Ageless Smiles

Medina Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment is no longer just for teens. Many adults are choosing to receive treatment because they understand the importance of maintaining their health, and they want to feel better about their appearance.

Just as straight, white teeth convey youth, a smile with crooked, discolored, or worn teeth is associated with age. Beautifully straight, symmetrical white teeth cannot only make you look younger, but they can dramatically improve your confidence.

Even if you started out with perfectly straight teeth, something called mesial drift may have caused your teeth to shift over time. The orthodontic problems you may be living with as an adult raise more than cosmetic concerns. Crowded teeth are not only an instant giveaway of age, crowded or overlapping teeth can be difficult to clean, making tooth decay and gum disease more likely. Teeth that don't come together properly when you close your jaws can cause chewing and swallowing problems. Poor tooth alignment can also make it difficult to pronounce certain sounds and can put excessive stress on the chewing muscles, causing facial pain.

The science of orthodontics relies on placing pressure on the teeth to change their position and as long as you have healthy teeth and gums, the biological process involved in tooth movement is the same for both children and adults.

As an adult, you might think that your options for having your teeth corrected are limited, but today's orthodontic treatment options offer a variety of braces and appliances that are comfortable, aesthetic, and customized to meet your needs. Depending on your budget and the severity of your orthodontic problem, Dr. Medina will discuss your options to ensure your treatment plan fits your lifestyle.

You are never too old for orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic treatment can be just as successful for adults as it is for children. Don’t let your age keep you from having the smile you have always dreamed of.

To learn more about the benefits of adult orthodontics, contact our conveniently located office in Katy, Texas to schedule an appointment with Dr. Medina today.

 

You Can Afford Braces

Medina Orthodontics

If your dentist has told you that you or your child need braces, your first question may have been “How much is that going to cost?”

Braces have a bad reputation for being more expensive than most families can afford. The fact is…yes, braces do involve pricey materials as well as many hours of time from a highly specialized professional. However, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn how truly affordable orthodontic care is today. At Medina Orthodontics, we know that everyone wants a beautiful smile, and we also realize that families and individuals have different financial needs. Our office is accustomed to working with families and individuals to make orthodontic care affordable and budget friendly.

If you are worried that you can’t afford the cost of braces for yourself or your children...we have good news! Medina Orthodontics offers a variety of ways you can pay orthodontic care.

Dental Insurance - If you have dental/orthodontic insurance and would like to use that money towards your braces contact your insurance provider to find out what is covered under your plan. Many providers offer additional insurance that covers both dental and orthodontic work. It is great to know what your insurance benefits are before treatment starts. There are many different agreements between insurance carriers and their subscribers, and each contract provides a different benefit. However, orthodontic insurance differs from regular dental insurance in that each insured individual usually has a lifetime maximum benefit for orthodontic services. This benefit is paid as a percentage of the orthodontic fee (diagnostic records, initial fee, monthly payments, etc.) until the benefit maximum has been reached. If needed, we will help facilitate the understanding of your benefits and assist you in completing any necessary insurance forms.

Flexible Spending Account - Even if your dental plan does not cover orthodontics, your employer might offer a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA). The money you put into this account is not taxed, which means your dollars will go further.

3rd Party Financing – Financing through a 3rd party is another way to pay for you or your child’s braces treatment. In this option, the 3rd party, such as CareCredit, will check your credit to determine the amount for which you qualify and get you on an affordable payment plan. These 3rd party financial companies can even extend payment options to beyond the traditional 24 months, depending on your preference.

Though orthodontics can come with a higher price tag, you do have many options to help you pay for your or your child’s orthodontic care. At the end of the day, orthodontic care is a lifetime investment in your or your child’s health and appearance. Payment plans and dental insurance can make orthodontic care quite manageable. Start by having a conversation with Dr. Medina to begin your journey towards the smile you have always wanted.

Dr. Medina specializes in orthodontics for children, teens, and adults. Located in Katy, TX, Dr. Medina provides orthodontic treatment to many surrounding communities including Rosenberg, Sugar Land, Bellaire, Houston, and Cypress. Contact our office to schedule an initial consultation today.