Invisalign represents one of the most popular modern advances in braces technology. It offers adults, people with sensitive gums, instrument players, and anyone self-conscious about their appearance with the chance to get a brand new, beautiful smile while avoiding many of the most uncomfortable aspects of conventional metal braces.
However, for the discretion, convenience, and comfort that Invisalign offers, it also comes with different treatment procedures and added costs. To learn whether Invisalign is worth it for you, continue reading as we break down the many benefits of Invisalign and what you can expect to pay for your treatment.
Want to find out if you or your child needs braces? Visit Reese Orthodontics in Charleston, SC for leading orthodontic care.
Invisalign History
Before diving into the treatment’s benefits, we wanted to give a brief history of Invisalign.
In 1997, two Stanford graduates created Invisalign to sell to orthodontists as an alternative to braces. They devised these medical-grade acrylic molds to be just as useful in correcting spacing, alignment, and bite issues as braces while remaining relatively invisible and far more comfortable.
Since then, 11 million people worldwide in dozens of countries have had successful Invisalign treatments, including Oprah Winfrey and Tom Cruise. Each year, this number grows, testifying to the treatment’s allure and effectiveness.
Benefits of Invisalign
The benefits of Invisalign can be separated into two groups: the things that Invisalign provides directly and the long-term benefits these things can have.
For example, Invisalign provides a discreet treatment method by being nearly invisible. The long-term benefit is that patients have more confidence during their treatment. This is especially significant for young kids who are sensitive about their appearance, adults in professional service careers who want a more discreet treatment option, and anyone who prefers to keep their braces subtle.
Another major benefit of Invisalign is that the appliance can be removed to brush and floss during treatment. This is not only convenient and comfortable for patients but also provides a long-term oral health benefit compared to conventional braces.
Around the brackets and wires, many patients have trouble reaching every nook and cranny in their mouth. This allows plaque to build up. Using floss threaders to get around each tooth can be a hassle that many patients, especially young ones, will simply avoid. Therefore, teeth treated with Invisalign are healthier in the long term.
Invisalign treatments can be planned with more accuracy than metal braces. To a certain extent, the treatments can progress without an orthodontist’s direct intervention at all. They can prescribe multiple aligners to patients in one visit and give them the timeline of when each must be worn. This makes Invisalign great for busy adults or school kids because it requires fewer trips to the doctor overall.
Most importantly, the treatment benefits of Invisalign mirror those of conventional braces. This includes their ability to fix alignment issues, overbite and underbite, close gaps and other spacing inconsistencies, and more.
Invisalign also treats teeth more quickly, with an average treatment time of 18 months compared to 24 months for braces. For some people, this benefit alone can be a huge contributing factor to their decision to choose Invisalign.
Costs of Invisalign
The major downside to Invisalign is that the treatment costs more than metal braces on average. However, there are several factors to consider when weighing these costs.
Firstly, braces can be more expensive depending on your needs. Braces can run as high as $6,000 and Invisalign can run as low as $3,000, which means that depending on your oral structures, payment plan, and doctor, Invisalign may be cheaper.
Secondly, Invisalign requires fewer trips to the orthodontist and also less treatment time. This should be factored into the difference in cost when deciding which treatment is right for you.
How to Decide Between Invisalign and Braces
To decide between metal braces and Invisalign, you must weigh the costs and benefits. Since Invisalign cannot treat single teeth but partial braces can, that’s one way to decide to get normal braces to save money. However, Invisalign is discreet, healthier, and faster, which could be your priority when choosing your treatment plan.
Talk with your orthodontist about your individual needs as well as the payment options they can offer you, no matter which treatment plan you prefer. Since Invisalign is less labor for them, they may offer discounts or payment plans to help you pay for the more effective, less labor-intensive, but more expensive appliance.
Choose Reese Orthodontics
If you’re an adult who is considering braces, you need professional advice on your treatment and payment options. For orthodontic treatments in Charleston, SC, Reese Orthodontics offers the latest technology and treatment plans. Our advanced and comfortable orthodontic treatments can be customized to suit your needs. A consultation with Reese Orthodontics includes scans, a comprehensive exam, and a conversation with the orthodontist to discover which treatment options are right for you.
Schedule an appointment with us today to stay ahead of your oral health and receive the best possible treatment in your area.