These days, metal braces aren’t the only option when you are visiting your orthodontist for dental work.  There are many different options you can choose from.  Your doctor may only work with a certain few types, so it might limit your choices.  The severity of your problem will also come into play.  And of course the cost plays a big part in your decision.  Braces are not cheap!

Metal braces are made of high grade stainless steel, and are the most common form of braces.  They are smaller than the original metal braces, an improvement for sure.  Years ago, stainless steel bands were used on each tooth.  Nowadays the only places bands are used are on the molars.  The other brace is glued to tooth.  Metal braces can irritate your mouth at first, with mouth sores, and small cuts.  After awhile your mouth will toughen up and you won’t notice at all.  Small rubber bands called ligatures attach the braces to each other.  Most orthodontists even give you a choice of the color rubber band you want.  Many teenagers use their school colors!

Gold braces are the stainless steel braces coated with 24k gold.  There aren’t any advantages to this type; it depends on your fashion sense!  They are also more expensive because of the gold plating.

Ceramic braces are made of clear material.  They will not be as noticeable because they blend in with your teeth.  However, they are more fragile than metal braces, are slightly bigger, and more expensive.  The treatment time when using ceramic braces is usually longer as well (a couple of months). These braces are popular with adults because they are less noticeable.  It’s the type of braces that Tom Cruise used on his teeth.  Did you notice? 

The downside to ceramic braces is the ligatures (rubber bands) that are used to adjust the braces each month.  These are white or clear, and depending on what you are eating and drinking, these can stain.  Your actual braces won’t stain, just the rubber band that gets changed each month.

If your problems are severe, an orthodontist might not use this type because they aren’t quite as strong and may not stand up to the pressure needed for your treatment.

Lingual dental braces are made of stainless steel.  They are installed on the inside of your teeth, so they really are invisible!  Cuts and sores on the inside of your mouth are more likely, as well as difficulty speaking when they are first put on.  These are usually more expensive because the treatment is more specialized.  Your orthodontist must have taken special training for these. 

The Invisalign are a series of clear plastic aligners that gradually move the teeth.  They are mostly used for older patients who have slight problems with their bite.  They are designed by computer and are not adjustable.  Each aligner is in place for two weeks before changing to the next in the series.  You will receive a computer generated report so you can see how your teeth will look after each aligner.  It’s not pain free, your teeth are still moving, but mouth sores, cuts, and gum irritation aren’t a problem.

If you need any kind of headgear, appliances or teeth extracted, your problem will require regular braces.  If not, you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing you have braces!  It will take about the same time as regular braces and cost is about the same.  Because these are custom made, the starting time of your treatment is delayed by about 6 weeks while your aligners made. 

There are some doctors and companies that have introduced systems that work faster than regular braces.  Many are larger stainless steel pieces and don’t require ligatures.  They are highly specialized and not available everywhere.  They are also more expensive.  Your doctor will let you know if it’s an option for you.

 

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