Maybe you have considered braces to straighten your teeth or correct a problematic bite. But are you concerned about how metal braces will look or unsure of the best course of action?
Various orthodontic procedures are available to straighten teeth and correct teeth and jaw alignment issues. But selecting the best course of action requires time and thought.
Here is a list of the choices available and some advantages and disadvantages for each.
10 Types Of Braces To Straighten Your Teeth For Teens & Adults
Metal braces are the most common type of brace used by teens & adults to straighten their teeth. However, there are 11 other types of braces we’ll go through underneath.
1. Metal Braces
Metal braces, also known as fixed braces, are made up of metal brackets that you attach to the front of your teeth and a metal cable to connect them. Fixed braces are so-called “fixed” because a dentist or orthodontist must apply and remove them. Patients may choose to wear them on only one arch of teeth or both the top and bottom.
A wire that connects the metal brackets exerts pressure on your teeth over time to move them into the proper position. The archwire is fastened to the brackets with rubber bands, offering extra pressure in specific locations to help your teeth align properly.
When you first get braces, the dentist will use dental cement to affix the tiny metal brackets to the front of your teeth. The brackets will then be connected with a wire fastened using rubber bands.
To adjust your braces, you must schedule routine sessions with your dentist or orthodontist.
Pros:
- More affordable
- People can express themselves with colored bands.
- More robust
- Less prone to develop a blemish
Cons:
- More obvious than other types.
How Much Do Metal Braces Cost?
Metal braces are less expensive compared to non-metal braces since they are more noticeable. You should budget between $3,500 and $7,500.
| Manufacturer Name | Year Founded |
|---|---|
| 3M Unitek | 1949 |
| American Orthodontics | 1968 |
| Dentaurum | 1886 |
| G&H Orthodontics | 1975 |
| Rocky Mountain Orthodontics | 1933 |
2. Ceramic (Tooth-Colored) Braces
While the brackets of ceramic braces are made of a transparent or tooth-colored ceramic material, they function the same way traditional metal braces do. Ceramic braces are a more aesthetically pleasing choice for people searching for a less obvious solution.
Due to greater material manufacturing costs, ceramic braces are more expensive than metal braces.
Pros:
- Less visible compared to metal braces
- Teeth move much more quickly than transparent plastic aligners (Invisalign)
- Do not disrupt imaging testing.
Cons:
- Costlier than metal braces
- Less robust
- Patients who don’t take good care of the brackets may discolor.
- Usually not covered by medical or dental insurance plans
How Much Do Ceramic Braces Cost?
Ceramic braces are typically a little more expensive than traditional braces. The cost is from $2,000 and $8,500.
| Manufacturer Name | Year Founded |
|---|---|
| 3M Unitek | 1949 |
| American Orthodontics | 1968 |
| G&H Orthodontics | 1975 |
| Rocky Mountain Orthodontics | 1933 |
| TP Orthodontics | 1928 |
3. Lingual Braces
Clear lingual braces are placed on the back of the teeth instead of the front. They are the perfect option for those who don’t want to wear obvious metal braces because they aren’t visible from the outside.
Adults with mild to moderate orthodontic issues should consider invisible braces.
However, lingual braces have some negative sides. They infringe on the tongue area and significantly impair speech for the first few months. Also, these braces can be quite unpleasant and challenging to adjust to. Due to their construction, they also require more time to move the teeth.
These braces are far more expensive than conventional braces since they are created to order from dental gold.
Pros:
- They cannot be seen when someone doesn’t look closely into your mouth. Many people put off getting lingual braces until they have a particular event or occasion. Still, since these braces are well-hidden behind your teeth, you should not be concerned about them being seen.
- Lingual braces work equally well as conventional metal braces.
- They can perform several intricate tooth movements and are robust and sturdy.
Cons:
- Due to their proximity to the tongue, they are difficult to wear throughout therapy. With lingual braces, it is typical to have severe discomfort, recurrent tongue sores, and speech difficulties.
