After making the decision to get braces, know that there are a few main types for you to choose from depending on your needs. But don’t worry – Dr. VanLue will go over all of this with you so that you can pick the option that best meets your needs and exceeds your expectations across the board.
At VanLue Orthodontics, we offer three different types of braces, all featuring top of the line American Orthodontics brackets.
- Traditional Metal Braces
- Ceramic/Clear Braces
- Self-Ligating Braces
Traditional Metal Braces
What Are Metal Braces?
With metal braces, a series of metal brackets and wires are attached to each tooth in a patient’s mouth. The strength of that wire is what gently pulls the teeth into the desired position over time.
Are Metal Braces Better?
Metal braces are not necessarily “better” than any other option – in fact, every type of braces offers about the same level of effectiveness. The job is simply to choose the one that best suits your needs and falls in line with your expectations for treatment.
What Is a Typical Treatment Like With Metal Braces?
After the brackets and wires are affixed to your mouth, you will go back to the orthodontist periodically so that they can adjust the strength of the wire to make sure that your teeth are moving along exactly as they should be.
How Much Do Metal Braces Cost?
Most people can expect to pay a few thousand dollars for traditional metal braces. VanLue Orthodontics provides many different payment plans to help you achieve the smile of your dreams.
Do Metal Braces Hurt?
Metal braces don’t necessarily “hurt” – but many patients do experience mild discomfort. Don’t worry – many people get used to them in a few days or weeks, and any pain you experience can be handled via over-the-counter medication.
Ceramic/Clear Braces
What Are Ceramic/Clear Braces?
As the name suggests, these use a special type of ceramic material that is designed to blend in with your natural tooth color. Because of this, they offer a far more discreet treatment than traditional metal braces by design.
What Is the Typical Treatment Length With Ceramic Braces?
Generally speaking, ceramic braces take between 18 and 36 months to be completely effective.
Do Ceramic Braces Hurt?
Because there are no metal brackets or wires in your mouth at all times, most people find them to be far more comfortable than traditional braces.
How Much Do Ceramic Braces Cost?
On average, ceramic braces cost between $4,000 and $8,000 in the United States.
Are Ceramic Braces Better?
Again – it’s not a question of if they are “better,” in that they are somehow more effective. It’s just that you have to weigh the benefits you get from ceramic braces over the ones that traditional braces are known for.
Self-Ligating Braces
What Are Self-Ligating Braces?
Self-ligating braces are actually placed very similarly to traditional metal braces, but with a twist – there are no metal ties or wires that are present. Instead, a spring-loaded door is used to maintain pressure and gently adjust the teeth into the desired position.
Are Self-Ligating Braces Highly Effective?
Self-ligating braces are just as effective as traditional metal braces, but they’re also known for faster tooth movement as well. So not only will you still achieve the smile you’ve always wanted, but your treatment time will likely be significantly reduced as well.
Potential Advantages of Self-Ligating Braces
Most patients love the fact that self-ligating braces are known for their significantly reduced appointment times with their orthodontist. Because far less friction is required to move your teeth, there is very little to “adjust” – you’ll still be seeing your orthodontist, but making sure that everything is going along exactly as it should be will take far less time.
Because of the way self-ligating braces are constructed, they’re also far easier to maintain and keep clean – thus leading to better hygiene in the patient as well.
Why Self-Ligating Braces?
In addition to all of the benefits outlined above, many people pick self-ligating braces because it’s known for a far more comfortable treatment experience in most situations. This is once again attributed to the fact that there is far less friction required to move your teeth into the intended position, and certainly far less than with traditional conventional brackets.
However, depending on the current state of your mouth and how sensitive you are, this may not necessarily be the case. This is definitely a conversation you’re going to want to have with your orthodontist so that you can make the best decision moving forward.
How Much Do Self-Ligating Braces Cost?
Generally speaking, self-ligating braces can cost anywhere between $3,800 and $8,000 in most locations – although this will obviously vary wildly depending on the exact issues you’re trying to correct and the total treatment length that will be required.
