I have a few questions about braces, insurance, etc?

Here goes. 1. If you had x-rays taken about 2 years ago, but then go back to the same place, do they give you another x-ray, or can they just look at the one from before? 2. Does anyone currently have dental insurance AND a dental discount plan, like Aetna? If you do, is the discount plan worth it, and are you even able to get a discounted price if you have insurance, too? 3. Adult braces. My teeth are crowded on the bottom, we're talking a rotated tooth and not a lot of room. My top teeth aren't too bad, aside from one tooth that's pushed a little back from the other 2 (a little like Jewel). I've heard a lot about the 6 month power braces, as well as Damon brackets, but has anyone actually had them? If you did, about how much did it cost and how long did it take? Thanks to anyone that can help!
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1. You will need to get x-rays taken again because the existing ones are 2 years old. That is because ; a) You might have had some changes in the growth of the jaw bones, causing major changes in the measurements, and therefore, in the way the malocclusion can be treated. b) The Orthodontist wants to make sure that you absolutely do not have any cavities before the brackets and bands are placed. 2. Having dental insurance does help, but not all all plans cover the cost for braces. There can also be difference in the plans under the same name / umbrella. Depends on what kind of coverage the employer / program wants to offer. It all depends on how much coverage has been purchased. *The fee is the same with or without insurance. ** Total cost varies from $4500 - $6000, depending on which practice you go to. *** The monthly payment can vary from $300 - $500, again depending on : a) How many visits per month (usually 2) b) how much the total cost you have been quoted c) how much money you pay upfront d) how many years of treatment required e) A total of how many visits are required to complete the treatment **** NO insurance covers the cost for adult braces (as far as I know, I maybe wrong). The best thing will be to get in touch with your insurance company and ask for the details. 3. Even adults can get braces. However, you don't want power braces or anything that might shift your teeth too fast. When you age your bones don't stay as soft or spongy like the young bones. Orthodontic teeth movement is achieved through applying pressure and traction at the same time. As a result, the bone on the side of the pressure gets resorbed and the bone on the side of traction builds up. The following animation will show how : http://www.mednet-tech.com/animations_de… Go to "Ortho" and then "How Teeth Move with Braces" Too much force will cause pain, and lack of blood supply. Also, it will not allow the formation of bone on the other side and your teeth will become extremely loose. Many people end up losing teeth because of such impatience. Ultimately, though it is your mouth and your decision. You can get a consultation and ask for an exact quote at that time.
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