Metal Braces Guide: Cost, What They Are, Comparisons & More

What are Traditional Metal Braces?

Traditional braces are the most common way to move your teeth. A metal bracket is temporarily cemented to the front of each tooth and wire that runs through them, connecting them. Spring-loaded doors or small o-rings (elastic bands) fit around the edges of the brackets to hold the wire in place and help move the teeth.

Metal Braces Pros and Cons

Metal braces have a lot of advantages.  For starters, they are the least expensive orthodontic treatment option and they work for practically everyone. After centuries, this method has greatly evolved and is responsible for improving the lives of countless individuals.

Traditional braces are durable and don’t crack or chip.

The o-rings come in a variety of colors, allowing you to express your personality through your teeth.

Another great thing about metal braces is that they’re always working. This means that you don’t have to worry if your child is wearing them for the required amount of time like you would with removable aligners.

With all good things come some not so great things.  Metal braces are no different.

They can make your mouth sore when you first get them put on, or after having them adjusted. The hardware can also temporarily irritate your lips and tongue.

There are certain foods that you’ll need to avoid, like nuts, hard breads, and sticky candies. Also, after eating, brushing and flossing can take longer and may require special tools.

Having metal braces announces to the world that you’re going through treatment. So, if you are self-conscious and don’t want people looking at your mouth, then this might not be the right option for you.

While you’ll only wear traditional braces as long as you have to, it could be a year or more before you see your final results.

How Much Do Metal Braces Cost?

When considering the cost of metal braces, you should take into consideration the impact straighter teeth will have on your life, the length of time the treatment requires, the cost of the components themselves, the number of times you’ll need to follow-up with the orthodontist, and the fact that you’re seeing a specialist who has extra schooling and experience to transform your smile.

That being said, the average cost of metal braces in Ottawa generally starts around $6,000.00. Some dental insurance plans will even help cover the cost of orthodontics and whatever you spend on the treatment is tax deductible.

Plus, Braces Haven offers several financial options to help make braces affordable and friendly to your monthly budget.

What’s Better: Metal Braces vs. Ceramic Braces vs. Invisalign (Clear Braces)?

In addition to traditional metal braces there are ceramic braces, and Invisalign.

Metal Braces vs. Ceramic Braces

The hardware of ceramic braces is made from tooth-colored or translucent material, making it less obvious to other people that you’re going through treatment. However, this method is slightly more expensive than metal braces because of the materials that are used.

Metal Braces vs. Invisalign (Clear Braces)

Invisalign® clear aligner therapy uses a series of transparent plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth.  Every week, the aligners are replaced by new ones. Each pair of trays vary slightly in shape from the rest, showing how your teeth will move. Since most people won’t be able to tell you’re going through treatment you’ll be able to wear them confidently and not have your life interrupted.

Invisalign can treat a wide variety of bite issues, however, complicated cases may need traditional braces in some situations. We evaluate each person on a case-by-case basis.

Clear aligners are also more comfortable than braces, and this system allows you to brush and floss normally because you just simply remove the trays before doing so.

However, being able to remove the aligners may not be all it’s cracked up to be.  Since you also have to take them out to eat, you’ll have to be mindful of where you put them and not accidently misplace them. Also, if you don’t wear your trays for at least 22 hours a day, your progress may be delayed.  

How Do Behind the Teeth Braces Work?

Braces Haven uses the HARMONY System to provide patients with behind the teeth orthodontic appliances known as lingual braces. The components to this method are all attached to the back side of your teeth, along the tongue, proving to be the ultimate invisible orthodontic experience. Lingual braces provide the same amazing results as other methods.

With this unique option Dr. Cohen, uses a digital scan of your teeth to customize and design your perfect smile. The state-of-the-art technology is like none other. It includes robotically bent arch wires that are created just for you and the hardware is engineered to be small and smooth, helping you adapt quickly and comfortably the treatment.  

Also, with its self-ligating technology Dr. Cohen has more control over your movement and a higher chance of achieving precise tooth alignment. Self-ligating braces eliminates the need for elastic O-rings, reducing the amount of friction that you feel and giving you a more comfortable experience.

While getting braces behind the teeth may seem like the optimal solution, you should know that this method is more expensive than other orthodontic treatments.  Also, it can initially be difficult to eat and speak at first, and they take some getting used to against your tongue.

How Do You Brush Your Teeth with Metal Braces?

Brushing your teeth with braces should be done when you wake, before going to bed, and after every meal. Before you begin, take out any trays, elastics, or other removable components.

When brushing, pay close attention to what you’re doing.  Make sure that you’re cleaning each tooth, all hardware, and gums.  Before finishing look in the mirror to make sure you didn’t miss any spots and perform touch-ups if necessary. Pay close attention to surface areas between your brackets and your gums.

Get Straighter Teeth with Braces

If you’re interested in improving your smile, then the friendly staff of Braces Haven would love the opportunity to give you a complimentary consultation and help you decide which method is right for you.  Don’t wait any longer, give us a call today at 613-440-6116.