
These days, there are considerable number of options available for aligning the teeth. Earlier, metallic braces enjoyed the monopoly. Metal and bracket braces ruled the market for a long time. However, advanced technology have given the dentists and the users a good and viable option of ‘Invisalign’. This write-up provides information on the cost factor of the new braces.
Metal braces are the most common technique of teeth straightening all over the world. Those who have undergone this treatment, are familiar with the discomfort and pain associated with the treatment. However, with the advancement in the field of orthodontics, the users were introduced to a new alternative to metal braces, which was known as ‘invisalign’.
Similar to the metal braces, it works on the principle of application of sheer force for repositioning the teeth. Invisalign derives its name from the phrase ‘invisible aligner’, which incidentally is also the name of its manufacturing company. They are also known as ‘clear braces’. As the name suggests, these braces are completely invisible/clear, thus there is no question of these braces marring your physical appearance.
Treatment
The invisible aligners are removable plastic braces. They can be removed while brushing, eating, etc. They are custom-fitted for every patient. The doctor measures the position of the teeth and orders the braces as per the individual’s jaw size. The new position is determined using a computer program. One must wear the braces for at least 22 hours in a day, otherwise, the new braces which are manufactured considering the new position of the teeth would not fit him/her right away.
In such a case, the doctor has to measure again and give another set of clear braces for manufacturing, which adds to the cost quoted by the doctor initially. The teeth are repositioned at regular intervals until they move to the desired position. Thus, every 2 – 3 weeks, the individual will be required to wear the new braces. They loosen up once the teeth attain their new position.
When you compare the clear braces with the metal ones, you will find that the former has several advantages over the latter. Some of them are:
- They are preferred widely by teenagers and adults, who are weary of wearing the metal braces.
- They are not painful like metal braces and do not cause inflammation of gums.
- Maintaining oral hygiene is possible even while using the invisible braces, as you can brush and floss properly.
Cost Estimate
When it comes to comparing the cost of both the braces, invisible turns out to be more expensive. However, in some states, you may actually find the cost to be more or less the same. The cost primarily depends upon various factors such as qualification and expertise of the orthodontist, facilities offered at the clinic, the condition of your teeth, whether you use them for minimum 22 hours in a day, state of residence, etc.
In a state like California, one might have to pay as high as USD 9000, whereas in a state like Nebraska, where the cost of living is much lower, you can get away with paying as little as USD 3000. Thus, you can say that the cost of clear braces may range anywhere between USD 3000 and USD 9000.
Your dental insurance will most likely cover a part of this procedure. However, since it is a cosmetic procedure, which is why you would not get full coverage for the same. Nonetheless, you can always avail the various payment plans operated through dentists, which allow you to choose a payment option as per your convenience.
Ensure that you go through the pros and cons of Invisalign before opting for this procedure. Not everyone may be a right candidate for this procedure. However, people with overbite problems and crowded teeth, can indeed benefit from this dental treatment option. The high cost may seem to be worthwhile owing to the brilliant result it promises.
Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for advice of a dentist or an orthodontist.