Aug 29, 2022 | Clear Aligners
Cosmetic treatment is something that you get for aesthetic reasons instead of health or medical purposes. Orthodontic treatments to achieve straighter teeth are typically considered a form of cosmetic treatment unless a doctor has determined that the treatment is medically required. They are not exactly cheap but people still aim to get these types of treatment. For orthodontic treatments, there are multiple factors why a patient would undergo one.
First is that they can afford the treatment whether through their personal funds or with the aid of health insurance. These treatments cost thousands of dollars so they are a really huge financial decision. The second reason would be health problems. Some conditions can cause pain and discomfort among patients. The third is to achieve increased confidence. Crooked teeth can cause someone to develop lower self-esteem. Getting the treatment to achieve straighter teeth can get rid of this problem.
Straight and perfect teeth look great. But in some parts of the world, fashion models choose not to correct imperfections and keep their natural teeth to show their individuality. A crooked canine or a snaggletooth is considered a beauty trait in Japan.
People who want to achieve straight teeth have several options. It’s essential to speak with your dental provider before you start any form of treatment. Traditional dental braces made of metal are always a good option for anyone with strong gums and teeth. Metal braces are also good for children because their gums and bone tissue are still flexible. The treatment usually lasts two or three years depending on the issues to be corrected. The exact timeframe will vary for each patient.
We’ll give you the details on several options to get straighter teeth.
When someone mentions dental braces, the first thing that comes to our minds is the metal type with brackets, wire, and bands. The metal wire goes through the brackets. The tightness of the wire is regularly adjusted by the dentist or orthodontist. This change in the wire tightness puts pressure on different areas to gently shift the teeth into the desired position.
People with complex and severe issues are recommended to get treatment with metal braces. Headgear may also be required for extremely severe cases. This is an appliance affixed to the head with straps and is usually worn during nighttime.
The metal braces we know today are vastly different from when they first developed. Dental providers use smaller brackets which are more comfortable for patients. There is also an abundance of options for rubber bands.
The average cost of metal braces falls between $3,000 – $7,500, based on data released by Authority Dental. The total cost will vary depending on the patient’s location, the complexity of the case, and if there is insurance coverage.
Lingual braces look like traditional braces but they are applied on the back side of the teeth. Because they are attached to the side that faces the inside of the mouth, lingual braces are unnoticeable. These are an excellent choice for patients who do not want traditional metal braces for aesthetic reasons.
Because they are metal braces, lingual braces can correct various issues and degrees of complexity just like traditional braces. There are also bands that can be customized for each patient. Brackets can also be modified to fit perfectly into the contours of the patient’s teeth. Teeth impression will be required and sent to a laboratory to do this. It can take up to six weeks to complete the custom brackets. Custom-fit brackets can speed up the treatment but will also boost the total cost.
People who play an instrument, contact sports athletes, and those who fear that metal brackets ruin a professional image will find lingual braces an ideal choice. These are not recommended for patients with extreme overbite since the brackets are more likely to fall off. It is also not recommended for children because primary teeth cannot hold the brackets well.
One thing to remember – it is more difficult to clean lingual braces than traditional braces. As we mentioned earlier, the price is also steeper. On average, treatment with lingual braces can cost $5,000 to $7,000. The treatment usually takes 18 to 36 months.
Ceramic braces can also be compared with metal braces in terms of effectiveness. The main difference between the two is the color of the brackets. Ceramic braces use translucent or tooth-colored brackets which makes them more discreet. These are favored by many because they are less noticeable. The treatment with ceramic braces is similar to traditional braces.
Despite having a great advantage in terms of aesthetics and discreetness, ceramic braces also come with some downsides. First is the cost. Ceramic braces are more expensive than metal braces by about $2,000. The average cost of treatment falls between $4,000 and $8,000.
The second disadvantage of ceramic braces is they get stained easily. Patients who use ceramic braces should avoid food and drinks such as wine, soda, coffee, tea, mustard, and ketchup to prevent discoloration. Smoking also leaves a stain on the braces and the teeth.
The third downside of ceramic braces is gum sensitivity. The brackets for ceramic braces are bigger than metal brackets. It can be more difficult to clean around the area and might also lead to swollen or receding gums.
Lastly, the treatment with ceramic braces is slower compared to metal braces. Ceramic braces are also prone to breaking since they are fragile. Brackets need to be replaced often to avoid breakage. Treatment with ceramic braces can last up to three years but there are cases completed in one and a half years.
Invisible braces are clear trays made of plastic. They are also sometimes called clear aligners. The most popular name when it comes to invisible braces is Invisalign. Treatment with invisible braces is usually recommended for adults and teens. The clear trays are custom-made for every patient. The aligner is worn over the teeth just like a mouth guard. These aligners need to be replaced every two weeks or so depending on the treatment program.
Invisible braces are not the best treatment option for patients dealing with extreme malocclusion. It will take a lot longer for cases like such to complete the treatment. In terms of cost, invisible braces are comparable to ceramic braces. They are definitely more expensive with costs ranging from $3,000 to $8,000.
Another method to straighten teeth is through dental surgery. Patients who undergo a surgical procedure are still required to wear braces. However, the surgical procedure will help speed up the treatment time frame.
The procedure is usually minor and the purpose is to reposition the bones and gums that hold the teeth. Surgery is recommended for patients with severely complicated cases of jaw misalignment, overbite, and underbite.
Orthognathic surgery can also be suggested by an orthodontist. This will correct the skeletal deformities and help the jaw into proper alignment. The recovery period for orthognathic surgery lasts for a minimum of six weeks.
If the case calls for it, a dentist might refer their patients to an alignment specialist called an orthodontist. Your teeth, jaw, bite, and mouth will be examined. You will be asked about various systems such as discomfort when eating or chewing or popping sounds when you open and close your mouth. They will then request an X-ray of the mouth and form impressions or molds of the teeth. Doing this will allow them to evaluate whether you need braces and how long the treatment would last.
Crooked teeth are common among all age groups. It is not necessary to straighten teeth if they do not cause any medical complications. However, a lot of people gain more confidence from having straighter teeth. Treatment for teeth alignment is a personal choice. Aside from the aesthetic benefits, straight teeth are also easier to clean which leads to better oral hygiene.
Braces and other treatments are not cheap. Ordinary insurance policies usually exclude cosmetic treatments from coverage. There are orthodontic insurance policies that could help with the cost of treatment.