If you have been scouring the internet for options of ‘affordable braces near me’, your search ends here. Whether you are an adult who’d like to improve the appearance of your smile or a parent who’d like to fix your child’s crooked teeth, at Le Sueur Family Dental, we have the answer to all your dental concerns.
Why are Braces Important?
Orthodontic braces are a common procedure performed by most dentists. They offer an effective solution to all types of malocclusion – a dental issue associated with crooked or overcrowded teeth and problems with bite. With increasing incidences of malocclusion, a large number of children end up needing braces by the time they enter into their prepubescent and teenage years.
An orthodontic treatment may be an essential requirement for those who are at risk of developing more dental issues to problems with their tooth alignment; such as, an increased risk of gum disease in people who have overcrowding of teeth.
Improving upon the alignment of teeth and the jaws with the help of braces not only prevents diseases that may be caused by malocclusion, but also improves the appearance of your teeth and smile. This, in turn, enhances your self-confidence and improves your overall productivity.
Who Needs Braces?
Almost 90% of teenage children have some amount of malocclusion and may require braces at some point in their lives. Some of the most commonly occurring malalignment problems in children include:
- Bite problems like overbite, underbite, open bite or a crossbite. This is when the upper and lower jaw do not align properly with each other and may give rise to issues like inflammation or problems with chewing.
- Crooked teeth, which are most commonly associated with overcrowding of teeth. Overcrowding is caused when there is not enough space for all the erupted teeth in the jaws. Crooked teeth respond best to alignment with braces when carried out a young age and before the jaws have completed their growth.
- Gaps between teeth, which are caused due a size discrepancy between the jaws and the teeth. More often than not, the gap may be present just between the two upper front teeth, which is known as a midline diastema.
Types of Braces
Metal Braces:
These are the oldest and most commonly known types of braces. The brackets and wires are conventionally made of stainless steel, which makes them the most affordable range of braces as well. The brackets are cemented onto the surfaces of the teeth that need to be moved during the procedure. A metal wire connects all the brackets, and the pressure applied to the teeth through these brackets and wire helps them move into the correct position.
The major downside to metal braces is its appearance, which is often unacceptable to a lot of people and who may opt for a more discreet form of orthodontic treatment. The metal brackets and wires can also cause a lot of irritation to the cheeks and tongue and may take some time to get used to.
Ceramic Braces:
Ceramic braces are very similar to metal braces, except that the brackets are made of ceramics rather than stainless steel. Since the shade of ceramics is very close to that of the tooth, the esthetic appearance of these type of braces is much better than that of the metal ones. However, it should be noted that they are also costlier than metal braces. Ceramic braces also require extra care and maintenance since they are not as sturdy as the metal braces. Additionally, orthodontic treatments done with ceramic braces may also take longer than the conventional methods.
Lingual Braces:
Lingual braces have even better esthetic value than ceramic braces since they are placed behind the teeth instead of the front surface. It is a great option for those looking to straighten their teeth without having to worry about the appearance of their smile through the duration of their orthodontic treatment.
Like ceramic braces, lingual braces are also costlier than metal braces and require special expertise at the hands of the orthodontist performing the treatment. Some people may take a while to get used to these braces and may even face problems with speech, since the brackets and wires are in constant contact with the tongue and can hinder its movement.
Clear Aligners:
These are the newest and one of the most popular type of orthodontic treatments being used for an improved smile appearance today. Instead of brackets and wires, this treatment modality consists of clear, plastic aligners worn by the patient at all times except when they are eating, which are changed every few weeks as their teeth shift position. Since the aligners are practically invisible, they offer the most esthetic value and are a great option for those hesitant to go down the route of traditional orthodontic treatment.
Invisalign is the leading brand among clear aligners, and is also the costliest form of orthodontic treatment. While they can be used at any age, they are mostly preferred by adults who never had any orthodontic treatment during their adolescence and would now like to improve their smile without having to worry about the appearance of conventional braces.
How to Find an Affordable Orthodontist Near Me?
Now that you have decided to opt for an orthodontic treatment, whether it’s for you or your child, you might be concerned about its consequences on your budget. The cost for a complete orthodontic treatment can easily set you back a few thousand dollars, which is why it is important to discuss all the options available to you from your dentist.
Most orthodontic treatments are a long-term commitment and it is preferable to get an estimate for the entire treatment cost before you go ahead with it. Many affordable dentists offer a monthly payment option to their patients, so you don’t have to worry about shelling out a hefty cost all at once. You can also get in touch with your health insurance provider to figure out a payment plan that would cover a part of your orthodontic treatment costs.
The next time you hit the internet to look for ‘affordable braces near me’ in Minnesota, visit Le Sueur Family Dental for all your queries about quality orthodontic treatments.
