Braces

Everybody knows what Braces are. We have all seen them on Ugly Betty and the kid next door. Unfortunately most of us wish we didn’t need them or are dreading the idea of getting them. Why? Because of the way they look and feel in our mouth. The plus of braces is that they get the job done. After the long process and joke poking you definitely have straighter teeth. The extreme overbites and bad malocclusions may have to be fixed only with the help of traditional braces. This is because many of the alternatives out there cannot move your teeth the way braces can. The rubber bands, powerchains, and powerful expanders move your teeth in a powerful way. Despite the look, braces will get the job done and you will have much straighter teeth when the treatment is complete.

Invisalign

You have also probably heard of Invisalign. Invisalign can do most of what braces can, in straightening your teeth and giving you a brighter smile. However Invisalign braces has been known to treat much greater problems with your teeth, making stronger better aligners. The best part about Invisalign is that the “aligners” (the clear braces you put it in your mouth) are removable. You can take out these aligners when you need to brush your teeth or eat. A huge plus when you are thinking about the decision to get braces. Invisalign is also clear. Unfortunately the name is a little miss leading because the aligners and “buttons”(attached to your teeth to hold the aligners in place) are not invisible, however they are not as visible as the infamous “metal mouth” you dread. So point for visibility goes to Invisalign, but functionality is very similar.

Comparing prices of Braces and Invisalign

Invisalign is relatively higher in price than traditional braces. Depending on how many “trays”(what the aligners are in, each tray is diagnosed specifically for your teeth and diagnosed in the treatment) you receive, will determine the price of your treatment. If you have a minor problem that needs fixing, Invisalign express is cheaper than traditional braces and can probably get the job done. Invisalign Express ranges from $1500-$4000. The avg. cost of traditional braces is $5000 and many insurance companies will cover a percentage. Invisalign ranges from $3500-$8000 depending on the dentist you go to. Some insurance will cover a percentage of Invisalign cost as well depending on your coverage. There is some great financing out there that dentist’s offer for Invisalign patients as well. We have found that financing is reasonable, for under $100 a month.

Wear Ability

Invisalign wins in this category every time, because of the ability to remove the aligners. Getting food stuck in your teeth, your teeth staining, and gum problems are usually not an issue with Invisalign as they are with traditional braces. Some people have had problems with there teeth after using traditional braces, like cavities from stuck food, etc… One thing you should remember is to get all of your cavities and cosmetic corrections done before you start your Invisaline treatment. It will help with the fluidity of the process. If you don’t you may have to stop treatment in the middle to get something fixed. In the category of comfort and usability Invisalign wins because you are still able to do those everyday things.

The Look

If you start Invisalign and it is difficult to talk or you sound like the Spleen from Mystery Men don’t worry, usually people have difficulty talking in the first week because you salivate due to the foreign object in your mouth and it takes time to get used to the aligners. You will get used to them and talking with them in will get easier. Because Invisalign is visually appealing it is obvious that we choose clear non-visible braces vs. those metal brackets. You only have to tell people about your treatment if you choose to rather than the opening conversation being “How long do you have your braces for?” or “How long have you had those things?” It is not the best start to a conversation and one Invisalign avoids.

Who Wins?

We are somewhat biased when we say Invisalign is the sure winner. Despite the difference in price there are many dentists out there that will treat many conditions with Invisalign and for a reasonable price and good financing. You can find some of them right here at AntiBraces. If you have decided to choose Invisalign we are happy for you and wish you all the best in your treatment.

With Invisalign aligners, you can just pop them out when you want to eat. And for most liquids, you can even leave the invisible braces in. With traditional braces however, there are many foods you should avoid:

Bad foods for braces:

Ice, Nuts, Peanut brittle, Corn on the cob, Ribs, Doritos, corn chips, cheetos, fritos, Popcorn, Hard pretzels, Raw carrots,Bubble gum, Carmel candy, Beef jerky, Suckers, raw fruits, toffee, raw hard vegetables, popcorn!

This is just a partial list. If you can think of others, please leave your suggestions in the comments section! Thank you!

Not every case of misaligned teeth can be treated using the Invisalign Treatment system. So, let’s take a look at a few of the alternatives to Invisible braces.

1. Traditional Braces

Every year approximately two million people seek treatment from orthodontists. Traditional braces are going to run you anywhere from $3000-$7000. The average fee we’ve found is around $5K.

Braces fees are often not covered by insurance and if they are usually only a portion of the fee is covered.

Fees are generally negotiated in advance and vary based on the difficulty of the particular case.

Traditional braces treatment last from 12-24 months and involves numerous visits to the orthodontist office for tightening and adjusting to achieve your nice, straight teeth. At the end of your treatment there is a good chance you’ll be asked to wear a retainer.

Oh yeah, you’ll have to endure the “metal mouth” taunt as well. Scarring…

2. Lingual Braces

Lingual braces take the traditional front mounted metal…and move it to the back. So, you’re still a metal mouth…but at least it’s pretty hard to tell.

Lingual braces tend to interfere with your tough more since they are placed on the inside part of your teeth. Not all orthodontist offer Lingual Braces, and this type of treatment is usually more expensive than traditional braces and the cost of Invisalign.

3. Hiding Your Smile

The truth is that most people after they reach adulthood don’t consider straightening their teeth. Malocclusion (not strait teeth) is one of the most common dental conditions affecting nearly 75% of the US population, yet only a very small % of that population seeks treatment. They hide their smile. So, it is a valid option considering that most people in America choose it!