Dental care can be quite expensive with or without insurance. That means patients are always looking for the best possible treatment at the most reasonable cost. When it comes to correcting teeth misalignment, there are typically two options: metal braces and Invisalign (plastic braces). The two treatments have different levels of availability, effectiveness, and affordability. If you are leaning toward Invisalign, you may ask, ‘Is it worth the money?’
According to invisalign.com, the cost of Invisalign ranges from $2,500 and $7,000. Some insurance plans can help you cover about half of the cost. On the other hand, metal braces cost between $2,000 and $6,000.
These prices depend on the state of the patient’s teeth. The more misaligned the teeth are, the more time and money you will spend to get the teeth into their ideal position.
Advantages of Invisalign
- The most significant advantage of using Invisalign over traditional braces is the fact that they are barely visible. This is a plus for adults (and children) who might be conscious of braces being too obvious when they smile.
- They are easy to remove when eating and brushing teeth. This makes maintenance less tedious than with metal braces. Metal braces also require one to avoid certain foods such as chewing gum and popcorn. Invisalign does not come with such prohibitions.
- They require fewer visits to the dentist’s office than metal braces. Metal braces require professional maintenance, while Invisalign requires you to change the trays every one or two weeks.
- They align teeth more gradually, which could mean less discomfort to the gums and cheeks compared to metal braces. They are made of soft plastic and form an exact mold of your mouth.
- They do not necessarily take longer than braces. In some cases, they may even be the faster treatment option.
Check out our before & after gallery!
Disadvantages of Invisalign
- They might be more expensive than braces.
- Since they are removable, it is easier to lose or break them, resulting in incurring more fees.
- They might cause discomfort and aches in some people.
- They might not work as efficiently as metal braces for people with complex teeth misalignment.
How to Use Invisalign
While metal braces emphasize function over style, Invisalign provides both. It is a less obvious, less invasive way of treating teeth misalignment. However, this also means that it might be hard for the doctor to determine precisely how long a particular patient might need them. The average period is 6 months to 18 months. The recommended time to have Invisalign on is 20-22 hours per day for the entirety of the treatment period. Failure to adhere to this recommendation can add time to the process.
So, is Invisalign worth the money? The answer is dependent on a number of factors. The difference between the cost of traditional metal braces and Invisalign is not huge.
Considering that Invisalign’s advantages outweigh its disadvantages, it is worth the money if:
- Your insurance plan can cover part of the treatment.
- You are conscious of the appearance of metal braces and are looking for a more discreet treatment.
- Your dental cosmetic issues are not complex.
- You can commit to wearing them for the recommended number of hours per day.
- You want to avoid the extra steps of maintaining metal braces.
At the end of the day, it is up to you and your orthodontist to decide which treatment is better for your individual case. We at CaliSmile Orthodontics provide Invisalign solutions for both teenagers and adults. Get a free consultation to discuss the treatment as well as payment options. If you are ready to look and feel your best, call today and get started on your journey to a brand-new smile – (310) 710-6527.
Check out our before and after gallery!
