Susan's Braces
Braces and underbite... Double whammy!
Type of Braces:
I am in ceramic braces, a.k.a. ‘clear braces.’ They are not really clear, but rather made of tooth-colored ceramic. You can definitely still tell that I have braces, but the overall look is MUCH better than with full metal braces. The cost of ceramic braces, upper and lower teeth, was $800 more than regular metal braces. The total cost is about $9,000.
Type of Treatment:
My orthodontist, Dr. Stacey Quo of Palo Alto, CA, is a state-of-the-art pro. She uses a system called Sure Smile that uses 3D imaging to create custom wires for your orthodontics. The result is way fewer adjustments, more precision, and dramatically shortened treatment time.
I go in for an adjustment every 6 weeks and there is no guesswork on the part of the orthodontist. The 3D imaging and special wire-making robots have created exactly what my crooked chompers need.
Length of Treatment:
My treatment time has been very short so far. My pre-surgery braces time was quoted at 1 full year, but my teeth ended up being ready for surgery after 8 months. My post-surgery braces time is supposed to be 9 months, but I’m hoping this will be closer to 4 or 5 months. Because of the precision of Sure Smile, I will probably be able to cut off 6 months from my total treatment time.
Factors in shortening braces time:
- Sure Smile system’s precise wires
- Regular cleaning and VERY healthy gums (I floss every single day and use an electronic toothbrush)
- Pushing for aggressively paced adjustments
- No missed appointments with the orthodontist
- Good general health
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