Have you ever noticed that there are two main colors of braces on the market today – pink and blue? Both colors can be found in any number of variations, but most people still tend to choose one color over the other, based solely on their preference. While there’s nothing wrong with preferring one color over another, you may be surprised to find out that which color braces you choose can actually make your teeth appear whiter and brighter after your treatment is complete! If you’re debating between pink and blue braces, here are a few things to consider before making your final decision.
5 ways braces can change your smile
When picking out braces, there are many factors that go into your decision. But ultimately you have to find something that will give you a great smile—while still making sure that it’s comfortable and affordable. When shopping for a pair of pink or blue braces, these are some things to consider
3 types of braces for adults
The three most common types of braces for adults are ceramic, Invisalign and metal. Ceramic braces are colorless, but they often don’t come in a clear shade (which is required for teeth to achieve that super-white look). This also means you might end up with a noticeably colored smile—and nobody wants that.
Metal braces often feature clear brackets, so they can achieve that wonderfully white appearance. However, some people do complain about having to wear brackets in their mouth for two years—and then there’s the issue of changing your bite when you take them off.
Not everyone enjoys wearing them, especially because they can feel bulky and tend to snap easily if you don’t take care of them properly. For those who want something more discreet, Invisalign braces could be a good choice. They work by using clear aligners that gradually shift your teeth into place without any noticeable hardware on display.
And while these may be less noticeable than other options, many people say they aren’t as effective as traditional braces at straightening teeth or correcting misalignment issues over time. Still, if discretion is important to you and you prefer not to have anything visible in your mouth while wearing braces, Invisalign could be a good option.
4 reasons to consider metal braces over ceramic ones
Metal braces are more discreet. If you wear orthodontic braces, other people will be able to tell—the clear, ceramic kind just look like something’s missing in your smile. With metal braces, on the other hand, no one is likely to notice you’re wearing them at all. This can help protect your self-esteem and mean less anxiety about social situations where you might want to hide your teeth from view. They’re also more durable and easier to clean than ceramic ones.
In fact, if you have a tendency to grind your teeth at night (bruxism), metal braces may be a better choice for you because they’ll withstand it better. Ceramic braces, on the other hand, may chip or crack if they come into contact with your tooth grinding habit. Metal braces cost less: While both types of orthodontic devices cost around $5,000 per arch when everything is said and done (that’s $10K total), ceramic ones tend to cost slightly more than their metal counterparts due to their design complexity. And don’t forget that ceramic brackets require special cleaning solutions that aren’t cheap either! In general, ceramic brackets will run around $100 extra per arch over time compared with metal ones.
The Best Metal Brace Brands
Because there are so many braces brands on the market today, you might think you have a lot of choices for your child’s teeth. The truth is that there are only two types of braces – metal and ceramic. While ceramic braces are nice because they don’t rust and they last longer than metal ones, they often cost hundreds more. It all depends on how much your insurance covers or if your dentist can negotiate a better price with a competing supplier. If money isn’t an issue, then maybe it makes sense to choose ceramic since they tend to be stronger than their stainless steel counterparts.
How long will you have to wear braces?
The best way to ensure that you get a great smile is to see an orthodontist who is experienced and well-reviewed. Find someone in your area by asking friends and family, doing a Google search, or checking with your insurance provider. Once you’ve found some names, ask around: How long have they been practicing? What is their specialty (teeth only or body as well)? What kind of education do they have?
How much do braces cost?
Each orthodontist will have a different price depending on their materials, location, and method of treatment. The average cost is between $5,000 and $7,000 for conventional blue braces. This means that you’ll be paying anywhere from about $850 to $1,100 a year for three to five years. If you do have insurance that covers orthodontic treatment (many employers offer some type of coverage), it may only cover up to 50% or less of your total bill. For example: If your plan covers 60% of covered services with a set deductible before you pay out-of-pocket expenses; then in many cases you could end up paying 40% (or more) out-of-pocket anyway.
How do I know if my dentist is good at orthodontics?
A general rule of thumb is that your smile should be at least two shades whiter or orthodontic practices. Remember: your smile is an investment in your appearance and it’s worth spending time researching which dentist will give you your best smile—even if that means switching up colors.