Knowing the different types of braces and other orthodontic treatments out there will help you make smart decisions about your dental care. Specialty Smiles has a variety of braces to fit the needs, wants and lifestyles of everyone. Each one has its pros and cons and the best one for you will depend on how complex your case is, how much money you have, what you want your treatment to look like and what your goals are. We help patients in Miami Lakes make those decisions by giving them the facts so the process is less scary and more sure.
The most common and proven type of braces are still metal ones. These devices use stainless steel brackets that are glued to your teeth and connected by metal wires that apply regulated pressure to slowly move your teeth into place. Metal braces are strong, affordable and can fix even the toughest orthodontic cases. They work well for cases with a lot of crowding, serious bite problems or teeth that need to move a lot. Many kids and teens want to add colorful elastic bands to their metal braces to make them more personalized. Metal braces are a great option for many because they are reliable and not too expensive.
Ceramic braces work just like metal braces but they use clear or tooth colored brackets instead of stainless steel. These brackets blend in with your teeth making them much less noticeable. You can also make the wires tooth colored to make them even less visible. Adults and teens who care about their looks and want effective treatment without the obvious look of metal brackets are very interested in ceramic braces. They cost a little more than regular metal braces but they are a good balance between looks and cost. The ceramic material is a little more brittle than metal so patients should be careful not to eat hard objects that could break the brackets. But if you follow the right care instructions, modern ceramic brackets are very strong.
Lingual braces are another option that puts brackets on the back of the teeth instead of the front. Because of where they are, they are almost impossible to see. Lingual braces work the same way as regular braces but require additional training to put on and adjust. They can fix complex orthodontic problems well while being out of sight. The biggest issues are that it costs more since it requires a special technique and that it could change the way you talk during the first few weeks of getting used to it. Some people also think that lingual braces are a little less comfortable than regular braces since the brackets touch the tongue. Lingual braces are a great option for those who want their braces to be invisible and have complex corrections to make.
Clear aligner systems is a way to straighten teeth without wearing braces. These clear plastic trays fit over your teeth and slowly move them into place with a series of aligners that get more and more precise. You can eat whatever you want and keep up with your regular dental hygiene procedures because it’s removable. Clear aligners work well for mild to moderate alignment problems but might not be the best option for more complex cases that need a lot of tooth movement or bite correction. For the aligners to work, patients must wear them for the right number of hours a day. During the first evaluation, we help patients determine if their condition is right for clear aligner treatment.
Self-ligating braces have special brackets that hold the wire in place without the need for elastic ties. These brackets have clips or doors that hold the wire in place. This reduces friction and allows teeth to move more easily. You can get self-ligating braces in metal or ceramic. Some patients have shorter treatment schedules or need fewer adjustment appointments than they would with regular braces. The technology is getting better and many orthodontists use self-ligating systems in their practice. It’s more expensive than regular braces but less than some other high-tech options.
Accelerated orthodontics is another option for those who want faster results. There are different ways to speed up tooth movement in the right conditions. Some methods use special tools to change the body’s bone structure, others include small surgeries to make the body respond better to orthodontic forces. Not all patients can get faster treatment and the methods work best with traditional or clear braces. During the consultation, we will determine if acceleration methods can help your case.
When you come to our Miami Lakes office, we do a full evaluation to determine which kind of braces will work best for your orthodontic needs. You have options to fix some situations so you have choices based on what you like. In some cases, you need certain kinds of braces to get the best results. We tell you the truth about which solutions will work for you and help you weigh the pros and cons of each. Our goal is to find the treatment that will fix your orthodontic issues and meet your lifestyle and budget.
The cost of braces varies a lot depending on the type. Traditional metal braces are the least expensive option. Specialty options like lingual braces or advanced clear aligner systems are much more expensive. Ceramic braces are in the middle. We give you prices during your consultation so you can factor that in when you make your decision. Different orthodontic solutions have different insurance coverage and we can help you determine what your benefits are. We have payment options to make any kind of braces more affordable for those who have to pay out of pocket.
The type of braces you choose doesn’t matter as much as how complex your case is when it comes to how long the treatment will take. However, some solutions work better for certain problems. No matter what kind of braces you choose, simple corrections can be done in a few months. Most of the time, complex cases take 18 months to 2 years or more. We give you realistic timelines based on your situation and the treatment you choose. Different types of braces require different care. You have to be careful when brushing and flossing around fixed brackets and wires with traditional and ceramic braces. You have to take clear aligners out to eat and clean them, and then take care of the trays themselves. Lingual braces make it even more important to clean the back of your teeth well. We give you specific maintenance instructions based on the type of braces you choose.
For patients who want to learn more about options for certain age groups, we also have information about Braces for Adults. This is because older patients have different needs that affect how their treatment is planned and which brackets are used. We tailor our suggestions to your current stage of life because each one has its own set of goals.
At Specialty Smiles, we stay up to date with the latest in orthodontics while still being experts in proven methods. This way we can give you all your treatment options instead of just the newest technology or the oldest methods. Every patient deserves care that’s tailored to their needs not forced into a one-size-fits-all treatment plan.
We encourage you to schedule an appointment so we can take a look at your teeth, talk about all the different kinds of braces and help you choose the one that’s right for you. Your path to a straighter, healthier smile should be tailored to your needs and wants. We’ll help you choose the best option and create a treatment plan that gives you great results and fits your budget and lifestyle. Knowing all the kinds of braces out there gives you the power to make informed decisions about your orthodontic care. Dr. Eddy J. Sedeño III, DMD, MS is a board-certified orthodontist based in Miami Lakes, Florida, renowned for combining advanced technologic approaches with patient-centric care to deliver exceptional and lasting smiles.