Invisible Braces: Unsung Heroes of This Generation?
If you have ever tried to get your teeth fixed using braces, you must have done your research on the various types of braces available out there. Invisible braces, in particular, have been taking the world by storm these days.
There are a set of reasons why invisible braces are more popular than the traditional ones. In the old days, people only had a choice of one type of brace, metal braces.
Needless to say, metal braces aren’t very convenient to use. They are inconvenient, unpleasant, and make you seem ridiculous in pictures. Furthermore, metal braces have the potential to harm the tissues within your mouth.
Today, we’ll be covering all there’s to know about invisible braces and explain how they work, their benefits, and how affordable they actually are for you.
We'll also be looking into some of the top companies that deliver these services straight to your front door.
So, buckle your seatbelts and brace yourselves!
How Do Invisible Braces Work?
Invisible braces work the same way your traditional braces work. It uses a constant force to push your teeth into the right place.
You would need a specialist to figure out the correct biting pattern for you. After the pattern is set, you will be fitted with a set of aligners that will push your teeth into place.
The aligners are made from acrylic material that have a tight grip over your teeth. You can adjust different sets of teeth using a set of aligners. During the treatment process, your aligners will change based on the progress of your treatment.
You are also given a set of retainers to use for a specific period to keep your teeth in place with the new alignment.
What's the Big Deal About Invisible Braces?
There are a handful of reasons why invisible braces are the talk of the current market. These are:
- They Are Not Visible
You no longer have to be concerned about your braces affecting your smile in photographs. It can also help you keep your dental treatment a secret if you're too embarrassed!
- Allows You To Satisfy Your Cravings
You have the option to remove your invisible braces whenever you want. This gives you the freedom to have no limitations on the foods you eat.
- They Are Simple And Pleasant To Use
Since the surface of invisible braces is extremely smooth, they are quite pleasant in your mouth.
The braces also do not require metal wires to hold them in place because they are custom-made for your teeth.
- They Aid In The Treatment Of A Variety Of Oral Problems
Invisible braces have a reputation for preventing overbites. Overbites can cause problems for you when it comes to consuming your food.
The braces do this by effectively pushing your teeth into place and preventing problems like overbites and crossbites.
- You Can See Results Faster
Invisible braces are known for providing faster results than metal braces. For some, the improvements can be seen almost every week!
- Less Frequent Visits To The Dentist
Although you might still have to visit your dentist frequently for check-ups, it will be less painful. This is because invisible braces are less likely to cause complications like re-adjustments.
What Are the Affordable Options for You?
Invisible braces can be a lifesaver for people who are scared of visiting the dentist. However, they do come at a cost.
The average cost of invisible braces can be in the range of $3000 to $8000. To make matters worse, most insurances don’t cover this type of treatment.
But no worries. We have gathered a list of the most affordable invisible braces for you. These invisible braces will keep you smiling without breaking the bank.
Smile Direct Club
The concept of Smile Direct Club is simple and all of the services are available online.
If you want a pair of aligners from Smile Direct Club, you would need to drive up to a location that will take a 3D scan of your mouth. The 3D scan helps in creating the aligners that will fit your mouth.
The entire treatment can be done from home without any visits to the dentist.
Smile Direct Club currently has two payment options to choose from.
You have the option to make a single payment of $1950 for the service or pay in monthly installments.
The installment option will cost you $89/month over 24 months with an initial deposit of $250.
Pros:
- Quick treatments as it only targets minor tooth crowding.
- Convenient as the whole kit comes in with everything you need.
- Saves your time by not having to make appointments with a dentist.
Cons:
- Getting support can be a hassle with long queues as the entire process is remote.
- 3D scans can give rise to inaccuracies.
- Doesn’t take your existing dental issues into account as they don’t have access to them.
Or read our complete review of Smile Direct Club
Byte
Byte is a company that bases its operations on teledentistry. It offers aligners that can be used at home with products that can fix your teeth faster than other invisible braces out there.
Most invisible brace providers have a treatment time of over 6 months, on average. Byte, on the other hand, provides the same service in about 3 months.
The concept of Byte is unique, to say the least. It uses a device called HyperByte to vibrate and send micro pulses into your teeth. You would only need to do this 5 times a day.
It decreases the overall discomfort of using braces in general and helps in increasing the movement of the teeth by at least 64%.
Byte also offers two different types of aligners, an All-day Aligner System and an At-night Aligner System. You can choose which aligner works best for you.
The All-day Aligner System can be purchased by making a one-time payment of $1895 or on a monthly installment of $82 over 32 months with a $250 down payment.
The At-Night Aligner System, on the other hand, will set you back $2295 on a one-time payment and $99 per month over 32 months with a $299 down payment.
Pros:
- Fast treatment compared to industry standards.
- Includes a lifetime guarantee on your treatment.
- Payment structure does not affect your credit score.
Cons:
- Lack of physical location to get your teeth scanned.
- Doesn’t have an extensive track record.
Or read our complete review of Byte
Metal braces can take twice as long to work
Candid
Candid is a provider of invisible braces that are approved by the FDA. The company no longer offers at-home impression kits anymore but don’t let this dishearten you.
Candid offers top-notch services for potential customers. To start the treatment, you’d need to visit a CandidPro Provider who’ll provide you with an initial consultation.
