There are numerous things people desire in life, which vary from person to person. Some individuals want the most recent car, some want to attend the most recent concert, while others will do anything for great teeth. If you’ve ever struggled with crooked teeth for the bulk of your life and longed to have them straightened but don’t have the necessary knowledge, this article is for you. There are two common treatment options for teeth alignment: braces and retainers. While both are for the purpose of teeth alignment, they each have their distinct objectives, which is what we’ll look at in today’s article.
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Braces: The Workhorse of Alignment
Braces are small tools that serve as the workhorse of dental alignment. Basically, two types of braces are used during this treatment. They are the typical metal braces and the transparent ones, which are less visible.
These braces function by gradually pushing and tugging the teeth into the correct position. Braces can correct a range of dental issues, including when teeth are closely packed together, have a gap between them, poke out too far, or do not line up properly.
Consideration of Braces
Braces can be used for one to two years, depending on the patient’s unique demands and the difficulty of the alignment issue. Wearing braces can be extremely uncomfortable, particularly when going to the dentist for a visit and having the braces tightened.
However, the soreness subsides with time. Also, avoid eating sticky or hard foods when wearing braces. Eating these foods may cause damage to the brackets or wires.
Retainers
Let’s clarify the difference between retainers and braces. Retainers are not a replacement for braces because they are not intended to actively shift teeth. Retainers are used after braces to keep the teeth straightened.
There are various types of retainers. There is one type that is glued to the back of the teeth and is known as a fixed retainer. While the other one comes in the form of a clear removable tray called removable retainers.
Consideration for Retainers
Retainers are tools that must be worn consistently in order to achieve the desired result. Following the removal of the braces, the orthodontist or dentist will provide specific instructions on how to wear the retainers and for how long.
The retainers are more comfortable, but they do have their own adjustment period, during which you become used to them. Additionally, retainers are replaceable and should be replaced over time due to wear and tear.
Cost of Dental Alignments
Braces are typically expensive. Braces in Nigeria usually cost around ₦500,000 – ₦2,000,000. The thing about braces is that they are a very personalized and specific treatment plan. It all depends on how complex the teeth alignment should be, thus the cost of braces installation may differ from person to person.
Retainers, on the other hand, are less expensive than braces since they do not involve a significant amount of work to reposition the teeth into a better position. In Nigeria, retainers typically cost ₦30,000 or more.
Conclusion
Braces and retainers are both efficient tools for correcting teeth that have gaps, stick out too much, or do not line up properly. However, they both have their own goals that seek perfect alignment.
Braces gradually shift teeth from their original position to a more aligned one. After braces, retainers are used to keep the straightened teeth in place. The rates for each teeth alignment options vary according to the individual’s situation. Braces cost around ₦500.00 to ₦2,000,000. Retainers typically cost ₦30,000 or more.
