Explore Options for Braces and Dental Splints

When you begin looking into braces or dental splints, you are likely to encounter many new terms, materials, and techniques. Both types of devices are used to guide or support your teeth and jaw, but they do so in different ways and for different reasons. Understanding their roles can make conversations with an orthodontist or dentist less stressful and more productive.

Understanding orthodontic treatment basics

Orthodontic treatment focuses on correcting problems such as crooked teeth, crowding, gaps, and bite issues involving how the upper and lower teeth meet. Braces use gentle, continuous pressure to move teeth through bone over time. Wires, brackets, and sometimes rubber bands work together to shift each tooth into a healthier position.

Dental splints, sometimes called bite splints or occlusal splints, are different. They are usually removable devices that fit over the upper or lower teeth. Splints can stabilize the jaw, protect teeth from grinding, or help manage certain bite or joint problems. While braces aim to change tooth positions, splints often serve to protect, support, or guide how the teeth and jaw function.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment.

Traditional and modern orthodontic types

Traditional metal braces have been used for decades and remain a common choice. Small metal brackets are attached to each tooth, connected by a wire that is periodically adjusted by an orthodontist. Modern versions are smaller and more comfortable than older styles.

Ceramic braces work in a similar way, but the brackets are tooth colored or clear, which can make them less noticeable. Lingual braces are attached to the inner surfaces of the teeth, hiding them from view but often making them more challenging to clean and adjust.

Clear aligner systems are a more recent option. These use a series of transparent plastic trays that are worn most of the day and removed for eating and cleaning. Each set of trays moves the teeth slightly, and patients switch to new trays on a set schedule. In addition, dental splints and night guards can be used alongside or separate from these systems to protect teeth from grinding or to help manage jaw discomfort.

Materials for braces and dental splints

Braces can be made from several materials, each with its own advantages. Traditional brackets and wires are usually stainless steel or other metal alloys designed for strength and durability. For patients who prefer a less noticeable look, ceramic brackets are made from tooth colored materials that blend more closely with natural teeth.

Some orthodontic wires include nickel titanium, which can hold its shape and maintain gentle pressure over time. This material is useful early in treatment when teeth need to move more. People with metal sensitivities may be offered alternative alloys or ceramic components to reduce irritation.

Dental splints and clear aligners are typically made from durable plastics or composite materials that are shaped to fit closely over the teeth. These plastics are chosen for strength, clarity, and comfort. In some cases, a combination of rigid and slightly flexible plastics is used to balance support with ease of wear.

The orthodontic treatment process

The treatment process usually starts with a comprehensive examination that may include photos, digital scans or impressions, and X rays. The orthodontist or dentist studies how your teeth fit together and how your jaw moves. Based on these findings, they develop a plan that may include braces, splints, aligners, or a combination of approaches.

Once a plan is in place, braces are attached or aligners and splints are fitted. Follow up visits are scheduled to adjust wires, add attachments, or refine the fit of removable devices. These appointments help keep teeth moving in the right direction and allow the clinician to monitor your oral health.

Treatment time varies widely. Some people wear braces for about 18 to 24 months, while simpler cases or short term cosmetic adjustments may take less time. After active treatment, retainers or splints are often used to help maintain the new tooth and jaw positions.

Orthodontic treatment cost insights

Costs for braces and dental splints in the United States can vary based on complexity of the case, length of treatment, geographic location, and the materials or systems used. Metal braces are often at the lower end of the price range, with ceramic, lingual, and some clear aligner systems costing more. Dental splints and night guards generally cost less than full orthodontic treatment but may still require a significant investment.

Insurance coverage, flexible spending accounts, and health savings accounts can influence what you pay out of pocket. Many orthodontic offices offer payment plans to spread costs over time. The figures below are broad estimates intended to show how different options compare, not exact quotes.

Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.

Beyond these figures, actual costs may be higher or lower depending on whether extractions, jaw surgery, or additional appliances are needed. Emergency visits, repairs for broken brackets, and replacement of lost aligners can also affect total expenses. Discussing fees, payment options, and what is included in a treatment quote can help reduce surprises later.

In summary, braces and dental splints offer multiple paths to improve how teeth and jaws function and look. By understanding the basic types of devices, the materials used, and the overall treatment process, it becomes easier to interpret professional recommendations. Clear information about likely costs and options can support more confident decisions about which approach best matches personal goals, health needs, and budget.