There are more ways than ever before to straighten teeth or realign an uneven bite. Adults and children can benefit from innovative technologies that help repair broken or damaged smiles. The teeth straightening option that’s right for you will depend on the overall health and condition of your teeth.
Read on to learn more about different straightening techniques, beyond traditional metal braces.
Options For Straightening Your Teeth
Times have changed since your parents needed braces. Here is a sampling of different options for teeth straightening today:
Metal Braces
Metal braces involve a system of fixed stainless steel brackets, metal alloy wires, and small elastic bands. This system moves your teeth into a new position. The metal braces used today are much lighter and smaller than in the past, with bands available in a variety of colors. The average cost of metal braces ranges from $2,500-$7,500, depending on your dental insurance.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces work like metal braces, but are designed to match the color of your teeth so they are not as visible as metal braces. The brackets are made of ceramic or porcelain materials, with wires made from metal alloys.
Damon Braces
Instead of elastic bands, Damon braces feature self-ligating brackets that use a slide mechanism to keep the wires in position. Damon braces are less noticeable than braces that consist of metal brackets and take less time to straighten teeth than other types of braces.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are often called invisible braces. This is because they adhere to the back side of your teeth instead of the front. Lingual braces are popular with people who do not want visible braces, but they may be more expensive than other types. The average cost of lingual braces ranges from $5,000-$13,000.
In-Office Aligners
Clear aligners from brands such as Clear Correct and Invisalign are comprised of custom, removable aligners that are worn the same way as a retainer (more on those later). You get a new set of aligners twice a month until your teeth have been successfully repositioned.
Clear aligners are a less noticeable method of teeth straightening than metal braces, and you can take them out when you eat, brush, and floss. However, clear teeth aligners are not designed to correct severe misalignments.
At-Home Aligners
Teledentistry companies offer clear aligners that are shipped to you, so you do not need to visit the orthodontist in person. At-home aligners are sometimes referred to as “at-home braces,” “mail-order braces,” or “teledentistry braces.” At-home aligners are affordable and convenient, but as with in-office aligners, you may not be a candidate for at-home aligners if you have serious alignment issues.
Short-Term Treatment
Short-term treatment delivers cosmetic straightening in less time and for less money than traditional braces. The average cost of short-term treatment ranges from $3,500-$5,000.
Retainers
Retainers are used to keep teeth in their corrected position after orthodontic treatment is finished, but they can also be used by themselves to correct minor issues. There are both permanent and removable retainers available.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a cosmetic approach to correcting chipped teeth, crookedness, discoloration, or unevenness. Your dentist will shape and mold a soft resin onto your teeth to help close the gaps.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are thin shells that bonded to the front of your teeth to make them straighter. The color of the veneers will match the color of your teeth. Veneers can also be used to correct discoloration, missing teeth, and slightly crooked teeth.
Eriks Dental Group In Boynton Beach, Florida
Eriks Dental Group in Boynton Beach, Florida, offers many solutions for teeth straightening. A comprehensive exam will help determine which of the choices is right for you. To learn more about our dental services, call us today at (561) 733 4004. We can help you smile with confidence again.