When you need braces it isn’t as cut-and-dried as it used to be. Now you have choices between traditional braces, Invisalign, Clear Braces, and lingual braces. Traditional braces, lingual braces, and Clear Braces all work in a similar manner to straighten teeth. We’re going to examine the differences between Invisalign Vs. Clear Braces.
Analyzing the Differences — Invisalign Vs. Clear Braces
Let’s start with how Invisalign and Clear Braces perform their duties to straighten teeth.
Invisalign is a system of clear, almost invisible tray aligners. Patients switch to a new set of tray aligners about every two weeks. The aligners gradually shift teeth into the correct positions. Each tray is custom-fit to a patient’s unique smile. They are created using digital 3-D imaging and the patented SmartTrack material.
The obvious draw of Invisalign is near-invisibility which makes Invisalign is a very attractive option. In fact, many people you meet throughout the day won’t even realize you are wearing braces. Other advantages include no necessary dietary changes and easier oral hygiene. The trays are removable for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
The efficiency of Invisalign continues to improve with the introduction of new technology. Invisalign began as a way to correct minor malocclusions, but the trays can now handle minor to complex alignment problems. Since the introduction of Invisalign in 1999, continuing improvements are making this treatment even better.
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Traditional, lingual, and Clear Braces all work in the same manner. Brackets attach to individual teeth, then archwires connect to each bracket. The wires create tension to move teeth into correct positions. Small elastic bands hold the wires in place on the brackets.
Invisalign is a patient-centered treatment, meaning the patient changes trays on a regular schedule. This does result in fewer trips to the orthodontist’s office. With Clear Braces, adjustments are a manual procedure performed in-office by the orthodontist.
Analyzing the Cost — Invisalign Vs. Clear Braces
When it comes to the cost factor, there is not a significant difference between the cost of Invisalign and Clear Braces. Traditional braces are the least costly treatment, with Clear Braces next, then Invisalign and lingual braces. Although we can’t provide exact figures for your individual treatment here, we can explore the average costs of each type of treatment.
For Invisalign treatment, you may pay between $3,000 to $8,000 for an average treatment plan. There are variables including the degree of misalignment that affect the final cost. The orthodontist will be able to provide a more precise figure after your initial consultation.
The average cost of Clear Braces, or ceramic braces, can run between $4,000 and $8,000. This also depends on the amount of correction necessary. Every smile is unique, so yours may be less, or even more, than the nationwide average for these treatments.
The cost of the two treatments is very comparable, which is why many people select Invisalign treatment with a Diamond+ Invisalign provider.
Find Your Perfect Smile Starting Today
Whether you are ready to begin transforming your smile or are just gathering information, please contact Clearsmile NC. Our highly-trained staff is eager to hear from you. Using our online appointment widget, simply follow the prompts to set up your first appointment.
Clearsmile NC is an Invisalign Diamond+ provider. We have offices in Ballantyne/Blakeney (980-999-6388) and in the South End (980-299-3451). Please feel free to call to set up an appointment or ask questions. Alternately, you can use our online contact form.
Please check out our orthodontics blog for more information on Invisalign, general orthodontics, and more. We’re also on Facebook and Instagram.