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Which Type Of Braces Is Best For Your Situation?

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If you are planning on getting braces in the near future, then you will need to decide what kind of braces you want. There are several very popular types, and some might not be perfectly suited to your situation. To help you make a more informed decision, here are overviews of three of the most popular types:

Traditional Metal Braces

Your first and most obvious option is to get a regular set of metal braces that attach to the outside of your jaw. These braces are going to be a bit uncomfortable, but they will also likely be the cheapest.

With these braces, you could spend anywhere from $3000 to $7000, but you will likely end up paying a value near the low end of that spectrum. Good insurance can drop the price quite a bit, especially when compared to other types of braces.

Unfortunately, regular metal braces are also going to be more visible. If you aren't concerned about your smile, then that's nothing to worry about, but if you are a bit self-conscious, then you might want to consider another option.

Ceramic Braces

Next, you have ceramic braces, which are actually very similar to the previous option. The biggest difference is that ceramic is used instead of metal, which ultimately results in a much more subdued appearance and a higher cost.

If you are concerned about the appearance of your smile, then ceramic braces are a great choice. They will be incredibly difficult to spot, which means that people probably won't even know that you have braces unless you tell them outright.

As far as cost is concerned, the range is somewhere between $4000 and $8000, which is about $1000 more on average than regular metal braces. The real cost will again depend a lot on your insurance, but it will almost always be higher than metal braces.

Plastic Braces

One of the most unique solutions is to get a set of plastic braces, which are actually disposable. The general idea is that you will wear a specific set of plastic braces for a couple of weeks and then throw it out. You will then move onto the next set, sequentially going through a long series of braces. Each will adjust your teeth a little more, meaning that they achieve the same effect as regular braces while being much more convenient.

The biggest drawback is the price, since plastic braces could cost more than other types. Expect to pay between $4000 and $7400, but that price may go up depending on where you live and whether your dentist has easy access to a plastic braces provider.

For more information on braces, contact someone like Chris T. Thomas, DDS.


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