Traditional Braces

Considering Braces? Here's Everything You Should Know

Braces are a trusted way to straighten teeth and correct bite issues like overbites, underbites, or crowding. While often started in childhood, many adults now choose braces for both functional and cosmetic reasons. Braces can improve chewing, speech, and overall oral health, while also enhancing confidence.

Options include traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, and clear aligners. If you or a family member has concerns about alignment, a dental consultation can help determine if orthodontic treatment is right for you.

How do you know you or a family member need braces?

The bite is off.

There is either too much distance between your upper and lower teeth when you close your mouth or your lower teeth overlap your top teeth.

Trouble chewing.

Misaligned teeth or those with bite issues have problems chewing things like carrots, beef, corn on the cob, and other harder foods. This affects nutrition and limits the foods you can enjoy.

Wishing for a better smile.

Many people know when they have misaligned teeth that affects their smile. Getting orthodontic treatment can not only straighten your teeth but improve your confiden

When to Get Orthodontics

The positive aspect of orthodontics is there is no age limit to get treatments! Many adults are getting the smile they’ve always wanted with braces or aligners.

There is too young though. Orthodontists feel the ideal age for braces is between 9 and 11 years old. This is when permanent teeth are in place but not yet fully set into the bone, so they can be more easily manipulated into a correct position. Plus, many of their peers have braces so they don’t feel odd and treatments will be done before they hit their peak teen years when dating and extracurricular activities are important.

Types of Braces

Braces have advanced over the past 50 years but traditional braces are still popular. They offer effectiveness and are usually the most affordable. However, clear or ceramic braces offer a subtle style and lingual braces can’t be seen at all.

Traditional braces

Everyone has seen or had the typical metal braces. They come with brackets, archwires, and elastic bands. A little-known fact is there are variations of metal braces.

Patients state the one thing they don’t like about traditional metal braces is the elastic bands. They break. They make it more difficult to speak or eat. They are noticeable. Self-litigating braces are one option. Self-ligating braces are those that don’t use elastic bands because they utilise clips on the archwire. Self-litigating braces are easier to maintain and more comfortable.

Another is to make the elastic bands more fun with different colors. These can be used to match outfits or moods and work well to get younger children more comfortable with braces.

Clear or ceramic braces

Clear braces, also referred to as ceramic braces, offer a subtle way to straighten teeth. They have all the parts of metal braces but the brackets are made of ceramic that matches teeth. The archwires are frosted so are less noticeable. They come with either clear elastic bands or self-litigating.

The one disadvantage of clear braces is they aren’t as durable as the traditional option. Because the wires are designed to be subtle, they can break more often. Typical orthodontic visits remain the same as with traditional braces with check-ups set every four to six weeks but it could take longer to see the results from clear braces since they aren’t as durable as metal braces.

Lingual braces

Lingual braces aren’t the most popular option but they exist for those who want zero visibility. They are metal braces attached behind teeth rather than on the front. This makes them hidden from public view.

Lingual braces work just as traditional metal braces do in that they apply pressure to move teeth into the correct position. The downside is they are uncomfortable, especially against your tongue. They can also cause some speech impediments.

The Facts about Braces

Most brace options involve an average of 18 months of treatment, although it depends on each case. Some may be up to three years and some may be as little as a year.

The cost ranges with each option with the price of braces falling between $3,000 and $7,000. All three options are similar in price. The one exception is lingual braces. They start at around $3,000 but can cost as much as $10,000.

The cost depends on individual cases and the type of correction needed. One of our Maison Dental orthodontists can examine your teeth and take X-rays to give you a more definite cost.

What About Clear Aligners?

Clear aligners like Invisalign are an option for many people who prefer to avoid braces. However, not everyone is eligible for this type of orthodontic treatment. The upside is they are nearly completely invisible and are effective, especially for minor cases. The downside is you must wear them at least 22 hours a day.

The cost of clear aligners is in line with the price of braces. You may see an orthodontist less often but it may take a little longer to see the results you want.

We at Maison Dental want to help you navigate the world of braces and orthodontics. Ask us anything! We can provide an exam and explain what your options are for yourself or your family member.

Traditional Braces

Considering Braces? Here's Everything You Should Know

How do you know you or a family member need braces?

Types of Braces

Traditional braces

Clear or ceramic braces

Lingual braces

The Facts about Braces

What About Clear Aligners?

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