Braces for kids needing orthodontic treatment typically range in cost from $3,000-$7,000. The reason for the large range in prices is due to a variety of factors that will impact the total cost. To learn more about factors that influence how much braces cost for kids, read on.
Factors that Influence the Cost of Braces
Various factors will contribute to the total cost of your child’s orthodontic treatment.
Complexity of Orthodontic Issues
The cost of braces for kids who simply need a few teeth straightened will be significantly less than for a child who has a bite problem, partially impacted canines, or needs extractions. Severely twisted or slanted teeth are also more labor-intensive, therefore requiring more appointments and longer treatment times. Moreover, if your child had interceptive orthodontics or a palatal expander when they were younger, the total cost of all orthodontic treatments may be higher.
Type of Braces
Parents of teens may remember a time when the only options for aligning teeth and correcting malocclusions were metal brackets and wire braces. Today, there are a variety of options, including clear bracket braces and Invisalign Teen. Invisalign may be slightly more expensive than metal or clear brackets and wire braces. Clear brackets are typically slightly more than metal brackets.
Length of Treatment
The duration of your child’s orthodontic treatment can also impact the cost of braces for kids. The longer a child needs treatment, the more appointments will be necessary, which increases the cost.
Insurance Coverage
Insurance that provides coverage for orthodontic treatment can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expense for your child’s braces. However, to ensure that braces are not cost-prohibitive for any patients, many orthodontic practices offer special financing to pay for care over time. In addition, many Medical Savings Accounts (MSA) or Health Savings Accounts (HSA) allow funds to be used for orthodontic treatment. Most orthodontic practices also accept all major credit cards.
Does the Cost of Braces for Kids Include X-rays and Appointments?
When you’re given a quote for the cost of braces for your child, the quote will include all imaging tests needed and the creation of your treatment plan. It is also inclusive of the cost of materials, regular follow-up appointments, and emergency treatment if necessary (broken wire, loose bracket).
The first set of retainers are also included in the treatment fee. There are additional charges for follow up appointments and for lost or broken retainers once treatment is completed. Retainers are typically a few hundred dollars for a removable plastic retainer. The cost of braces does not include treatments such as teeth whitening, cleanings, or fillings that your child has during and after their braces.
Book Your Child’s Orthodontic Evaluation in Andover, MA today
Dr Anthony Broccoli is one of Massachusetts’ most experienced and recognized orthodontists. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontists and a member in good standing with many other local, regional, and national associations. He is a staff member at the Sykes Wellness Center at Phillips Academy Andover and a top Google-reviewed orthodontist serving patients from Andover, Burlington, Boxford, Middleton, Westford, Haverhill, Wilmington, and surrounding communities. To book an appointment with Dr. Broccoli, call 978-475-0450. For your convenience, Dr. Broccoli begins seeing patients at 7:30 a.m. Mon- Thurs.
If you have dental insurance that includes orthodontic coverage, the cost of Invisalign with insurance in Andover, MA can be very affordable. Invisalign treatment is similar in cost to traditional braces, and many insurance policies provide coverage for either Invisalign or braces. Nationwide, treatment with Invisalign ranges from $4,000- $9,000 depending on the complexity of the case. In Andover, MA, and surrounding communities, Invisalign treatment typically costs less than $7,500. Most dental insurance will cover a lifetime maximum amount for braces or Invisalign which could be $2,000-$3,000.
It is important to note that like medical insurance, all dental insurance policies are slightly different. Some may have generous coverage for orthodontic treatment, while others may have fewer benefits. To learn what your out-of-pocket cost will be for Invisalign, contact your insurance company for specifics.
What Affects The Cost of Invisalign?
Even without insurance, Invisalign is typically less than $7000. But, it may be significantly less than that.The total cost of aligning your smile or correcting malocclusion with Invisalign will depend on:
- Severity of the Condition(s)More complex cases will be more expensive to treat with Invisalign, as they require longer treatment and more alignment trays.
- Length of TreatmentThe longer you need to wear your Invisalign, the more follow-up appointments you’ll have, so the cost will be higher. By contrast, if you’re only correcting slight misalignments, your cost will be reduced.
