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Navigating Dental Insurance

Dental insurance can be complicated, but just like general health insurance, it is important to understand the coverage, benefits and out-of-pocket costs associated with your plan.

Understanding Your Coverage

Your dental insurance should cover necessary dental maintenance and emergencies. For example, it is uncommon for insurance to cover for teeth whitening services. The plans layout what is considered protocol on an annual basis and determine how much the dentist receives as compensation. Depending on the coverage, the fees may be paid via direct reimbursement or by submitting claims.

You also need to determine if the dentist or orthodontist you prefer to work with accept your dental health coverage. The majority of policies have “in-network” and “out-of-network” schedules that indicate what they pay and what you pay. To ensure your out-of-pocket costs are as low as possible it’s important to choose an in-network provider.

Determining Your Needs

If you take good care of your teeth and typically don’t have problems, you may want a policy that covers basic care (cleanings and fillings) and emergencies; however, if you haven’t practiced good oral hygiene or anticipate having some more invasive procedures, you may want a more detailed policy. You should also consider whether to include orthodontic coverage.

Selecting Your Coverage

Dental insurance plans provide a list of covered treatments and procedures to give you the opportunity to select the one that fits your needs. You can select plans that cover the basics or plans that provide coverage for more procedures.

Important Considerations

When selecting dental insurance, there are important considerations to know. Always know the following:

  • What is your monthly premium?
  • What is your out of pocket expense for each treatment?
  • What kind of coverage do you want?
  • Do you have lifetime limits?
  • Do you have coverage for family members?
  • Does your coverage include out-of-network dentists?

Dental insurance can be very confusing especially if you have never had it. The majority of companies provide insurance experts through their human resources departments; don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you are getting coverage on your own, ask the customer service representative your questions. Once you have all your information, you can make an informed decision. And, of course, if you have questions about how the services at Wright Orthodontics fits into your dental insurance plan, contact us.

Four Indications You May Need Orthodontics

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends children see an orthodontist at age seven for an initial evaluation. This gives orthodontists a base of comparison as they grow and allows them to determine if there are any issues that might require early intervention. The most common issues that create orthodontic challenges include crooked or overcrowded teeth, gaps, misaligned jaws, speech issues and teeth misalignments.

#1: Crooked or Overcrowded Teeth

Whether baby teeth fell out too early or teeth just seemed to come in out of alignment, the result is crooked teeth. Crooked or overcrowded teeth can easily make people feel self-conscious about their appearance, especially when smiling. Luckily, orthodontics can reposition teeth for a bright and bold smile.

#2: Too Much Space Between Teeth

While some children have problems with overcrowding, others have too much space between their teeth. Braces straighten teeth to close the gaps.

#3: Speech Concerns

Speech impediments such as lisps are often due to the misalignment of the teeth. Orthodontics repositions teeth so that they are properly aligned thus greatly diminishing or eliminating common speech issues.

#4: Misaligned Jaw

One of the many benefits of orthodontics is the ability to realign the jaws so that they fit together as they should. This is something that orthodontists may detect during early intervention.

Orthodontics corrects a host of problems within the mouth and structure of the face, whether functional or cosmetic. If you’re interested in seeing an orthodontist, please contact us to set up a consultation with Dr. Marc S. Wright today.

5 Things to Say to Your Kids After They Get Braces

It is not uncommon for children to be less than thrilled with their braces. After your braces appointment your child may be disappointed and upset about the mild discomfort. The behavior is completely normal and will adjust as their braces become part of their routine. On that ride home, try these helpful phrases to ensure your child that braces are in their best interest.

#1: “The pain is temporary.”

Yes, it may hurt right now, but the pain is temporary and only lasts a few days. The pain comes from the teeth beginning to shift into their proper place. Give them some over-the-counter pain medication to diminish the soreness.

#2: “You sound just the same.”

Another thing that is temporary is any kind of speech impediment. Whether it is a lisp or difficult to pronounce certain letters, it just takes some time to get used to braces. One suggestion is to tell them to read out loud, so they can get used to talking with braces.

#3: “You can have a smoothie for dinner.”

One of the only benefits of the pain or discomfort from getting braces is that your kids can have smoothies for dinner (and possibly ice cream for dessert).

