If you’re on a budget but don’t want to compromise on the quality of your oral care, it’s certainly worthwhile to look into the most affordable braces that can get the job done without breaking the bank. Dr. Scott Runnels Orthodontics has offices in Inlet Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, and Destin, FL. We offer a range of braces to fit your needs and your budget.
What Are the Most Affordable Braces?
Traditional Braces
These affordable braces have brackets that are made of very durable metal, and the design of traditional braces has stood the test of time. They’re an option for adults, but kids, in particular, may not mind traditional braces as much due to braces often being seen as a right of passage that many of their peers have to go through.
These braces can often be customized with colored bands, which is a fun way for kids to change things up between visits.
Benefits of Traditional Braces
Durability
When it comes to traditional braces, one of the best perks is how cost-effective they are. However, there are other benefits these braces bring to the table.
If you or your kid has an active lifestyle, you’ll want braces that can be safely worn for these activities. Whether you’re playing softball, soccer, or hiking, you’ll want to know that if something happens, and you take a hit, your braces are made of a material that’s less likely to break.
That said, just because these braces are strong doesn’t mean you should forego mouth protection. These are strong and affordable braces, but taking some precautions is always a good idea, so wear your mouth guard!
What Happens if My Braces Get Damaged?
If something does happen, and you find yourself with a broken bracket or wire, no need to panic. Just drop us a line and we can get it fixed up.
Versatility
The simple but effective design of traditional braces can handle more difficult corrections than some other types of braces. Some of the many concerns metal braces can help with include:
- Crossbites
- Crowded teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Misalignment
- Overbites and underbites
- Teeth that protrude
Speed
The strength of these braces means you’ll be getting closer to the finish line as quickly as possible. While the length of treatment depends on your needs, these braces will get you there as efficiently as possible, so you can enjoy improved dental health for a lifetime after your braces have been removed.
Perfected Technology
While there are many different options when it comes to braces, metal braces have been around for a long time. They’ve enjoyed many improvements over the years, and the technology behind them has had time to develop.
The bracket and wire system works, and it works well. It’s been working well for generations, but just because that’s true doesn’t mean there’s no room for improvement, which is why today’s traditional braces are even better than the braces of previous generations.
They Can’t Be Misplaced
Clear aligners are great, and many patients are extremely happy with them. That said, one benefit traditional braces have over aligners is the fact that braces are stuck onto your teeth. They aren’t going anywhere, and you don’t have to remember to take them on or off.
If keeping things in the right place isn’t a problem for you, aligners may be a good option. However, if you or your kid often find yourself misplacing things, having braces that can’t be lost is a benefit. These braces are always exactly where they’re supposed to be and getting the job done.
What To Expect
We use a type of glue that’s both safe for your teeth and very heavy-duty so we can attach the brackets of your braces to your teeth. When it’s time for the brackets to be removed, we’ll be able to do so without damaging your teeth, but don’t ever try to do this at home.
Once the brackets are in place, arch wires can be attached to them. By applying gentle pressure, these arch wires help guide your teeth throughout your treatment.
After Braces
Once you’re done with treatment, and we remove your braces, a retainer can “remind” your teeth to stay in this corrected position. How long and how often you wear your retainer will depend on your needs. We can give you personalized advice during your visit with us.
Why Get Braces at All?
Protect Your Health
We’ve gone over some benefits of traditional braces, but there are even more reasons to have your smile corrected, regardless of whether you choose to do it through traditional braces or other treatment options.
Straightening your teeth isn’t just a cosmetic thing, it can help make your teeth much easier to clean. Misaligned teeth often have areas where they overlap with each other. That means no matter how thoroughly you brush and floss, there are going to be places where plaque is difficult to remove. This plaque can eventually turn into decay, which is bad for your health and can be costly in the long run.
Professional Cleanings Will Be Easier Too
Visiting the dentist for routine cleanings can help reach these more difficult spots, but even with that in mind, these teeth are more likely to contribute to gum disease and the development of tartar. Straight teeth are much easier to keep healthy and clean.
Sooner Is Better
When a child has tooth issues, some parents are tempted to wait it out and see if it gets better with time. The truth is issues like misaligned teeth are more likely to get worse with age. If teeth are already crowded, they may be pushed even more out of place as additional teeth grow in. Having issues addressed right away may make for a shorter, easier, and less expensive treatment.
While it’s true that treating these things early tends to be best, that doesn’t mean that adults with tooth issues are out of luck. We can help patients of all ages achieve their dental goals, and there are many good options for adults to help them improve their smiles.
Improved Comfort
When teeth protrude, it can put you at more risk of damaging the inside of your mouth. Kids who are playing may wind up getting hit in the face with a ball, or tripping and having the sharp edge of their tooth cut the inside of their mouth. Having the problem teeth corrected may help prevent this issue in the future.
Did you know a misaligned jaw can cause discomfort? When your jaw isn’t correctly aligned, it can strain the muscles around the jaw. This can contribute to sleep issues, achy muscles, and even headaches. Braces can help correct tooth and jaw alignment, which should help improve any symptoms caused by your misaligned jaw.
Improved Self-Esteem
If your teeth are affecting your confidence, we’re here to help. Many patients with crooked teeth are hesitant to smile for pictures or self-conscious of their teeth while they’re chatting with friends. If you find yourself in that position, seeking out dental care to correct your teeth can improve your confidence.
Many patients feel a sense of relief when they get their braces put in, since they now know treatment is underway and improvement is just around the corner.
Have a Big Event Coming Up?
If you want to start correcting your smile, but either have an event coming up or don’t want the visual of metal braces, we do have other options available. In addition to traditional braces, we also offer ceramic braces, lingual braces, and Invisalign.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces have brackets that can either be completely clear or be matched to the shade of your teeth. This can help your braces blend into your smile. The options we offer are resistant to staining and discoloration.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces offer the corrective power of braces while remaining completely hidden. These braces are attached to the inside of your teeth. As you carry on with your life, these braces will be behind the scenes and still correcting your smile.
Invisalign
If you’d prefer to look into an alternative to braces, Invisalign can be an option for adults and teenagers. Invisalign is a series of clear aligners that are custom-made just for you. Each set will be worn for around two weeks before you move on to the next set. Gentle guidance from these aligners ensures your teeth continue to straighten and improve as you progress through your treatment.
Learn More About Our Many Treatment Options
With the tools and experience we have, we’re ready to help you achieve your goals. We offer many different treatment options to help our patients find the right fit for their budget and their unique needs.