Seeking straighter teeth? There are several different types of braces out there to choose from, but depending on your age, the severity of your misalignment (crookedness of teeth) or malocclusion (overbite or underbite), and your budget, your options may be more limited. Regardless of which kind of braces you end up going with, one thing is for sure — orthodontic treatments have improved by leaps and bounds in the past few decades, and you can generally expect less discomfort and quicker results.
Traditional metal braces
What they are
Traditional metal braces employ a network of brackets and wires to pull teeth into alignment. The wires are attached to the brackets via elastic ligatures (aka o-rings), which your orthodontist swaps out and replaces at each appointment. Switching up the colors and styles of the elastics allows for a level of personalization and customization with this type of braces.
Brackets and wires are much smaller than before with modern metal braces, making them both sightlier and easier to maintain. Better yet, the materials themselves have improved. Rather than traditional stainless steel wires, metal braces are equipped with nickel-titanium alloy (“NiTi”) archwires, which activate with the warmth of the mouth and gradually reshape themselves or “self-correct” over time. Because they adapt to your teeth’s current position, there’s less force being applied and less overall discomfort.
Who they’re right for
Metal braces are still the right choice for many patients, and in some cases may be the only choice for those with severe misalignment issues or malocclusions (overbites or underbites). Visually, they are noticeable, but they are also often more efficient than other types of braces, so you may not have to look at them for long!
How much they cost
Metal braces average between $3,000 and $7,000 in cost without insurance. Note that while dental insurance policies may partially cover costs of children’s orthodontics, they are less apt to cover older teens (18+) and adults.
Ceramic braces
What they are
Ceramic braces are identical to metal braces in their mechanism of action, just better camouflaged. Brackets and wires are tooth-colored or clear, making them less conspicuous. However, they are more susceptible to staining than their metal counterparts, meaning patients with these types of braces should take extra care.
Who they’re right for
Ceramic braces are a good choice for patients who may be a little more self-conscious about their appearance, but still require major corrections to their alignment or bite.
How much they cost
You’ll pay a slight premium on ceramic braces over metal braces, approximately $1,000 more. Average costs range from $4,000 to $8,000.
Self-ligating braces
What they are
Self-ligating braces (also called Damon braces) are very similar to metal and ceramic braces, with one key difference in their construction — the brackets exchange elastic ligatures for a clip with a spring-loaded door that holds the wire in place (the word “ligate” means to tie off or tie down). This mechanism helps the braces self-tighten as the teeth move, and keeps things a little less cluttered than traditional braces.
Who they’re right for
Self-ligating braces have gained popularity in recent years because they are easier to clean (elastics are magnets for plaque and debris) and maintain and are a bit more discreet, although still obviously visible (less so if using ceramics). Since they have the element of self-adjustment built into them, they might be more comfortable and might not require as many appointments or as much appointment time as traditional braces do. The total time you can expect to spend in them does not differ significantly from traditional braces (an average of 1.5 years).
How much they cost
Self-ligating braces will run you anywhere from $2,500 to $8,000.
Lingual braces
What they are
Lingual braces are like metal braces except that they’re mounted to the backsides of your teeth where they cannot be seen. What you gain in aesthetics you sacrifice in comfort, as the brackets and wires will come in more frequent contact with soft tissues and especially the tongue.
Who they’re right for
Lingual braces require some patience on part of the patient as they adjust to the discomfort, but they are generally effective at correcting most types of malocclusion — with the exception being a “deep bite” (where the fronts of the bottom teeth scrape excessively against the backs of the upper teeth). Lingual braces in that scenario are too much of a hindrance to biting and chewing to come recommended.
How much they cost
Because they’re more difficult to access and adjust, lingual braces end up being the costliest type of braces, ranging on average from $8,000 to $10,000 during the treatment period.
Invisible aligners (Invisalign)
What they are
Invisible aligners, alternatively referred to by the popular brand name Invisalign, are custom-made clear plastic molds that fit over each row of teeth. Over the course of treatment, patients will dispose of and replace the invisible aligners every two weeks, anywhere from 18 to 30 times. They’re virtually unnoticeable and can be removed at will, meaning there are no dietary restrictions compared to other types of braces.
Who they’re right for
Those with milder or more moderate alignment issues who desire a little more freedom during the treatment period. That comes with an important caveat — they must be worn at all times other than eating, drinking, or brushing to produce results! Because children’s mouths are still developing and they may be without their full set of permanent teeth, invisible aligners are only an option for teens and adults.
How much they cost
Invisible aligners cost anywhere from $4,000 to $7,400 on average.
Accelerated orthodontics
What it is
Accelerated orthodontics is a relatively new specialization that uses additional procedures or appliances in tandem with your braces to get you in and out of them more quickly.
How it works
There are two popular routes one can take with accelerated orthodontics — AcceleDent and Propel. They both work a little differently, but have the same goal in mind — to stimulate bone tissue in the jaw so teeth move faster. AcceleDent involves trays that fit over braces or aligners and deliver micropulses to teeth, spurring cell activity in the surrounding bone tissue. Propel works through microperforations in the gums to insert tiny probes just slightly into the bone, activating your body’s healing response and speeding the realignment along. AcceleDent and Propel have been found to reduce time spent in orthodontics by an average of 30 and 50 percent, respectively.
How much it costs
AcceleDent is the cheaper of the two accelerated orthodontics methods, costing an average $800 to $900. Propel offers a similar micropulse device at a comparable cost, but the microperforation procedure (repeated every 6 to 8 weeks) can run up to $2,000.
What is the right type of braces for me?
Everyone’s mouth — and teeth — are different, as are their needs! Sleep Dentistry with Dr. Kevin Mahoney is here to help you find the right type of braces for you, with the least amount of pain and the best possible outcome. Give us a call and make an appointment to get set up today.