It’s official – a recent survey by the AAO revealed that more adults are now seeking orthodontic treatment than adolescents! If you’re an adult considering braces or Invisalign in Fort Pierce, you’re in the right place.
Both braces and Invisalign are tried and true methods of achieving beautiful, healthy smiles. And advances mean that Invisalign is now able to treat almost all orthodontic issues. But the question for many people is, exactly how much is all this going to cost?
Let’s take a closer look at the braces vs Invisalign cost difference, and the pros and cons of each.
The Average Cost of Braces
Before we provide an average cost, it’s important to remember that costs vary depending on several factors. These will include:
- Your current state of oral health
- The duration of the treatment
- The seriousness of your condition
- The cost of orthodontists in your area
- The terms of your insurance
- The type of braces you choose
On average, traditional metal braces cost from $3000 to $7,000. They are the least expensive type of braces, but also the most noticeable.
Ceramic braces are less noticeable because the brackets blend in with your teeth. They may cost a little more but are a great alternative if you are concerned about the appearance of metal braces.
Lingual braces are braces that attach to the back of your teeth. The advantage is that they are virtually invisible. However, they come with a higher price tag and can cost between $5000-$13,000.
Will Insurance Help with the Cost of Braces?
Usually, for adults, the answer is no. Most health and dental plans simply do not cover orthodontic treatments for over 18s. Sometimes it is possible to purchase additional insurance to help with the costs though.
Insurance may cover at least some of the costs of kids’ braces. Each insurer will have its own terms and coverage ceilings. They may cover part of the down payment, and then make further payments as the treatment progresses.
It’s also good to explore whether health insurance with a Flexible Savings Account (FSA) or a Health Savings Account (HSA) could help. These accounts can allow funds from your paycheck to be paid in for medical use tax-free.
Also, talk to your orthodontist about any financing arrangements they are able to offer.
The Average Cost of Invisalign
Are you bracing yourself for the average Invisalign cost? It’s probably more affordable than you think. The average cost of an Invisalign treatment is between $4000-$7000.
Have you seen cheaper clear aligners available online? A word of warning. Invisalign is a proprietary treatment from Align Technology.
Not only do they provide high-quality clear aligners, but they also train orthodontists in the Invisalign system. They provide the software that enables orthodontists to plan your treatment and show you a simulation of the end result.
Also, the entire Invisalign process is supervised by a highly-trained orthodontist. This means that you are in safe hands throughout the whole process.
Will Insurance Help with the Cost of Invisalign?
If your insurer provides coverage for orthodontics, then they will usually cover Invisalign. It’s also good to check your health insurance, as orthodontics is sometimes covered by health, rather than dental, insurance.
If you are not covered, you may also be able to use an FSA or HSA to pay toward your treatment. Alternative options include financing plans specially designed for Invisalign. They allow you to spread the cost over the course of the treatment.
Braces vs Invisalign – Which is Right for You?
All types of braces have advantages and disadvantages.
It’s easy to assume that because metal braces have been around for a long time, they are a better method. It’s true, metal braces can treat all orthodontic conditions. They can apply more force, and tackle even the most complicated problems.
But for the majority of people, Invisalign can achieve results that are just as good as metal braces. Invisalign also has a number of advantages that traditional braces can’t provide.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a system of teeth alignment that uses custom clear aligners to gradually move teeth into their new positions. It can help to resolve a range of orthodontic issues, including crooked teeth, gaps, open bite, crowding, and underbite.
You do not need to visit the orthodontist as often as you do with regular braces. As the aligners do all the work, there is no need to go into the dentist’s office for adjustments as you would with traditional braces.
Benefits of Invisalign
One of the major benefits of Invisalign is the fact that they’re virtually invisible. Often colleagues and friends won’t even notice that you are wearing them. For many people, this is huge as they can achieve the look they want without sacrificing their self-confidence.
Invisalign is also more comfortable and convenient. They are custom-made to precisely fit your teeth. That means that they won’t pinch or scratch your cheeks as braces can.
Invisalign is also more flexible and allows you to eat whatever you want. Got a wedding to attend? You can simply pop them out for the photographs.
Going out for a special occasion? You can eat whatever you like. Simply remove your clear aligners and enjoy your meal.
Because you can easily remove your aligners, it’s also much easier to keep your teeth clean. Simply remove your aligners and brush and floss as normal. No need for special floss, and no danger of anything getting caught in your braces!
The Bottom Line: Braces vs Invisalign Cost
When comparing braces vs Invisalign cost difference, there are very few differences these days. They are both excellent options for achieving straight teeth. Deciding which one is right for you really comes down to a discussion with your orthodontist.
Talk to Dr. Jacobus about which treatment is right for you. Dr. Jacobus has over 30 years of experience in helping the people of St. Lucie County to achieve their smile goals. He can advise whether Invisalign or traditional braces are the best fit for your needs.
Call us at 772.340.0023 or contact us online to schedule an appointment today!