A bright, straight smile can change your outlook on life. It’s the gateway to improved self-esteem that leads to a person being comfortable engaging more in personal and professional settings. In New Zealand, an increasing number of people are understanding this and exploring the best options to achieve their picture perfect smile.
From metal braces to clear aligners, every option has its pros and cons. Once you figure out the types of braces and their cost, you can choose your partner for this journey to a straighter smile with ease.
Metal Braces
Metal braces are the most commonly used type of braces. They consist of metal brackets and wires, fixed to each tooth and tightened periodically to push the teeth into the desired positions. Metal braces are good at fixing severe orthodontic problems and are the least expensive of all braces available. In New Zealand, the price of metal braces ranges between $6,000 to $10,000. The severity of the case and the duration of treatment dictate the price.
Pros:
- Effective for all types of misalignment.
- Generally the least expensive option.
- Customizable with colored bands.
- Suitable for both teenagers and adults.
Cons:
- Metal braces are highly visible.
- They can cause some discomfort, especially in the start.
- Maintaining oral hygiene can be a challenge.
- Requires regular visits to the dentist.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are just like metal braces. However, the brackets are made of ceramic that matches the color of your teeth, making them quite discreet and a favorite among adults. Ceramic braces can cost anywhere between $6,500 to $10,500.
Pros:
- Less visible than metal braces.
- Customizable with colored or clear bands.
- Suitable for treating a variety of orthodontic issues.
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than metal braces.
- Ceramic brackets are prone to staining.
- They’re also prone to chipping and cracking.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are fixed on the back of the teeth rather than the front. Nobody can see them when you smile. Talk about effective teeth straightening without anyone noticing. Lingual braces in New Zealand can cost anywhere from $9,500 to $15,000.
Pros:
- They are almost completely hidden from view.
- Suitable for a variety of orthodontic cases.
- They are personalized to fit each tooth comfortably.
- Since they’re behind your teeth, there’s no worry of staining.
Cons:
- Higher cost due to customization and complex fitting.
- They can initially cause speech difficulties and discomfort.
- Oral hygiene can become very challenging.
- Dentist visits may be more frequent and longer.
Smilepath Clear Aligners
Smilepath clear aligners are a more accessible alternative to braces in New Zealand. Smilepath offers an at-home yet effective clear braces system to straighten your teeth without people noticing. Smilepath clear aligners are ideal for people with mild to moderate malocclusions. They are an affordable and convenient means of orthodontic treatment that requires very few dentist visits. Smilepath offers two types of aligner plans that are available at a discount if you decide to pay in full. Choose whichever fits your lifestyle.
SmileAdvantage: A one-time payment for all day aligners of >.
NightAdvantage: A one-time payment for night only aligners of >.
Smilepath understands that one-time payments can sometimes be difficult to manage, so, there is also an installment option available. No credit check required.
Smilepath Flex Easy: Installments of $250 per month.
Nightflex Easy: Installments of $250 per month.
Pros:
- Affordable, with flexible payment options.
- Removable for eating and oral hygiene.
- Completely remote treatment.
- Discreet and comfortable.
- Predictable results due to the 3D imaging technology.
Cons:
- Limited effectiveness for complex cases.
- Commitment to wearing aligners for up to 22 hours/day or 10 hours/night.
- There may be some discomfort and speech impediment in the start.
Comparing Costs and Choosing the Right Option
Let’s make things easier for you. Here’s a summary of the comparison of the braces we discussed above:
| Type of Braces | Average Cost in $ (NZD) | Visibility | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Braces | $6,000 – $10,000 | Highly visible | All cases |
| Ceramic Braces | $6,500 – $10,500 | Less visible | All cases |
| Lingual Braces | $9,500 – $15,000 | Invisible | All cases |
| Smilepath Clear Aligners (One-time payment) | $1,849 - $2,049 | Clear and discreet | Mild to moderate cases |
| Smilepath Clear Aligners (Monthly installments) | $250/month | Clear and discreet | Mild to moderate cases |
There are several factors that can affect the cost of braces in New Zealand. i.e. complexity and duration of the treatment, type of the braces, dentist’s experience, and the location. However, Smilepath’s clear aligners will cost you the same regardless of the location or the type of malocclusion as long as you’re eligible for the clear aligner treatment.
Why Choose Smilepath?
Smilepath's clear aligners are a safe, low-cost, and convenient option for mild to moderate malocclusions in New Zealand.
- Smilepath's packages range from a one-time payment of $1,849 to monthly payments of $250, making orthodontic treatment accessible to all.
- There’s no need for regular dentist visits. You can enjoy remote treatment and monitoring with Smilepath.
- Smilepath clear aligners are custom designed to fit comfortably and are almost invisible, making them perfect for those who want a discreet treatment.
Making Your Decision
What type of braces to get is a matter of your personal needs, financial situation, and lifestyle. Here are some questions to consider before making your choice:
What’s my budget? If you need a budget-friendly option, metal braces or Smilepath clear aligners should be your choice.
Do I need a discreet option? For an almost invisible treatment, consider Smilepath clear aligners, lingual braces, or ceramic braces.
Is my case complex? Metal, ceramic, or lingual braces may be a better option for complex cases.
How much time can I dedicate to treatment? If you’re not up for a series of visits to the dentist, Smilepath clear aligners are for you.
Final Thoughts
Metal and ceramic braces are the most popular choice, especially for those with complex orthodontic needs in New Zealand. However, Smilepath clear aligners make premium teeth straightening economical and convenient for people with mild to moderate cases.
Whether you choose metal braces, lingual braces, ceramic braces, or Smilepath’s clear aligners, the main thing is to find the best solution for your needs.
FAQs
Metal braces are usually the cheapest and cost between $6,000 to $10,000 in New Zealand. Smilepath clear aligners start at $1,849 one-time payment, with an installment plan available. They can be a cost-effective alternative for mild to moderate cases.
Treatment time varies by type of braces and complexity of the problem.
Metal Braces: 12 - 36 months
Ceramic Braces: 12 - 36 months
Lingual Braces: 12 - 36 months
Smilepath Clear Aligners: 4 - 8 months
Clear aligners work well for mild to moderate cases but might not be appropriate for severe crowding or bite problems. Conventional braces usually deliver the accuracy required for complex cases.
The most noticeable are metal braces. Ceramic braces are not as visible, and lingual braces behind the teeth are almost invisible. Clear aligners like Smilepath are transparent and fit snugly, making them a highly discreet choice.
With braces of any sort, you’ll need to avoid hard or sticky foods that could damage the brackets. Clear aligners such as Smilepath are removable, so you can eat anything you want by popping them out before the meal, which makes them a convenient and flexible option for dietary freedom.
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