Are Braces Affordable
Orthodontist Kennett Square, PA
 Braces are a dental solution using pressure to move overcrowded teeth and straighten them. Traditional braces rely on fusing brackets with your teeth and connecting them to wires. The wires are tightened in a way to put pressure on your teeth. These wires are adjusted at monthly visits as the treatment progresses. Modern clear aligners do the same thing without troublesome wires.
Overcrowded teeth cause issues with your bite. They can cause the top teeth to stretch over the bottom teeth too far, which is called an overbite. It can also cause the bottom teeth to come out too far, called an underbite. Both your top and bottom teeth can be at odd angles to each other. This condition is known as a crossbite.
Braces are a cosmetic or practical solution depending on the severity of the bite issues. Most bite issues are just aesthetic in nature. However, sometimes bite issues may lead to trouble biting or chewing food and even TMD disorders. In this case, overcrowded teeth become a severe medical issue. Whether your dental issues are purely aesthetic or medical in nature affects their price with dental insurance.
Types of Braces
There are several types of braces, differing either by their material or position on the teeth. This also affects their prices. Here are the different types of braces and their average prices without insurance coverage:
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Metal: $3,000-$7,000
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Ceramic: $4,000-$8,000
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Lingual: $5,000-$13,000 |
Metal Braces
Metal braces are the traditional ones we all picture when considering braces. They require brackets to be used on the teeth, and a guide wire is connected to them, which is tightened to put constant pressure on the teeth. The metal wire is attached to the brackets with rubber bands known as ligatures. These can be clear or colored. You can choose different colored ligatures at each appointment. These braces are the most visible.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are precisely the same as metal braces, except, as the name suggests, the brackets, wires, and ligatures are all ceramic. Ceramic is chosen as it is the same color as the teeth. That means that although the braces are fully visible when you smile, they are less noticeable. However, ceramic is a more delicate material, so they are more fragile than metal braces.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces work the same way as metal or ceramic braces, except instead of being fused to the front of the teeth, the brackets are fused to the back of the teeth. This option is the best for people who wish to conceal the fact that they are wearing braces.
Traditional Braces vs Damon Braces
Damon braces are an innovative type of self-ligating braces that eliminate the need for rubber ligatures. Damon braces have clear brackets that are even less conspicuous than ceramic braces.
Their special attachment allows the wire to move freely, shortening the visits to the dentist and allowing for a more gentle pressure on the teeth. Damon braces are less painful and make for a broader smile. They are also more hygienic than braces with rubber ligatures. The average cost of Damon braces ranges from $3,800 to $8,000 depending on the severity of the issue and treatment length, which is similar to traditional braces.
Traditional Braces vs Clear Aligners
Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners put pressure on the teeth without the need for brackets or wires. With traditional braces, the wires are tightened at each appointment while clear aligners are swapped with the next aligner.
You can eat whatever you want since you can remove clear aligners at meal times. In contrast, traditional braces require special attention to your diet so you don't break off a bracket while eating.
Once you're done eating, you can brush your teeth and put your clear aligners back on, while you have a strenuous cleaning regimen for traditional braces. They quickly get food stuck between brackets, and the wires don't allow the toothbrush to brush them directly. You must use an interdental toothbrush and a unique tool to thread floss.
Clear aligners, on average, are similar in cost to traditional braces.
Affording Braces
Some quotes may be less than others, and you may get covered by insurance in some cases. However, there is definitely going to be some out-of-pocket cost. The average fees for comprehensive adult orthodontics can cost around $5,000.
Insurance companies might cover the cost of braces if the orthodontist approves it and it is medically necessary. You can add it to the existing plan if it doesn't.
At Greeley Orthodontics, we can schedule an appointment to check whether braces will work for you. Braces for adults might be the right option for you, and we can help you get them.
Many factors can impact the cost of braces. The qualifications and experience of the orthodontist can impact your overall cost.
Taking Care of Your Braces
The most important thing to keep in mind when wearing braces is keeping your teeth clean. Braces hinder the way we are used to brushing and flossing our teeth, so it is important to brush and floss them thoroughly and regularly.
How to Clean Your Teeth with Braces
You begin by brushing the back and tops of your teeth, or front, in case of lingual braces. Once you finish cleaning the areas you can easily access, use a special interdental brush to clean between brackets under the wire.
Once done with the interdental brush, you must use a wire loop to thread floss below the wire and between your teeth. Flossing is essential at least once daily, if not after every meal.
How to Keep Clear Aligners Clean
You can brush your teeth like you usually do with clear aligners. With clear aligners, you must focus on keeping the aligners clean. Soaking them in mouthwash or using your toothbrush to clean them daily does the trick. If you're given any additional special cleaning tools or instructions, follow them carefully.
Only drink water while wearing your clear aligners. Drinking sugary colored drinks with them on will discolor them and allow bacteria to grow on them.
Why Choose Greeley Orthodontics?
At Greeley Orthodontics, Dr. Connie Greeley is an expert orthodontist that has assisted hundreds of patients. We can check your teeth to see what kind of treatment you need. We work with different insurance companies so that you can take advantage of our cost-cutting expertise. We specialize in braces for adults.
Call us at 484-346-6008, and our dentists will check whether braces are a suitable option for you and discuss financing your smile. |
