Deciding to do something about that crooked smile or misaligned teeth is a big decision. But dealing with months of discomfort and insanely high dentist bills can be off-putting—what other options do you have?
We’ve got the answer for you!
In this article, you’ll learn the different types of braces to choose from, how they work, and the costs of braces treatment. You’re guaranteed to have a better understanding of your options before your next orthodontist appointment.
Types of Braces | Overview | Average Cost Without Insurance | Average Cost With Insurance | Average Treatment Duration |
Clear Aligners | Clear plastic trays fitted over your teeth | $2000-$7000 | $1800-$3500 | 10-20 months |
Traditional Metal Braces | Standard metal brackets and wires | $3000-$7500 | $1300-$3750 | 18-24 months |
Ceramic Braces | Enamel colored brackets and wires | $3000-$8500 | $1500-$4750 | 18-24 months |
Self-Ligating Braces | Clip adjusted brackets, not rubber bands | $2000-$7000 | $1300-$3700 | 12-20 months |
Lingual Braces | Metal brackets and wires placed behind the teeth | $7500-$13000 | $3500-$9250 | 18-24 months |
Clear aligners are the most-affordable and fastest working type of braces on the market. They aren’t good for very severe cases, but are excellent with mild to moderate teeth straightening needs.
If that’s what you’re looking for, Byte Clear Aligners are among the few clear aligners actually approved by the FDA.
When people think about orthodontic braces, they probably picture the shiny metal contraptions with bulky brackets and uncomfortable rubber bands. But braces today have come a long way over the years, and new technology has made dental braces more effective, less noticeable, and more comfortable than ever before.
Braces are devices used by orthodontists and some general dentists to correct dental problems like overcrowding, misaligned teeth, and bite issues. These braces straighten teeth by putting pressure on the teeth and gums, moving them gently and slowly into better alignment. The patient only has to wear the braces consistently for the duration of the orthodontic treatment.
There’s no age limit on getting braces, and adult braces are becoming more popular. The two things that orthodontists look for when deciding on the right braces treatment for their patients are permanent teeth and a healthy jaw bone.
There’s a variety of options when it comes to teeth straightening, all dependent on affordability and style. You’ll see that some braces are cheaper, but the treatment time is much longer. There are also more discreet orthodontic options for anyone self-conscious of their overall appearance.
Here’s a detailed look at the 5 different kinds of braces and treatments available.
Average Cost | Who Are They For? | Can You Remove Them? | Maintenance |
$2000-$7000 |
|
Yes |
|
Average Cost | Who Are They For? | Can You Remove Them? | Maintenance |
$3000-$7500 |
|
No |
|
Average Cost | Who Are They For? | Can You Remove Them? | Maintenance |
$3000-$8500 |
|
No |
|
Average Cost | Who Are They For? | Can You Remove Them? | Maintenance |
$2000-$7000 |
|
No |
|
Average Cost | Who Are They For? | Can You Remove Them? | Maintenance |
$7500-$13000 |
|
No |
|
Fake Braces and Do it Yourself Braces are look-alike products that imitate the appearance of real orthodontic braces, but these types of braces are not effective and can, in fact, pose a health risk to your teeth.
Fake braces consist of metal, wires, brackets, and rubber bands that adhere to your teeth. These are sometimes worn for months at a time and can negatively affect teeth alignment and oral health. It’s also important to note that most of these products found online are made with unknown or questionable material that should not be inside your mouth.
DIY braces are a fad worn mainly by teenagers who want the appearance of actual braces. They create these DIY braces with colorful beads glued onto wire or paper clips. They’re only meant to be worn for a short time, but like fake braces, these unknown materials should not go inside your mouth for any length of time and are quite dangerous.
Only your dentist and orthodontist can provide medical advice about which braces to wear, but there are a few questions to ask yourself before your next dental appointment.
What are your dental needs? The kind of braces you get directly depends on your orthodontic needs and your treatment goals. Traditional braces or ceramic braces will be a better option if you have severe lower jaw misalignment, overcrowding, or impacted teeth.
What appearance do you desire? Yes, traditional braces are more efficient for complex cases, and adolescents tend to prefer these types of braces, but they are also very noticeable. If you want something more discreet, clear aligners, lingual braces, or tooth-colored ceramic braces may be more suitable.
What’s the duration of treatment? Each of these options has varying times for orthodontic treatment. If you prefer a speedier treatment time for a specific occasion such as a wedding or vacation, self-ligation or invisible aligners will be your best bet.
What can you afford? How much do braces cost is an important question. Lingual braces are by far the most expensive but worth it if you have more complex bite issues while also being self-conscious about your appearance.
Clear aligners are the most convenient and affordable option, but keep in mind that although most clear aligner companies have FDA approval, the American Dental Association and Association of Orthodontists do not approve of mail-order aligners. Fortunately, most orthodontists offer payment plans and financial assistance for some dental procedures.
Here are a few more questions we found that many have asked when getting braces for the first time.
There are various options to choose from when deciding on how to attain the perfect smile. With improved technology, even the most traditional braces are more comfortable and affordable than years ago.
If you want more control and have great self-discipline, you can always go the route of mail-in invisible aligners and skip the hassle of going to a dentist’s office every couple of weeks.
No matter which option you choose, your dentist and orthodontist will be able to provide more information on your specific needs and guide you in the right direction.