- Geographic LocationDifferent areas of the country have different costs of living. In Andover, MA, you may pay less for Invisalign than in New York City, but more than you would pay in the rural South.
- Orthodontist’s ExperienceA highly experienced, or nationally recognized Orthodontist will command a higher fee for treatment than less experienced providers in most cases.
What is Included in the Cost of Invisalign?
With few exceptions, the cost of your treatment with Invisalign will be all-inclusive. The total amount you are quoted by your orthodontist will include:
- All imaging tests
- Designing your treatment plan
- Smile preview (to see what your teeth will look like after treatment)
- The cost of your Invisalign alignment trays
- Cost of attachments (elastics, buttons, or wings)
- Regular follow-up appointments during treatment
- Replacement trays for one set of damaged aligners
What is Not Included in the Cost of Invisalign?
Some services may not be included in the cost of your Invisalign treatment. However, your insurance may offer coverage. These include:
- Extractions before treatment
- Treatment for oral health conditions before beginning Invisalign (gum disease, cavities, etc.)
- Cosmetic restorative procedures (crowns, fillings) after the teeth are aligned.
Your financial responsibility can often be paid with a credit card. Those with Health or Medical Savings Accounts may also be allowed to use them for orthodontic treatment. Finally, some orthodontic practices may offer helpful no-interest payment plans to help make your care more affordable.
Book a Consultation for Invisalign in Andover, MA
When you schedule a consultation for Invisalign at Andover Orthodontics, we will provide you with a personalized quote for Invisalign treatment. Our office will also gladly assist in the filing of insurance claims. To book an Invisalign consultation with nationally recognized orthodontist Dr. Broccoli at Andover Orthodontics, call us at 978-475-0450, or request an appointment online.
Most people want a perfectly straight smile, yet very few have one without the help of orthodontic treatment. Traditional braces are one of the most common methods used for achieving these results.
But how do braces work? What makes them so effective?
What are Braces?
Braces are a type of orthodontic treatment that work to address many different issues with the teeth, including:
- Overcrowding
- Crooked teeth
- Gaps
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Open bites
- Misaligned jaw
While there are various different types of braces that can be used, traditional braces include 2 major components: metal brackets and an archwire. Square metal brackets are bonded to the front of each tooth and the metal archwire is held in place by each bracket. Sometimes elastics may be used for added pressure, especially when handling bite adjustments.
Each part works together to correct the orthodontic issues above – and more.
How Do Braces Work?
Simply put, braces work by applying pressure to the teeth. Because they are bonded to each tooth, they are constantly working to encourage them, as well as the jaws to move in the desired direction.
The archwire itself gently puts pressure on the brackets and, ultimately, on the teeth. This pressure reaches the soft tissues around the tooth that contain ligaments holding the tooth in place. As they are pressured to the right or left, the ligament will compress and bone will fill in the gap.
The orthodontic team will tighten this archwire routinely throughout the course of treatment to encourage this movement to take place.
Unless there is a minor specific issue that needs to be corrected, most orthodontic treatment involving braces is usually done in phases. First, the orthodontist will adjust the braces so that they move the teeth into alignment. And, once they are where they need to be, bite issues will be tackled. This is then followed up by any other minor issues that require orthodontic treatment in order to leave the patient with a beautiful smile.
Keep in mind that all of this takes time and you may not see results right away. After all, moving teeth is a big deal – and it needs to be done slowly in order to achieve the right outcome.
How Long is Braces Treatment Time?
Treatment time will vary from person to person. For some patients who only have minor orthodontic issues that need to be addressed, braces treatment can be completed as quickly as six months. On the other hand, those requiring more complex, in-depth treatment – especially when the jaw is involved – may need to wear their braces for up to three years.
Braces treatment is personalized for each patient. If you are wondering how long you will be wearing braces, your orthodontist will be able to give you an estimated timeframe based on your personal orthodontic treatment needs.
Braces at Andover Orthodontics
If you would like to learn more about how braces can transform your smile, then Dr. Broccoli and the team at Andover Orthodontics can help. We offer a unique orthodontic experience and a wide array of orthodontic options, including traditional braces, clear braces, and Invisalign.