- Lingual braces require more time for your routine or monthly orthodontist appointment than traditional braces do.
- Lingual braces make cleaning and maintaining dental hygiene more difficult and complex. You can enhance brushing and flossing with lingual braces, but it is challenging and time-consuming.
How Much Do Lingual Braces Cost?
Lingual braces range in cost from $5,000 to $13,000.
| Manufacturer Name | Year Founded |
|---|---|
| 3M Unitek | 1949 |
| American Orthodontics | 1968 |
| Incognito | 1997 |
| Lingualcare | 2001 |
| Forestadent | 1907 |
4. byte Clear Aligners
Patients in NYC using invisible aligners have the option of receiving Byte at-home teeth-straightening treatment from the comfort of their own homes. Patients who select this service are sent a molding kit with detailed instructions, which they must use at home before returning it to the Byte.
The process continues as the Byte makes clear aligners to aid with tooth straightening using molds of the patient’s teeth.
Pros:
- Process of remotely straightening teeth
- Six months on average for treatment
- Convenient for scheduling
Cons:
- Unable to access an orthodontist
- Unexpected annoyance and suffering
- Accountable for treatment
How Much Do byte Clear Aligners Cost?
byte clear aligners range in cost from $5,000 to $13,000.
| Manufacturer Name | Year Founded |
|---|---|
| byte | 2018 |
Using Clear Aligners (Invisalign)
Invisalign treatments are the answer if you want to straighten your teeth without going through the discomfort of traditional metal braces. This type of dental care uses an innovative technique to effectively realign your teeth while remaining virtually undetectable.
As an orthodontic therapy, Invisalign is well known for employing predominantly hygienic clear aligners. Additionally, the removable clear aligners for Invisalign treatments can be personalized to fit your teeth specifically, thanks to SmartForce Technology.
Your teeth will be covered by these nearly invisible plastic aligners so that they can gently adjust and straighten your teeth alignment without significantly disrupting your lifestyle. The vast majority of individuals won’t even notice that you are wearing such aligners.
Pros:
- A covert substitute for rubber bands, wires, and metal braces.
- They are simple to take off so you may eat, brush your teeth, and floss.
- There are no dietary restrictions during therapy.
- Cheaper than braces to fix your smile.
- Less time spent at the orthodontist’s office.
- More comfortable since your teeth have shaped them.
Cons:
- Maintaining trays within at all times is a commitment required for Invisalign clear aligners.
- If not taken care of correctly, aligners could be lost.
- Only 5% of severe cases can be treated (although more than 95% can be corrected).
How Much Do Invisalign Braces Cost?
The cost of Invisalign clear aligners typically ranges from $3,000 to $7,000.
5. SmileDirectClub Clear Aligners
When SmileDirectClub made the DTC (direct-to-customer) clear aligner treatment model popular, they set the fashion. You only need to ask for an at-home impression kit, use it to take an impression of your bite, then ship it back to the business. As an alternative, you can get a digital scan at SmileShop. Your planned course of treatment will be approved by licensed dental specialists employed by SmileDirectClub, after which the business will send you all the necessary aligner trays to finish your course of treatment.
Virtual correspondence is used to interact with other SmileDirectClub employees and licensed orthodontists. Customers receive impression kits, which are then inspected by dentists or orthodontists who supervise the therapeutic procedure. According to reports, the business employs 225 licensed specialists.
Pros:
- Administered and recommended by a doctor
- Free bleaching service (premium whitening available for an additional cost)
- No credit check is necessary.
- There is a monthly payment option.
- Accepts insurance, HSAs, and FSAs (if you qualify)
Cons:
- 100% of treatment is remotely observed (this means there is a slightly higher risk for complications to occur than in-office orthodontic treatment)
- Reaching customer service might be challenging.
- Impression mistakes are possible with at-home kits.
