Braces
How Do Braces Work?
Orthodontists use braces to correct malocclusion (or a bad bite). There are different types of malocclusion, including crooked teeth and misaligned bites.
Braces consist of a series of brackets, wires, and bands that are slightly adjusted every month to gradually move the teeth into their desired positions. Dr. Scott, serving Greater Bowie from Silver Spring and Mitchellville, uses the most advanced materials when placing braces. These space-age wires, brackets, and bands move the teeth more gently and more efficiently than traditional braces, making your treatment as comfortable and quick as possible.
Did You Know?
Braces can do more than just straighten your teeth. Braces can reduce the risk of tooth decay and alleviate painful conditions that could be caused by tooth misalignment.
Reasons to Get Braces
Crooked teeth are harder to brush and floss, so correcting orthodontic issues can make oral hygiene easier. Better oral hygiene can reduce the risk of tooth decay and keep your smile healthy.
Misaligned teeth can also cause gum disease, excessive tooth wear, and eventually tooth loss. By correcting dental misalignment, you can protect your gums and teeth from disease or damage.
Orthodontic issues such as misaligned jaws can also lead to muscle strain and uncomfortable symptoms like headaches and facial pain. Realigning your jaws can help you feel better throughout the day.
Crooked, gapped, or rotated teeth can also make you feel self-conscious when you smile. After braces, you can smile at every opportunity and you'll feel more confident in your personal or professional life.
Come in for a Braces Evaluation Contact Scott Orthodontics Today
If you or your child are living with crooked, gapped, or misaligned teeth, braces can help you enjoy a straighter, healthier, and more beautiful smile.
Unlike a dentist, our orthodontist specializes in orthodontic care and can provide the most advanced, diverse solutions to care for your unique case and provide the best possible outcomes.
To get started, request a consultation online or call one of our offices:
Silver Spring: (301) 589-8191
30 minutes from Bowie
Mitchellville: (301) 390-1510
20 minutes from Bowie
5-Star Reviews From Maryland Patients
Madelyn Lovett
2023
Scott Orthodontics is outstanding! This is the only orthodontic practice I have ever used, for good reason. The entire staff is very friendly and helpful. Scheduling consultations and other appointments is very easy and efficient. Dr. Scott is friendly, down to earth, professional, and incredibly knowledgeable about various forms of orthodontic treatment options.
View on GoogleStephanie Williams
2023
My daughter, son, and I have had wonderful experiences with our orthodontic treatments by Dr. Scott and his staff. They are highly skilled, professional, patient, and affordable. During the pandemic we fell behind with our maintenance, but plan on returning to continue treatment. Highly recommend!
Meet Stuart A. Scott, DDS, Cert. Ortho
Dr. Scott is a certified orthodontist who has been providing high-quality orthodontic care to the Greater Bowie area since 1992.
The Scott Orthodontics team is committed to providing the most professional, informative, and friendly orthodontic care to patients of all ages. In addition to braces, Dr. Scott offers a variety of orthodontic treatments including Invisalign® and advanced jaw surgery.
Braces vs. Invisalign Which Is Better for Me?
Braces and Invisalign are both incredibly popular options for orthodontic patients. There are a few key differences that will determine which is best for your needs:
Braces
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Braces can treat all types of alignment concerns, from mild to complex.
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Braces are much more customizable than Invisalign. Dr. Scott can more precisely fine-tune your treatment.
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Braces are more noticeable than Invisalign aligners.
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Treatment with braces usually takes around 18–24 months.
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Metal brackets are directly attached to the teeth. Treatment comes with some dietary restrictions to keep the orthodontics intact and promote good oral hygiene.
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Braces are not typically the best choice for people with dental restorations, as it's harder to adhere brackets to prosthetic surfaces.
Invisalign
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Invisalign is best for treating mild to moderate cases of dental misalignment.
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Invisalign is customized to the patient, but not to the degree that braces are.
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Invisalign aligners are clear and blend in against the teeth.
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Treatment with Invisalign usually takes around 12–18 months.
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Invisalign aligners are completely removable. There are no dietary restrictions during treatment, and you can brush and floss your teeth as you normally would.
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Invisalign aligners fit over the teeth, not on the teeth — they are usually more effective for patients with crowns, bridges, or dentures.
While braces are typically our first recommendation for patients seeking orthodontic care, we'll be happy to talk to you about what may be possible for your smile with Invisalign aligners.
How Much Do Braces Cost?
One of the main reasons why families from Bowie visit Scott Orthodontics is our affordable care. At Scott Orthodontics, patients can start their braces treatment with a down payment of just $500 to $600 and monthly payments of approximately $200 to $250.
If you have dental insurance, your monthly payments will be even lower.
Get a Quote Today
Contact Scott Orthodontics
Because the cost of braces varies from patient to patient, the best way to receive an accurate estimate is to schedule a consultation at Scott Orthodontics. Both of our locations are conveniently located 20 to 30 minutes from Bowie, MD. To request an orthodontic consultation or learn more about the cost of braces, contact us online
or call us:
Silver Spring: (301) 589-8191
30 minutes from Bowie
Mitchellville: (301) 390-1510
20 minutes from Bowie
Bowie-Area Patients Appreciate Our Team
John Askevold
2023
The whole experience was great! From the staff's helpfulness, to them going above an beyond to help me. Had pain for a year, and they did an occlusal adjustment for free to help it, in addition! Great work Dr. Scott, and team!
