There are many options on the market when it comes to braces. Each type offers different benefits, and prices can vary considerably from one option to the next. Read on to learn more about the variety of braces available, and speak to your dentist for more detailed information on the potential options and the range of costs involved.
Braces straighten a misaligned bite by using gentle, constant pressure to shift teeth over a period of months or years. An orthodontist determines your braces treatment plan after first performing a comprehensive oral exam, usually with X-rays, full-mouth scans and dental impressions.
Besides specialising in straightening teeth, orthodontists are trained to understand and predict muscular and skeletal growth in the face and jaws. They are equipped to solve problems that the average person with a rubber band and a mirror definitely can't tackle without putting their oral health in extreme danger!
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a child's initial visit to an orthodontist when you first recognise an orthodontic problem, and by age 7 at the latest. A child typically has enough adult teeth by age 7 for an orthodontist to assess the developing teeth and jaws.
The orthodontist may conclude either that your child should start treatment immediately, that orthodontic work can wait a year or two, or even that no treatment is necessary. Besides braces, they might also recommend treatments or appliances like a palate expander.
Just because you're currently writing cheques to your teenager's orthodontist, that doesn't mean braces can't benefit adults as well. Adults may not have received orthodontic treatment during childhood to fix oral problems, such as overbites and underbites, crooked and crowded teeth, and jaw positioning issues. Those mouth conditions may cause problems, such as tooth cavities, gum disease and speaking or biting problems, so fixing them can mean more than a cosmetic lift.
Regardless of your age, braces aren't one-size-fits-all. There are multiple brace types that your orthodontist might recommend.
With so many different options, you are sure to find the right type of braces to suit your personality, needs and budget. Speak to your dentist to learn more about the various possibilities and their respective costs.