Choosing between different types of braces is an important decision that affects treatment effectiveness and daily comfort. Choosing the right orthodontic treatment is a great step toward a healthier and happier smile, but it’s important to make the right decision.
At Absolute Dental in Las Vegas, there are many different types ofbraces that we offer, at different price points, with different levels of comfort and aesthetics, and that are effective for different degrees of misalignment.
Whether you’re a teen preparing for your first appointment, wondering about metal braces vs. ceramic braces, or an adult considering orthodontic braces options, today’s comprehensive guide has answers for you.
We’ll walk you through the best type of braces, help you decide which may be right for your situation, and inform you of all of the options.
While braces have been around for many decades, they have come a long way over the last few years.Braces are now stronger, lighter, less invasive, and less noticeable than ever before. There are also many more types of braces to choose from than just a few years ago.
Braces play a central role in modern orthodontic care by aligning teeth using various methods, including trays, wires, and bonding. They can help fix misaligned teeth, bite issues, chewing problems, and speech issues.
Many people see braces as simply an aesthetic choice. They are correct in that braces do improve appearance and help with confidence. In nearly every area of our lives, from business, to dating, to daily interactions, having a straight, pleasing smile is advantageous.
However, braces offer much more than aesthetics. Modern orthodontic treatment is designed to actually improve the teeth, oral health, and overall health. Straighter teeth are easy to keep clean, resulting in fewer cavities, and reduced instances of gum disease.
Straighter teeth also wear more evenly, reducing issues down the road, and orthodontics can even help with speech, breathing, and other generalized issues. Study after study has also linked good oral health to good overall health. Poor oral health has also been linked to serious diseases, like heart disease and diabetes.
This is all to say, getting orthodontic treatment, including braces, is not just an aesthetic choice; it’s also an important choice for your health. If you’re considering braces, you can rest assured you’re making a proactive decision for your longevity, as well as your appearance.
Take advantage of our limited-time offer and enjoy 20% off your general dentistry treatment plan. At Absolute Dental, we’re committed to delivering expert, affordable care that prioritizes your smile. Hurry—this promotion ends on 12/31/26! Schedule your appointment today to experience top-quality dental solutions designed just for you.
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Different Types of Braces
At Absolute Dental, we offer nearly every style of braces you could want. We offer options that are traditional and can fix even the most misaligned teeth, to options that are nearly invisible and can be removed for eating and special occasions.
Your orthodontist can tell you more about which type may be best for your unique situation, but the information below can help guide your choice as well.
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are often the most cost-effective choice and can generally be used in all cases, including when misalignment is severe.
These types of braces consist of metal brackets bonded to the front of the teeth. These brackets are connected with a metal wire and periodically tightened, slowly realigning the teeth after a number of months.
This is the most durable and time-tested option. This method works when there is severe misalignment, where other options do not work. It’s often the most modestly priced, and modern versions are lighter and less invasive than in the past.
This style is a great choice for just about anyone, although other options may be more discreet. You’ll also need to be particularly careful about your oral hygiene when wearing them.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces, sometimes referred to asclear braces, are similar to traditional metal braces, but some people find them less noticeable. They work in the same way, with brackets bonded to the teeth and an archwire between them that is periodically tightened. However, the brackets are made of tooth-colored ceramic, and some people find them less noticeable than traditional metal braces.
Like metal braces, these are a good choice for severe and moderate cases of misalignment. It should be noted that this type of braces is slightly less durable than traditional metal braces, and some extra caution should be taken when eating or playing sports.
Because the brackets are ceramic, they can also stain more easily than metal, and careful consideration for hygiene should be taken. Finally, this style of braces is slightly more expensive than traditional metal braces.
Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces are also similar to traditional braces. They are bonded to the teeth and use an archwire that is periodically tightened. However, these braces use clips, rather than brackets, to attach the archwire to the teeth.
These braces allow the teeth to move a bit more freely, which may shorten treatment time. They also need fewer adjustments, and some people find them easier to clean.
Unfortunately, they are not suitable for all cases of misalignment, and they often cost slightly more than traditional braces.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are similar to traditional braces — they are made of metal, bonded to the teeth, and utilize an archwire to straighten the teeth. However, they are attached to the backside (or “lingual”) side of the teeth.
These braces are virtually invisible. Fortunately, they also work for many complex and severe cases of misalignment.
However, some people find them less comfortable than traditional braces, and they can affect speech for a short adjustment period. Because they are on the inside of the teeth, they are also more costly than traditional braces. Finally, they are more difficult to clean.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are the latest in braces technology. This option is the most discrete and consists of a series of clear trays that adjust the teeth over time.
These trays can be removed to eat and for special occasions but generally should be worn for at least 22 hours a day, including for sleep. With these braces, there are no dietary restrictions, and people find them the most comfortable of all the options.
Unfortunately, however, they are only suitable for cases of mild to moderate misalignment and are not suitable for complex cases and typically cost more. Teens may also lack the discipline to wear them regularly.
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Comparing Las Vegas Braces Types: Treatment Time, Cost, and Effectiveness
Understanding the treatment time, cost, and effectiveness of each option can help you understand the best choice for you or your teen. Keep in mind, every case is different, and options should be discussed with your orthodontist because some options may not be right for your unique situation.