To get started, request an orthodontic appointment online. Or, contact us at 978-475-0450.
An underbite is a common malocclusion involving a lower set of teeth that protrudes further than an upper set. A jaw misalignment is typically the cause of an underbite.
Someone with an underbite may struggle with more than just feelings of self-consciousness about their smile. Additional complications an underbite might cause or contribute to include the following:
- Speech issues
- Facial pain and/or headaches
- Mouth-breathing
- Difficulty chewing
- Greater risk of dental decay
- Sleep apnea
- Greater risk of tooth damage
Like any typical malocclusion, an orthodontist may correct an underbite with braces. However, some patients are not happy with the way braces can impact their appearance during treatment.
Can you relate to these concerns? If so, you may be wondering if Invisalign can fix an underbite. The information here should help you better understand whether this is an option.
Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces: Basic Information
Invisalign is a popular alternative to traditional braces primarily because Invisalign aligners are clear. Unlike the metal wires of braces, it’s virtually impossible for anyone to determine if you’re wearing Invisalign aligners.
Other benefits of Invisalign treatment include:
- Comfort
- Convenience, as Invisalign aligners are removable
- The option to eat foods that you might otherwise have to avoid with traditional braces
These are all reasons you might ask your orthodontist whether Invisalign is an option for fixing your underbite. They’ll account for several factors to determine if this is the right treatment for you.
Fixing an Underbite With Invisalign: What You Need to Know
Invisalign aligners correct a misaligned smile by gently moving teeth into the desired position. Whether Invisalign can fix an underbite depends primarily on how severe an underbite is.
An underbite that’s relatively mild or moderate might benefit from Invisalign treatment. If an underbite is severe, an orthodontist may decide other treatment methods are necessary. Along with traditional braces, treatment for a severe underbite may include the use of dental appliances. A patient with a particular severe underbite might also need to undergo orthognathic surgery to correct the misalignment.
Can I Fix My Underbite With Invisalign? It Depends on the Cause
Often, the cause of an underbite will determine how severe it is. As such, it might also determine whether a patient is a good candidate for Invisalign.
Some minor or moderate underbites result from teeth being in the wrong position. In these instances, Invisalign treatment might be sufficient to move the teeth back into place.
However, underbites can also be the result of skeletal issues. When this is the case, even if Invisalign can correct a smile to some degree, an orthodontist may recommend surgery to ensure ideal results.
The best way to learn more about this topic is to schedule an appointment with an orthodontist. Remember, no matter what treatment option is right for your needs, correcting an underbite can improve not only your smile, but your quality of life as well. The sooner you meet with an orthodontist, the sooner you can begin working towards a life without this bothersome dental misalignment.
Learn More About Invisalign and Underbite Treatment Options
At Andover Orthodontics, in Andover, Massachusetts, a qualified orthodontist is on hand to answer any questions you may have about Invisalign and other potential treatment options for your underbite. Contact us online today or call us at 978-475-0450 to schedule an appointment.
One of the key reasons patients are drawn to Invisalign instead of traditional braces is that you can eat whatever you want while receiving orthodontic treatment. Because Invisalign is removable, no foods are off-limits. However, eating, chewing gum, or drinking anything other than water while wearing your alignment trays is prohibited as food can damage the trays, and beverages can stain the trays. Read on to learn more about living with Invisalign.
The Freedom to Eat the Foods You Love With Invisalign
With metal braces or clear bracket braces, foods such as hard pretzels, popcorn, crusty pieces of bread such as sourdough, and chewy/ sticky foods risk damaging your brackets or the archwire running through them. That’s to say nothing of the many foods that tend to get stuck in metal or clear brackets.
By contrast, there are no restrictions on what you may eat while undergoing Invisalign treatment. You can eat anything you want, any time you want, by removing your trays. After your morning coffee, lunch, or dinner, just brush your teeth and your trays, and pop the trays back in. If you don’t have a toothbrush with you, it’s best to rinse your mouth and your trays before putting them back in.
Invisalign: It’s Your Responsibility to Wear as Directed
Invisalign gives you the freedom to enjoy your favorite foods, but in exchange for that freedom, you’ll need to be responsible for your treatment.
