What are Braces for Teeth?

Braces for teeth come from orthodontics – a special field of dentistry that focuses on positioning the teeth and jaw.

There are several types of orthodontic problems. The first one is malocclusion (aka bite misalignment). Examples of this are underbites and overbites.

Other forms of malocclusion are:

 

• • overcrowding

• • spacing issues

• • missing teeth

• • crooked teeth

• • overjet

• • open bite

These conditions can cause poor confidence and self-consciousness and can even affect eating, smiling, and speaking.

The good news is that orthodontics done right can fix these problems with great results and have a very high satisfaction rate.

Types of Teeth Braces

With so many types of tooth movement appliances available today, you might wonder, “Which braces are right for me?”

Here are the costs, appearance factors, and the pros and cons of each type of braces:

Traditional Braces

These are the quintessential types of braces that everyone knows. Metal braces use metal brackets attached to the front of the teeth. An archwire guides the teeth and slowly aligns the bite.

Some systems use elastic ties to assist tooth movement, while some brackets (self-ligating) utilize custom clips instead.

Discuss any metal allergies, like nickel, with your orthodontist as alternative options are available.

 

• • Pros

     

    • • fast results
    • • variety of color choices

• • Cons

     

    • • most noticeable type of orthodontic appliances
    • • white spots can develop around the brackets with poor oral hygiene care.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are a great option if you’re looking for something more discreet and natural. The brackets used are clear and blend in with your teeth.

 

• • Pros:

     

    • • less visible

• • Cons:

     

    • • difficult to clean thoroughly to prevent staining
    • • more expensive than traditional braces
    • • not an option for severe malocclusions
    • • not as strong as metal braces

Download my FREE Ortho Guide, made just for you, to answer all your questions about braces and how to give yourself the best chance at a beautiful smile for life.

Damon Braces (self-ligating)

Damon braces are a branded type of self-ligating bracket system. Dr. Damon has patented his system, and it has gotten recognition throughout North America.

What are Self-Ligating Braces?

They are braces that have “doors” on them. This means that to keep the wires in the brackets, the “doors” do the work instead of elastomeric colors.

You may not need your typical colors to hold in the wires we need with normal metal and clear braces. Most offices will still allow you to have colors placed on your brackets for fun, but it will not affect your treatment in self-ligating braces.

If you need to close spaces with Damon braces, the orthodontist will still need to use power chains or springs to close spaces.

 

• • Pros:

     

    • • Can go longer in between visits as you do not need to change colors
    • • It may be able to straighten teeth faster but may not reduce overall treatment time.

• • Cons:

     

    • • “Doors” get stuck if proper oral hygiene is not maintained.
    • • Some offices may not provide color bands as they are not needed.
    • • Few offices use this technique; therefore, transferring between offices is more difficult.

Are Braces Painful?

When we move teeth, you have to understand what we are doing to understand the discomfort issue. We are moving your teeth within your jaw. Essentially, we are moving bone through bone.

This may sound unusual or difficult, but millions go through this process every day. As the teeth move, they remove bone in the area; they move towards osteoclasts and add bone from the areas where the teeth were via osteoblasts.

How to Reduce Pain from Braces

The inflammation from tooth movement causes pain. We recommend acetaminophen for discomfort as aspirin will slow the inflammation process needed for tooth movement.

Chewing on sugarless gum or chewies may also reduce discomfort. Everyone experiences varying levels of discomfort. Some patients will experience little to no pain for the treatment, whereas others will experience a few weeks.

What braces colors should I get?

Determining the color of your braces is a big decision for many people. You must remember that the braces do not change color rather it’s the elastomeric ties on the braces.

The colors of the rubber bands can be changed at every visit. Therefore if you choose to have blue for one month, you can change the colors next month. At our office, if the patient realizes they do not like the color they have on, we allow them to come back and change it if it does not affect the treatment.

How much Do Braces Cost?

The cost of braces varies depending on treatment time, appliances used, and your insurance.

The longer your treatment time, the higher the cost of braces. At our offices, the cost for patients without insurance is roughly $180 per month. This will vary depending on treatment time and the need for appliances or extractions.

Are Braces Covered by Insurance?

Orthodontic coverage is dependent upon your specific insurance. Many insurances will have a lifetime maximum. Typical insurances will have anywhere from $1000 to $ 3500-lifetime maximum to be used towards any orthodontic coverage, including Invisalign.

When looking at insurances for braces coverages, be sure to check age limits, waiting periods, and lifetime maximums.

Age limits determine the maximum age the insurance will cover. Many policies cover up to the age of 26 or have no age limit, but that depends on the policy.

The waiting period determines the amount of time that you must wait until your insurance becomes effective. Many insurances will make you wait 6 or 12 months before paying for orthodontic coverage.

Lastly, if your insurance covers work in progress, you can get braces before you have your insurance, and it will start paying once your insurance becomes effective.

Remember that most insurance companies will not pay their full lifetime maximum in one initial payment. They typically pay over 12 to 24 months; therefore, if you lose your insurance during that time, you will be responsible for all payments the insurance did not pay.

Braces Without Insurance

You can get braces without insurance. Varying your down payment can change your monthly office. Many patients opt to place a larger downpayment to reduce their monthly payments.

Braces Near Me

When looking for braces near me, make sure to look for an orthodontist who has experience accomplishing what your treatment goals are. Most orthodontists are proficient at obtaining great orthodontic results, but you must look at reviews before finding a dental office near you.

Braces for your teeth allow the orthodontist to close gaps, straighten teeth, fix your bite, and many other things.

Are Braces or Invisalign More Expensive?

Due to the large lab fee associated with Invisalign or any clear aligners, they are typically more expensive than traditional braces.

You may find good deals on either braces or Invisalign; therefore, to get exact pricing, I recommend a complimentary orthodontic consult to discuss all of your options.

A Safe Way to Straighten Teeth

Braces are a safe and easy way to straighten your teeth and give you more confidence.

Make sure you know your braces options to make your best choice.

Come in for a Complimentary Orthodontic Consultation so we can help answer all your questions about braces.

by Dr. Nathan Coughlin