Reasons to Straighten Your Smile
There are many benefits that come along with aligning and correcting the teeth, including:
Increased self-esteem and pride
Enhancement of the cosmetic qualities of the smile
Easier to practice proper dental hygiene
Eliminate chances of plaque and tartar accumulating between the teeth
Improved oral & overall health
Easier to chew & speak
Decreased risk of periodontitis (gum disease)
Decreased risk of caries (tooth decay)
Different Solutions for Teeth Straightening
There are a few different ways to attain a straightened and aligned smile. Examples of the different types of orthodontic treatment include:
Traditional Metal Braces
This class of orthodontic treatment is carried out with the use of titanium wires and brackets. Brackets are professionally bonded to the surfaces of the teeth, and the wires are used to link the brackets. Over the course of metal braces treatment, the wires are slowly tightened bit by bit to motivate the teeth to shift into their ideal positions.
Ceramic Braces
While ceramic braces operate upon the same principles as traditional metal braces, they are composed of durable ceramic material to provide a more discrete look. Ceramic braces are often commonly referred to as “invisible braces”.
Lingual Braces
Rather than attaching the wires and brackets to the lingual (front) surface of the teeth, lingual braces make use of brackets and wires that are bonded to the lingual (back) surface of the teeth. This essentially leads to an almost completely invisible overall appearance.
Invisalign
A top choice for many individuals, this process of modern orthodontic treatment makes use of clear aligner trays rather than brackets and wires. The BPA-free plastic trays can be easily removed for eating and caring for the teeth. Patients receive a new set of trays every two weeks; each set is designed to correct a different zone of teeth inside the mouth.
No matter the method of treatment you choose, you will receive a set of retainers after your treatment is complete. Wearing your retainers every day ensures that you will be able to maintain the alignment of your beautiful new smile.
Cost of Teeth Straightening Treatment
Below are the typical costs of teeth alignment treatment:
Traditional Metal Braces: From $3,000
Lingual Braces: From $5,000
Ceramic Braces: From $4,000
Invisalign: From $2,000
The overall cost of your orthodontic treatment will depend on the type of treatment that you pursue, as well as a few other variables, such as:
Dental insurance coverage
The region in which you live
The amount of orthodontic correction needed
Costs and fees set by your dentist or orthodontist
The best way to determine how much you can expect to pay for your teeth straightening treatment is to undergo a conference with your dentist and consult your dental insurance company for a breakdown of benefits.
Which Orthodontic Treatment is Best for Me?
Of course, the best way to determine which type of treatment is best for you is to undergo a consultation with your dentist, but below are a few things to consider:
Patients with numerous issues that are in need of extensive orthodontic correction may not qualify as candidates for Invisalign aligning treatment;
Traditional braces are usually covered (at least partially) by dental insurance;
Invisalign is not typically covered by most dental insurance plans;
Lingual braces can be a bit more complex than other methods; this leads to a higher overall treatment cost;
Lingual braces can be a bit more difficult to become accustomed to, as they rub up against the tongue rather than facing outwards towards the gums;
Patients with severe overbites may need to pursue traditional braces and may not qualify as ideal candidates for other orthodontic treatment methods.