For your treatment to be completed on time, you must wear your Invisalign for at least 21-22 hours per day. Failing to wear your trays as prescribed can significantly lengthen the time it takes to align your teeth or correct a bite issue.
Because some adolescents can be less than responsible about keeping their trays in as prescribed, Invisalign Teen offers compliance indicators. Compliance indicators are blue marks that gradually fade as the trays are worn as directed. If the compliance indicators remain blue, that means the patient isn’t wearing them as frequently as necessary.
Invisalign Treatment: Six Steps to a New Smile
Irrespective of the specific alignment or bite issue that needs to be corrected, the Invisalign process will follow the same steps.
- Smile Scan
During your initial consultation, your orthodontist will examine your teeth and bite. Assuming you are approved for Invisalign treatment, your next step will be to have photos, necessary xrays, and a digital scan of your teeth taken. - Designing Your Treatment
Your orthodontist will then custom-design your treatment plan using advanced software. - Preview Your New Smile
If you choose, you can come back and preview a simulation of how your teeth will move and what they will look like after treatment. - Making Your Alignment Trays
Your digital impressions and the doctor’s design will be sent to the lab to create your trays. Most people have between 20-40 series of trays. Each set of trays in the series is generally worn for one to two weeks. - Begin Wearing Your Trays
Once your alignment trays have arrived from the lab, you’ll begin treatment immediately. You’ll follow up with your orthodontist periodically throughout treatment to ensure that your treatment is proceeding as planned. - Maintaining Your New Smile
Once you’ve completed wearing all of your trays, you’ll begin wearing a retainer to maintain the results. At first, you’ll wear the retainers most hours of the day. Over time, you may reduce your retainer wear to only at night.
Book an Invisalign or Invisalign Teen Appointment in Andover, MA
If you or your child are ready to transform your smile, book a consultation at Andover Orthodontics. To accommodate busy teens and adults, we begin seeing patients as early as 7:30 am Monday – Thursday. Call 978-475-0450, or send a message to request an appointment.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, all children should see an orthodontist for the first time no later than age 7. However, in some cases, orthodontic treatment may be necessary earlier. Read on to learn about early orthodontic intervention, orthodontic treatments for children, and signs your child needs to be seen by an orthodontist.
Early Symptoms of Orthodontic Problems
By the time your child is in second grade, they should see an orthodontist for an evaluation. There are, however, exceptions. Your pediatric dentist may inform you that your child needs interceptive orthodontics. Other symptoms that your child may need to begin orthodontic treatment earlier than age 7 include:
- Early loss of primary (baby teeth)
- Late loss of primary teeth
- Struggles with chewing
- Mouth breathing (while awake and asleep)
- Snoring or sleep apnea
- Protruding upper jaw
- Sunken lower jaw
- Crowded teeth
- Jaw dysfunction
- Long-term thumb or finger sucking
While some of these conditions may not require immediate treatment, it is best to have an orthodontist evaluate your child, as some problems that cause symptoms in childhood may extend into adulthood. Fortunately, most interceptive orthodontic treatments are painless, non-invasive, and incredibly effective.
Interceptive Orthodontics: Treatments for Kids
Four primary interceptive orthodontic treatments can correct most conditions in children. They include:
Palatal Expander
The palate is the roof of the mouth and determines the size of your child’s upper jaw. Before puberty, the palate is two halves. Before fusing around the time of puberty, the palate is extremely malleable. This makes it the perfect time to expand it. Your child may need a palatal expander device to prevent a host of problems including crowded teeth, crossbite, or impacted teeth.
Palatal expanders are also effective treatments for children who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea and snoring caused by a narrow airway. Furthermore, palatal expanders can serve as a habit-breaking treatment for children who habitually suck their fingers or thumb.
Space Maintainer
A space maintainer may be recommended for children who have lost baby teeth early. A space maintainer is an oral appliance that prevents adjacent teeth from drifting into the space that the permanent tooth will eventually occupy.
