You probably remember them from your school days, when, one seemingly random day, one of your unfortunate classmates came to school quite reserved and silent. Until something made them open their mouth just a little bit too wide, briefly showing their new braces. And we all knew what wearing them could mean when we were younger.
However, things have now changed. Dentistry has evolved, bringing new, revolutionary solutions to the table. Both medically and socially!
This blog post will guide you to all the different bracing solutions modern medicine has to offer. It doesn't matter if you're choosing for yourself or your kid; there's something for all kinds of patients. Ready?
What are braces?
Doesn't hurt to start with the basics, does it?
In dentistry, braces are considered an orthodontic treatment that aligns your teeth to their ideal position. This doesn't happen instantaneously; quite the contrary, they work by applying slow and steady forces. Their usage varies depending on the patient; some may proceed with the treatment for aesthetic purposes only, while other, more severe, cases, may require braces for strictly medical reasons.
How do braces work, and how to place them?
Always remember that every smile is different.
This translates to every case requiring a unique plan. There is no one-solution-fits-all in orthodontics!
A dentist will have to examine the oral cavity and, like an expert tactician, define the strategy. The whole treatment may last up to three years, and we can break it down into three separate stages:
Planning phase: As mentioned above, everything should start with the right game plan. Proper mapping of the oral cavity is more than crucial here, as it limits the number of corrective adjustments later on, which can be quite painful for any patient.
Active phase: Let the games begin! Here is where the braces are placed, which won't last more than two hours in most cases. After that, they will force the teeth to a better oral placement.
Retainment phase: The phase that everyone forgets about, but it's quite important. After taking off the braces, retainers should, ideally, take their place! They are useful because they ensure that the teeth stay in their fixed positions. but most patients stop using them some weeks after the treatment.
Which braces to choose?
Can we skip to the good part? Yes! It's now time.
So, do you remember the classic Western "The good, the bad & the ugly"? We can break the treatment solutions a bit similarly. We present to you "The old, the new, and the handsome"!
Are you confused? Understandable. But let us show you what we mean.
The Old - Traditional Braces
We all know them. We all hate them.
But they remain fully functional, and for tight budgets, they are the recommended solution.
Made of stainless steel, these braces use metal lines and points to force teeth to their ideal placement.
They look quite austere, but you can add some personality to them, by changing the rubber's colors.
It's a tried & tested solution that will cost you from 800€ to 1000€. You can find more about them by clicking here.
The New - Self-Ligated Braces [Damon System]
From the old to the new! Damon System features self-ligated braces, a cutting-edge solution in the field of orthodontics.
But how do they work?
The difference between them and traditional braces is how they utilize the natural teeth forces, in a much better way. This allows for a treatment that lasts significantly less, bringing the treatment period down to six months!
Additionally, they require fewer corrective appointments with your dentist. We recommend them in our case, as a fool-proof one-stop-go treatment plan.
Their downside, albeit their many pluses? The cost ranges from 1400€ to 2000€, which is considerably higher than traditional braces. You can learn more about them by checking this link.
The Handsome - Invisible Braces
Now's the time for the handsome ones, because, in braces, what's more, handsome than the invisible?
These casts are similar to the ones used for teeth whitening processes but made with different materials, that align teeth faster and with more comfort.
It's obvious that their biggest advantage is their invisibility. If you're conscious about how your smile would look with braces, these will fix your smile without anyone noticing!
Sadly, they are the most expensive treatment, ranging from 1800€ to 2200€. More information can be found here.
There are plenty of options to choose from, no matter your needs or budget. Do you still feel confused, however? That's not an issue! We will be more than happy to discuss your case, so feel free to contact us by phone or through our contact form.
Looking forward to giving you the smile you always wanted!
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