Imperfect teeth are common and can affect self-esteem and social interaction. An uneven smile may make it difficult to engage socially or professionally confidently. When teeth are misaligned, it is also harder to maintain proper oral hygiene, which can lead to cavities and gum disease.

Thanks to dental care advancements, these problems can now be solved easily. Today's treatments improve your smile, help your oral health, and can prevent future dental complications. Properly aligned teeth can improve your dental hygiene and self-esteem. If your smile makes you self-conscious, seeing a dentist can be an important first step to improving your smile and health.

What remedies straighten the teeth? Let us find out.

Traditional Braces

Traditional braces are one of the most reliable and effective methods of straightening teeth. Metal brackets are attached to the teeth, which are connected to wires that your orthodontist adjusts to shift teeth into their desired position gradually. Braces are not just for children and teenagers anymore. Many adults are fixing their smiles with braces. This is often necessary when you want to correct long-standing dental issues.

Traditional braces can solve complex issues related to teeth misalignment and overcrowding. If your teeth are overcrowded, spaced out, or have overbites, underbites, or crossbites problems, braces offer control over the teeth' movement. Unlike removable aligners, which depend on patient compliance, traditional braces work continuously. Thus, they are ideal for cases where significant correction is required. Wearing braces has become even easier with modern advancements. Today's brackets are smaller, more comfortable, and can be fitted with tooth-colored or clear elastics to make them less visible.

You have to maintain proper oral hygiene with braces. When food gets stuck around your braces, it can cause tooth decay and gum disease. These particles get stuck around the brackets and wires, increasing plaque formation and the risk of cavities and gum disease. After every meal, you need to brush thoroughly. Also, remember to use interdental brushes and floss threaders to clean those difficult-to-reach places. Your orthodontist may also recommend fluoride mouthwash to help protect your teeth during treatment. Moreover, avoid the sticky, chewy, or hard foods that could damage your braces or dislodge the wires because this could delay treatment.

How long you need to wear your traditional dental braces depends on how complex your case is and how well you follow the orthodontist’s instructions. Generally, treatment lasts 18 months to 3 years. During this time, you will have to make regular adjustments to your brace so that it can work effectively. After removing the braces, your orthodontist will put on a retainer to keep everything in its place and stop the teeth from shifting back.

In addition to improving looks, traditional braces also help improve oral health. Better dental cleaning makes straight teeth easier to clean and less prone to tooth decay, gum disease, and worn enamel. When you invest in traditional braces, you will not only improve your smile but also promote the long-term health and function of your teeth.

Among the various orthodontic treatment options, metal braces are the least costly. They usually cost between $3,000 and $6,000, including fittings and post-treatment retainers. The total cost will depend on how long the treatment takes and how misaligned the teeth are.

Clear Braces

Clear braces are a discreet and affordable way to straighten teeth. They are made of see-through material that blends in with your teeth. The main difference with metal braces is in the brackets used, which are clear or tooth-colored ceramics that blend into your teeth for a less conspicuous effect. This shows that clear braces are perfect for those who want their teeth aligned but do not want to see metal.

These braces are ideal for correcting dental alignment problems, including overcrowded teeth, spacing problems, and misaligned bites. Because of how they are designed, it is easy to have precise control of the movement of teeth. This makes them beneficial for complex problems.

One of the main benefits of clear braces is their aesthetic advantage. The ceramic brackets are a less visible solution that aligns your teeth during treatment. Typically, the wires by which clear braces are made use metal. However, sometimes tooth-colored wire is also used to make them less visible. To maintain a clear appearance of the braces, you must practice good oral hygiene. Because ceramic brackets can stain easily, avoiding foods and drinks that might include coffee, tea, and wine is important.

Although ceramic brackets work like metal ones, they are more fragile than their metal counterparts. Take extra care when eating hard or sticky foods so the brackets do not break. Regular orthodontic visits will help ensure that your dentist makes any necessary adjustments to keep your treatment on track.

The treatment timeline for clear braces generally ranges from 18 months to three years, similar to traditional braces. During checkups, your orthodontist will check on you and adjust your braces when necessary.