- Aligners cannot be returned (only the impression kit)
How Much Do SmileDirectClub Clear Aligners Cost?
The normal price for SmileDirect Club clear aligners is $2,050.
| Manufacturer Name | Year Founded |
|---|---|
| SmileDirectClub | 2014 |
6. Candid Clear Aligners
A transparent and removable alternative to conventional braces is Candid aligners. Additionally, the aligners are stain- and BPA-resistant, FDA-approved, and phthalate-free.
Candid has changed the focus of its operations and stopped providing at-home impression kits. For those who want some of the comforts of at-home teeth straightening without compromising the standard of care, there is now a hybrid solution.
The professional orthodontist from Candid’s team then carefully designs your treatment plan at the request of the CandidPro provider. Following that, the company’s telehealth platform, CandidMonitoringTM, allows you to keep an eye on the progress of your therapy from a distance (mobile app).
Pros:
- Many places to visit in person
- Regular sales on imprint kits
- Dedicated mobile application
- Picture-clearer cheek spreader
- Accepts certain insurance, FSAs, and HSAs
Cons:
- More expensive on average than rivals
- Numerous complaints about client service
How Much Do Candid Clear Aligners Cost?
The normal price for Candid Clear aligners is $4,000.
| Manufacturer Name | Year Founded |
|---|---|
| Candid | 2017 |
7. ClearCorrect Clear Aligners
Invisalign and Clear Correct share a lot of similarities. It entails wearing a clear plastic aligner to straighten the teeth for a predetermined amount of time. Typically, the ClearCorrect aligners must be worn for at least 22 hours per day. In addition, the ClearCorrect trays are clear.
The transparent aligners for ClearCorrect invisible braces need to be changed on occasion. The degree of the issue and the kind of treatment a person selects determine how frequently the aligner needs to be changed and how many they ultimately require throughout the course of treatment.
Pros:
- Professional monitoring
- Invisible
- Six types of treatments are available.
- Less time is spent treating compared with traditional braces.
Cons:
Monthly dental appointments are necessary
Pricey compared to other clear aligners
How Much Do ClearCorrect Clear Aligners Cost?
The normal price range for ClearCorrect clear aligners is $2,500 to $5,500.
| Manufacturer Name | Year Founded |
|---|---|
| ClearCorrect | 2006 |
8. uSmile Clear Aligners
uLabTM Systems, a group of knowledgeable orthodontic specialists who contributed to the development of clear aligner technology decades ago, has created transparent aligners made of Zendura FLX thermoplastic material and hybrid treatments.
The state-of-the-art USA printing facility run by uLab or the orthodontist’s practice can both print the transparent aligners made by uSmile. When you go to an orthodontist who uses uSmile clear aligners, he or she will scan your teeth and design a customized treatment plan using the uLab program that may include both clear aligners and a fixed orthodontic appliance.
Pros:
- For the best outcomes, a customized orthodontic treatment plan may incorporate multiple orthodontic equipment.
- A licensed orthodontist administers the treatment.
- Esthetics that is invisible or virtually invisible
- Only orthodontists offer this service
Cons:
- A different transparent aligner system than Invisalign
- Costlier than box aligners
How Much Do uSmile Clear Aligners Cost?
The normal price range for uSmile clear aligners is $3,500 to $7,000.
| Manufacturer Name | Year Founded |
|---|---|
| uLab Systems | 2015 |
9. Spark Clear Aligners
A detachable clear aligner orthodontic system called Spark Clear Aligners is used to straighten teeth. Each Spark clear aligner is manufactured specifically for your teeth. Based on a patient’s 3D scan and the treatment plan created by the doctor using Spark’s Approval software, Spark Clear Aligners are individually created and manufactured. Then, using the exclusive TruGEN material, the custom aligners are manufactured on high-resolution, high-quality 3D printing equipment.
Pros:
- They are more visible than the competition and nearly invisible.
