A Great Deal More in Teeth Straightening, For No More Cost

Teeth straightening isn’t what it used to be. For many people, the thing that makes them hesitate when it comes to straightening their teeth is the prospect of having to wear ‘unsightly’ braces. Fortunately, these days there are far more discreet options available, with the primary options being either clear ceramic braces or Invisalign clear aligners.

A consultation with an experienced North Sydney orthodontist such as CCC Smiles in Mosman will take into consideration a range of factors, including age, the type of correction needed, the expected duration of treatment and lifestyle specifics. Generally, if larger gaps need to be closed, braces are the preferred method, whereas for people that have smaller gaps between their teeth that need correction, Invisalign, is often most suitable.

When braces are the best choice, regardless of whether opting for the metal or the clear version, the systems available today are significantly more effective, and more pleasant to use, than those of the past. Ceramic braces are made of clear materials, making them less visible on the teeth than metal braces. They are mainly used with older teenagers and adult patients who prefer a less visible teeth straightening process than that provided by all-metal braces.

Fully Customised

The best of the modern systems are fully customised to the individual’s personal requirements and tooth movements, and are ‘self-ligating’, which means that they do not require the traditional elastic o-rings around each brace to hold the wire in place. As well as being more comfortable to wear, this has the added benefit of attracting less plaque and being more hygienic.

Invisalign is the other clear alternative to metal braces, and uses 3D computer imaging technology to create a series of individual personalised aligners using medical grade plastic. The aligners are transparent and removable, and comfortably move teeth into the correct position – which means those using the process feel less self-conscious during treatment.

Initially worn for 2 weeks, 23 hours a day, the aligners are removed only for eating, drinking and brushing. After this, users move onto the next set of aligners and wear them for another 2 weeks, and so on, until all aligners in the series have been completed and the teeth have straightened into their final desired position.

Premium product, premium price?

So, how much do braces cost in Sydney? It might be expected that a premium process such as Invisalign or clear ceramic braces in Sydney would have a premium price tag attached, but this needn’t be so: the right orthodontist will offer both options at the same price as metal braces. Treatment cost is actually determined more by factors such as how severely the teeth are misaligned and how long it will take to make the necessary changes to straighten the teeth.

The leading orthodontists in Sydney will also have payment plans to ensure that the treatment is available to everyone, whatever their financial situation. Those that are insured with a health insurance provider should research potential inclusions for these dental procedures – keeping in mind that health fund ‘extras’ don’t rollover and accumulate, re-setting on the first day of each new year.

Teeth straightening, for both teens and adults, can be a cause of concern, largely due to aesthetic reasons. Fortunately, technological developments in the field of orthodontics means that this need no longer be the case.