Clear braces are the right choice for those who want the precision of traditional braces with a less noticeable appearance. They will cost between $4,000 and $8,000.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are the latest advancements in orthodontics. They offer an aesthetically pleasing, comfortable, and effective way of straightening teeth. Clear aligners differ from traditional braces because they use a series of custom-molded plastic trays that fit tightly over your teeth and gradually shift them into position. Invisalign is the most well-known brand of this treatment, but many other similar options are now available.

The clear aligners are designed to be less noticeable, which is quite advantageous for people who want to avoid the look of metal braces. Few people will even be aware that you are wearing an aligner. Plus, you can eat anything you want without worries, unlike braces, which cannot handle hard food or anything sticky that can damage them. The brackets and wiring can be removed during brushing and flossing, which makes brushing easy, and no special tools are needed to clean around brackets and wires.

You can fix mild or moderate crowding and gaps between teeth. Clear aligners also correct bite issues like overbites, underbites, and crossbites. However, they may not be suitable for more severe problems or complex tooth movements. During your initial consultation, your orthodontist will see if this method fits you. Traditional braces or other specialized treatments might be recommended instead.

For clear aligners to work well, you should comply with the instructions you will be given. One of the key instructions is to keep them in for 20 to 22 hours a day, taking them out to eat or drink anything but water or to clean your teeth. Your treatment's efficacy, including duration, will depend very much on your adherence to this schedule. Not wearing them when required can slow the process and make everything take longer. Usually, your aligners will change every one to two weeks, with check-ups to ensure everything is happening as planned. Treatment duration depends on the severity of your case. However, it can last from six months to two years.

While clear aligners are convenient, they come with some challenges. Some patients feel a slight discomfort or pressure as they begin using a new set of trays. This occurrence is expected and will only last for a short period. It is also advisable to clean the aligners regularly to prevent plaque from developing. You can use special cleaning solutions, a soft toothbrush, and warm water to keep them fresh.

Besides looking good, clear aligners improve dental health for the long term. Straight teeth are much easier to clean, which means there is less chance of cavities, developing gum disease, or suffering from abnormal wear on enamel. By opting for this method, you can improve your smile and your mouth’s capabilities and health.

Clear aligners give you a discreet way to straighten your teeth. They are slightly more expensive, most often ranging from $3,000 to $8,000. This price variation is due to the advanced technology, custom tray production, and frequent replacement of aligners.

Space Maintainers

Space maintainers preserve space in the mouth for permanent teeth when a child loses a baby tooth too early. They hold neighboring teeth in position so they do not shift and block the eruption of permanent teeth. This reduces the chances of future problems that would require orthodontic treatment.

There are two primary kinds of space maintainers:

  • Fixed — These space maintainers are bonded onto the teeth and will stay in until the permanent tooth erupts. They are custom-fit for the child's mouth and can be made of metal or acrylic.
  • Removable — These space maintainers look like orthodontic retainers and are typically used for older children who can handle them properly.

A space maintainer helps prevent crowded or misaligned teeth, leading to healthier teeth overall. Following your dentist's instructions and maintaining proper oral hygiene and eating habits will also help prevent complications like irritation and decay around the appliance.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are a less noticeable orthodontic choice that functions as effectively as traditional braces by providing a hidden design. The braces are placed on your teeth back (lingual side), making them invisible from the front.

One of the main benefits of lingual braces is their aesthetic appeal. Since they are fitted at the back of the teeth, they are ideal for anyone looking to straighten their teeth without being noticed. This makes them a popular choice among professionals and people often in the limelight.

Lingual braces can effectively correct crowding, spacing, and bite issues. However, they are more troublesome to clean and maintain than conventional or transparent braces. You may need special tools for your oral care, like interdental brushes.

Not all orthodontists offer lingual braces because they require extra training to place them. Moreover, since they are custom-made for each patient and more challenging to install, lingual braces often come at a premium compared to other braces.

The patients may initially feel discomfort, especially with tongue irritation, as the braces touch the tongue. However, the tongue adapts to it after some time. The length of treatment time is similar to conventional braces, and this usually takes 18 months to 3 years.

Due to their discrete nature, bilingual braces offer an effective solution without compromising the patient’s aesthetics, making them suitable for effective orthodontic treatment.

Lingual braces cost about $8,000 to $10,000 or more. They are among the most expensive varieties because they require custom-designed and specialized skills for placement.

