A perfect smile is not the only thing aligned teeth bring. There is a far more important concern attached to getting your teeth aligned which is oral hygiene. So we have seen that there are different kinds of braces that help get you the desired results in less time. The commonly used braces are traditional metal braces, lingual braces, ceramic braces and invisible aligners.
Each type has its own pros and cons that must be considered when deciding which treatment is best for a particular patient.
Traditional Metal Braces
Metal is commonly used for the brackets and wires in traditional braces. They're fastened to the teeth and allow for flexible repositioning. However, with recent innovations in orthodontic treatment, invisible braces have started winning the game.
Yet for many people, metal braces are still the most financially feasible and efficient choice for braces. Additionally, it is one of the most often utilized forms of braces now available. Nonetheless, they are the most noticeable variety, which could lead some to feel inferior about their physical appearance. Brackets can be made to look less obvious by covering them with colorful elastic bands, but they will still stand out.
Comfort Level:
Pain or discomfort is a common side effect of using traditional metal braces. In most cases, the only times braces cause any kind of discomfort are right after they're put on and right after they're tightened. Also, they may experience discomfort if a component of the braces is irritating or prodding the soft tissues of their mouth.
Cost: The traditional metal braces usually cost between $3000 to $7000.
Ceramic Braces
These braces are more similar to metal braces when it comes to their size and shape. They are made up of a ceramic material that blends with the natural teeth color and thus makes the braces less apparent. The best thing about ceramic braces is that these braces are as effective as traditional metal braces and assist in proper alignment of the teeth. Moreover, due to the color of these braces, they are far less apparent, making them a more appealing option for some individuals. However, a con is that ceramic braces are often more expensive than conventional braces and might become discolored if not properly maintained.
Comfort Level wearing ceramic braces: Ceramic braces are preferred by patients because they are less painful than metal braces. You won't have to worry about your gums or the sides of your mouth getting irritated, thanks to the high-quality materials used.
Cost: Ceramic braces cost more than traditional braces and the price normally falls between $4000 to $8000.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are similar to conventional braces in that they are constructed of metal, but they are affixed to the inside of the teeth so that they are not immediately seen from the outside.
This variety has the obvious benefit of being invisible to others, as they are concealed behind the teeth. However, they are less effective than regular braces and teeth alignment sometimes takes longer to attain. Additionally, they may be painful for the patient due to their direct touch with the tongue. Lastly, they are typically more difficult to clean.
Comfort Level: Similar to how regular braces can irritate the lips and cheeks, lingual braces can cause irritation to the tongue. As a rule, this only lasts for the first week or two. Your tongue will "toughen up" and become used to the braces as time goes on.
Cost: You can get lingual braces in a budget of $8000 to $10,000.
Invisible Braces
Now, moving to the trending braces, The Invisible Aligners!
Instead of using brackets and wires to adjust teeth, people with invisible braces wear a series of custom-made, translucent plastic aligners over their teeth. Each set of aligners is meant to be worn for a maximum of two weeks at a time throughout the treatment.
Many patients choose this type of braces because they are barely noticeable and do not restrict their diet. Although they are a more effective treatment option, they are prohibitively expensive and are reserved for use on adults and adolescents with moderate to severe dental alignment issues.
Convenience Level: Invisible braces are comprised of smooth plastic, making them far more comfortable than metal braces. Unlike regular metal braces, invisible ones don't have any protruding or sharp edges. These trays are undetectable and created specifically to fit your mouth and teeth.
Cost: Invisible braces cost $4000-$7400 depending on the level of misalignment and the treatment required.
Self-Ligating braces
Now, moving to the trending braces, The Invisible Aligners!
These braces are quite similar in appearance to the traditional metal braces however, the self-ligating braces use clips to hold the wire in place instead of elastic bands. And due to this, there is less friction on the braces which in turn makes it easier for the person to keep the teeth and the braces clean. This type of braces works just as well as traditional metal braces, and you may be able to control it better, which could lead to better tooth alignment.
Comfort Level: Pain and discomfort are possible side effects of self-ligating braces, just as they are with regular braces. It's possible that this will happen more frequently just after you obtain them or after your first adjustment session.
Cost: Self-ligating braces often cost between $3500 and $8500.
Why Choose SmilePath for Invisible Braces?
In the past decade, clear aligners have seen a boom in popularity. SmilePath has eventually popularised the invisible braces becoming the most popular brand of aligners.
It is evident from the following reasons why clear aligners from SmilePath are currently so popular:
- Clear and transparent
- Removable
- Facilitate simpler brushing and flossing
- Faster than metal braces for certain limited treatments
- With SmilePath, you require no dental visits
- You avail the best, quick and easy home service
Individuals with mild to moderate dental issues, such as misaligned teeth, big overbites, no jaw alignment problems, and gaps in the front teeth, are excellent candidates for invisible braces. This includes patients who had braces as a child and now require a "touch up" (open bite). However, as compared to braces, any transparent aligner system, including invisible braces, has substantial limits when tackling tough problems or full treatments. Lingual braces, which are worn behind the teeth, or a hybrid system combining invisible aligners and lingual braces, can be an effective and discreet treatment option for more severe cases.
Get The Best Results for Your Teeth with SmilePath
At your no-cost initial consultation, SmilePath will be able to give you more specific advice. If you want the desired perfect teeth alignment in less than 12 months, don’t wait and reach out to SmilePath for ordering your clear aligners now!
