If you or a member of your family needs dental braces, you may be in for a little sticker shock. Braces can cost from $5000.00 upwards depending upon whether they are metal, Invisalign or ceramic.

The traditional braces are metal and are the least expensive. They will probably be the choice if your teeth need extensive realignment. They are also the least attractive because of the \"metal mouth\" look.

Be prepared to pay up to $500.00 more for Invisalign and ceramic dental braces. Why? A little more work and material cost is involved, but you are going to like the way you look.

Ceramic braces are blended in with the natural color of your teeth. On the other hand, the Invisalign system is a series of clear removable plastic aligners. However, with these two types of custom braces, no one is going to call you metal mouth.

Most importantly, choose only an experienced orthodontist. This may be obvious, but if you don't you may experience pain and even permanent damage to your teeth.

Once you get your braces installed, is also very important that you brush your teeth after every meal. And, floss between you teeth. With braces in your mouth, food can easily get trapped in teeth, and if not keep clean, cavity-causing bacteria can be a real problem.

If possible use only a top-quality electric tooth brush. Why? Because a top-of -the-line brand cleans at a high speed, yet with very gentle strokes. Preferably use only fluoride toothpaste.

Listen to your orthodontist, and assure yourself that you are purchasing the correct type of dental braces. You will want your braces be functional, yet aesthetically pleasing.