Traditional metal braces are slightly more affordable than Invisalign. While the cost of Invisalign is covered by more and more insurance companies, it is more likely to have a little more coverage for metal braces. If cost is a concern, metal keys are the winners here. To find out the exact difference in cost, we can provide you with estimates that take into account what your dental insurance will pay.
However, price isn't the only factor that should affect the orthodontic treatment you choose. Treatment with clear aligners and traditional braces differ in many respects. In most cases, Invisalign can also correct a wide range of dental misalignments. However, your dentist or orthodontist may suggest orthodontic appliances for complicated cases.
Traditional braces consist of small brackets that are fixed to the teeth, attached with a wire and fastened to the brackets with rubber bands. These braces move the teeth to the correct position when applying pressure. An orthodontist or dentist tightens the brace wire every 4 to 6 weeks. This moves the teeth into place slowly.
Transparent braces, also called invisible or ceramic braces, are also available. They work just like traditional braces, but have tooth-colored braces and white or transparent rubber bands. Treatment time with Invisalign usually takes between 12 and 18 months. While the precise amount of time depends on each patient's requirements, Invisalign generally works faster to straighten teeth than traditional braces.
In general, Invisalign takes less time than traditional braces to change teeth to the correct position. This is due to the type of force that the process uses to move the teeth. Invisalign clear aligners add strength to teeth completely, while braces move each tooth individually. Both traditional braces and Invisalign have their advantages and disadvantages.
If you're an adult or have a teen who tends to feel self-conscious, Invisalign may be more attractive than braces. It is also essential to understand that the success of Invisalign depends almost entirely on the user. If you don't use your Invisalign aligners, they won't work. But when you use metal keys, you have no choice in the matter.
If you need to treat your back teeth or need to rotate or move your teeth vertically, Invisalign may not be an option. It's a good idea to visit an orthodontist with experience in both traditional metal braces and Invisalign. That way, they can recommend the most effective treatment that suits your needs. Insurance can also make a difference in cost.
While some insurance plans cover both braces and Invisalign treatments, many state-subsidized plans offer coverage for braces only. Each state's insurance plan varies in their coverage options, but in certain states, younger patients may receive full coverage of braces treatment. See your state's insurance options for more information. They can also be the most cost-effective treatment option and, for qualifying cases, may be fully covered by insurance.
Be sure to check with your insurance provider about coverage for braces. Understanding that the factors mentioned above can greatly influence the cost of your treatment, here is a general breakdown of costs. Depending on qualifying conditions in certain states, state-sponsored insurance plans may cover the full cost of traditional braces for some patients. Many offices offer a free initial consultation at no charge, to simply consult with an orthodontist.
Your doctor can give you a quote for the costs of treating braces and Invisalign, and you can discuss payment options with the staff. When these additional costs are included (charges you'll accrue out of pocket, buying your retainers separately, and visiting the dentist for x-rays), the final cost of mail-order aligners is actually hundreds or even thousands of dollars higher. Treatment time for Invisalign aligners is usually considerably shorter than traditional braces. With Invisalign, you wear your aligners 22 to 24 hours a day and you can expect treatment to last six to 18 months, depending on your needs.
With braces, braces are never removed and you face an average of two years of treatment, depending on your needs. However, Invisalign tends to be more comfortable than traditional braces because it puts less pressure on the teeth in general. Braces may also have sharp edges that can cut the inner lip and tongue. How long you are using Invisalign or wire braces depends more on the original condition of your teeth and your goals than on the tool you use, Mclendon says.
The truth is that while Invisalign and braces may be comparatively priced, depending almost entirely on the individual's situation, there are still some cases where metal braces will work better or faster for a patient than Invisalign aligners. Invisalign has spent years of research and millions of dollars in development to create the most effective tools for clear aligner therapy. If you use Invisalign clear aligners, be sure to wear them 22 hours a day to ensure their effectiveness. Many people, who have had great success with Invisalign treatments, have commented that they are surprised that aligners have not made metal braces completely irrelevant.
You can contact your insurance or check your coverage to estimate the total cost of braces or Invisalign. Invisalign aligners should be worn for at least 22 hours a day, removed only to eat or drink anything other than water, and to clean teeth and aligners. While braces can prick or press against the lips or gums, Invisalign aligners fit snugly to the teeth, with nothing that can trap or cause discomfort. If you have dental insurance, they may offer partial or full coverage of the cost of braces or Invisalign.
Invisalign treatment uses removable clear aligners that are virtually invisible to straighten teeth. Be sure to find an experienced Invisalign orthodontist, in a dedicated orthodontic practice, not a general dentist. And since Invisalign relies heavily on patient compliance (meaning that in order to function, the patient actually has to wear their aligners), Invisalign is simply not the right choice for every patient. That's why it's critical to hire a provider like MyOrthodontist, with expertise in braces and Invisalign.
Invisalign aligners are softer and are often considered more comfortable than their metal counterparts and virtually invisible, so people probably don't even know you're wearing them. . .
