1. INTRODUCTION TO SPEED BRACES
Esthetics
Cost
Speed
4. ARE SPEED BRACES RIGHT FOR YOU?
INTRODUCTION TO SPEED BRACES:
Speed braces (aka self-ligating braces) are braces that have an "active clip" instead of a "rubber tie" to hold the orthodontic wire into the brace. Many types of "speed" braces exist, and they are all similar in effect. All 5 braces below are self-ligating or "speed" braces.
BENEFITS OF SPEED BRACES:
It is important that consumers of orthodontics are aware that "speed" braces are somewhat of a gimmick. They certainly do speed up orthodontic treatment for patients that are only seen by their orthodontist every 6 to 10 weeks, but they are slower than other techniques that do not utilize "active clips."
For example, some orthodontists utilize cutting edge prescription brace technology AND see their patients as often as every 4 weeks. In such cases, patients are likely to move along their treatment faster than if they are in speed braces.
Unfortunately, most orthodontic offices do not see their patients every 4 weeks. As such, Speed Braces help to make up some of the shortcomings of a longer interval between appointments.
PROBLEMS WITH SPEED BRACES:
Esthetics
To begin with, they are less esthetic than clear braces (for adult patients) and are generally not utilized with colored ties (child patients enjoy changing brace colors).
Cost
"Speed" braces are more expensive to the patient (usually at least an additional 300.00 more.
Speed
Believe it or not!! Speed braces can take longer than other braces for two reasons. First, the patient is usually seen less frequently when in speed braces. Second, positioning of speed braces is more difficult than other types of braces for the orthodontist. As such, the teeth need more time at the end of treatment to "detail" certain problems associated with poor initial positioning.
ARE SPEED BRACES RIGHT FOR YOU?
If your goal is to speed up the braces process, speed braces may not be right for you. That is probably hard to understand. But it is true. I suggest that you meet with your local orthodontist and compare the time that your treatment will take with speed braces versus other high efficiency braces.
If your goal is to have esthetic braces during your treatment, speed braces are definitely not right for you. Speed braces have metal on them, and there is nothing that can be done to hide that.
If your goal is to have fun with your braces colors, speed braces are not right for you. Speed braces are not used with colored rings, since the metal "active clip" replaces the colored ring.
