Traditional Braces:
The average treatment time of traditional braces is 2 years; however depending on the severity of the malocclusion, age, etc… it can range from 6 months to 6 years. An Orthodontist or dentist and their creativity can reduce the process time of traditional braces, and can accelerate the treatment by strategic positioning.
Braces cost around $5,000 for the average American. Outside the U.S. braces can be more affordable and may be worth checking out as an alternative. In some countries, orthodontic treatment for traditional braces is accessible to patients for free under 16 as benefits for treatment are provided under government-run health care systems. In the states patients do not have this benefit and have to rely on Insurance or other means to obtain straighter teeth. Sometimes braces are needed more than once if there is an issue with the post-treatment retainer. This is important to keep in mind as well.
Invisalign:
The Full Invisalign treatment takes on average about a year long. But much like traditional braces it depends on the severity of the patient’s condition. Many Invisalign certified Orthodontists and Dentists can help progress the treatment and improve your smile with the help of the invisalign Technology. It is really up to the patient, in how long they will have the aligners in. The aligners are removable so it is important that the patient keeps with the consistency of the treatment and keeps their aligners in.
The price of Invisalign is set by the dentist or orthodontist. It is very drastic in the different prices that dentists and orthodontists charge. It is better to pay higher for a more experienced dentist than to settle for a dentist where aligners will be worn for 3 years. They determine their fees by the length of the treatment and how many ‘aligners’ you are issued. Treatments usually run $3500-$7000, with some treatments priced as low as $2000. You will see high prices depending on how much Invisalign charges the dentists to use their product. Invisalign can charge as much as $4572 per patient for their services, and why you will hear dentists say “that is my minimum price” because otherwise it is pointless for them. Most dentists and orthodontists offer insurance to help in the payment process, and if you have dental insurance they will usually cover up to $2500, but it all really depends. It is just good to know that these options are out there, so you are not in the dark when you walk into a dentist office
In conclusion, it is not easy to say one treatment is better than the other, faster, less expensive, because it is all relative. Most people would argue that braces get the job done and Invisalign is still too new to see if it will actually straighten my teeth. I leave this question to be answered by you. I for one have never had braces or Invisalign, but wish to inform and instruct for brighter smiles.
