metal braces

What different kinds of braces do orthodontists use? - Scottsdale Phoenix AZ | Budd Orthodontics

April 17th, 2020

Patients frequently arrive at my Phoenix orthodontic office wanting to know what options are available nowadays for treatment with braces.  While there are many different manufacturers of orthodontic products in the U.S., most of them offer the same categories of braces with very minor variations.

Standard Metal Braces- This is the most common type of braces with our younger patients and by far the most common in general.  They offer excellent strength and durability while sacrificing a little bit on esthetics.  This type of braces is also usually the most cost-effective.

Clear braces or “Invisible” braces – This type of braces is often confused with Invisalign, which is a very different treatment from clear braces.  Clear braces are made of porcelain (similar to the material used to make tooth crowns or caps) and are the most popular option with adult patients who are not candidates for Invisalign treatment.  Many orthodontic offices charge slightly more for this type of braces due to the higher cost of the material.  It is an excellent option for patients looking for excellent treatment results while maintaining the highest possible esthetics.

Lingual braces- This type of braces is placed on the inside of your teeth (near your tongue) instead of the outside of the your teeth.  The draw of this type of braces is that they are literally invisible to the casual observer.  However, you may sacrifice some comfort for this method of treatment compared to other available options and this type of braces also tends to be one of the most expensive due to the additional instruments, wires, and materials that must be used with this type of braces.

Self-ligating braces- There are both clear and metal versions of this type of braces.  The difference between self-ligating braces and standard metal and clear braces is that self-ligating braces do not require ties (the colors that kids choose to hold the wire against the brace).  These braces are sometimes thought to be a  little easier to keep clean and you don’t have to worry about discolored ties. It was once believed that this type of braces reduced the amount of time you would need to spend in treatment by reducing friction.  However, there have been several studies published that have shown that assumption to be false.

Invisalign- Invisalign is actually a series of clear plastic aligners – not braces – that are formed to the teeth.  Each successive set of aligners is worn for approximately one to two weeks and will gradually align the teeth.  While there are limitations to what aligners can do compared to braces, for the right candidate Invisalign can be an excellent treatment option.

Top Five Orthodontic-Related Questions Parents Want Answered

March 1st, 2019

Your child’s dentist has called you into the office to recommend orthodontic care for your child. While your child is all smiles, enjoying their sugar-free treat or sticker, your head is spinning with common orthodontic-related questions. This guide may help you explore the world of child orthodontics.

Why an orthodontist and not my routine dentist?
As aforementioned in an earlier blog, orthodontists receive additional training beyond that required to become a dentist. The extra residency training adds on two to three years of orthodontic expertise. The residency training is additionally backed by the American Dental Association, and orthodontists become members of the American Association of Orthodontists upon completion of their residency training. Most dentists receive very little training in dental school related to orthodontics.  This makes specialty training particularly important in the field of orthodontics.

Did I do something wrong with my child’s teeth? Should I have done something differently to prevent the need for braces?
Every mouth is different, and while some habits can play a part in teeth development problems, orthodontic problems are mostly a cause of genetics or unforeseen developmental issues. Orthodontic treatment can also be completed as interceptive treatment. It can help correct crowded teeth, jaw growth or development problems, ectopic tooth growth, gaps, overbites, late-bloomer tooth eruption and more.

What age do I need to start my child’s treatment?
While your dentist monitors your child’s teeth and jaw development, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that each child have an initial orthodontic consultation when your child is seven years old. Most initial consultations are free or reduced cost. The assessment is intended to be educational, not a scare tactic. If your child is not ready for treatment or has no need of treatment at that time, your orthodontist will typically continue to monitor their development until all of their adult teeth are fully erupted.

 

How long can I expect my child to need corrective dental care?
Just like stated earlier, every case is different because of the variety of orthodontic problems that need to be considered. Most children, however, complete their orthodontic care within about two years. Upon the completion of braces, it is highly recommended to wear a retainer to continue to hold the teeth in their final position. Many adults require orthodontic treatment a second time even if they already had treatment as a child because they stopped wearing a retainer. Bonus: If there was early orthodontic care in your child’s life, the second phase of treatment will usually be a shorter time frame.

What are braces going to cost me?
Each child has individualized needs, and those costs are approximated at their initial consultation. Invisalign and clear braces provide additional options to traditional metal braces, so the cost can vary significantly depending on the treatment options chosen.
Money-saving tips:
1. Get second opinions
2. Look for incentives including low-interest financing and discounts for payment in full.
3. Compare insurance plans and get the plan which provides the best orthodontic benefits by seeing an in-network provider.

Orthodontic treatment does not have to overwhelm you. We welcome any inquiries, and you can trust us to be honest with you. We welcome second opinions because we feel confident in the value we provide to our patients for their orthodontic treatment. We provide free initial consultations and are happy to discuss treatment options with you.  We ultimately are here for you and your child to help you be healthier  and achieve your dream smile.

Budd Orthodontics services both Phoenix and Scottsdale and focuses on child and adult orthodontics.  For your free consultation, call either the Phoenix location at 602.956.4530 or the Scottsdale location at 602.493.3338 to reserve your appointment time!

Back to Top