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How to Fix an Overbite
To fix an overbite, an orthodontist moves your teeth with braces or clear aligners, adds a palate expander or headgear for growing children, or uses jaw surgery for severe, jaw-based cases. How you fix an overbite depends on its severity and your age, and treatment with braces or aligners costs about $3,000 to $8,000 in the US.
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How Do Clear Aligners Work?
Clear aligners work by applying gentle, constant pressure through a series of custom trays, each slightly different, that you switch every 1 to 2 weeks. The pressure remodels the bone around each tooth, so it shifts into place. Clear aligners work best for mild to moderate cases and take about 6 to 18 months.
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Palatal Expander
A palatal expander is an orthodontic device that slowly widens the upper jaw by pushing the two halves of the palate apart, mostly in children ages 7 to 11. A palatal expander treats crossbites, crowding, and narrow-jaw breathing issues, usually stays in for 6 to 12 months, and costs about $1,000 to $3,000 in the US
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How to Fix a Gap Between Teeth
To close a gap between teeth, a dentist can use bonding or veneers, or move the teeth together with clear aligners or braces. How to fix a gap between teeth depends on its size and cause, and you can't safely close one naturally. Bonding starts at around $100 to $600 per tooth, while aligners or braces run $3,000 to $8,000.
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Phase 1 vs Phase 2 Orthodontic Treatment
Phase 1 vs Phase 2 orthodontic treatment are the two stages of two-phase care. Phase 1 (early treatment, ages 7–10) guides jaw growth and makes room for permanent teeth, while Phase 2 (ages 11–14) uses full braces to align the permanent teeth and perfect the bite. Phase 1 costs $2,000–$4,500 and Phase 2 costs $3,000–$7,000
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How Long Do Retainers Last?
Retainers last anywhere from 1 to 20+ years, depending on the type. Clear plastic retainers last 1–3 years, Hawley retainers last 5–8 years, and fixed (bonded) retainers last 5–20+ years with proper care. How long retainers last also depends on how well you clean them, how you store them, and whether you grind your teeth.
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How Long Do You Wear a Retainer After Braces?
After braces, wear a retainer full-time for the first 3 to 6 months, then every night long-term. Most orthodontists recommend nightly wear indefinitely, because teeth keep shifting with age. How long to wear a retainer after braces depends on your case, your age, and whether your retainer is fixed or removable.
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How to Clean Your Retainer
To clean your retainer, rinse it in lukewarm water, gently brush it with a soft toothbrush and mild soap, then rinse again every day. Once a week, soak it in a retainer tablet, diluted hydrogen peroxide, or white vinegar solution to lift buildup. Avoid hot water, toothpaste, and bleach, which can warp or damage the retainer.
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Permanent Retainer vs. Removable Retainer
A permanent retainer is a thin wire bonded behind the front teeth that stays in full-time, while a removable retainer (a Hawley or clear tray) is taken in and out. In the choice of permanent retainer vs removable retainer, permanent gives no-effort, around-the-clock retention, and removable gives easier cleaning and flexibility.
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Types of Retainers - Hawley vs. Essix vs. Permanent
The three main types of retainers are Hawley (an acrylic plate with a metal wire), Essix or clear retainers (transparent plastic trays), and permanent retainers (a thin wire bonded behind the front teeth). Hawley and Essix are removable; permanent retainers are fixed. Each holds teeth in place after treatment, differing in visibility, durability, cost, and comfort.
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Important Benefits of Wearing Your Retainer
Did you recently have braces removed? It was probably a great feeling to finally have ...
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Innovation in Braces Give Adults Hope for Getting Gorgeous Straight Teeth
Nearly four million U.S. residents have braces. Believe it or not, some of those people ...
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