Comparison of types of braces: Will the invisible ones win?

Don't know which braces to choose? Our detailed guide will take you through all the options from fixed to invisible, their advantages, disadvantages and prices.

Which braces are right for you? Compare all available types

We all know the visible metal wires that we suffer in our mouths for several years for a magazine-like smile. However, there are many more different types of braces than you might think. And the one that's best for you depends on several factors - including the type of problem you have, the severity of your condition, and your personal preferences. Let's take a look at a comprehensive overview so you have all the information you need when making your decision.

Metal fixed braces

Probably the most famous - and until a certain time the only - type of braces. It consists of three main components:

  • locks that are fixed to the outside of the teeth,
  • orthodontic wire, which straightens the teeth to the desired position,
  • rubber bands (ligatures) that connect the locks and the wire.

Braces are visible when you smile, and you can make them less noticeable with the right choice of elastics - either clear or tooth-coloured.

‍Maindisadvantages: pain, frequent visits to the orthodontist

Duration of treatment: approx. 1.5-3 years

Visits to the orthodontist: about once every 3-6 weeks

Daily care: 15 min or more

Price: 30 000-60 000 CZK

Aesthetic fixed braces

They work just like metal braces, they have the same type of components, just made of different materials. In fact, the brackets are not metal, but ceramic or sapphire, and they are also the colour of your teeth, so they blend in with your smile. Ceramic braces and sapphire braces are therefore still visible, but much less noticeable. 

Main disadvantages: more susceptible to damage, transparent rubber bands soon discolour, final price is not known in advance, depends on additional charges for rubber bands and wire tightening

Duration of treatment: approx. 1.5-3 years

Visits to the orthodontist: about once every 3-6 weeks

Daily care: 15 min or more

Price: 30 000-60 000 CZK

Lingual braces (internal braces)

Lingual braces are bonded to the teeth from the inside, unlike the two types mentioned above. Most people who opt for lingual braces do so because they don't want other people to know they have braces. Very often, however, it takes away from your tongue (swelling and chafing) and/or your pronunciation. The old well-known adage that you have to suffer for beauty applies 100% here.

Main disadvantages: the least comfortable brace option of all, price

Duration of treatment: approx. 2-3.5 years

Visits to the orthodontist: about once every 4-6 weeks

Daily care: 15 min or more

Price: 100 000-150 000 CZK

Self aligning braces (damon braces)

At first glance, self-ligating braces are almost indistinguishable from traditional fixed braces. The main difference lies in the mechanism. Instead of rubber bands (ligatures), they have a built-in system that holds the orthodontic wire in place. They can also be metal or aesthetic(damon clear braces). 

Main disadvantages: price, less availability in orthodontic offices

Duration of treatment: approx. 1-2 years

Visits to the orthodontist: about once every 6 weeks

Daily care: 15 min or more

Price: 40 000-90 000 CZK

Invisible braces

Invisible braces, foil braces, aligners, invisible braces or invisalign braces (depending on the brand) are made of soft biocompatible plastic. Instead of all the typical components like locks, wires and elastics, clear braces use a series of custom-made splints that straighten the teeth over time.

With this system, you wear each set of aligner splints for approximately two weeks and then replace it with a new set. These are the ideal braces for children

The main disadvantage: the looseness that makes users more likely to not wear braces than to wear them

Duration of treatment: approx. 9 months - 1.5 years

Orthodontist visits: approx. once every 3 months; with Virtual Care, the client manages most of the check-ups from the comfort of his home using the app, so the frequency of check-ups is even lower

Daily care: 15 min

Price: 50 000-99 000 CZK

Tip: Want to know all the benefits? Read 10 reasons why invisible braces are the right choice or read reviews of Invisalign braces.

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Removable braces (removable braces)

They function more as a means to maintain the position of the teeth after removing fixed braces (so-called retention braces), or as a means to pre-treat children before using another type of braces. Therefore, if you are just starting to adjust your teeth, removable braces are not suitable

Duration of treatment: depends on the situation

Visits to the orthodontist: it depends on the situation

Daily care: it depends on the situation

Price: from 1 000 CZK

How much do braces cost?

Above we have listed the most common price ranges for a given type of braces. However, the price can still vary - it depends on several factors. You pay not only for the material, but also for tasks such as impressions, fitting, removal, etc. And this is determined by the dentist himself. However, insurance companies also have their say in this case.

Which insurance company contributes to braces? 

Orthodontic care is fully covered by health insurance only for insured persons up to the age of 22. So if you opt for braces at 30 (or later), you are not eligible for the benefit. However, the amount of the allowance and the specific conditions vary from insurance company to insurance company.

To get a better idea of specific prices, check directly on your insurer's website. Just note that your insurance company will only reimburse you for your braces allowance retroactively. 

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