Getting braces, no matter which type, is definitely an investment. But what you may not have considered is that it’s an investment in YOU. Giving yourself a healthy, beautiful smile can have long-term benefits that are truly priceless. Braces can help to boost your confidence, oral health and overall wellness. If you’re contemplating braces and aren’t sure whether to go with traditional braces or Invisalign, understanding the costs and considerations can help you make an informed decision.
Cost of Invisalign Compared to Traditional Braces
As you weigh your options for correcting your smile with traditional braces or Invisalign, you may be evaluating cost as part of that comparison. When Invisalign was invented back in the late 1990s, it was a significantly more expensive option than traditional braces. However, advancements in technology and treatment options have begun to level things out in many cases. With the cost of adjustments, emergency visits, upgrades to colored metal and more, the expense of traditional braces can be unpredictable at times and challenging to budget for. Alternatively, with Invisalign patients benefit from a fully transparent pricing model that includes all the dental appointments needed for the duration of treatment.
In many instances, Invisalign as an orthodontic treatment option may even be covered by your dental insurance, or a portion thereof. Dental insurance plans can be complicated and confusing, though, so it is always advisable to contact your insurance company regarding the details of your specific coverage. At Kensington Natural Smiles, our office staff is experienced and knowledgeable when it comes to making sense of these important details and we’re here to guide you through your coverage benefits as well as any out-of-pocket costs so you have a full understanding of your options before proceeding.
Benefits of Invisalign
The out-of-pocket and insurance costs are just one of the aspects to consider when deciding to go with Invisalign. Some of the other benefits of this treatment option that can also translate to savings versus traditional braces are:
- Save time with a streamlined treatment plan and scheduled appointments. There is no need to make emergency visits to the dentist for a popped wire or a bracket that fell off. With Invisalign, patients progress through a series of aligners or trays, wearing each for two weeks at a time. These are switched out in the convenience of your own home with no need for a visit before moving into the next tray. Periodic appointments with the dentist ensure that the adjustments are progressing properly.
- Care and maintenance can be quicker and easier. Caring for your Invisalign aligners is simple and efficient. Clean with a soft-bristled toothbrush or soak in a special disinfectant solution designed for Invisalign. Teeth are brushed and flossed just like usual, and that’s it. With traditional braces, it can be a time-consuming and challenging process to fully care for your teeth, brackets and wires to avoid build-up of food particles and bacteria.
- Continue eating all the foods you enjoy. No need to waste any of your favorite hard, crunchy or sticky foods that you may already have in your pantry before getting braces. With Invisalign, the trays are removed prior to eating so patients can continue to eat just as they did before, and then once finished, the trays are replaced after brushing and flossing your teeth. Traditional metal braces cannot be removed and must be worn at all times, so care is required with food choices to avoid breaking delicate wires or getting food caught in the brackets.
Get Your Best Smile Back
If you’ve already made the decision to proceed with Invisalign retainers, you’re well on your way to making the most of your smile. If you’re still deciding about which form of braces is right for you, learn more about your options – including the benefits of both traditional braces and Invisalign – from Dr. Susan Ho at Kensington Natural Smiles. Call our office at 301-933-3903 to schedule an appointment, or request an appointment online.