Partial Braces
Partial braces may be recommended after your child has some permanent teeth, but before other permanent teeth erupt. They help correct misaligned teeth that are preventing the other teeth from erupting properly. Partial braces typically include brackets on 4-6 teeth. As the remaining teeth erupt, the child will graduate to complete braces.
Extractions
Occasionally, it may be necessary for your child to have a tooth extracted because there is not enough room in the mouth to accommodate all of the permanent teeth. Extractions are always a last resort but may be unavoidable to assure your child has a functional bite and healthy mouth.
Book Your Child’s Orthodontic Appointment in Andover, MA
Andover Orthodontics is an all-age orthodontic practice providing comprehensive care to kids, tweens, teens, and adults. Helmed by Dr. Anthony Broccoli, Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, Andover Orthodontics is a top-rated practice serving Andover, Burlington, Boxford, Middleton, Westford, Haverhill, Wilmington, and surrounding communities. Call 978-475-0450, or send us a message to book your child’s orthodontic checkup today.
Just because you’ve gotten orthodontic braces doesn’t mean you don’t have to adhere to the American Dental Association’s recommendations for good oral hygiene. In fact, you should be even more mindful of practicing excellent brushing and flossing habits while wearing braces. At a minimum, you should brush your teeth twice daily for a full two minutes each time. You should also floss your teeth once daily. Read on for helpful tips for flossing and caring for your teeth while wearing braces.
Brushing with Braces: Tips to Follow
When you first get your braces, getting used to brushing your teeth can take a few days. This is because you need to make sure you’re brushing around the brackets thoroughly. You should follow the same tips whether you have metal braces or clear bracket braces.
- Rinse your mouth with water before brushing to loosen food particles around the brackets
- Brush gently along the gumline of both the top and lower arches. This is critical and often skipped. Your gums need gentle stimulation or they will get puffy and bleed
- Holding your brush at an angle, brush along the tops of each bracket
- Change the angle to brush along the bottom of each bracket
- Brush the entire visible surface of the teeth
- Brush the backside of the teeth
- Brush your tongue
- Rinse thoroughly
It is natural for this process to take longer than normal when you first get braces. Electric toothbrushes can be helpful but you still have to be careful to move the brush head to stimulate your gum line. In time you will get used to brushing your teeth with braces.
Flossing With Braces: Tips to Follow
Flossing can be a little more complicated with braces. This is especially true for young people who have begun interceptive or 2-phase orthodontics. Following these tips can make it easier.
- Thread the floss under the wire, or use a floss threader
- Gently slide the floss between the teeth and wrap a bit around each tooth to remove debris at the gum line
- Repeat the process between all teeth
Water flossers like Water Piks can make flossing easier when you have braces. It may be a bit messy at first, but you’ll learn to direct the water to the sink in time.
Food to Avoid When You Have Braces
Certain foods are notorious for getting stuck in the brackets of your braces. Others may damage the brackets. It is best to avoid them altogether while wearing braces. They include:
- Large wads of surgery chewing gum. Small pieces of sugarless gum are often okay once stronger wires are placed. Ask your orthodontist.
- Crunching on hard candies
- Chewy sticky candy like salt water taffy, laughy taffy, airheads.
- No ice chewing
Other foods you typically bite into should be cut into pieces when you have braces. These include:
- Hard dinner rolls/bread
- Fruits (apples, pears, peaches, plums)
- Raw vegetables
- Corn on the cob
- Meat on bones (chicken wings, etc.)
When wearing braces, it’s also wise to reduce your consumption of sugary foods. The reason? Sugary foods mix with bacteria in the mouth to form plaque. Plaque leads to tooth decay and gum disease, so minimizing sugary beverages and foods while wearing braces is best.
Foods That May Stain Your Teeth While Wearing Braces
If you consume a lot of foods or beverages that are also known to stain the teeth, consider scaling back when wearing braces. They can cause staining to the exposed part of the tooth, while the part of the tooth protected by brackets will not stain. Foods that are known to stain teeth include:
- Tea
- Coffee
- Wine
- Bright-colored sports drinks
- Kool-aid
- Slushies
- Tomato sauces and pastes
- Foods that use food coloring (frostings, icings)
If you have questions about foods to avoid or if you need help brushing or flossing with braces, reach out to your orthodontist. They are here to help improve your smile and will be more than willing to talk with you or invite you to the office to show you how to brush and floss properly.