Treatment Duration for Each Braces Type
In all cases, treatment times for braces last for months.
However, there are some differences between the options:
Traditional metal braces: Typically, 18 to 24 months.
Ceramic braces: Typically, 18 to 24 months.
Lingual braces: Typically, 18 to 24 months.
Self-ligating braces: Potentially six months or less.
Clear aligners: 12 to 18 months for mild cases, longer for more complex cases.
Cost Comparison of Different Braces Options
Because every case is unique, it is difficult to provide exact cost figures for each type of braces, although some generalizations can be made:
Traditional metal braces: This is the most affordable option.
Self-ligating braces: This option has a moderate cost, slightly more than traditional metal braces.
Ceramic braces: Cost is moderate to high, and generally more than traditional metal braces.
Clear aligners: The cost for clear aligners is greater than traditional metal.
Lingual braces: Lingual braces have the highest cost.
Absolute Dental offers a number of flexible payment options for all of our dental services, including braces. We offer payment plans, so you can pay over time, we accept many different ways to pay, and in some cases, insurance may be applicable. We also accept all major insurance carriers.
We want everyone to have the orthodontic care they need and have options available for nearly everyone. Interested patients should also check out our innovativeSmile Saver program that helps families afford dental care, even without insurance.
Treatment Effectiveness Comparison
Unfortunately, not all braces mentioned above fit all needs. While all are effective, not every option works in every situation.
Traditional metal braces and ceramic braces are the options that fit the most needs. They can be used even in the most severe cases of misalignment.
Lingual braces and self-ligating braces are somewhere in the middle. In some cases, they can work to readjust severe misalignment, but not all. They are generally used for adjustments of mild to medium requirements.
Clear aligners are generally only suitable for mild cases of misalignment and are not suitable for major cases. They are also unable to fix some orthodontic problems that could otherwise be solved with traditional braces.
How To Choose the Right Braces for Your Specific Needs
Because of the significant time and money investment involved with orthodontic treatment, choosing the right braces for you is an important decision. You should consider your lifestyle, your age, the orthodontic issues you may have, and your budget. You also want to consider the level of maintenance you will need to perform during the course of treatment.
Of course, the decision about what type of braces is right for you should always be undertaken with an orthodontist who can guide you through the selection process and identify the specific orthodontic issues you may have.
Lifestyle and Age
Among the most important factors in choosing braces is your age and your lifestyle. Professional considerations should be taken into account, and adults may need a more discreet option that can be removed or hidden.
Orthodontic Issues
Not all braces can fix all orthodontic issues. While clear aligners are the clear choice for discretion, unfortunately, they can’t be used in severe cases of tooth misalignment. If clear aligners can’t work for your specific case, lingual braces might do the trick. While traditional metal braces may be unappealing, they can fix most orthodontic issues.
Budget and Insurance Coverage
Your budget will help determine your choice as well. Traditional braces are generally the most modestly priced option, while clear aligners are generally on the higher end. In some cases, insurance will help cover the cost of braces when the orthodontic issues are directly related to oral health.
Maintenance and Oral Hygiene
When choosing braces, you should also consider oral health maintenance. Lingual braces are generally the most difficult to care for, with clear aligners the easiest. The other options are somewhere in the middle.
How To Maintain Your Braces
Caring for your oral health while wearing braces is much the same as caring for your oral health without them — brush at least twice per day, morning and night, floss in the evening, and see a dentist every six months or as directed. Please note that you still need to see your normal dentist regularly during treatment in addition to scheduled visits with your orthodontist.
With traditional, lingual, self-ligating, and ceramic braces, you’ll also need to take special care when flossing. Your orthodontist may suggest special flossing tools you can use to help you clean between your teeth, wires, and around the brackets.
Some additional considerations are noted below.
Caring for Removable Clear Aligners
You should brush your clear aligners twice a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Never eat or drink anything other than water with them in your mouth.
Why Choose Absolute Dental for Your Orthodontic Care in Las Vegas?
Absolute Dental is proud to be among the most trusted orthodontists in Las Vegas. Our facilities are state of the art, our staff friendly and exceptionally well-qualified, and our patient-first mentality means your comfort and security always come first.
Schedule Your Orthodontic Consultation at Absolute Dental
Schedule a free consultation today to discuss what braces may be right for you. We have multiple locations in Las Vegas to serve you, and you can make an appointment online. We look forward to helping you have the best smile you can achieve.
In general, no, you are unable to switch from one type of braces to another. Deciding on orthodontic treatment should be made with care from the outset.
Yes, in many cases, treatment duration will be determined by the type of braces you and your orthodontist choose. Self-ligating braces and clear aligners generally work the fastest but are not suitable for all applications.
In some cases, you will have to be careful about the food you eat, specifically sticky and hard foods that can damage the braces. Depending on the age of the patient, it is important that they understand what they can and cannot eat.
Yes, absolutely, colored elastic ties have been proven safe. Color does not affect the effectiveness of the braces whatsoever, and you are free to choose whichever color you’d like without compromising care.
