There has never been a better time to have braces! There are more options than ever before to get straight teeth and a gorgeous smile. The choices are so good that it may be difficult to decide which choice to go with for your particular situation. That is where your orthodontist in Idaho Falls comes in, to help you decide which treatment is best for you. If you are thinking about getting braces for yourself or your children, and want to know the good and the bad about metal braces versus Spark clear aligners, read on!
Traditional Metal Braces From Your Orthodontist In Idaho Falls
These are the braces that many of us grew up with, the type that most people think of when braces are brought up. The mouth-full of metal! However, times have changed, and so have metal braces. Metal brackets are still adhered to each tooth, and a metal wire is threaded through each bracket. You visit the orthodontist regularly to have the wire tightened up, which moves the teeth in small and controlled increments. Metal braces will work for all orthodontic situations, even cases of overcrowding, teeth that need to be rotated or moved vertically, or other extreme cases.
Expect to have metal braces on for at least 2 years. The modern metal braces are not as bulky and “poke-y” as past versions, so they are more comfortable to wear. Cleaning teeth may be a bit tricky, to keep all areas of the teeth clean and flossed, you may have to use special flossing tools and an extra small brush for under the wires. A water-type flosser device will be really helpful with metal braces! They are permanent, they will stay on for the duration of the treatment, 24 hours a day. There may be some discomfort, usually only after a monthly visit to your Idaho Falls orthodontist when the wires are tightened up.
You may need to avoid certain gooey or sticky foods or candy. The cost of this treatment varies according to each patient’s particular case, but expect to pay anywhere from $1500.00 to $5,500.00. Insurance will sometimes cover a portion of these costs. Your orthodontist in Idaho Falls can determine how much your insurance will cover, and a plan to pay if it doesn’t. Metal braces are tried and true, they do the job they are supposed to do, and they do it very well.
Spark Clear Aligners From Your Orthodontist In Idaho Falls
Spark Clear Aligners are the newest technology in clear plastic braces. They look nearly invisible when you are wearing them. Many people, especially adults, prefer these types of braces to traditional metal braces for that reason, they are hardly noticeable! Spark aligners are made with Tru-Gen technology. They are more clear and comfortable than other aligners on the market, and they move teeth quicker and more effectively as well. There are no wires and metal brackets to contend with. You simply pay a visit to your orthodontist in Idaho Falls, where a technician will take 3D scans of your teeth. The clear aligners are then made in a lab to custom fit you. You will change out each set of aligners based on a schedule set by your orthodontist to gradually move your teeth to their desired position. Tooth-colored “brackets” adhere to your teeth which hold the aligners fast to the tooth that needs to move. The aligners themselves can be removed, like a retainer or night guard, for cleaning or when you want to eat or drink beverages other than water. You will need to wear them for at least 22 hours a day, so you will need to be diligent about wearing them consistently.
If you lose one or more of them, they will need to be replaced ASAP, which will come at an extra cost, so if you are forgetful about where you place things, that is something to consider. You will need to visit your orthodontist in Idaho Falls about every 4-6 weeks to get each new set of aligners. The aligners will need to be cleaned daily to keep them from staining. However, this is easy, you simply brush them with your toothbrush and toothpaste when you brush your teeth, so it’s easy to remember.
You may spend a little less time wearing these types of braces than you would traditional metal braces, the average time is 6-18 months. The cost of Spark aligners and other clear plastic braces is on average about $5,000.00 for the entire treatment. Spark aligners work best for people who have relatively normal cases, such as eliminating gaps in teeth and straightening teeth. They really aren’t recommended for extreme orthodontic cases. If you have bridgework or need teeth rotated or moved vertically, Spark aligners will most likely not work for you. As with metal braces, a retainer will be needed after treatment indefinitely to keep your teeth in place. Your Idaho Falls orthodontist can discuss this with you in more detail. But if you have a fairly simple case for braces, Spark aligners are going to be amazing for you.
Call To Schedule Your Appointment For Traditional Braces Or Spark Aligners!
The orthodontists at Randall Orthodontics in Idaho Falls are excited to meet you and to discuss your options for braces, be it traditional metal braces or Spark Clear Aligners. They can formulate a treatment plan that will correct your smile and can begin the treatment to make it right and beautiful. They have financing plans for patients with and without insurance, for every budget. They accept kids, teens, and adults for treatment with braces, no matter how difficult the cases. If you aren’t sure which type of braces you want or need, you can schedule a free consultation with our orthodontist where all of the details can be discussed and decided upon professionally. Call for your consultation today!
