Many things can be wrong with your teeth, but the remedy for several of these problems is the many types of orthodontic braces. Common orthodontic issues include gaps in the teeth, crooked teeth, crowded teeth, underbites and overbites, and braces can correct each of these issues. The latest trends in orthodontics are making treatment with braces faster, more efficient and more effective but choosing the right braces for you is the best plan.
Understanding Different Types of Braces
Traditional metal braces have been around for a long time, and they are the most common type of braces. With the latest braces technology advancements, we now have clear ceramic braces, lingual braces, colored braces and Invisalign.
Metal Braces
People are not always in favor of wearing metal braces, but the benefits of metal braces are many. They are the best braces for complex dental issues because they allow your orthodontist to move your teeth very precisely. Also, if your teeth are severely misaligned, metal braces are the best option. When your teeth are severely crooked, plaque can build up because it is harder to clean them. Then, plaque buildup leads to gum disease.
When you have metal braces, it is easier to maintain your new look after your orthodontist removes them. The materials in metal braces are the most durable. Therefore, your braces will not break as often as other different types of braces.
Ceramic Braces
The advantages of ceramic braces include the fact that they are less visible than metal braces. You are a good candidate for ceramic braces if you have all of your adult teeth and are no longer growing. They are right for you if you do not want to call attention to your teeth.
Other Types of Braces
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are more than minimal visibility braces because people cannot see them at all. That is because your orthodontist places lingual braces on the back side of your teeth. You have many other lingual braces pros and cons to consider. For example, braces come with brackets, elastic bands and wires, and people can see them because they are on the front of your teeth. With lingual braces, these components are on the back of your teeth. Therefore, no one can see lingual braces unless you open your mouth very wide. In addition to that, braces are often painful, but lingual braces are not as uncomfortable as other types.
The cons of lingual braces relate to the fact that the impact of braces on lifestyle is different. You may need to choose your foods carefully in the beginning. For example, it may be necessary to eat softer foods, but the braces adjustment period will not be as long with lingual braces.
Invisalign
Invisalign is also known as “clear aligners for adults.” Invisalign treatment is not entirely invisible, but it comes very close. Clear aligners are also not braces. They are clear trays made out of a flexible thermoplastic that fit over your teeth. Therefore, they are not permanent like metal and other types of braces. Another advantage is the fact that they do not have the wires, brackets and elastic bands of traditional braces.
Invisalign can correct several orthodontic issues, including crowded teeth, gapped teeth and open bites. However, it may not be able to correct every type of underbite, crossbite or overbite. Invisalign is not recommended for the most severe orthodontic issues.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Braces
Metal Braces
Metal braces range in price from $3,000 to $6,000. Your insurance provider may be able to cover these expenses. This is the least expensive treatment for straightening your teeth, and the orthodontic treatment duration is between one and three years.
People do not necessarily like the looks of metal braces on their teeth. This is especially true for teenagers. The reason is that metal braces are so visible, and many people believe that they would feel self-conscious with these types of braces.
They may also be the most uncomfortable type of braces. However, all types of orthodontic braces are uncomfortable for most people. After some time passes, this discomfort subsides as you become used to wearing your braces.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces or clear braces range between $4,000 and $8,000, and your insurance provider may not cover them. You can, however, purchase an orthodontic plan for this purpose. Some plans may require that you have orthodontic treatment to correct a condition that prevents your mouth from functioning normally and not for braces for smile enhancement. The orthodontic treatment duration for ceramic braces is between 1½ to 3 years, so it is comparable to the length of treatment with metal braces.
People cannot see ceramic braces on your teeth as easily as they can see traditional metal braces. This is the reason that many people select ceramic braces. They are also a good option for braces for teenagers because teens do not like to stand out in a crowd.
Lingual Braces
The cost of lingual braces will depend on whether or not they are custom braces solutions. They may cost as much as $10,000. To reduce this cost, you have the option of wearing lingual braces on the top and metal braces on the bottom. This option offers more invisibility than ceramic braces. Many people in the public eye choose lingual braces because they are not easily seen by others. If this option is too expensive, you do have many other cost-effective braces solutions to consider.
Speaking with lingual braces is difficult at first for many people. It is also hard when people have other types of orthodontic braces, but these issues subside with time. It just takes a little longer for you to become accustomed to speaking with lingual braces.
Invisalign
If you are considering Invisalign versus traditional braces, you may be pleased to know that the cost of braces is comparable. Invisalign costs from $3,000 to $5,000. This will depend on the orthodontic treatment duration and the severity of your issues. Your dental insurance provider may pay for the entire cost of your treatment or a portion of it.
Invisalign is one of the most aesthetic braces options that you have for straightening your teeth. People will be able to see the trays in your mouth, but they are not as conspicuous as metal braces. In addition to that, they do not have wires and brackets.
What to Discuss with Your Orthodontist
The following orthodontist consultation advice helps you narrow down the important topics of discussion. For example, you may ask the orthodontist what the early signs for braces need are. People also wonder how long their children must wear braces. It is also important to determine the best way for choosing braces for children. People like to know how braces and oral hygiene can coexist.
The consultation is a good time to ask about pain management with braces. As was mentioned above, braces can be uncomfortable, but we can relieve some of this pain. We will also provide you with other orthodontic care tips to make your journey with braces as comfortable as possible.
It’s also important when you are consulting your orthodontist to ask whether or not there are foods that you or your child should avoid. You might want to ask questions about the easiest way to preserve your dental health with braces. Another important question to ask is how maintaining braces can help you keep the results after the removal of your braces.
Conclusion
To be able to enjoy the long-term benefits of braces, you must choose the right type of braces for your or your child’s individual needs. This is the reason that you must learn how to choose orthodontist who addresses your particular dental issues. This orthodontic treatment planning will be what ensures the best results of your treatment, so contact us to set up a consultation with an orthodontist today.