Finding The Right Type Of Braces At The Right Cost
Updated 10/14/2020
Most of us do not have a perfect set of teeth. Fortunately, orthodontic treatments are available both for children and adults that generate good outcomes and beautiful smiles. Below is an overview of a variety of braces options available today. Be sure to discuss them with your orthodontist so that you can choose the right appliance to meet your lifestyle and your budget.
Traditional braces
When most people think of braces, they picture a smile with metal brackets and colorful bands. Basically metal brackets made from high-grade stainless steel are cemented onto each tooth and then linked together using archwires. The resulting pressure on the teeth causes them to shift into the desired position in the mouth. These are the most common and affordable type of braces. Fortunately, traditional braces have come a long way in the past few decades, and are now much lighter in weight than before.
Ceramic braces
These braces are similar to traditional braces. However, their brackets are made from clear ceramic material. They are a popular choice among adults primarily because they are less conspicuous than traditional braces. One downside to ceramic braces is that sometimes the elastics used with them become discolored and can cause marks on the teeth. Be sure to discuss this option with your orthodontist for products to help protect against this.
Self-ligating braces
This type of braces is also similar to traditional braces except that instead of using elastics to connect the archwires to the brackets, self-ligating braces use a slide mechanism. They impose less pressure on the teeth, so it’s less painful while still producing fast results. In addition, as the teeth move on their own without requiring adjustments (i.e. fewer dental visits), these are becoming more popular with patients and orthodontists.
Invisalign Aligners
Over 3-million patients globally have been treated with Invisalign, a type of clear aligner used in place of traditional braces. It uses 3D computer imaging to layout your full treatment plan, from the initial position of your teeth to the final desired position. What results is a series of custom-made, clear aligners. Each one is worn for around two weeks, gradually moving your teeth as you progress through the series.
The benefits of Invisalign aligners can be summed up as follows:
Clear. Remember the days when you didn’t smile for school pictures because of braces. These clear aligners allow for a more seamless fit into one’s existing lifestyle. They’re less visible, so you won’t need to hide your smile while going through treatment.
Removable. When it comes to braces, removability is a huge plus. It allows you the flexibility of eating or drinking whatever you want - even popcorn or sticky pizza. In addition, this promotes good oral hygiene as you are able to remove the aligners for brushing and flossing.
Comfortable. Invisalign uses no metal wires or brackets, which are a nuisance. They can irritate your mouth, and they require adjustment time during each appointment.
Envision the end result. The 3D technology used in developing Invisalign aligners allows you to view your expected results before your treatment plan even begins. Seeing how straight your teeth will appear is an incentive to wearing the devices.
At Tri-Cities Orthodontic Specialists we stop at nothing until our patients’ smiles are full of confidence! Come visit our welcoming, family-oriented team who will attend to your every orthodontic treatment need. To schedule an appointment, please call (276) 642-0043, or complete and submit our request form. Our scheduling coordinator will contact you to set up your appointment. Please also follow us on Facebook!
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Sources:
https://tdrortho.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-braces-and-whats-right-for-me/
https://www.orthodonticslimited.com/braces/types-of-braces/