Invisalign vs Braces Cost Q&A

Invisalign aligners are a type of clear aligners that are commonly used to correct mild to moderate misalignment of teeth as orthodontic treatment. The aligners are fitted to the teeth to fit snugly over the teeth and to gradually move them into the proper alignment. They are made from a very thin, clear flexible thermoplastic that is similar to a retainer. The Invisalign procedure involves changing out aligners that are slightly different from the previous aligner every couple of weeks to slowly straighten the teeth over 9 to 12 months. With a similar function to braces, Invisalign has vastly grown in popularity due to their much less noticeable appearance and the fact that they are removable, making general oral and dental hygiene much easier than traditional braces.

The costs of Invisalign and braces are fairly comparable, with Invisalign typically being on the slightly cheaper side. Braces, which are often used for more severe cases of misalignment or dental correction, can range from $5,000 to $7,000. On the other hand, Invisalign costs typically range from $3,500 to $7,000, depending on the number of aligners required and the location of the treatment. Prices can also vary depending on whether you’re in an urban, suburban, or rural area, with urban areas generally being more expensive. The total cost for either treatment depends on factors like how many adjustments are needed and the severity of the misalignment. It’s recommended that you consult with your dentist to receive a more accurate cost estimate tailored to your specific needs.

Invisalign is not recommended for severe problems, but it can be incredibly effective for a wide variety of dental problems that are mild and moderate. These dental problems include:

• Overbite, underbite, and crossbite
• Gaps between teeth
• An open bite (where the top and bottom teeth don’t quite meet when the jaw is fully closed)
• Overcrowding of teeth
• General straightening of teeth

Invisalign has proven to be a very effective option for orthodontic treatment to straighten teeth and improve the overall cosmetic quality of the smile and due to the nature of how the aligners are made, they are easily customizable to suit the needs of each patient to ensure that everyone who has Invisalign can achieve the appearance for which they have hoped.

Many people and dentists may have a preference for one or the other, but what makes Invisalign or braces better is entirely dependent on the overall dental needs of the patient. They both come with pros and cons, but one may be a better fit for your specific needs and wants than the other. Invisalign is commonly favored due to the very inconspicuous appearance that it can provide, and its convenience of being removable to allow for easier cleaning and oral hygienic maintenance. However, Invisalign is only effective at treating mild to moderate cases; the more severe cases are better handled by traditional braces. Since Invisalign requires the patient to be responsible for proper maintenance and the results are dependent on the user to follow all provided instructions, if the instructions are not properly followed, there is more room for Invisalign not to provide the desired results. Braces are not removable, so the wearer does not have an option to not have them in, making the results more reliant on the actual procedure rather than the reliability of the patient.

If you are considering braces or Invisalign, the professionals at Great Smiles Family Dentistry can help you make the best decision for your unique situation. Contact us today to book an appointment for veneers or braces. We are conveniently located at 4646 Nantuckett Dr Suite D, Toledo, OH 43623. We serve patients from Toledo OH, Ottawa Hills OH, Sylvania OH, Ottawa Lake OH, Holland OH, Rossford OH, East Toledo, OH and surrounding areas.