There are many factors to consider when choosing between braces and Invisalign. Both offer highly effective treatment options and are able to produce beautiful smiles. However, deciding which option is right for you may come down to cost and convenience, is Invisalign cheaper than braces tends to be more expensive than metal braces, but there are several payment options available to make the process more affordable.

Cost

Invisalign used to be significantly more expensive than braces, but the price gap has closed in recent years. Today, the costs are pretty comparable in many cases after factoring in lab fees. Moreover, many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign treatments just as they would covers traditional braces.

In both treatments, the most significant expense is in regular visits to the orthodontist. With Invisalign, these visits are required every six to ten weeks so we can ensure your treatment is progressing as planned.

For patients who have issues with crowding or mild bite problems, Invisalign may be a great option. However, if your teeth are more severely misaligned, you will likely have to opt for traditional metal braces. This option offers more flexibility in appearance, but it also requires more frequent visits to the orthodontist and more time invested in brushing and flossing your teeth. Moreover, if you choose metal braces, you might experience discomfort in your mouth as the wires apply pressure to your teeth.

Convenience

Invisalign uses clear BPA-free plastic aligners to move the teeth. Your dentist will switch you to a new set every 1-2 weeks as your teeth shift. The aligners are removable so you can take them out for eating, brushing and flossing. However, it is crucial that you wear them at least 20 to 22 hours per day for your treatment to be effective. If you are prone to forgetting or being lazy about wearing them, Invisalign might not be for you.

Unlike metal braces, which require regular adjustments, Invisalign requires only periodic in-office appointments with your orthodontist to ensure that your treatment is on track to reach its final goal. The only drawback is that these appointments can add up.

Despite this, Invisalign is becoming increasingly popular due to its minimal maintenance and aesthetic appeal. Additionally, many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign treatments up to a certain limit. You can also use funds from your FSA or HSA accounts to pay for this treatment.

Appearance

Although metal braces have come a long way since the 90s, many patients still prefer Invisalign’s discreet appearance. Lingual braces offer an even more discrete option but they tend to cost more than Invisalign.

Another reason that patients choose Invisalign is because they can remove the trays for eating and brushing. This can prevent food stuck in the teeth and make it easier to brush. It also means that patients don’t have to make changes to their diet as they would with traditional braces.

While Invisalign does need to be worn 20 – 22 hours each day for best results, it’s easy to clean and maintain. Simply scrubbing the aligners with warm water and a toothbrush can help them stay clean. Additionally, we find that our Invisalign patients require fewer appointments than their peers. In fact, Dickerson Orthodontics patients average a total of 15 or fewer visits during their treatment. This can be a major benefit for busy adults.

Treatment Time

The Invisalign treatment is usually shorter than that of traditional braces. This is mainly because the aligners are only removed to eat, brush and floss. However, the removability of the aligners is both a pro and a con for some patients. It can be easy to forget to put the trays back in, and this can interfere with the alignment process and delay treatment results.

On the other hand, braces require regular visits to an orthodontist. These visits are to tighten and adjust the wires.

Both Invisalign and braces are effective for treating mild to moderate cases of crooked teeth. It is best to discuss the options with an orthodontist to determine which is better for you. The treatment time may vary based on the patient’s commitment and the complexity of the malocclusion. It is also a good idea to consider other orthodontic options for more severe cases of overlapping, crowded or protruding teeth. The cost of the Invisalign procedure can be more expensive than that of traditional braces, but some dental insurance plans and flexible payment plans can help offset the costs.