- Spark aligners are more effective because they use TruGENTM, the newest and most cutting-edge clear aligner technology.
- Superior to other top clear aligner brands in terms of wear comfort.
- Treatment under a doctor’s supervision gives superior services and more individualized care.
Cons:
- Costly. Compared to other popular clear aligner products, the total cost of a Spark treatment may be significantly higher.
- Only accredited orthodontists are authorized to provide the treatment. Thus, Spark aligners cannot be obtained from any dental office.
- The only places where Spark is now sold are in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and China.
How Much Do Spark Clear Aligners Cost?
The normal price range for ClearCorrect clear aligners is $3,500 to $8,000.
| Manufacturer Name | Year Founded |
|---|---|
| Spark | 2017 |
10. Self-Ligating Braces
A self-ligating brace is an advanced type of metal brace that does not require O-rings or elastics. Conventional braces are attached using elastics, which create pressure and friction and delay healing. Self-ligating bracing acts as a gate, drawing the wire in and locking it in place. A slide mechanism holds the wire in place, allowing teeth to move more swiftly and comfortably. Self-ligating braces were created to be undetectable and cleanable.
Self-ligating braces allow you to maintain ideal dental health and cleanliness throughout your treatment since they do not have O-rings or elastics, which draw and collect plaque. Self-ligating ceramic and aluminum brackets are likewise available.
Pros:
- The absence of colorful rubber bands makes orthodontics less obvious.
- Easier to brush, floss, and clean teeth
- Typically, smaller brackets are more comfortable.
- Less time spent at the office and no need to replace rubber bands
Cons:
- Due to the bracket design, it might provide less precise motions.
- Complex instances could be more expensive than conventional braces.
- The locking mechanism could malfunction or become trapped, requiring repair and delaying the course of action.
- Rotating larger teeth may require larger brackets, which may be less effective.
How Much Do Self-Ligating Braces Cost?
The normal price range Self-Ligating braces is $3,500 to $8,500.
What Type Of Braces Is The Best?
Analyze your finances before selecting any form of brace. Make sure the type of braces you require will fit within your budget. There are always braces available that fit your needs and your budget. The typical cost of orthodontic treatment is between $5,000 and $6,000.
For effective smile correction, traditional, ceramic, and self-ligating braces are the top choices for adults. Try aligners or lingual braces if you’re willing to wear your braces a little bit longer as long as they’re undetectable.
Which Braces Work The Fastest?
The cost and the length of the procedure are the two factors that individuals typically consider while looking for the ideal orthodontic option. The most popular method for straightening teeth appears to be braces, but choosing the best kind for you might be challenging.
Ceramic braces first appeared to be the most popular choice because they were virtually undetectable to the eye. Still, they ultimately proved to be less time-effective than metal braces.
The majority of experts appear to agree that using clear aligners is the fastest approach to straightening your teeth, even though the speed of the procedure is greatly influenced by the sort of issue you are facing.
The most well-known brand of clear aligners is Invisalign, which has recently experienced significant growth in popularity due to both its ability to expedite treatment and near-visibility.
Nevertheless, many alternative solutions might be suitable for you depending on the kind of dental problems you are having.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Humana Cover Braces?
Invisalign and braces have a similar situation. Although Humana’s dental plans often do not cover them, you may be eligible for savings from orthodontists who are part of the network. These discounts could be modest, but they could also offer better protection than the policies offered by other providers. Everything is dependent on the plan you select.
If you qualify for any reductions, they should be available for whichever kind of braces you select. To be certain, you should therefore confirm with both Humana and your orthodontists.
How Long Do Adults Wear Braces For?
One of the most often requested queries is how long patients must wear braces. In all honesty, it depends on several factors how long it takes. Keep in mind that every person has unique orthodontic issues. However, braces often take two to three years to have the intended effects in adults. Three years is frequently the longest period. However, the length of time depends on the patient’s age, food, and brace maintenance practices. For instance, if you neglect your braces. You’ll probably wear them for a very long time. Therefore, following the dentist’s directions during orthodontic treatment is crucial.
