Dr. Markham and the team at Markham Orthodontics know there are different kinds of braces to choose from and making a decision to start your orthodontic journey to straighter and healthier teeth is easier said than done. Everything, from choosing the best orthodontist in Gold River to deciding the right orthodontic device, can be confusing and even stressful.

However, that is why today, we will go through the ins and outs of orthodontic treatment and the devices you can choose from. Since there are many different types of orthodontic braces available and each type uses several components and materials, we will take a closer look at each type individually.

The first thing you need to know is that all types of braces work to achieve the same goal; they all realign your teeth to enhance chewing, biting, and aesthetics. Ultimately, they give you, the patient, that perfect, healthy, and bright smile you have always wanted to see reflected in the mirror or in pictures. Now let’s start.

What Are the Different Kinds of Braces to Choose from?

The two main types of braces available are removable and fixed devices. As the names suggest, you can remove these appliances from your mouth at any time, while fixed devices require special tools and an orthodontist.

Though fixed dental braces are helpful when correcting severe alignment issues, removable devices are popular because they afford the wearer more freedom during the length of their treatment.

Within these two types, you can find many options to choose from, each with its own pros and cons and pricing. After learning about your different options, the best thing to do is to schedule an appointment with your orthodontist and discuss which suits your specific smile needs.

Traditional Braces

This type is the most common, and therefore the least expensive option. Also known as metal braces, these are the braces that most come to mind when we hear the word “braces.”

Metal Braces

Made with metal brackets and wires, this type is responsible for giving patients the dreaded metal-mouth look. However, with advances in technology, today’s traditional braces are actually smaller and more appealing than those of the past. The cost of this option can vary anywhere from $3,000 to $7,500.

Ceramic Braces

This type works the same as the traditional braces we are so familiar with, plus the addition of a great benefit. Made with tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend into your teeth. These braces are the more appealing counterpart part of metal braces.

However, being less noticeable comes with a price that ranges from $2,000 to $8,500. One of the biggest disadvantages of ceramic braces is that because their more appealing material is more sensitive than traditional metal, these braces can stain easily if you don’t pay attention to proper oral hygiene and certain dietary restrictions.

As you can see, both traditional metal and ceramic braces fall into the category of fixed orthodontic devices. Because these devices remain bonded onto your teeth, they can only be applied, adjusted, or removed by your orthodontist. Let’s move on to the removable category.

Invisalign for Teens and Adults

Invisalign or clear aligners are a system of aligning trays that consists of a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners. These aligners are removable, giving you the most flexibility and freedom.

With clear aligners, diet restrictions are a thing of the past. Since you will be removing them to eat, oral hygiene also becomes easier to keep up with. However, this option may not suit everyone, especially younger patients who might forget to put their aligners back in after eating or even lose their aligners. The cost of clear aligners ranges from $3,000 to $7,000.

As a general rule, you should keep in mind that most orthodontists believe the average length of time for orthodontic treatment is anywhere from six months to two years. The actual length of treatment is always specific to each individual patient. Because we all have different smile needs, always make sure to follow your orthodontist’s instructions for the best results.

Now, after you complete your orthodontic journey and you finally see your brand new, straight smile, it is completely normal to think you finished everything. However, even after your braces come off, you still have one more step to complete.

Retainers

After you complete your orthodontic care, you should wear a retainer to keep the teeth in their new position. Because teeth naturally shift with time, these appliances help prevent this “shifting back” from happening.

As the name suggests, retainers basically retain their teeth from moving. Within the retainer category, there are 3 different types you need to be familiar with.

Clear Retainers

Clear retainers are clear trays, which look much like clear aligners. These retainers ensure that the teeth stay in position because of the vacuum-formed hard plastic that accurately prevents shifting.

Traditional Retainers

Unlike clear retainers, traditional retainers only use acrylic or plastic, and they have metal wires. Making them the less appealing retainer type.

Fixed Retainers

A fixed retainer is an appliance that remains in the mouth. Usually, the orthodontist bonds them to the teeth, and as such, they don’t need any adjustments. A fixed retainer is great for patients who are afraid of removing and losing their retainers.

Finding Your Smile in Gold River

The perfect smile is definitely something worth working towards; however, there is a lot to consider before starting orthodontic treatment. At Markham Orthodontics, we are committed to providing top-quality orthodontic care but also to ensuring all of our patients feel comfortable and secure with our treatment options and at our office. We will answer all your questions so you know which options suit you best; out of all the different kinds of braces, you’ll want to choose the ones that fit your lifestyle the best.

That is why we would like to meet you in person and help you through the process of achieving the smile of your dreams. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Markham, please contact us. We look forward to meeting with you.