Orthodontic treatments open doors to dazzling smiles and improved dental health, but choosing the right treatment often hinges on many factors. Among these, cost is a significant consideration.
The amount spent on orthodontics will grow by approximately 19.1% from 2022-2029, so it’s clear that more and more people are looking to enhance their smiles, no matter the cost. However, some patients worry that Invisalign’s cost may be higher than traditional metal braces, but this isn’t always the case.
This leads to a common question: Is Invisalign the same price as braces? In this post, we’ll offer a comprehensive understanding of both treatment options, plus the average Invisalign cost and how it compares to traditional braces.
First, let’s take a closer look at Invisalign itself.
Pros and Cons of Invisalign
There’s a reason why Invisalign boasts an impressive history of nearly 15 million successful smile transformations.
Invisalign is a series of custom-made, clear aligners that are virtually invisible when worn. It makes them one of the most popular alternatives to braces among teens and adults who want to achieve straighter smiles without the noticeability of braces.
The aligners work by gradually moving teeth into their desired position, with most treatment plans taking an average of 6-18 months to complete. Patients replace their aligners regularly throughout the treatment as instructed by their orthodontist.
Pros Of Invisalign
Invisalign offers several unique benefits that set it apart from traditional metal braces:
- Subtlety: The clear aligners are discreet in appearance.
- Removability: Aligners are removed when eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing, making these daily activities much more manageable.
- Comfort: With no metal wires or brackets, mouth irritation is less likely.
- Convenience: There are fewer emergency orthodontist visits as no wires or brackets can break.
- Price: The Invisalign cost vs. braces can be lower depending on your case. Your orthodontist will give you a full breakdown of what to expect.
Cons Of Invisalign
Despite its advantages, there are also some considerations to be aware of with Invisalign:
- Compliance: Invisalign should remain in the mouth for 22 hours daily. Otherwise, your treatment time may be extended.
- Eligibility: Not everyone is a good candidate for Invisalign. Though it can be used for complex cases, it may need to be paired with other orthodontic treatments like braces to achieve the desired results.
- Misplacement: Because the aligners are removable, there’s a risk of misplacing them.
- Regular Maintenance: Aligners require regular cleaning to avoid discoloration and odor.
Pros and Cons of Braces
Braces, consisting of brackets bonded to teeth and connected by an archwire, apply continuous pressure to shift teeth into alignment gradually. They come in various forms. Two common types of braces include metal, which is more noticeable, and ceramic, which blends in more with your teeth color.
Braces may also be helpful for children or teenagers who haven’t yet developed all of their permanent teeth and adults whose teeth are misaligned or don’t fit together nicely when biting.
Pros Of Braces
As one of the most common orthodontic treatments, braces have seen their fair share of improvements and advantages over the years. Here are two of the most significant pros to the treatment:
- Effective For Complex Cases: Braces can handle the most complex orthodontic issues, such as bite problems, providing comprehensive treatment options.
- Less Compliance Needed: Since braces aren’t removable, there’s no need to worry about forgetting to wear them, losing them, or accidentally throwing them away after lunch.
Cons Of Braces
However, there are certain aspects of braces some might see as disadvantages:
- Visibility: Metal braces are more noticeable than clear Invisalign aligners, which can make some patients feel self-conscious about straightening their teeth.
- Discomfort: Braces can cause discomfort or irritation to the gums, cheeks, and tongue, especially after adjustments.
- Dietary Restrictions: Certain hard or sticky foods are off-limits as they can damage braces.
- More Rigorous Cleaning: Extra care is needed to clean around the braces and prevent plaque buildup or tooth decay.
Is Invisalign Cheaper Than Braces?
The average Invisalign cost varies between $3,000 to $6,500, whereas traditional braces treatment costs $3,000 to $7,000. Invisalign cost vs. braces fluctuates depending on several variables:
Complexity Of Case
More complex dental issues require more extensive treatment, affecting the braces cost vs. Invisalign. For instance, correcting severe overbites, underbites, and other significant malocclusions (improper bites) requires more extensive adjustments, which could lead to a higher price.
Duration Of Treatment
The duration of treatment also has an impact on the cost of braces vs. Invisalign. Generally, traditional metal braces treatment lasts about two to three years, while Invisalign can take anywhere from three months to two years, depending on the case.
Insurance Coverage
Your insurance coverage can help offset the cost of braces vs. Invisalign. However, policies will vary from provider to provider and even plan to plan within the same company. It’s important to carefully check your policy for details on what is covered and any limits that may apply.
Financing Options
Most orthodontic practices offer financing options to spread out the cost of treatment. At Bates Orthodontics, we charge the same price for all treatments, making the decision purely about what’s best for your smile — rather than your wallet.
Achieve A Straight Smile At Bates Orthodontics
Deciding between Invisalign and braces can be challenging, particularly when considering the financial aspect. So is Invisalign the same price as braces? There’s no definitive answer, but treatment times can be similar. However, remember that your unique case determines the Invisalign cost vs. braces.
At Bates Orthodontics, we strive to make this decision as easy as possible by recommending the best solution for your smile. We provide a range of financing options so you can get the treatment you need at an affordable rate.
Ready to take the next step? Schedule your appointment at Bates Orthodontics to learn more about the braces cost vs. Invisalign and which treatment type is right for you.
