A: The process is quick, easy and painless. First, we polish your teeth and then Dr. Patel paints on a solution to gently roughen the surface so the adhesive will stick. He primes your teeth and puts on the brackets, which have a special glue. When the brackets are in position on your pearly whites, he slides the arch wire through them. If you’ll be wearing elastics, he’ll put them on to secure the wires to the brackets. We’ll give you instructions for taking care of your hardware and then you can go celebrate this big step towards a new smile!

A: Nope! You’re never too old to achieve a smile you love. As long as your gums and the bone that support the teeth are healthy, braces will work at any age. About 30% of our Tulsa and Claremore, OK braces patients are adults and the number is growing! Our oldest patient so far at the Brace Place was 78.

A: The duration of treatment varies depending on a number of factors, including how complex your case is and how your teeth and jaw respond to treatment. On average, treatment lasts between 18 and 36 months. Keeping your scheduled appointments, maintaining proper oral hygiene and following our instructions may allow you to finish your orthodontic treatment early.

A: Yes. It’s important to continue to see your regular dentist for routine checkups and cleanings every six months, or as directed, during your orthodontic treatment. Braces work more quickly and effectively in a healthy oral environment and your dentist will help you prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

A: If your dental plan includes orthodontic coverage, it can greatly reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Please provide us with your insurance information at your first visit and we’ll do a benefits check to determine your coverage. We accept most insurance and file claims for you.

A: When you’re wearing braces, you should brush your teeth in the morning, after every meal and before bed. This usually means brushing about four times per day. If you forget your toothbrush, be sure to rinse out your mouth really well with water after eating and then brush your teeth when you get home.

A: Taking your braces off doesn’t hurt a bit. Dr. Patel removes your arch wires and then uses special tools to gently remove your brackets. We finish up by getting rid of any leftover adhesive and polishing your teeth. Finally, you get to admire your new smile in the mirror for as long as you want!

A: Yes. When a tooth is missing, the adjacent teeth will drift into the empty space. This can cause functional, aesthetic and periodontal problems. Orthodontic treatment is a great way to prevent these issues and create the proper alignment for your dentist to replace the missing teeth.

A: With all of the advances in orthodontics, including smaller, smoother brackets and thinner wires that exert a small amount of force over time instead of a strong force in a short period, treatment is quicker and more comfortable for patients. However, your teeth and jaw may feel a little sensitive when you first get braces put on and after adjustments. This will go away quickly and a soft food diet and over-the-counter pain relievers will help alleviate the temporary discomfort.

A: The cost of your braces treatment will depend on the complexity of your orthodontic problem and the length of your treatment. Since every patient is different, you’ll want to come in for a complimentary consultation so Dr. Patel can evaluate your bite and let you know the cost. You can schedule your initial visit by calling us at (918) 342-1240 (Claremore) or (918) 749-8817 (Tulsa). We’re always upfront about our fees and we accept most insurance. We’ll work with you to find a solution that fits your budget.

A: You’ll come in for regular appointments every six to eight weeks. Dr. Patel will do adjustments, check on your progress and answer your questions.