4 Types of Dental Braces
More adults are getting braces to straighten their teeth. Here's a look at available options.
Dental braces aren't just for adolescents and teens.
An increasing number of adults are choosing braces to straighten their teeth. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, the number of adults getting braces or some other teeth straightening treatment increased 14 percent from 2010 to 2012.
Here are four different kinds of braces adults can choose from to improve their smile:
Metal braces are generally the least expensive option, but also the most noticeable.
1. Metal braces
The most inexpensive type of braces for adults are the traditional, stainless steel versions. Obviously, the drawback to wearing these is how visible they are. Metal braces hold a thin wire in place with rubber bands to put pressure on the teeth and move them to the desired place.
Metal braces can irritate gums and cheeks at first. Once you have them on, you have to watch what you eat, avoiding things that can stick to the braces, such as caramel or gum. You also have to avoid eating hard foods, which can move or dislodge the braces.
Ceramic braces are similar to metal braces, but blend in with the color of the teeth.
2. Ceramic braces
Ceramic braces cost more than stainless steel versions, but they're made to blend in with the teeth so they aren't as visible. You can choose between clear elastic ties or white metal ties to hold the braces in place.
Though the braces themselves won't stain, the ties can easily discolor, especially if you consume foods or drinks that typically stain teeth, such as coffee. Your orthodontist will replace the ties every time he or she adjusts the braces, which is usually every month.
Ceramic braces are more sensitive and can easily break or chip. They require more maintenance and more time to install than metal braces, which increases overall treatment time and cost.
Lingual braces are attached to the inside of the tooth in order to be unseen. However, they do have disadvantages.
3. Lingual braces
Lingual braces are customized to bond and hide behind the teeth to remain out of sight. They cost more than metal or ceramic braces because the process is more complicated. They require a skillful orthodontist to install them, and not every orthodontist knows how to do it.
Lingual braces don't work well on small teeth and get in the way of the tongue, potentially causing speech problems and injuries, so you have to learn and practice speaking with them on.
"Invisible" braces are clear plastic forms that entirely cover the teeth. They can be removed when eating and brushing.
4. Invisible braces
Invisible braces, such as Invisalign, cost more than any other type of braces because they are practically invisible.
These braces work best for people who don't have significant teeth problems. The advantages: they're less noticeable than traditional braces and often require less frequent visits to the dentist.
Align Technology, the medical device company that makes Invisalign braces, estimates treatment costs range from $3,500 to $8,000, or an average of $5,600 nationally without insurance.
With insurance, it estimates out-of-pocket costs at about $2,100. These braces are mostly invisible and best for people with minor alignment issues.
Read this Angie's List Guide to Dental Care for more information.
Instead of brackets mounted to the teeth, these braces are custom-fitted aligners (rubber trays) that you wear except when eating or brushing your teeth. The teeth-straightening process requires you to wear different aligners every two weeks to gradually move the teeth to the desired place.
These types of braces can be uncomfortable at first as the tray begins to put pressure on the teeth, but you get used to them.
You must be disciplined because the success of these braces depends on wearing the trays no less than 20 hours a day.
Have you had an experience with wearing braces? Tell us about it in the comments section below.
Editor's note: This is an updated version of an article originally posted on Oct. 30, 2012.