What are dental braces?
Braces are a fixed type of orthodontic appliances used to align teeth for the duration of orthodontic treatment.
With many types of orthodontic appliances available today, braces still remain the most precise and effective method of teeth alignment.
Typical dental braces consist of:
- Brackets – tiny anchors (metal/porcelain/plastic) bonded directly to the teeth surface;
- Archwires – metal wires used to pull the brackets to align teeth;
- Auxiliaries – elastics, torque springs, ligature wires, etc. used for anchorage.
Metal components of dental braces are typically made from stainless steel, nickel-titanium alloy (NiTi) or other non-reactive and non-allergic materials.
Types of braces
As of today there are two most common types of orthodontic braces:
Traditional dental braces:
This type of braces represents the most common and effective approach in bite correction. Orthodontic appliances (brackets, archwires, etc.) are mounted on the outside surface of the teeth.
Lingual braces:
Due to poor aesthetics associated with wearing traditional braces, lingual braces were introduced as an alternative. Although more discreet, lingual braces can be harder to maintain and generally cost more than traditional ones.
It is best to consult with your orthodontist to decide which of the above works best for you.
Are dental braces really necessary?
Nearly 70% of the population including children, teenagers, and adults, has bite problems known as malocclusion. Malocclusion, or simply, improper bite, can be a result of genetic and environmental factors, traumas, bad habits (such as thumb sucking), and impacted or missing teeth.
Improper bite is directly linked to a large number of health issues, including digestive problems, snoring, facial and neck pain. Even small orthodontic problems may overtime develop into complex issues that require extensive and costly treatment.
When orthodontic problem is detected, and requires getting braces, doing so is important, especially in young age, as it allows to achieve better results faster.
Early orthodontic treatment offers many benefits, including:
- Facial aesthetics and improved self-esteem;
- Proper chewing and food digestion;
- Protects teeth from excessive wear and premature loss;
- Keeps gums healthy;
- Increases resistance of teeth to caries;
- Reduces the risks of sports traumas.
Alternative to braces
For those individuals who are not willing to sacrifice their looks for the effectiveness of braces, clear teeth aligners were developed. These aligners, however, are suitable only for treatment of minor to mild teeth crowding.
One of the most recognized names in clear teeth aligners is Invisalign. Invisalign aligners are removable and virtually invisible, making them very popular among adults.
How much do dental braces cost?
The cost of braces depends on many factors, such as complexity and length of treatment, and is usually $5,000 to $6,000.
Lingual braces can add an additional 40-90% to the cost, while tooth-colored porcelain or ceramic brackets are an extra $400 to $600.
Options, such as bright or glow-in-the-dark colors, as well as various shapes of brackets (flowers, stars, hearts, etc) may also add a few hundred dollars.
The only certain way to determine the cost of braces and treatment is to consult with your orthodontist.