Clear braces are increasing in popularity every year. This is because they are difficult to spot because they are transparent or the same color as your teeth.
The first reason that this orthodontic system is becoming so popular is that of technological advancement. Technology has made it more affordable for individuals to purchase. The second is the results; there is no difference between the outcome between clear and metal brackets. In the end, the results from Invisalign and traditional brackets are indistinguishable.
Different Types
There are two types — the first being Invisalign. Invisalign mouth guards are a sturdy, transparent, plastic mouth guard you wear. Invisalign requires individuals to take a close look at your teeth to notice it. Every few weeks you are given a new mouth guard. Each new mouth guard is made based on a new mold of your teeth. This new mold requires you to go to your orthodontist at the scheduled appointment time for them to assess your progress. The most significant advantage of these mouth guards is the ability to remove them at will and eat the foods you desire. However, they do have a downside. Not all individuals have the teeth for Invisalign, and in some situations, you can only get traditional brackets. This is because some scenarios are too tricky for Invisalign mouth guards to adjust your teeth because they are too crowded or crooked.
Invisalign mouth guards work by moving the teeth into the desired position slowly over time. Each new tray is an improved version of your current teeth. Often this treatment takes anywhere from a year and a half to three years.
The second type of clear braces is ceramic brackets. Ceramic brackets are more visible than Invisalign. Ceramic brackets are easily noticed because they use brackets. The brackets are colored the same as your teeth to blend in. These brackets are cheaper than Invisalign and follow the same process as metal orthodontic treatment. Every couple of weeks your orthodontist will change your archwire to continue the progress. On average ceramic brackets cost about $500 less than Invisalign but are still more expensive than metal system treatments.
Pros & Cons
Advantages:
The main advantage to these brackets is pretty self-explanatory. You will make it difficult for people to notice your braces. This will make you more comfortable in your day-to-day life. Especially considering how you can now hide your braces while improving your image and smile.
Disadvantages:
Unfortunately, these transparent brackets are higher priced than the average metal treatments. The higher price is because the technology to develop the brackets costs more. Take into consideration that Invisalign requires a specific mold so that the mouth guard can be made. This means that more material is needed, as well as the machines costing more, thus increasing the price. The last disadvantage of these treatments is the teeth required for them. Not all individuals can get this treatment. This means you will have to settle for another type of orthodontic system.
How Much Do Clear Braces Cost
The average clear braces will cost around $3,500-8,000. The average is typically about $6,000. The cheapest brackets can be found by getting treatment at a dentist school instead of an experienced professional. Since students are performing all the tasks, it means the prices for labor is a lot lower than a fully certified orthodontist. The results will still be the same because a fully certified orthodontist is supervising all the treatment done in the clinic.
Now when it comes to price the fact that lingual brackets cost is higher than the average is higher than traditional brackets because of the larger need for materials. The price of transparent brackets is influenced by the need for a new tray for your teeth every time they want to improve it. The old tray will be useless and thrown out. The added material drives the price up, making it more expensive.
Next is the price of convenience. Since transparent brackets integrate well into your life better than every bracket type currently out there, these provide a better smile while treatment is occurring which no other brackets offer since this makes it unique and one of a kind in every way, which allows them to have a higher price.
Location is also a significant variable. Different geographical regions have higher prices than others because of the economic wealth of an area. Even in cities, it is widespread to find these differences. Often looking at different orthodontists, you will notice a different price discrepancy because of their experience and the price of the overall treatment.
Keep in mind that clear brackets are not for everyone and the cost of clear braces will vary. Often these braces are for full-grown adults and not for teenagers and young adults. I hope you enjoyed the article.