Snap-On Smile

A Snap-On Smile is a removable appliance that instantly transforms your smile non-invasively. Unlike braces and aligners, veneers cover imperfections to give the illusion of straight teeth and a perfect smile.

Snap-On Smile is made of durable resin that fits over natural teeth, covering up cosmetic dental issues such as gaps, stains, chips, and even misalignment. It is made for individual patients to provide comfort and a natural look. The process involves molding your teeth and making the appliance to your desired color and shape.

Snap-On Smile is ideal for those seeking a cosmetic solution for a special occasion or patients not candidates for a more permanent treatment. It is an excellent option for any special occasion, as you can enjoy a natural-looking smile without extensive work. Snap-On Smile is an easy-to-use and low-maintenance method of smile enhancement that provides quick and cost-effective results.

Note: Snap-On Smile is a temporary cosmetic solution, not a corrective one. This custom appliance can improve the appearance of your smile without requiring a long-term commitment. Most cost between $1,000 and $3,500, depending on the complexity of the case and the number of teeth.

Will Insurance Cover Teeth Straightening Procedures?

Dental insurance coverage for orthodontic treatment can vary based on the dental plan, the patient's age, and the treatment specifics. Most insurance plans provide better coverage for children than adults. Dental plans for children cover braces or other appliances costs by almost 50%. They usually cover orthodontic procedures like braces. However, they typically come with a lifetime maximum of anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000. Coverage is usually available for children under 18 or 19 and is generally offered for medically necessary treatments instead of cosmetic ones.

Dental insurance for orthodontic coverage tends to be less common or more limited for adults. It may come with more stringent specifications when offered coverage. For example, it may provide lower coverage percentages, like 25% or 30%. Further, higher deductibles and waiting periods may exist before the benefits apply. Adult orthodontic benefits are sometimes only available as optional extras with an added premium.

Your coverage may include other orthodontic treatment options like braces and clear aligners if they are medically necessary to treat a severe bite misalignment or jaw issue. On the other hand, treatments of an aesthetic nature, like clear or lingual braces, may not be covered or are partially covered depending on the insurer’s guidelines.

Important coverage factors to keep in mind are:

  • Pre-approval requirements — To get treatment, you must get pre-approval from an insurance company. That involves sending the treatment plan for approval to determine what costs will be paid.
  • Lifetime or annual maximums — An orthodontic benefit often has a lifetime cap on how much they will pay. If treatment costs exceed this amount, you will have to pay out of pocket.
  • Waiting periods —  Many plans have wait times of 6 to 12 months for orthodontic benefits. Only those with more extended policies can access high-cost treatments.
  • Medical purpose vs. cosmetic purpose — Insurance is more likely to cover treatments that fix functional problems, including bad bites or jaw irregularities. It usually does not cover treatments that are considered cosmetic.
  • Network restrictions — Choosing an orthodontist in your insurance network can improve coverage. However, going with out-of-network providers might reduce your benefits. An in-network provider works directly with your insurance company. This cooperation makes it possible to have predetermined rates for the service. This partnership enables you to lower your out-of-pocket expenses, get a higher percentage of coverage, and eliminate balance billing. Moreover, claims processing is easier since in-network providers bill your insurance directly.

On the other hand, an out-of-network provider does not have such an arrangement with your insurer, which may increase costs. Sometimes, you may pay the total fee upfront and then request reimbursement. In that case, the amount you get back is less than what you paid because, often, the coverage is only a percentage of the total fee. You may also be subject to “balance billing,” which requires you to pay the difference between what your provider charges and what your insurance pays. Furthermore, using an out-of-network provider usually means more paperwork since you may have to submit the claims yourself.

You should understand your particular policy. Scrutinize your plan documents, contact your insurance provider for clarification, and contact your orthodontist to help navigate the insurance process. Your orthodontist may give you a cost breakdown, including your expected out-of-pocket expenses after insurance. You may also check into various payment options and use a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for expenses that are not covered. By planning, you can maximize coverage while minimizing financial stress.

Contact a Teeth Straightening Expert Near Me

Getting braces is one of the best investments in your confidence and well-being if you have misaligned teeth. Plenty of options are available for every need, look, and budget, making your dream smile possible. At La Puente Advanced Dentistry, we will guide you through this transformation. Our team is dedicated to understanding your dental goals and will create a plan tailored to your needs. Contact us today at 626-626-7075 for more information.