings and recommend you to an orthodontist. But here are some other things to keep in mind when deciding whether or not braces could be in your future:
Crooked Teeth
As children grow, so do their teeth. And more often than not, certain teeth will grow in crooked. This isn’t uncommon, as the majority of children will require some sort of teeth correction, whether that’s braces or retainers. Retainers are custom-made devices that either work to hold teeth in place or correct tooth alignment. They’re often worn all day, aside from meals, at the start of the treatment period and then eventually are rolled back so they’re just worn at night. Braces on the other hand are worn for at least a year and work to help straighten or position teeth.
Overbite or Underbite
The other main oral issue that orthodontics helps correct is uneven alignment, such as an underbite or an overbite. You might hear Dr. Dahar refer to this as a “malocclusion,” which means “bad bite.” Braces can help rearrange your alignment so an overbite or underbite is less of a problem. Typically after the braces come off for this sort of treatment, patients need to wear a retainer from Smiles by Dahar to finish the treatment.
While braces are typically associated with dental issues in children, more adults are wearing the devices as well. According to USA Today, about one in every five braces wearers are adults; a sign that it’s never too late to correct any oral issues. Part of this is due to the technological advancements in orthodontics. For instance, new braces feel much better and come in a variety of styles — including clear — so they’re far less obvious. Plus, the wires on braces are now made from advanced metals, which are stronger and lighter, so they get the job done much more efficiently. With so many people wearing braces these days (according to the Pennsylvania Dental Association, about four million people in the US wear braces at any given time and many more have worn them at some time in their lives), nicknames like “metal mouth” and “brace face” are almost a thing of the past. What’s more, is that insurance plans are increasingly covering orthodontic treatment, making braces a much more feasible option for families on a budget.
When weighing whether or not braces are in your future, it’s important to study all of your options about the styles of braces and what treatment option is best for you. Also be sure to contact your insurance provider to see what is covered and what will have to be paid out of pocket. It might take a few years of treatment, but braces can give you that winning smile for the rest of your life. Call our Avalon or Zelienople, PA office with any questions you might have!