Schedule an Orthodontic Consultation in Andover, MA
Andover Orthodontics provides interceptive orthodontics and comprehensive orthodontic treatment for adolescents and adults in Andover, MA. To schedule a consultation, call 978-475-0450. You may also send us a message to request an appointment.
The question has been nagging at you, but you’re not sure how to tell… do you need braces? If it’s been on your mind for a while, chances are good that seeking orthodontic treatment will provide a positive outcome, whether it be for cosmetic purposes, better oral health or both.
Braces can be an excellent option to transform your smile. They can help with straightening teeth, correcting an overbite or underbite, adjust spacing between teeth and addressing many other concerns. But before you make a decision either way if braces are right for you, the first step is to see an orthodontist for a complete consultation.
Get an Expert Evaluation
It may be tempting to act on a video you saw on TikTok or a TV commercial promoting aligners that can be ordered from a website, but the first step in determining whether braces are right for you is to consult with an orthodontist for a thorough evaluation of your individual situation. These experienced practitioners complete thousands of hours of training that makes them uniquely and expertly qualified to assess treatment options customized just for you.
At Andover Orthodontics, we provide patients in Andover, MA and the surrounding areas with orthodontic services, including braces and clear aligners. We put our years of experience to work for you to deliver exceptional treatment, further enhanced by using both tried-and-true approaches along with state-of-the-art technology. As you consider what’s right for you, Andover Orthodontics has the answers on whether braces are your next step!
Signs You May Need Braces
Straight teeth are one distinct advantage to getting braces, but you may not realize the many other ways that braces can aid in your oral health. Orthodontic treatment goes beyond aesthetics and can also assist in the following examples:
- Minimizing or eliminating gaps between the teeth
- Adjusting excessive crowding of the teeth
- Straightening crooked teeth
- Correcting overbites, wherein the top teeth jet out over the bottom teeth
- Realigning underbites, wherein the bottom teeth protrude out in front of the top teeth
Braces work to correct conditions such as these as well as enhance appearance, but they also serve to improve oral health and overall wellness. Over time, misaligned teeth and jaws can lead to further health complications such as increased risk of gum disease, tooth decay, unhealthy wear patterns of the teeth and TMJ disorders, in addition to difficulty biting, chewing or speaking properly.
At Andover Orthodontics, we will help you feel more comfortable in making an informed choice as to whether braces are your next step toward regaining and maintaining a healthy, beautiful mouth.
Schedule Your Orthodontic Consultation Now
We’re here to help you achieve the beautiful smile you deserve. Learn more about your options with a free consultation at Andover Orthodontics so we can help you determine if braces are right for you. Call our office in Andover, MA today at 978-475-0450 to schedule an evaluation, or request an appointment online.
Comfortable, efficient, effective – that’s Invisalign, the orthodontic treatment that aligns your teeth like traditional metal braces, but without using wires or brackets. Instead, Invisalign relies on a series of clear aligners to position your teeth. The aligners are shaped from images that are computer-generated and based on a digital scan of your teeth by your dentist.
How the Invisalign System Works
The Invisalign system’s aligners gradually move your teeth into straighter positions. You change aligners every few weeks during your treatment, so each time you put a new aligner into your mouth, your teeth are a little bit straighter. With each tray shaped for teeth slightly straighter than your own, a gentle pressure moves your teeth to meet the aligner over time.
Invisalign’s clear plastic aligners shift your teeth incrementally into a new position to fit the aligner shape. About once every six or eight weeks, you visit your dentist to be sure treatment is progressing properly.
Why Use Invisalign?
There are many advantages to the Invisalign system versus standard metal braces. Made from clear plastic, they’re almost invisible to other people, and they’re more comfortable, too. Afterall, you can remove them for 2 to 4 hours every day, while metal braces are worn all the time no matter how uncomfortable they might feel, for twenty-four hours a day, every day.
