Learn about the pros, cons, and costs of traditional metal braces versus Invisalign aligners. They both straighten teeth to help you develop a beautiful smile and healthy bite, but which option is right for you?
Read on to find out!
Braces Are Effective in the Most Difficult-to-Treat Orthodontic Cases
Braces can provide spectacular, long-lasting results for even the most severe cases of dental misalignment due to their strong, successful design. While Invisalign may be less efficient for certain circumstances, such as impacted teeth, rotated premolars, cases requiring removal of teeth, or significant crowding, braces employ a variety of specialized techniques to bring problematic teeth into alignment.
Aligners may not be able to grip well enough to move teeth that have grown into the wrong position, but the force applied by the braces wire as it is drawn out by the aligners can effectively shift those teeth. Braces give optimum grip, allowing them to properly realign even severely misaligned teeth.
Braces Are Attached to Your Teeth, So They Stay with You and Can’t Get Lost
Some patients choose braces on this basis because you don’t need to keep track of the aligners when they’re not in your mouth. Brushing and flossing on a regular basis, frequent visits to the dentist, and so on are still required; nevertheless, you don’t have to be concerned about losing your aligner.
Paying for Braces. Does Insurance Cover Braces?
For families wanting orthodontic therapy, the lower cost of braces can be a major benefit. Depending on the type of treatment being recommended, there may be a difference in price between braces and Invisalign. This is not always the case. The full cost of comprehensive treatment with braces and visits to the orthodontist can be anywhere from $1,700 to $6,000.
Insurance can have a significant impact on the cost of treatment. While some insurance plans cover both braces and Invisalign treatments, many state-subsidized plans only reimburse for braces. Each state’s insurance plan varies in terms of coverage possibilities, but certain states may be able to fully pay for braces treatment for younger patients.
Braces may be a more affordable option than aligners if you have concerns about the expense of treatment. Monthly payment plans or financing can help to bring down the cost of braces and aligners treatments if money is a concern.
Braces have evolved out of the old “metal-mouthed” stigma: braces are really a complete fashion statement, and many celebrities have made wearing braces fashionable once more for a cool look while you achieve a beautiful smile. Beyond that, there are different color options for the braces themselves, including a platinum finish (Iconix braces from American Orthodontics) and a clear ceramic finish (Radiance braces from American Orthodontics). With colorful rubber bands in nearly every hue under the sun, braces offer a personalized customizable solution. Kids and adults alike enjoy this customization!
Invisalign: Discreet and Effective
For those searching for a subtle treatment with a nearly undetectable appearance, clear aligners may be the ideal option. Since their debut on the market 20 years ago, Invisalign has revolutionized orthodontic treatment by employing cutting-edge technology to straighten teeth and achieve healthy bites and lovely smiles.
The main benefit of aligners, of course, is that they are nearly invisible: clear plastic aligners fit comfortably over your teeth and move them into their appropriate positions without the use of metal or wires.
Invisalign aligners are tiny and barely perceptible when worn, but they nonetheless provide effective therapy with predictable, long-lasting effects. In fact, because of the all-encompassing power of the aligners across the whole tooth, in certain instances, they may be even more efficient than braces. Additionally, since the treatment is designed digitally on a computer by your orthodontist, highly customized treatment goals can be achieved.
You can eat anything with removable aligners because they are simple to clean and allow you to consume everything! To be effective though, you must wear Invisalign almost all day, but being able to remove your aligners has its advantages! While your aligners are taken out at mealtimes, you can eat anything you want: you don’t have to avoid any food or drink. You may eat candy, consume coffee, or chew gum.
Taking the aligners out is a breeze: soak them in cleaning solution or gently brush them with a toothbrush while they’re out. To keep them clean throughout your treatment, thoroughly brush and scrub your teeth as well as use mouthwash. Just be sure to put them back in right after you remove them so that the therapy works properly
Invisalign’s simple maintenance decreases the chances of gum infection and/or tooth decay, resulting in better oral health and general health. This is a major benefit for patients of all ages.
Bleach Your Teeth During Treatment Using Your Aligners
The aligners themselves may be used as whitening trays, which is a feature that many patients appreciate. You can use special whitening gel to the insides of your aligners and wear them at night for a quick yet effective brightening treatment.
Downsides of Invisalign
There are a few aspects of Invisalign treatment that may not be suitable for every patient. When you see the orthodontist, he or she will conduct a thorough examination to determine your precise diagnosis and see if aligners are suitable for you. Obtaining excellent results with transparent aligners requires the assistance of an experienced Invisalign orthodontic practitioner like Dr. Noam Green at Green Orthodontics.
The aligners must be worn for most of the day, only taken out for eating meals or drinking fluids other than water and cleaned and stored. Because they can be removed, aligners have the potential to get misplaced or damaged. When not worn, they should be kept in their case so that they don’t get stepped on, thrown away in a napkin, or – a surprisingly frequent occurrence – chewed by a curious dog!
In certain circumstances, but not always, Invisalign can be more expensive than traditional braces, but it may be covered by insurance. Talk to the best orthodontist in Atlanta, Green Orthodontics, if you have questions about the cost and insurance coverage for Invisalign treatment.
Why does the Price of Invisalign Change for Different People?
The most common inquiry future orthodontic patients have: How much does it cost? Naturally, the cost of treatment might vary a patient’s choice. Many factors influence the final price of therapy, including:
- The severity of your correction
- The place you go for orthodontics
- Your orthodontist’s expertise
- Insurance coverage
- Monthly payment plans or financing
Invisalign Price
Full Invisalign treatment costs between $2,400 and $9,000, depending on the severity of your problem and where you receive treatment. Invisalign prices vary depending on a variety of factors, including the degree of your condition. Some orthodontists offer expedited Invisalign treatment for mild problems that cost less than traditional but this is a rare circumstance.
Don’t be afraid to comparison shop for braces and Invisalign
Pricing differs widely between offices. It’s acceptable to go to a few different offices to compare costs and see whether braces or Invisalign can treat your condition. You’ll also want to think about your orthodontist’s experience.
Seek a dedicated orthodontist owned facility rather than a general dentist for lower cost and more efficient treatment. Many offices provide a complimentary initial consultation at no cost to simply speak with an orthodontist like Dr. Green at Green Orthodontics in Atlanta.
Which is Faster? Braces or Invisalign?
Treatment durations vary by individual case. Generally, the treatment duration is comparable between braces and Invisalign. However, the Invisalign aligners can apply force to all the teeth simultaneously in all directions rather than just one at a time with braces. This all-around force may lead to quicker movement in certain situations, allowing you to get your dream smile faster.
However, every patient is unique: depending on your needs, your orthodontist will be able to determine the perfect length of treatment for you, whether it’s braces, Invisalign or something else.
Just Say No to Mail-Order Aligners
The cost of mail-order aligners may appear to be lower at first glance but look again: many crucial elements of treatment are lacking from these services.
What is lacking with mail-order aligner companies:
- NO X-rays taken by the provider overseeing your treatment
- NO direct, in person, oversight by your expert orthodontist
- NO aligner grip attachments
- NO in person consultations with an orthodontist if something were to go wrong
When these extra expenses are factored in – such as purchasing your retainers separately and going to the dentist for X-rays – the total cost of mail-order aligners can be hundreds or even thousands more than initially anticipated.
Invisalign is a unique orthodontic treatment that can be obtained only through cooperation with licensed, in-office orthodontists. The specific, precision manufactured components used in Invisalign have been clinically proven to move teeth faster and more predictably than generic brands.
In this post, we compared traditional metal braces to Invisalign clear aligner treatment and outlined drawbacks with mail-order aligners.
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