American Orthodontics Brackets
VanLue Orthodontics is proud to feature brackets from American Orthodontics. This system offers unbeatable results and a wide array of features that other options simply cannot match. American Orthodontics brackets are characterized by their Visual Placement Aids – something that helps significantly with bonding precision and that offers perfect results in a far faster time frame than most other options.
Each bracket in the system delivers excellent rotational control. To put it simply, this allows your orthodontist to achieve perfect results via treatment WITHOUT sacrificing aesthetics. American Orthodontics brackets are also heat-treated to give them a solid core structure, something that makes sure they’re as strong as possible and as smooth (and therefore comfortable) as can be.
At VanLue Orthodontics, we’ve been big proponents of American Orthodontic brackets for many years thanks to these and other significant advantages. At the end of the day, we always want to offer patients the most flexible and customized treatment plan available to accomplish their goals – and these brackets are a big part of how we’ve been able to successfully do it for so long.
All told, we’re incredibly excited to be a leading provider of these brackets in Nevada and we think that as soon as your treatment begins, you’ll definitely be able to see why.
Types of Braces
Ready to realign crowded teeth and improve oral health? At VanLue Orthodontics, we offer a variety of orthodontic braces to suit your individual needs and preferences. Dr. VanLue will guide you through the process, helping you choose the best type of braces for your lifestyle and smile goals. Our selection includes:
- Traditional Metal Braces: Time-tested and effective.
- Ceramic Braces: An excellent choice for a more discreet treatment option.
- Self-Ligating Braces: Offering enhanced comfort and efficiency.
All of our dental braces feature high-quality American Orthodontics brackets, ensuring proper alignment and a confident smile you’ll love.
What is the Best Braces Type?
Orthodontic treatment has evolved significantly over the years. Today, we offer several types of braces to choose from, each with its own set of obvious advantages and considerations.
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most recognizable and common type. Made from high-grade stainless steel, these braces consist of metal brackets attached to the teeth with wires and elastic bands. They are known for their durability and effectiveness in treating a wide range of orthodontic issues, from simple to complex cases.
Advantages:
- Highly effective in correcting crooked teeth and bite issues.
- Generally a less expensive option.
- Can be customized with colored bands for a fun twist.
Considerations:
- Less aesthetic appeal due to their noticeable appearance.
- Can cause discomfort or abrasions during treatment.
How Much Do Classic Braces Cost?
Achieving your dream smile doesn’t have to break the bank. VanLue Orthodontics provides affordable treatment options for metal braces, including convenient payment plans to fit your budget.
What Is the Typical Treatment Period With Metal Braces?
This treatment process takes between 12 to 24 months to fix misaligned teeth.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces function similarly to traditional braces but use tooth-colored or clear ceramic brackets, making them less noticeable. They blend in with the natural color of your teeth, making them a popular choice for those who prioritize aesthetics, like adult patients.
Advantages:
- More visually discreet option compared to metal braces.
- Effective in treating various dental issues, like traditional braces.
- Generally more comfortable against the soft tissues of the mouth, reducing irritation.
Considerations:
- Ceramic braces are more prone to staining, especially from foods and beverages like coffee or red wine, meaning patients need to be more cautious with their diet.
- They are typically more expensive than traditional metal braces.
- The ceramic brackets are also more delicate and can be prone to chipping or breaking, which may require additional visits to the orthodontist for repairs.
How Much Do Ceramic Braces Cost?
Ceramic braces cost between $4,000 to $8,000 on average.
What Is the Typical Treatment Period With Ceramic Braces?
Generally speaking, ceramic braces take between 18 and 36 months to be completely effective.
Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces are an innovative alternative to metal braces, utilizing a specialized clip instead of rubber bands to hold the wire in place. This orthodontic treatment not only allows for easier adjustments but also reduces friction and consistent pressure on teeth.
Advantages:
- Enhanced comfort thanks to reduced friction and no elastic bands.
- Requires fewer regular adjustments compared to traditional braces, often leading to shorter treatment duration.
