Invisible Braces: Pros, Cons, & Costs

What Are Invisible Braces?

“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 people prefer them because they don’t change your appearance the way traditional metal braces can.

Benefits of Invisible Aligners

Many people choose invisible aligners over traditional braces because of the following reasons:

Aesthetics

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 that invisible aligners are nearly invisible, so they feel less self-conscious.

Removability

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.

Predictability and Visualization

When you choose invisible aligners, your orthodontist can show you a preview of your post-treatment smile. They use 3D imaging technology so you know what to expect.

What Can Clear Aligners Fix?

Clear aligners are an increasingly popular orthodontic treatment option for adults seeking to improve their smiles. However, not everyone is a candidate for clear aligner treatment.

Clear aligners are effective in treating mild to moderate cases of misaligned teeth, including:

• Crowded teeth — not enough space in the jaw for the teeth to align properly
• Diastema — small gaps between teeth (gapped teeth)
• Overbite — the upper teeth protrude over the lower teeth and jaw
• Underbite — the lower jaw is pushed forward and overlaps the top front teeth and jaw
• Crossbite — some bottom teeth are located outside the upper teeth when the jaw is closed
• Open bite — the upper and lower teeth slant outwards and do not touch when the mouth is closed
• Overjet — the upper front teeth are ahead of the lower teeth

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.

In-Office vs. At-Home Invisible Aligners

Aligner treatment can be in-office or at home. Here are their differences:

In-Office Treatment

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 dentists and orthodontists that offer clear aligner treatment in the United States use Invisalign 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 Treatment

At-home aligner treatment is when you order clear aligners to be shipped directly to your home.

Popular at-home and hybrid brands include Candid (not entirely remote) and ClearCorrect.

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).

Hybrid Treatment

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.

Which Invisible Braces Brand Is Right for Me?

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:

Treatment Complexity

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.

Cost

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

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.

Post-Treatment Retention

After you finish treatment with invisible braces, you need to wear retainers. This will help maintain your new smile. Check the company’s post-treatment retainer policy.

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.

Does Insurance Cover Invisible Braces?

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.

Other Types of Invisible Braces

Lingual 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 less comfortable because they can irritate the tongue and temporarily affect 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

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.

Why Trust Us

As an established website for all things dental, NewMouth’s articles go through different stages of review and research. Here’s why this review article is reliable:

Expertise and Credibility

NewMouth has a team of medical reviewers who check every article before publication. They make sure that all information is medically accurate.

Only products that have been tried and tested are recommended. This way, you can be sure you’re getting accurate information and advice.

Research and Evidence-Based Approach

The writing team is 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.

Every article also goes through a rigorous editorial process. The writers spend hundreds of hours researching invisible braces and other dental products. This guarantees that the information is accurate and unbiased.

In addition, articles are updated regularly to keep up with different industry changes.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Customer ratings and feedback are also considered as part of the review process. The team reviews hundreds of ratings to determine what people say about different products.

This ensures an unbiased and comprehensive look at different invisible braces brands, drawing on ratings from real customers who have actually used the product.

Transparency

While NewMouth partners with different dental product brands, transparency remains a core commitment. Partnerships never influence the content.

Every review is honest and unbiased, covering a product’s advantages and disadvantages for a comprehensive assessment.

Our Recommendations

Motto, NewSmile, and Candid are the top-rated invisible braces brands for at-home treatment:

• Motto – Good for complex misalignments with doctor oversight, but may not be as convenient as at-home options.
• NewSmile – An affordable option with comfortable aligners, but it’s a newer company with less oversight.
• Candid – Provides the best remote monitoring with orthodontist oversight, but it’s the most expensive option.

Summary

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.