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“Invisible braces” is an umbrella term for invisible aligners, ceramic or clear braces, clear teeth aligners, and lingual braces. They’re removable custom-fitted plastic trays that straighten your teeth discreetly and comfortably.
All of these treatments are more discreet than traditional metal braces. Aligners have clear plastic trays, while lingual and clear braces use less noticeable brackets and wires.
The process uses a mold of your teeth and digital 3D computer processing to develop a custom treatment plan. You will receive a set of aligners and change the plastic aligner tray every couple of weeks until your teeth are in the proper position.
Many prefer this option because the invisible aligners don’t change your appearance like traditional metal braces.
Many people choose invisible aligners over traditional braces because of the following reasons:
Invisible aligners don’t require wires or brackets like traditional braces. This means that you don’t have to worry about them getting in the way of your smile. Many people like the way invisible aligners are almost invisible since they don’t get self-conscious.
You can remove invisible aligners whenever you eat, brush, or floss. This makes it easier to maintain your oral health. You don’t have to worry about food debris getting stuck in between the wires and brackets.
When you choose invisible aligners, the orthodontist will show you what your teeth look like after treatment. They use 3D imaging technology, so you know what to expect afterward.
Clear aligners are an increasingly popular orthodontic treatment option for adults seeking to improve their smiles. However, it's important to note that not everyone is a candidate for clear aligner treatment.
Clear aligners are effective in treating mild to moderate cases of misaligned teeth, including:
Traditional braces or other treatments may be required in severe cases of malocclusion.
If you’re interested in straighter teeth or a new smile, speak with your dentist or orthodontist to determine the best treatment option.
Aligner treatment can be in-office or at home. Here are their differences:
In-office aligner treatment consists of going to a dentist or orthodontist in person. Going to a professional for clear aligner treatment provides benefits such as face-to-face interactions and more precise check-ups.
Most doctors that offer clear aligner treatment in the United States use Invisalign treatment in their offices. Other brands of clear aligners that doctors use include ClearCorrect and SureSmile.
However, Invisalign costs much more than at-home treatment options (usually between $4,000 and $8,000), and some people prefer the convenience of virtual consultations over having to visit their doctor each month.
At-home aligner treatment is when you order clear aligners to be shipped directly to your home.
Popular invisible braces brands include Candid (not entirely remote), ClearCorrect, and more.
These companies will send you an impression kit and then use your mold to develop a custom treatment plan. They will monitor your progress virtually and mail you new aligners when it is time to change them.
Since these companies work directly with consumers, they cost significantly less than Invisalign aligners (typically under $2,000).
The hybrid clear aligner process is similar to in-office treatments. It begins with an online assessment and if you’re eligible, you can book an in-person consultation with a provider in your area.
During your visit, a dentist or orthodontist will assess your teeth and discuss your treatment options. If you need other dental procedures to qualify, they can provide these services for an added cost.
Once you’ve decided and made payments, they’ll create your treatment plan and request the aligners to be made.
You’ll return to your provider when the aligners are ready so you can have the first set fitted. Then, they’ll send you home with the rest of your kit.
In most cases, you’ll be asked to visit your local dentist every few weeks. They will make sure your treatment is going well. Some hybrid options like Motto offer virtual check-ins so you don’t always have to see the dentist.
The best invisible braces brand for you will always depend on your needs, lifestyle, and preferences. If you don't know where to start, here are some factors to consider:
People with severe misaligned teeth may not be good candidates for invisible braces. Some may even need additional treatment before they can start with invisible braces. Discuss your treatment options with your orthodontist before opting for a particular brand.
Another factor to consider when choosing invisible braces is the cost. Some brands may cost more than others, so consider their prices carefully. For instance, other companies may charge more for additional services such as remote monitoring and virtual consultations.
Brand reputation says a lot about what you can expect from the treatment. Check past customer reviews and see what they have to say about a certain brand. In most cases, you can expect better services from a brand with better reviews.
After you finish treatment with invisible braces, you need to wear retainers. This will help maintain your new smile. Check the company’s policies regarding post-treatment retention.
Do they offer free retainers? Do they provide post-treatment visits? Asking these questions will help determine whether an invisible braces brand is a good fit for you.
Most dental insurance won’t cover invisible braces. This is because they’re considered a cosmetic procedure. You won’t be eligible for treatment in this case.
However, insurance companies will cover some of the costs of orthodontic treatment. If this is the case, you may be eligible for partial coverage for invisible braces.
Remember that coverage depends on the type and brand of invisible braces. Always consult your insurance provider and orthodontist to know more about your coverage.
Some brands offer payment plans and financing options if your insurance doesn’t cover the cost of invisible braces.
Lingual braces are metal brackets attached to the back of your teeth instead of the front.
They are the least visible type of metal braces available and can correct most of the same issues that traditional braces can.
However, some people find them more uncomfortable since they can irritate your tongue easily and temporarily affect your speech.
They also may cost more and have a longer treatment time than conventional braces. Conventional metal braces cost $3,000 to $7,350, while lingual braces range from $5,000 to $13,000.
Ceramic or clear braces are very similar to traditional metal braces.
Though many teens and adults prefer their look over silver or gold metal brackets, they are still visible.
As an established website for all things dental, NewMouth’s articles go through different stages of review and research. For this review article, you can trust us because of the following:
At NewMouth, we have a team of medical reviewers who review our articles before publication. They make sure that all information is medically accurate.
We only recommend products that have been tried and tested. This way, you can be sure you’re getting accurate information and advice.
Our writers are experienced in researching medical and dental topics. They ensure the information is up-to-date and based on evidence from reliable sources such as scientific journals, government websites, and clinical studies.
All of our articles also go through a rigorous editorial process. Our writers spend hundreds of hours researching invisible braces and other dental products. This guarantees that the information is accurate and unbiased.
In addition, we update our articles regularly so that we can keep up with different industry changes.
We also consider customer ratings and feedback as part of our review process. Our team reviews hundreds of reviews to determine what people say about different products.
This allows us to provide an unbiased and comprehensive look at different invisible braces brands. Our team looks at ratings from real customers who have actually used the product.
While we partner with different dental product brands, we maintain our commitment to transparency. Our team never let our partnerships influence our content.
You can trust that our reviews are honest and unbiased. We’ll write about a product’s advantages and disadvantages for a comprehensive review.
There are several invisible braces brands out there. Here are our top recommendations if you want to try at-home treatment:
Invisible braces are popular for teens and adults looking for straight teeth and a beautiful smile.
Clear aligners are the most convenient and cost-effective way to correct crooked teeth, gapped teeth, and other mild to moderate forms of malocclusion, while lingual or ceramic braces are the best option for severe cases.
Speak with your dentist or orthodontist to determine which treatment option is best for you.
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