Invisalign also makes it easier to care for your teeth. Metal braces can make it necessary to change your dental hygiene routine and some of your food choices, but Invisalign lets you brush and floss normally by just removing the trays. And you also enjoy any food you want without worrying about the metal braces and wires of traditional braces.
Invisalign works well to treat kids, teens, and adults. But you must wear them as directed every day or the treatment may not be effective.
Traditional Braces or Invisalign? Which is Cheaper?
While Invisalign may cost slightly more than traditional metal braces at first glance, the Invisalign process’ comfort, convenience, and discreet appearance still make it a terrific choice. And the basic cost differences can be very minimal. Traditional braces range from around $3000 to $6000, while Invisalign will range between $3000 and $7000. Plus, the cost of Invisalign varies based on your needs. In the end, Invisalign may cost a little less or a little more than standard metal braces.
Here’s another Invisalign plus: many times, you’ll need to wear Invisalign for less time than metal braces. While metal braces typically take about 2 years for treatment, Invisalign ranges from 6 months to 18 months on average. Less time means less cost, and more convenience.
While most full mouth Invisalign treatments take from 10 to 18 months, limited treatments such as straightening just a few front teeth, can take only 3 to 6 months.
Our dental team can help with financial inquiries for Invisalign, including checking to see if your dental insurance plan offers any orthodontic benefits. We can help make Invisalign more affordable overall and work with you to come up with a payment plan that best fits your budget.
Ready to Learn More about Invisalign?
If you’re ready to learn more about Invisalign, we’re here to help! Simply reach out to us today, and our team will be happy to schedule a consultation or discuss your options for straighter teeth.
Invisalign is an effective and comfortable orthodontic treatment. It is designed to align your teeth, just as traditional metal braces do. But unlike metal braces, Invisalign is more comfortable and easier to wear. Instead of metal wires pulling your teeth into position, the Invisalign process uses a series of clear aligners that position your teeth. The aligners are shaped from images which are computer-generated and based on a digital scan of your teeth taken by your orthodontist.
The Invisalign System
The Invisalign system works by gradually moving your teeth into straighter positions. Clear plastic aligners are changed every few weeks over the course of your treatment, so that each time that you place a new aligner into your mouth, your teeth are a little bit straighter. Each tray is shaped for teeth slightly straighter than your teeth. The result is a gentle pressure that moves your teeth to meet the aligner incrementally and gradually.
In short: Invisalign uses clear aligner molds that shift your teeth in a new position as they move to fit the aligner shape. You will visit your orthodontist about once every eight weeks, to be sure that the treatment is progressing properly.
Why Choose Invisalign?
There’s a range of advantages for selecting Invisalign over standard metal braces. Made from clear plastic, they’re almost invisible to other people, considerably less obtrusive than traditional metal braces. And, they can be removed for 2 to 4 hours every day. Metal braces must be worn all the time, 24/7.
It’s also easier to care for your teeth when you choose Invisalign. Metal braces may require you to change your dental hygiene routine and at least some of your food choices. But Invisalign trays allow you to brush and floss normally by simply removing the trays. This means you can also consume the foods that you love without any risk that metal braces and wires are coming loose.
Invisalign works well for most ages. They’re the modern alternative to metal braces as an orthodontic treatment, an unobtrusive way to get a straighter smile regardless of your age.
One important note, however: you must wear them as directed every day or the treatment may not work.
Is Invisalign Worth It?
While Invisalign can cost a bit more than traditional metal braces, the comfort, convenience, and unobtrusiveness of the Invisalign system make it a terrific choice. The cost of Invisalign will vary depending on your dental needs, and you may be surprised at how affordable your options are.
Another bonus with Invisalign: in many cases, you will wear Invisalign for less time than metal braces. Depending on your specific needs, Invisalign treatment can take 6 to 18 months.
Our skilled dental team can assist you with financial inquiries for Invisalign, and review your treatment options. We can help you make the Invisalign choice that is best for you and your budget. Most insurance plans that have orthodontic coverage will cover Invisalign.
Ready to Learn More about Invisalign?
If you’re ready to learn more about Invisalign, we’re here to help! Just reach out to us today, and our team will be happy to schedule a consultation to discuss your options for straighter teeth.