- Easier to maintain oral hygiene due to the absence of elastic bands that can trap food particles and plaque.
Considerations:
- They can be more expensive than traditional metal braces, although prices may vary.
- Depending on the system used, they might have a bulkier appearance than other orthodontic treatments, which could be a concern for some patients.
- While self-ligating braces are designed for efficient treatment, they may not be suitable for all orthodontic cases. Complex issues may still require traditional treatment options for optimal results.
How Much Do Self-Ligating Braces Cost?
Self-ligating braces can cost anywhere between $3,800 and $8,000. Costs vary depending on the exact dental alignment issues you’re trying to correct and the total treatment duration.
How Long Do Self-Ligating Braces Take?
Self-ligating braces often take between 18 and 24 months, similar to traditional braces. However, in some cases, they may offer slightly faster treatment due to reduced friction and fewer adjustments.
Experience the Difference With American Orthodontics Brackets
We’re committed to providing the highest quality care and achieving exceptional results. That’s why we proudly feature brackets from American Orthodontics, a leading innovator in orthodontic technology.
What sets these brackets apart?
No matter which orthodontic treatment option you choose, American Orthodontics offers the highest quality choice for patients
Precision and Efficiency: Visual Placement Aids ensure accurate bracket placement, leading to faster treatment times and beautiful smiles looking for
Enhanced Control: Excellent rotational control allows for precise tooth movement without compromising aesthetics.
Strength and Comfort: Heat-treated for a strong core structure and smooth surface, ensuring maximum comfort and durability.
We’ve trusted American Orthodontics brackets for years because they allow us to create truly customized treatment plans and deliver the beautiful, healthy smiles our orthodontic patients deserve. We’re confident you’ll appreciate the difference these advanced brackets make in your orthodontic journey.
Making the Right Choice: Factors to Consider When Selecting Braces
Choosing the right orthodontic option is an important decision that can significantly impact your dental care experience. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Severity of Misalignment: The complexity of your orthodontic issues plays a crucial role in determining which type of braces is suitable for you. For severe gaps between teeth, bite issues, or spacing issues, traditional metal braces may be recommended due to their strength and ability to handle a broader range of dental corrections. Conversely, if your dental concerns are less severe, clear aligners or ceramic braces may be appropriate.
- Comfort Level: Traditional metal braces, while effective, can sometimes cause discomfort due to the metal brackets and wires. Invisible aligners, on the other hand, tend to be more comfortable as they are custom-made and do not have any protruding parts. If comfort is a priority for you, it may be worthwhile to discuss options like plastic aligners, which are designed to minimize discomfort through gentler adjustments.
- Visibility and Aesthetics: Aesthetic considerations are particularly important for many patients, especially adults. If you are concerned about how your braces will look, options like tooth-colored or clear brackets provide a more discreet appearance than their metal counterparts.
- Treatment Duration: While traditional metal braces are known for their effectiveness, some patients may prefer options like clear aligners, which can offer shorter treatment times in certain cases.
- Lifestyle Compatibility: Consider your lifestyle when choosing braces. If you lead an active lifestyle or participate in contact sports, traditional metal braces may pose a higher risk of injury. In such cases, clear aligners may be a more suitable type. This removable option can be taken out during activities.
- Budget Considerations: The cost of braces can vary significantly based on the type and complexity of treatment. Traditional braces with wires are generally the most affordable, while more aesthetically pleasing options may come with higher price tags due to their materials and cosmetic benefits. It’s important to discuss your budget with your orthodontist to explore all available options.
- Personal Preferences: Ultimately, individual patients should decide for themselves. Whether you prioritize aesthetics, comfort, or effectiveness, understanding your own preferences will help you communicate your needs effectively with your orthodontist.
Consulting with an experienced orthodontist like Dr. VanLue is essential in evaluating these factors and determining the most suitable braces for your unique situation. By doing so, you can ensure an effective treatment plan that aligns with your lifestyle and goals, leading to a confident and beautiful smile.