Evanda Miles
2022
Dr. Scott and his team are wonderful! I was referred to him by my sister who’s two children went to him for their braces. Being that this is my second time in braces I was a little discouraged, but Dr. Scott and his team were so professional and welcoming, they made this transition as an adult a lot easier!
View on GooglePaying for Braces
Down Payment
Patients can start their treatment with a down payment of $500 to $600. We are extremely flexible and will arrange a down payment that fits your family's budget.
Insurance
Many dental insurances cover the cost of orthodontic treatment. Our office accepts most types of dental insurance, so our team can work with you to file the right paperwork and ensure you get the most from your benefits.
Payment Plans
We offer in-house, interest-free financing. We can also arrange for third-party financing through CareCredit® and LendingClub®. Most monthly payments range from $200 to $250, but patients with dental insurance can typically enjoy lower monthly payments.
What to Expect During Your Braces Treatment
We use modern wires that move your teeth more quickly and comfortably. Most patients complete their braces treatment in about 18–24 months.
You'll periodically meet with Dr. Scott at our dental offices in Mitchellville or Silver Spring, MD, for adjustments and so he can ensure your treatment plan is still progressing smoothly.
Trust Your Smile to a Specialist Book a Consultation With Dr. Scott Today
While general dentists can provide orthodontic treatment, it's always in your best interest to seek care from an orthodontist like Dr. Scott. He completed multiple years of additional specialized training in the alignment of the teeth and has been focused on this area of dentistry for more than 30 years.
Dr. Scott is also certified as an orthodontist. This means that he passed a rigorous examination process, that his skill and professionalism are recognized by peers, and that his patients can trust him to handle even the most unique or complex cases effectively.
When you work with Scott Orthodontics, Dr. Scott will oversee every stage of your treatment himself. To get started on your care plan with our highly qualified orthodontist, send us a message or call our dental offices in the Bowie, MD, area:
Silver Spring: (301) 589-8191
Mitchellville: (301) 390-1510
Excellent Patient Reviews From the Greater Bowie Area
Shannon DeCastro
2023
We have now visited the Mitchellville and Silver Spring location, Dr. Scott and his team are top notch. The communication, efficient office routines and Dr. Scott's recommendations for my 8yr old daughter have been essential. They have bright, friendly offices and staff. Highly recommend.
View on GoogleKaren Strambler
2023
Dr. Scott is an excellent orthodontist. He took the time to explain why I needed braces and how long I would need to wear them. His team is professional and friendly. I would recommend Scott Orthodontics to anyone, because they take care of their patients.
View on GoogleHelpful Tips for Patients With Braces From Orthodontist Stuart Scott
Brushing and Flossing
It's important that orthodontic patients practice good oral hygiene during their treatment. Continue brushing twice a day and flossing at night to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Eating and Drinking
With braces, you should refrain from eating foods that can damage your wires or brackets and cause unnecessary trips to the dentist. Foods to avoid include nuts, popcorn, ice, gum, and hard or chewy candies.
Dealing With Soreness
It's normal to feel a little sore after an orthodontic adjustment. This soreness is usually minor and goes away after a few hours. If you are very uncomfortable, you can use oral anesthetics, over-the-counter pain medication, or an ice pack to alleviate discomfort.
Broken Wires and Brackets
If you break a wire or if one of your brackets comes off the tooth, call our Silver Spring or Mitchellville office so that our orthodontist can fix the issue. Both of our offices are less than 30 minutes from Bowie, MD.
Playing Sports
If you or your child play sports and are worried about your braces injuring your cheeks or gums, you can protect your smile by wearing a mouth guard. Mouth guards offered by dentists are usually more comfortable than store-bought options because they are customized to your smile.
Professional Teeth Whitening Can Be the Ideal Finishing Touch
It's normal to experience some tooth discoloration around the brackets during braces treatment. If you're left with stains that make you hesitate to share your newly aligned smile, a professional teeth whitening treatment from Dr. Scott can give you that final cosmetic boost that turns the end of treatment into a cause for celebration.
Our Bowie-area offices provide a range of whitening treatment options from the Philips Zoom!® product line, one of the most widely recognized and effective available. Dr. Scott can help you choose the best option for your goals and perform treatment that gives you noticeable results in an hour or less.
Braces FAQ What Patients Want to Know
What is a good age to get braces?
Children should get their first orthodontic checkup by age seven. During this appointment, an orthodontist can detect issues early on and start your child on the path to a straighter smile.
Am I too old for braces?
Even if you never had braces as a child or teen, you are never too old for orthodontic treatment. Many adult patients from Bowie, MD, have used traditional braces and clear aligners to straighten their smiles.
Is it painful to wear braces?
Orthodontic care has come a long way and treatment is much more comfortable than it used to be. If you are experiencing discomfort after your orthodontic adjustment, take an over-the-counter pain reliever. If the wires and brackets are irritating your cheeks, apply wax.
How long will braces take?
The length of braces treatment varies from patient to patient. Most patients will need to wear their braces for 18 months to a few years to reach their desired results. The more severe your malocclusion is, the longer you will have to wear your braces.
"Always make me feel welcome and appreciated." Our Patients Are Always Our Top Priority
Ivonnna Smith
2023
Dr. Scott and his staff are loving, thoughtful and professional. I truly believe he wants everyone to have their most beautiful teeth.
View On Google
Mark Campbell
2023
Dr. Scott, office always make me feel welcome and appreciated. Friendly staff, good prices and awesome work.
