Invisalign and traditional braces are two treatment options used to straighten misaligned teeth, crooked teeth, crowded teeth, and overbites. Invisalign aligners straightens the teeth using a series of aligners that shift the teeth into the correct position, slowly, while traditional braces pull the teeth into a straight line over time, with the use of metal wires and brackets. Choosing between regular braces and Invisalign can be a difficult decision since each varies in appearance, convenience, cost, and comfort.
Comparing Cost of Traditional Braces VS. Invisalign Aligners
Dental insurance usually covers some of the cost of braces, however, the amount depends on the provider and the type of braces.
Traditional metal braces are more affordable than Invisalign. In most cases, you’ll have better luck with getting your traditional braces covered by your insurance provider, although more and more insurance carriers are covering Invisalign these days.
What Are Traditional Braces?
Regular braces consist of metal brackets that are attached to the teeth and linked by a thin wire that’s held to the brackets by small rubber bands. With the use of pressure, the braces can shift the teeth into the correct position.
To shift the teeth in place, the wire is tightened by a dentist every 4-6 weeks.
Traditional braces are recommended for orthodontic issues such as crooked teeth, bite issues, gaps in teeth, and overcrowding.
Using traditional braces can result in straight teeth and a beautiful smile, but some people are hesitant to try these braces because the sight of metal braces would make them feel self-conscious.
What are Invisalign Aligners?
Invisalign uses clear special plastic aligners that are removable, to straighten the teeth. The biggest benefit of aligner treatment, aside from the fact that you can remove them to eat, is that the aligners are very discreet, which makes them a very attractive option for teens and adults who would feel self-conscious wearing traditional braces.
Average Cost of Invisalign VS. Braces
The goal of both traditional braces and Invisalign is to straighten the teeth and improve your smile, but which type is right for you can depend on many factors. Invisalign aligners are very discreet, easy to use, and can be removed when you eat, but they also come with a high price tag and aren’t covered by as many insurance providers as traditional braces are.
Traditional braces can provide beautiful results, even for people with overcrowded teeth and are a better choice for families on a tight budget.
The average cost of traditional braces at an Orthodontist, ranges from $5,000 to $7,000, while Invisalign at our office should cost anywhere from $1,800 to $4,800.
Before making your decision on price alone, you should speak with your dentist to determine which option can provide the best results.
Convenience and Effectiveness
At times, traditional braces may seem like the more convenient option, since you won’t have to remove them, but they can prevent you from eating certain foods, which can be an issue for some people.
If you want to eat sticky or hard types of foods and not have to worry about the food sticking to your braces, then Invisalign can be a more convenient option for you. In fact, you’re supposed to remove your aligners whenever you eat.
In terms of effectiveness, if you have a severe overbite, pegged teeth, teeth that are too short, or teeth that are too rotated, traditional braces would provide the best results. Whether or not you’re a good candidate for Invisalign will depend on the current condition of your teeth and if you wear the aligners consistently. Invisalign aligners must be worn a minimum of 20 hours per day. Because they can be removed, some people tend to forget to put them back in after a meal, which can impact the effectiveness of this system. Additionally, while there are many issues that Invisalign can fix, it may not be an effective treatment option for large gaps or severe misalignments.
Care and Cleaning
With braces, you can brush and floss your teeth as you normally would. However, if there’s food stuck in your braces, you’ll need to use a special small brush to carefully remove it.
With Invisalign, you must remove the aligners to brush your teeth and then clean the aligners as well. Because food particles can easily get stuck in the crevices of the aligners, they should be brushed twice daily using a special cleaner. They should also be soaked once a day for twenty minutes, in a special cleaner or mild liquid soap.
What Option is Best For You?
Choosing between Invisalign and traditional braces can be difficult, but it really depends on your budget, insurance coverage, the current state of your teeth, and your smile goals. If you’re not sure which orthodontic treatment would be the most effective, speak with your dentist. At Stuart Curry Dentistry, we can discuss what you can expect in terms of cost, average treatment time, and results, so you can make an informed decision and choose a system that’s affordable, convenient, and able to help you smile with confidence. Schedule an exam with Dr. Curry today to learn which orthodontic treatment is right for you.