For many, the decision between braces and Invisalign is difficult. Both orthodontic treatments are designed to help straighten teeth, but they work in different ways.
Braces use metal brackets attached to teeth with archwires that pull them into position over time. With Invisalign, there are no metal wires or brackets attached to your teeth. Instead, invisible plastic aligners are worn over the course of 12-18 months. The main benefit of this system is that it can be removed for eating and brushing but stays in place for most other activities.
Invisalign prices range from $2,500-3,000 but do not include the cost of retainers which can be anywhere from $200-$600 each. Braces are more expensive because they require metal wires and brackets that need to be tightened periodically by appointment at the orthodontist’s office. The cost for braces can range between $5,000 -$8,500 depending on the severity of the case.
Here are 5 more differences between Invisalign and Braces in regard to cost:
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1. Invisalign is more affordable.
Invisalign is perfect for patients with less severe orthodontic problems. It provides the same quality of treatment as traditional braces, but at a much lower cost because it does not require metal wires or brackets that can be costly in comparison to other methods like clear aligners which are made from plastic and silicone products respectively.
2. Braces require more follow-up visits.
Braces require metal wires and screws that must be adjusted periodically during the treatment process at the orthodontic office. This means you will need to visit your dentist and pay separate fees for each appointment, unlike Invisalign which only requires one consultation and a final check-up after completing treatment.
3. Braces can take longer than Invisalign to complete treatment.
Depending on the severity of your dental problems, it may take around nine months to two years with braces compared to 12-18 months with Invisalign according to numerous reviews of both treatments found online. If time is important, invisibility might make sense as well since there are no cumbersome attachments or restrictions on how you can use your teeth.
4. Braces are not as comfortable as Invisalign.
Many patients complain that their mouths feel sore after getting braces on their teeth, particularly during the first week of treatment when they are new to wearing them. With Invisalign, many people notice no pain at all and enjoy how easy it is to talk and eat once they get used to having brackets on their teeth for a few weeks or months.
5. The cost of retainers with braces is greater than the cost of retainers with Invisalign.
Retainers are necessary to keep your teeth straight even after wearing them for 12-18 months with braces vs only three months with Invisalign because Aligner trays must be worn at all times. The cost of retainers is an average of $200 for the regular variety, $300 for the bonded variety, and $1000 for the clear kind.
Conclusion
Braces are more expensive than Invisalign, but it is worth considering that braces can be worn for longer. This may outweigh the price difference if you’re looking to wear your aligners for a few years. When deciding on treatment options, patients should consider their budgets and how long they plan to use this type of dental care before settling on one option over another.
