Many patients have questions regarding the is invisalign cheaper than braces. While both treatment options treat the same issues, they vary in initial costs and overall treatment time.cTraditional braces use brackets and wires to straighten teeth. They are efficient and effective but can be unsightly and require a lot of maintenance.

Cost

The cost of Invisalign and braces can vary significantly. Your dental insurance coverage may also play a role in the final price you pay. We recommend contacting an orthodontist for a personalized estimate.

Before starting Invisalign, we will take impressions of your teeth using a digital scanner. These will then be used to create a treatment plan and custom clear aligners. Once the aligners are made, you will wear them for a specific amount of time before replacing them with a new set. Over time, this will gradually shift your teeth into the correct position.

Typically, the process of moving teeth into a straighter state takes less time with Invisalign than with traditional braces. However, a very crooked mouth or an overbite will require more time to correct with either method.

Time

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing an orthodontic treatment is the time it will take to complete your treatment. A good orthodontist will be able to provide you with accurate timelines for both Invisalign and braces. However, it’s also crucial to remember that your results will depend on how diligently you follow your doctor’s recommendations and adhere to the schedule for wearing the aligners. For instance, you must avoid eating crunchy or sticky foods and brush your teeth often with special brushes that will clean the brackets and wires of your braces.

Invisalign patients must wear their aligners for a majority of the day, removing them only to eat and brush. Each aligner is designed to shift your teeth a little bit at a time, helping you reach your desired results. Most of the treatment will take about 12-24 months, but this can vary depending on your specific needs. Fortunately, many dental insurance plans cover the cost of Invisalign and you can use your Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account to pay for it as well.

Comfort

If you’re an adult with crooked teeth, you might feel that a mouthful of metal and wires is just too much to bear. Thankfully, there are now more ways to straighten your smile without the unsightly brackets and wires of traditional braces.

The main benefit of Invisalign versus traditional braces is that they’re invisible, which can make you less self-conscious about your treatment. However, they also require a great deal of discipline to ensure that you wear them for the recommended number of hours each day. If you frequently leave them out, the treatment will take longer than it would with fixed braces.

On the other hand, traditional braces can be very effective for addressing more complex bite or crowding issues. They are also able to apply constant pressure to the teeth, which can produce results more quickly than Invisalign. However, it’s important to discuss your specific needs with an orthodontist or dentist to find the best treatment option for you.

Appearance

One of the main reasons that many adults avoid seeking out orthodontic treatment is due to the aesthetics of metal braces. The wires and brackets can be quite prominent, and they can affect the appearance of your smile. Thankfully, newer techniques and materials make it possible to achieve the same results with less visible appliances.

Clear aligners are nearly invisible, so they won’t be as noticeable as traditional metal braces. However, they must be removed before meals and for oral hygiene. You may also be required to use special brushing trays, and you will need to avoid eating crunchy or sticky foods.

Both Invisalign and braces can be effective in closing gaps and correcting misalignments, so it is important to evaluate your individual needs before choosing a treatment option. A consultation with a trained orthodontic specialist like Beach Cities Dentistry can help you determine which method will provide the best results for your specific situation.