How to Get Braces at a Reduced Price at Orthodontic Schools in Illinois

Tooth braces and orthodontic after care are costly. Treatment can cost thousands of dollars even if you have dental insurance coverage. One option that should not be overlooked is obtaining orthodontic care at an Illinois dental school. Services in student teaching clinics are provided by dental students working toward the completion of their dental school program. Some students are able to work with patients who seek dental specialty services such as orthodontics. All treatments are supervised and examined by experienced dental faculty.

Things You'll Need

• Orthodontic treatment plan

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Instructions

• 1

  Contact an accredited dental school in the state. When you contact the school, ask if they provide orthodontic services. Not all dental schools offer orthodontic treatment. If orthodontic care is offered, schedule a screening appointment.

• 2

  Arrive for your screening appointment. At the initial screening appointment you will be evaluated by a faculty member. The faculty member will assess the educational value of your dental and orthodontic needs. An oral diagnosis and x-rays will also likely be completed. If it is determined that the services you need can also offer an educational opportunity for a student, you will be accepted as a patient. If your treatment is too complex for the teaching program, you may be turned down. There is typically no charge for the initial assessment.

• 3

  Schedule a treatment planning appointment. If you are accepted as a patient at the dental school, you must schedule a treatment planning appointment.

• 4

  Go in for your treatment planning appointment. During the appointment you will be examined by faculty and students to determine your treatment needs. The proposed treatment plan will be explained to you and you will be asked to sign an informed consent form. By signing the form, you will be agreeing to show for all scheduled appointments and pay the fees as outlined in the plan. You will also be assigned a student who will be responsible for your orthodontic care.

• 5

  Show up for initial treatment appointments. After the treatment planning appointment you will be scheduled for a series of appointments. The appointment immediately following the planning appointment will involve having impressions taken. About a week after the impressions are taken, you will return for the brackets and wires to be installed.

• 6

  Attend follow up appointments. At the follow up appointments, the student assigned to your case will check your progress by examining your bite and assess the movement of your teeth. He or she may prescribe bands to help your teeth move in the appropriate direction.

• 7

  Complete treatment. The typical treatment time for braces is two years. The amount of time you have to wear braces will depend on the condition of your teeth and how well you follow the treatment plan. When the braces are removed, your teeth will be cleaned and you will be required to wear a retainer for a designated amount of time to prevent your teeth from moving back.