There is always a battle to be won. And in the dental world, one of those battles pins two very successful orthodontic treatments against each other: Invisalign and traditional braces.
Each offers a healthy, happy smile. Each works in a decent amount of time to make it happen. And each will cost you money. So, which one is more affordable?
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign uses smooth, thin plastic aligners that are custom-designed to move your teeth. You will wear each aligner for about two weeks and then move on to the next one. Using intuitive
technology you will be able to see the results of your treatment should all go as planned.
The Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible and can be removed when you are eating or brushing your teeth. They are very easy to care for and don’t involve any diet restrictions.
The average treatment time for Invisalign is 12 to 18 months, though this will vary based on your treatment needs – and your ability to wear the aligners as you should. It is imperative that the aligners be worn between 20 to 22 hours every day in order to not delay treatment.
How Traditional Braces Work
The tried-and-true traditional braces are designed with metal brackets that are bonded to the teeth, each one attached to the others using a metal wire. By tightening the wire at set intervals throughout the duration, your dentist is able to gently force the teeth to move in the desired directions.
The average treatment time for traditional braces is 12 to 36 months depending on the complexity. You don’t have the option of taking the brackets and wires off which means they are always working.
The downfall of traditional braces as they do require a few lifestyle changes, such as diet restrictions and changes in oral hygiene habits to accommodate the new hardware in your mouth. Once patients get used to life in braces, however, it really doesn’t seem to be too big of a deal for most.
Cost Comparison: Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces
When comparing the cost of Invisalign and traditional braces, it is important to remember that you are essentially looking at two very different means to reach the same end.
In 2020, the American Dental Association performed a Survey of Dental Fees and found that, on average, metal braces cost between $4,200 and $6,600. In severe and complex orthodontic cases, the cost of these braces may rise to $10,000.
On the other hand, Invisalign has an average cost of $3,000 to $8,000.
It is worth noting that the more severe the orthodontic issues, the greater the cost of treatment. For instance, a longer treatment time Invisalign means more aligners and that means a greater cost. With traditional braces, it means more tightening appointments.
Both of these options treat many orthodontic needs. One just does so with a little more freedom than the other.
Invisalign Treatment at North Shore Prosthodontic Associates
Invisalign is the perfect, discreet way to transform your smile and improve your oral health. And, while they may not work for the most complex orthodontic issues, many patients achieve highly satisfactory results with Invisalign.
To learn more about Invisalign or to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for the treatment, the experts at North Shore Prosthodontics Associates can help. Contact us at one of our convenient locations to schedule your appointment today.
Manhasset Office: 516-482-5416
Woodbury Office: 516-364-2333
Manhattan Office: 516-482-6198
Or, request an appointment online.