#4: “You can change your colors.”

Metal braces often require elastic ligatures or bands. The elastics come in different colors, so your son or daughter can pick different colors based on their mood or time of year. The fun colors make braces a little more bearable and gives them something to think about when appointments are approaching.

#5: “Your smile will be beautiful for life.”

The good thing about braces is that they are temporary. The objective is to correct orthodontic issues and straighten your child’s teeth so that they can have a confident, beautiful smile. When they get down in the dumps, remind them to keep their eye on the prize – a beautiful smile.

At Wright Orthodontics we make every effort to keep your child excited about the process of correcting their teeth. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a consultation.

 

 

 

The Best Ways to Care for Your Teeth With Braces

Orthodontics in Atlanta and Marietta, GABraces create many pockets for harmful plaque buildup. Even though patients visit with Dr. Marc S. Wright once a month, regular oral hygiene is really a responsibility of the patient. In order to maintain and properly clean your teeth, it requires daily dedication. There’s no doubt that keeping your mouth clean and healthy will guarantee a mouth full of shining, straight teeth when your braces are removed. Follow these simple steps from Dr. Marc S. Wright to avoid discoloration and cavities during your orthodontic treatment.

Brush After Every Meal

If you can keep food from getting stuck in the natural crevices of the teeth, you are more likely to avoid the buildup of plaque. At Wright Orthodontics we recommend brushing your teeth after each meal to dislodge bits of food from between your teeth and brackets. When brushing, make sure to focus on all the surfaces of your teeth, from front and back to top and bottom. Brush for at least two minutes and spend most of your time focusing on the hard to reach places in the very back of your mouth. If brushing causes you pain Dr. Marc S. Wright recommends investing in toothpaste for sensitive teeth.

Use an Interdental Toothbrush

Your toothbrush will likely need replacing more often when you begin brushing with braces. We often recommend our patients purchase an interdental toothbrush, which can make it easier to get between your brackets and in hard to reach places.

Floss Twice Per Day

At the very minimum, you should brush and floss twice per day – regardless of whether or not you are an orthodontic patient. However, flossing is more important than ever when you are wearing braces. Many of our patients find that floss threaders or floss picks make it easier to get between your teeth than standard string floss. While flossing, pay attention to getting the floss under your gum line on both sides of your tooth, then massage between your teeth and gums to dislodge any lingering bacteria or plaque. You may choose to rinse with water or an oral rinse with fluoride. Fluoride is your best friend while wearing braces; not only does it prevent cavities, but it can reduce the chances of staining.

See a Professional Regularly

Finally, the most important step in maintaining your oral health while wearing braces is to attend regular checkups with your orthodontist. At Wright Orthodontics, your health and comfort are our top priorities. Dr. Marc S. Wright will work with you to make sure you get the best possible results from your orthodontic treatment.

Although paying so much attention to brushing and flossing might sound cumbersome, the majority of our patients find the more they pay attention to their oral hygiene routine, the less work brushing and flossing becomes. If you keep your mouth clean, brushing will be a breeze.

Contact us at Wright Orthodontics today at our Atlanta or Marietta office to learn more about keeping your braces clean and our full service orthodontic treatments.

How Can Candy Damage Your Teeth and Braces?

Orthodontics in Atlanta and Marietta, GAIf you have braces and regular sugar cravings you may find it hard to resist reaching for a candy bar from time to time. There are a number of recommended foods to avoid during braces treatment, and candy tops the list.

How Candy Can Damage Your Teeth

Candy is bad for your teeth, regardless of whether or not you have braces, but why? Candy is packed full of sugar, which is a carbohydrate. The bacteria that form on your teeth and cause tooth decay feed on carbohydrates. Tooth decay, enamel breakdown, and cavities can all result from eating too much candy. Braces make it hard to rid your teeth of the excess sugar in your mouth, which makes you more prone to dental issues.

You may also find your teeth stained after getting your braces removed if you eat candy. Candy yellows the teeth, and since the brackets for your braces protect a portion of each tooth; it is possible this section will be whiter when your braces are removed.

How Candy Can Damage Your Braces

The world is full of different types of candies, and many of them are hard and sticky. Biting through hard candy or sucking on sticky candy puts stress on your teeth and braces, making the braces, brackets, and bands on your teeth more prone to breakage.