How Can I Speed Up My Braces?
One of the most frequent inquiries we get whenever we do a consultation for orthodontic treatment is, “How long will I have to wear braces?”. It is not surprising at all, as our curiosity is the same.
The solution is challenging! Your case’s intricacy will have the biggest impact on how long your therapy will take. You may need to wear braces for longer if your bite issue is more serious than your friend’s. Additionally, each person’s teeth move at a distinct pace. Our bodies are all biologically unique, as are all biological processes. Your biology and the amount of force used will determine the rate at which your teeth move.
While you cannot influence these elements, the good news is that you have a lot of control over how quickly your braces move! When dentists explain to patients how long braces will last, they always let them know that there are three main things they can do to affect how quickly their therapy progresses. Here are their suggestions for quick medical care.
Attend Your Booked Appointments On Time
Orthodontists miss the opportunity to make the necessary adjustments when you cancel or postpone appointments. Without attending when it is essential, your braces may reach a plateau where they stop assisting you in moving ahead. We carefully select your visit intervals. Even worse, if you continue using elastics or other devices without supervision, your treatment can regress, which would lengthen it.
Avoid Appliances And Braces That Are Broken
When a brace or other device(springs, etc.) becomes loose, it indicates that it isn’t functioning properly. If the appliances aren’t working properly, your teeth may not be shifting as they should. At worst, they may be relapsing back to their original position, which can lengthen the duration of your treatment. Eat slowly and select foods that aren’t too tough or chewy to prevent breaking gadgets. It’s a good idea to phone the office if something breaks or comes loose to ask if it has to be changed immediately or if it can wait until your next appointment.
Always Pay Close Attention To House Instructions
How do we interpret this? Wear those rubber bands, it implies! If your doctor instructs you to use rubber bands(elastics), be sure to adhere to their instructions exactly. They are only effective when fitted to the appropriate teeth and worn for the recommended number of hours each day. Everyone must wear them in different patterns based on their teeth, so avoid hooking them up the same way your pals do!
Can You Get Free Braces With Medicaid?
The answer is yes, sort of. Medicaid will cover your braces, but only if a licensed doctor certifies that they are a medical necessity. Medicaid also takes into account your age, where you live, and the reason you want to straighten your teeth. Even if an orthodontist advises Medicaid to cover the cost of your braces, your application still needs to be approved by your regional Medicaid office. It is because Medicaid is offered on a state-by-state basis. Thus, choices regarding what will and won’t be covered vary greatly.
If your income isn’t as high, though, Medicaid will still pay braces because the requirements won’t be as strict for you. Additionally, several states offer unique protections for kids from low-income households.
Especially if braces are medically required, even for children, coverage is difficult to find. In addition, you won’t be successful in getting Medicaid for cosmetic braces.
How Much Are Braces For 13-Year-Olds?
Orthodontics is one of the most expensive dental procedures. The average cost of braces for teenagers is $5000. Orthodontics explains that the cost will depend on the amount of work required and the type of braces utilized. Generally speaking, metal braces are less expensive than ceramic or invisible ones.
What Percentage Of People Get Braces?
Having a beautiful smile today involves more than just maintaining good dental health. It has to do with how you see yourself and how other people see you. More and more choices are becoming accessible to perfect your pearly whites as dentistry and orthodontics continue to create new instruments and methods to repair crooked or misaligned teeth.
Around %45 of people require braces to remedy functional issues. Even more, people may do so if concealed issues are present. If your child’s dental troubles are more modest, determining if they need braces might be challenging. Even though their grin appears flawless to you, there can be underlying issues. The severity of your child’s misalignment will determine when to have them see an orthodontist, but earlier is usually preferable to later.