Did you know that more than 4 million American citizens wear dental braces and nearly a quarter of them are adults? Braces are required for people who have a misaligned jaw or people who need to align their teeth properly.
But there are many types of braces out there such as clear, metal, or Invisalign braces, and many people are wondering which one is cheaper. This article looks at the cost factors when it comes to clear braces vs. Invisalign, so keep reading to find out what budget to prepare for this health investment!
The Type of Braces You Choose Influences the Total Cost
As mentioned earlier, there are many types of braces out there. You can go for regular metal braces, as these are the most affordable. You might expect to pay a couple of thousand dollars for these braces, depending on your doctor and needs.
You can also go for ceramic braces, which are basically clear braces. These don’t have metallic components and their color blends with the color of the teeth for a seamless look.
These products are slightly more expensive. Lingual braces are placed behind teeth, so you cannot see them from outside. Since they’re more difficult to produce, they cost more.
Finally, you can also go for Invisalign braces. These are made from plastic and they replicate the looks of your teeth.
Most people cannot tell if you’re wearing them and they’re still very effective at straightening your teeth. Invisalign braces are usually the most expensive and some people might pay up to $8,000 for them.
Your Age Influences the Cost as Well
Adults should expect to pay more for any type of dental braces. That’s because grown men and women usually have larger oral cavities and larger teeth, so more material needs to be used to make the brakes.
On the other hand, if you want to buy clear braces or Invisalign for children, you should expect to pay a couple of hundred dollars less.
The Number of Follow-Up Visits Can Affect the Total Cost
If you go for regular dental braces, these are usually worn for a period of 12 or 24 months. In some rare cases, your doctor might recommend wearing them for 36 months to completely straighten your teeth.
You also have to do follow-up visits so that your doctor adds new wires and tightens your braces. These visits might take place once a month.
If you go for Invisalign braces, these can be worn for a period of 6 up to 18 months, depending on your needs. You also have to do follow-up visits, usually once every four or six weeks.
Whether you go for Invisalign or regular braces, these visits can add up to the total cost you pay for your dental treatment. If you go for Invisalign, you might pay more upfront, but you will have fewer follow-up visits in comparison with regular braces that are cheaper, but require more doctor appointments.
Your Insurance Company Might Cover Some of the Costs
Whether you go for clear ceramic braces vs Invisalign ones, you might be happy to find out that a portion of the cost can be covered by your health insurance. In some cases, the insurance company might cover as much as a few thousand dollars, allowing you to save almost 50% of the total cost.
Make sure that you discuss this with your insurance agent and find out if the company covers the cost of dental braces so you know exactly how much you should pay out of pocket.
You Don’t Have to Pay the Entire Price Upfront
Some people are worried that braces can only be acquired by paying the entire cost at once. This is not the case.
Your doctor might offer you a quote for the braces that you need, whether you go for clear or Invisalign ones. Then, some of the costs will be covered by the insurance company and the remaining cost will be divided into a period of 12 or 24 months.
So if you have to pay just $2,400 out of pocket for a period of 24 months, you’re looking at $100 payments each month. This is great because it allows many people to afford clear or Invisalign braces for themselves or their children.
Your Location Can Also Influence the Total Cost
As you probably know already, there are big price differences when it comes to products and services sold in rural areas in comparison with those sold in large cities. Dental braces are no exception in this case and if you live in a large city, you should expect to pay more for these products.
However, the payment difference is not abnormally huge and it still permits patients to afford clear or Invisalign braces.
Making the Correct Choice: Clear Braces vs. Invisalign Braces
As mentioned earlier, your doctor can tell you what type of braces is more suitable for your teeth. However, you can also have a say in this and choose the braces that make you feel the most comfortable.
If you want your braces to be as inconspicuous as possible, you might want to go for Invisalign. These can be removed easily when you eat and they blend perfectly with your teeth. However, there’s also the risk of losing the braces or damaging them if you’re not careful, so make sure that you take this aspect into account too.
On the other hand, clear braces are hugely popular these days. However, they can get stained easily, so make sure you don’t drink any fizzy beverages, because they can significantly deteriorate the braces and your teeth.
Now You Know More About Clear and Invisalign Braces
Hopefully, now you know more about clear braces vs. Invisalign costs and you can make a more informed decision. Although dental braces can produce slight discomfort in the beginning, you will quickly get used to them and you might even forget you’re wearing them.
Are you interested in getting braces? Then make an appointment with us today!