In the United States, orthodontics is not just an aesthetic need, it also involves the maintenance of oral health. Whether they are teenagers or adults, more and more people are choosing orthodontic treatment to improve the appearance and bite function of their teeth and achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.
1. Types of BracesBraces are the most common orthodontic tool used to solve various tooth alignment problems and improve bite function. There are many types of braces based on different needs, and choosing the right type is key to ensuring treatment effectiveness.
Traditional metal braces (Metal Braces) are the most common braces and are widely used to treat various dental problems. It consists of metal brackets, archwires and rubber bands, which move teeth by gradually applying pressure to achieve the purpose of straightening.
Advantages: The treatment effect is remarkable, suitable for complex orthodontic problems, and relatively economical.
Disadvantages: The appearance is not beautiful enough, you will feel uncomfortable when wearing it, and it can easily cause problems such as oral ulcers.
Ceramic braces are similar in appearance to traditional metal braces, but use transparent or tooth-colored ceramic materials to make the braces less conspicuous when worn. They are suitable for patients who care about appearance, especially teenagers and adults.
Advantages: More beautiful appearance, reducing social embarrassment during treatment.
Disadvantages: Compared to metal braces, ceramic braces are more fragile and cost more.
Invisible Braces, such as the well-known Invisalign, is a treatment plan that uses clear plastic braces to straighten teeth. Patients wear a series of custom-made clear trays, each with slight adjustments that gradually move the teeth into the correct position.
Advantages: Almost invisible, comfortable to wear, removable for easy cleaning.
Disadvantages: Treatment is slow, suitable for mild to moderate dental problems, and relatively expensive.
Lingual braces (Lingual Braces) install brackets and archwires on the inside of the teeth, making them almost invisible from the outside. It is suitable for patients, especially adults, who are particularly sensitive to appearance.
Benefits: Completely invisible, ideal for adult patients.
Disadvantages: It is relatively uncomfortable, may affect pronunciation, is difficult to clean, and is more expensive to treat.
Self-ligating braces are another improved type of braces that use a self-locking mechanism instead of traditional rubber bands or metal buckles to reduce friction and discomfort. It can reduce treatment time and number of adjustments and improve treatment efficiency.
Advantages: Good comfort, reduces tooth friction and treatment time.
Disadvantages: The price is higher, and the treatment effect may not be more significant than traditional braces.
Dental Splints are another device commonly used to treat dental problems. They are mainly used to relieve problems such as malocclusion, night grinding, and jaw joint disorders (TMJ). They are usually not used for long-term correction, but rather for certain functional or temporary oral problems.
Night Guards are used to prevent bruxism, a condition common in people who are stressed, anxious or have poor sleep quality. Brushing your teeth at night not only causes tooth wear, but can also cause jaw pain and headaches. Night splints reduce the damage caused by teeth grinding by providing a layer of protection between the teeth and jaw, preventing direct tooth contact.
Advantages: Simple and practical, it can effectively reduce tooth wear and related pain.
Disadvantages: Only suitable for nighttime use and the splint design may need to be adjusted depending on the oral problem.
Occlusal Splints are commonly used to treat TMJ, a disease that is often accompanied by incoordination of the jaw, facial or ear pain, headaches and other symptoms. By providing some pressure, corrective splints can help restore the correct bite position and relieve these symptoms.
Benefits: Effectively relieves symptoms caused by malocclusion or jaw joint problems.
Disadvantages: It needs to be customized by a professional dentist, and some patients need to use it for a long time.
Sports Mouthguards are commonly used in sports activities, especially in contact sports (such as rugby, boxing, etc.), to protect teeth from impact or external force. They reduce the risk of dental injury during strenuous activities by covering the teeth and the inside of the mouth.
Advantages: Effectively prevent tooth injuries and protect oral health.
Disadvantages: Often require periodic replacement, especially during teenage growth and development.
Whether it’s braces or dental splints, the treatment process usually involves multiple stages and requires active cooperation from the patient.
Initial consultation and evaluation: Before starting treatment, the dentist will conduct a detailed oral examination, take X-rays, and evaluate the patient's tooth arrangement, bite, and dental health. Based on the examination results, the doctor will develop a personalized treatment plan.
Fabrication and Installation: Once the treatment plan is determined, the doctor will make custom braces and install them on the patient's teeth. With traditional metal braces, patients may experience initial discomfort, but over time, the teeth will adapt.
Regular follow-up visits and adjustments: During treatment, patients need regular follow-up visits. The doctor will check the movement of the teeth and make adjustments as needed. The frequency of follow-up visits is usually every 4-6 weeks.
Treatment Period: The treatment period for braces usually takes 1-3 years, depending on the complexity of the dental problem and the patient's cooperation. After treatment, the patient may need to wear a retainer to ensure that the teeth do not move out of position.
Evaluation & Customization: The dental splint treatment process typically begins with an oral evaluation by your doctor. Depending on the patient's bite problems, teeth grinding symptoms, or jaw joint problems, the doctor will customize a suitable splint for the patient.
Wearing and Adjustment: Splint wear is usually temporary and the patient needs to wear it at night or under certain circumstances. During the treatment process, the doctor will regularly follow up on the patient's symptom changes and adjust the splint design as needed.
Long-term use and results: For some long-standing jaw joint or molar problems, patients may need to wear dental splints for a long time. Treatment results are usually slow but can effectively improve symptoms and protect teeth and joints.
The cost of orthodontics in the United States varies based on a variety of factors, including type of treatment, complexity of treatment, region, and the patient's insurance coverage.
Traditional Metal Braces: Usually more affordable, with treatment costs ranging from approximately $3,000 to $7,000.
Ceramic braces: Due to their strong aesthetics, treatment costs are usually higher, around $4,000 to $8,500.
Invisible braces: Invisible braces are usually the most expensive, costing between $4,000 and $8,000, or even more.
Lingual braces: This type of braces
Special installation methods usually cost between $8,000 and $10,000.
Night Splint: Typically between $300 and $800, depending on materials, design and whether customization is required.
Corrective Splint: Corrective splints typically cost between $500 and $1,500, depending on the design.
Sports Splint: Generally priced between $50 and $300, depending on the brand and degree of customization.
Most patients experience discomfort or mild pain during the first few days of wearing braces. As treatment progresses and the teeth adapt, the pain will lessen. The doctor may also recommend the use of some analgesics or adjustments to the treatment to reduce discomfort.
Modern orthodontic technology is not only suitable for teenagers. Adults can also obtain ideal treatment results through braces or invisible braces. In fact, more and more adults are choosing invisible braces because they are more aesthetically pleasing and more comfortable.
Dental splints are generally safe and do not cause serious side effects. However, some patients may experience initial discomfort or mouth sores, especially when wearing a new splint. Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular splint adjustments can help reduce these discomforts.
Braces and dental splints not only improve the appearance of your teeth, they are also effective in treating bite problems and relieving oral problems such as bruxism. Choosing the right treatment can not only give you a healthier smile, but also improve your overall oral health. There are many options for orthodontic treatment in the United States, and patients should make the most appropriate decision based on their needs and physician recommendations. Whether braces or dental splints, they are effective tools to help you achieve a healthier, more beautiful smile.
