Teeth Straightening Options
If you are thinking about straightening your teeth, there are so many options to choose from. When you like for teeth straightening options online, there are so many choices that it can be quite an overwhelming number of choices, should I go for traditional metal braces? Clear braces? Or should I try clear aligners? In fact, there aren’t as many options as you think. They come in two main types: conventional fixed appliances (also known as metal or ceramic braces), and removable clear aligners.
The Traditional Option: Braces
The option we all know and are somewhat worried about. But for all the concerns associated with traditional braces, there are pros and cons:
The Pros
- Braces are greatly effective for correcting most significant dental issues.
- They can be covered by insurance, making them a cost-effective solution.
The Cons
- Most braces are visible, which can mean that it can cause feelings of self-consciousness.
- As they’re a fixed appliance and are not removable, this can prove frustrating, especially in social functions or when trying to maintain good oral hygiene, but proper oral hygiene is necessary to prevent cavities and reduce other oral health problems.
How Long Does It Take To Treat?
It can take between 6 months and 2 years and can vary in cost depending on the complexity of the issue.
While metal braces have had a bad rap over the years, there’s a reason metal braces are still around after all time; they work for so many different oral issues, from fixing crooked teeth to correcting an overbite. But braces these days aren’t the typical metal mouth and elastic bands setup anymore. Dental technology has evolved so much, there are a number of options available:
Metal braces: the traditional metal bracket with wires, usually held by elastic ties.
Self-ligating (Damon) braces: these are similar to traditional metal braces, but, instead of elastic ties to hold the wire, a sliding device is used.
Clear braces: These are ceramic braces that are either clear or colored to match the tone of your teeth.
Lingual braces: instead of being attached to the front like traditional braces, they are placed on the back of the mouth.
The Removable Option: Clear Aligners
The new kid on the block! As with any treatment, they come with pros and cons:
The Pros
- In most cases, clear aligners like Invisalign can most less than traditional braces.
- They are removable, so daily tasks like eating, drinking, and good oral hygiene are easier.
- Clear aligners require less time to fix at an orthodontist’s office in comparison to braces.
- They’re much more discreet.
The Cons
- If they are not worn for the proper amount of time every day, they won’t be effective.
- Certain brands of clear aligners can cost more than traditional braces.
- Easy to lose due to them being removable.
How Long Does It Take To Treat?
Depending on the brand, it can cost between $1,900 and $8,500, and can take between 10 weeks to 2 years to treat the problem depending on the person.
Clear aligner options are certainly attractive for people who don’t have time for typical orthodontic appointments and looking for less expensive teeth straightening options, and while everyone has different teeth straightening needs, it’s important that you don’t go it alone.
Whatever your problem, booking an appointment with the right orthodontist can help you develop your treatment plan to get you smiling again!