It is very common for brackets and attachments to pop off under hard stress, requiring reattachment by your orthodontist. When your orthodontic devices break it also delays treatment, which can prolong the need to wear traditional braces.

Wright Orthodontics encourages our patients in both Atlanta and Marietta, GA to avoid eating candy with braces to achieve the best results possible and maintain dental health. Contact us with any questions or to schedule a checkup.

 

What is the best age to have an orthodontic evaluation?

Orthodontics in Atlanta and Marietta, GAOne of the most commonly asked questions is when its best to start looking into braces. While there’s no straight forward answer, there are some general guidelines to follow when considering braces. In order to truly do what’s best, you need to talk with a licensed professional.

The most important aspect of deciding whether it’s the right time for braces is whether all of your permanent teeth (except wisdom teeth) have replaced the baby ones. Usually this is 11 to 12 for girls and 12 to 13 for boys. However, these ages are just averages and not a set standard. Many orthodontists use two phases of braces. The goal of two-phase treatment is to expand the jaw and start straightening the teeth at a younger age.

The best way to know for certain when to get braces is to have an exam with your orthodontist. At this visit you can discuss whether your dental needs will require braces. To learn more about braces and other orthodontic options, please contact Dr. Marc S. Wright, located in Atlanta and Marietta, GA at 404-507-2078. The initial consultation is free and staff will work with you to find a treatment plan that both meets your needs and your budget.

Cleaning your Retainer

Retainers are an important tool in keeping your smile looking its best. If you already have one you may know that the care and keeping of your retainer can get a little bit tricky. Finding the right product to help keep your retainer clean and your mouth fresh and healthy matters.

What you use matters.

The material used to make retainers is incredibly porous, which means it can absorb whatever you use to clean it. This means the cleaning solution can then get into your mouth for you to ingest. Selecting the wrong chemicals could be toxic!

There is a myth floating around that toothbrushes will scratch your retainer. The good news is that not only is that untrue, but toothbrushes are recommended for use in cleaning your retainer. They are the safest way to remove natural buildup.

Choosing the right things to clean your retainer with is very important. It is also important to know how to do it!

How to Clean Your Retainer:Orthodontic Retainers in Atlanta and Marietta, GA

  1. Brush – Gently brush using a soft toothbrush, clear liquid soap (such as Soft Soap®), and cold water. Clear liquid soap contains antimicrobials to kill the bacteria that gets trapped in/on the retainer.
  2. Rinse – Rinse your retainers every time you take them out of your mouth so tartar and germs don’t bond to the material.
  3. Retainer Cleaning Tablets – Retainer Brite® is a specialized effervescent cleaner specifically for retainers, you can find Retainer Brite® in retail stores and online.

Repeat! Keeping your retainer clean is easier than it seems. Use the above three steps to keep a healthy smile.

 

What to avoid:

Effervescent Cleaning Tablets

These bubbling little tablets go by brand names such as Polident® and Efferdent®. Designed to clean dentures, they are not recommended for use in cleaning retainers! An ingredient persulfate is known to cause allergic reactions.

Mouthwash

Though mouthwash is an effective germ killer, the oral rinse is also not recommended for use in cleaning your retainer. The alcohol in most rinses, along with ingredient sodium lauryl sulfate can dry out your retainer and mouth, which not only damages the retainer but can cause bad breath! Mouthwash can also change the color of your retainer.

Boiling Water

The heat from boiling water is an effective germ killer, but it is not recommended for use with your retainer. Unfortunately, the high heat will melt and deform the shape of your retainer.

Baking Soda

This handy household item serves numerous purposes from baking ingredient to multi-purpose cleaner. However, baking soda is very abrasive and will scratch your retainer weakening the material and reducing the clearness of the material.

Contact us if you have questions about how to care for your retainers, or if you feel like your retainer needs some additional deep cleaning.

Before & After Smile Gallery

Visit us at one of our two convenient locations

Atlanta

3019-B North Druid Hills Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30329

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Marietta

990-B Whitlock Avenue NW Marietta, GA 30064

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SAO in Atlanta and Marietta, GA

Office Hours

Atlanta
  • Monday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
MARIETTA
  • Monday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
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