Orthodontic treatment, or what many people refer to as braces, is a common dental treatment in teens, among others. Its main function is to correct the bite and help heal or prevent any injury brought about by the misalignment of teeth.
There are four types of braces, and you can learn more about them and their cost by reading this article.
Getting braces does not end with the dentist putting the appliance in your kid’s mouth. It involves checkups and monthly adjustments, the number of which depends on the severity of your kid’s bite problem. The number of adjustments is one of the key factors in determining the cost of braces, along with the type of braces that’s most appropriate for your kid’s case.
On the average, traditional metal braces will cost you almost $5,000 without insurance and $3000 if with insurance. In general, insurance companies cover an average of $1,000-$2,000 for orthodontic treatment.
The four most common types of braces that your dentist may use to correct you kid’s bite include:
Metal braces are the most common type of braces, as you will see in most individuals with braces. The least expensive of the four, this type consists of metal brackets held in place by a wire. The main disadvantage of this type is their very obvious appearance, although today, modern metal brackets are much smaller and therefore less noticeable. Despite being smaller, they work as well as their bigger versions do.
Ceramic braces, due to their tooth-colored appearance, are much less obvious than metal braces even though they have just the same size and shape. When it comes to correcting alignment, ceramic braces tend to work faster.
Lingual braces consist of metal brackets and wires, just like your traditional braces. The only difference between is that lingual braces, as the name suggests, are cemented at the back of the teeth — that is, on the surface that faces the tongue. Although this type holds the advantage of being totally invisible, the main downside is that oral hygiene becomes more complicated. Not only that, lingual braces also require more monthly adjustments.
Invisalign, otherwise referred to as clear aligners, is the type of braces recommended for mild cases of teeth misalignment. It is a nearly invisible option that utilizes up to 30 clear aligners, all custom-made to perfectly fit over your kid’s teeth. It is much more comfortable compared to the other options, but it has to be replaced after a few weeks or so.
After your kid had his or her braces in place, it must remain in their mouth for one to three years on the average. Once the teeth are properly aligned and the bite is corrected, a retainer must be worn to maintain the results.
Looking for a dentist who can recommend the correct braces? Find a Kool Smiles partner dentist near you!