Teeth Braces 101 – All You Need to Know About Braces

Are you considering getting teeth braces? We’re sure you have plenty of questions to ask. Since orthodontic care can be a hefty investment, there’s no doubt it pays to be well-informed about your braces options.

If you have or crooked teeth or an uneven bite, the good news is that there are a variety of treatments which can help straighten teeth, including braces and aligners. So, let’s dive in and answer some of your questions.

How Do I Get Braces?

Your dentist or orthodontist will need to carry out an examination, ask a few health questions, take impressions of your teeth, and X-rays of your mouth and teeth in order to determine the appropriate treatment plan.

What Types of Teeth Braces Are Available?

If you still think of braces as being metal with wires and brackets glued to your teeth, then you might be pleasantly surprised.

While it’s true that these still exist, nowadays there are a wide variety of braces options to choose from. These include:

• Conventional metal braces
• Clear ceramic braces with tooth coloured wires
• Lingual braces that sit behind your teeth and are virtually invisible
• Clear aligners such as Clear Correct and Invisalign which sit over the teeth

Everyone is different with their own unique dental needs, so your dentist will discuss the best options for you.

How Do Braces Work?

They may look very different, but braces and aligners work in the same way by gradually applying pressure over time to slowly move teeth to their required position. As your teeth move, the bone beneath also changes shape as pressure is applied.

What’s the Difference Between Braces and Aligners?

The most obvious difference between braces and aligners is that that braces only require one device throughout orthodontic treatment, whereas aligner treatment involves a series of interchangeable aligners.

The biggest advantage of aligners as opposed to braces is their transparency. Because they’re made from clear medical grade plastic, they’re almost invisible to others. So, if you’re feeling self-conscious about straightening your teeth, aligners could be just the thing for you.

In addition, aligners are designed to be removed when you eat or drink and for brushing and flossing your teeth. Whereas a fixed brace is exactly that and can only be removed by your dentist.

What Can Braces and Aligners Treat?

Aligners are generally considered more suitable for correcting mild or moderate tooth misalignment whereas braces are usually more effective for treating complex problems such as overcrowding, rotated teeth, and severe bite issues.

How Long Do Braces Take To Straighten Teeth?

There is no clear-cut answer to this question because it all depends on the

• Severity of the problem
• Distance the teeth need to move
• Room available in the mouth
• Health of your teeth, gums, and supporting bone
• Patient’s commitment to follow instructions
• Patient’s age

On average, it takes around 23 months to complete orthodontic treatment but those lucky ones among you may get away with six months whereas others may need as much as 3 years.

How Often Will I Need to Visit My Dentist or Orthodontist?

Your dentist will need to see you around once a month to check that your braces are still applying regular pressure to your teeth. Adjustments may be needed to create more tension.

For those patients wearing aligners, some dentists may want to see you every couple of weeks to check that that the aligners you’re wearing have done their job before being told to discard them and move on to the subsequent one.

How Much Do Teeth Braces Cost?

The cost of braces vary widely in Australia although in some cases, you may be able to get assistance for your orthodontic care if you have private medical insurance.

Generally though, you can expect to pay between $2000 to $9000 for traditional metal braces and around $5000 and $8500 for standard 18-month ceramic braces treatment.

Lingual braces are more expensive than most other orthodontic treatments and may set you back up to $9000 for an 18-month treatment plan.

If you prefer the thought of clear aligners, then be prepared to pay on average between $6000 and $9000 for Invisalign treatment and about $4500 for minor Invisalign treatment.

Now you know more about teeth braces and the approximate costs involved, why not book an appointment with Dentistry on Solent? We use the latest technology to ensure the very best dental care for our patients and with various payment options, we make braces affordable for everyone. Call us today on 02 9158 6137 to see how we can assist you.