Based on the consultant’s review, your treatment plan will be devised, and a set of aligners will be provided. The retainers, on the other hand, are going to cost you $99 and the entire treatment can range between $2800-$3400.
There is no designated price for the whole service as the treatment varies from person to person.
Pros:
- Customer service is available all week.
- Can use the CandidApp for monitoring your teeth remotely.
- Licensed dental professionals conduct the scans.
Cons:
- Does not offer you the flexibility to choose an in-house impression kit.
- Can cause a lisp to develop for some.
- May need to pay extra for new retainers.
Or read our complete review of Candid
NewSmile
NewSmile is relatively new to the market but don’t let this make you underestimate the company. It offers a remote treatment with clear aligners that are almost invisible.
The treatment can be done at home with zero visits to any clinic. You have two options to choose from, the Fast Track plan or the Preview First plan.
The typical period of treatment from NewSmile can be anywhere between 4-6 months.
The fast-track plan is best suited for people who are happy with what NewSmile offers from the get-go. This plan will set you back $1395.
You also have the option to choose from a monthly installment plan that will cost you $83/month over 18 months.
NewSmile offers the Preview First plan for people who are a bit more cautious and want to take it slow.
This would cost you $49 and comes with a treatment preview photo. If everything is good to go, you can complete the whole payment of the fast-track plan, and get your treatment delivered to your doorstep.
Pros:
- Each package comes with a set of free retainers and a whitening kit.
- Dedicated application to monitor your treatment in a remote setting.
- Free refund if you don’t like the Preview First Plan.
Cons:
- Not established as they are relatively new to the market.
- Not all dental problems are addressed by using clear aligners.
- Lack of monitored dental care.
Or read our complete review of NewSmile
Alignerco
Alignerco is a company that claims to have the clearest aligners in the industry. It also has a reputation for being the best budget-friendly option for getting your teeth straightened.
Don't be concerned about the quality of the products due to their low price. Alignerco does not cut corners on quality in the interest of saving money. You can be confident with their affordable treatment plans.
Alignerco provides you with an impression kit that allows you to send molds of the shape of your teeth. The specialist at Alignerco then determines if you are a suitable candidate for the treatment.
If you are, your aligners are made and then delivered to you, ready to use. The treatment period can be anywhere between 4-6 months.
3 packages are being offered on the AlignerCO website. These are namely SmileAdvantage. SmileFlex, and SmileFlex Easy.
The SmileAdvantage package has a one-time payment of $895.
The SmileFlex and the SmileFlex Easy packages are both installment options for the SmileAdvantage package. They are priced at $81/month over 12 months and $95/month over 11 months with a $275 down payment, respectively.
Pros:
- Most affordable in the market.
- Fast treatment.
- Around-the-clock customer service.
Cons:
- Refunds not offered during treatment.
- Cannot be used for severe teeth misalignments.
- Does not provide remote monitoring services.
Or read our complete review of Alignerco
Strayt
Strayt is a company that offers both online and offline teeth straightening services to its customers.
You have the option of having your teeth scanned for free. This can be done by an experienced specialist who may come to a place of your choice. Alternatively, you can also have the impression kit supplied to you and do the task yourself.
If the scans indicate that you are a suitable candidate, a preview of your teeth will be sent to you. It will highlight how each tooth will be pushed to make a perfect smile for you.
The entire treatment usually takes 6-12 months and the payments can be divided into 3 categories.
You can pay at one go for a total price of $1848 with the StraytPay Package or choose any of the monthly plans.
The 24-month plan will cost you $87/month after a $248 down payment whereas the 12-month plan will cost you $117/month after a $199 down payment.
Pros:
- A choice between at-home or office scans.
- Application to monitor progress.
- Provides extra retainers at no extra cost.
Cons:
- Treatment is slightly slower than industry standards.
- Not an established company as they are new to the market.
- Cannot be used for severe cases of misalignments.
Final Thoughts on Invisible Braces
One of the most significant benefits of invisible braces is how they look on you in comparison to standard metal braces. Moreover, invisible braces are more convenient and work much faster to give you a flawless smile.
However, all of the convenience does come at a cost too. This is why we've created a guide to assist you in selecting the invisible braces that are right for you and your wallet.
Have your pick and smile confidently again. A smile a day helps keep the blues away.
FAQ
Do I need to see a dentist before getting Clear Aligners?
Seeking guidance from professionals is always a good idea, especially when it comes to matters of healthcare. Oral health is no different. You can actually get some brands of Clear Aligners delivered directly to your home without having to go through a dentist at all, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Do I need special products to clean my Clear Aligner?
Clean your Clear Aligners with lukewarm or cool water and a toothbrush. Gently scrub the surfaces daily to avoid germ buildup or you might develop diseases. You should avoid using soap or toothpaste on the Clear Aligner as it might be abrasive and damage the plastic. You are not required to buy special products.
Do Clear Aligners hurt?
Clear Aligners are designed to be worn daily for 22 hours. If you go longer than that, your teeth might begin reverting back to their original state. If you haven’t worn your Clear Aligners for a day or longer, they might be uncomfortable the next time you put them on. However, the pain will not be as bad as with metal braces.
How long do I need to continue Clear Aligners?
Clear Aligners usually don’t take longer than 18 months to do their job, but the range can be from 12 to 24 months. Metal braces will take as many as 1 to 3 years to work which is twice as long. If you do not want to wait that long, you should try Clear Aligners. They can also be removed for up to 2 hours a day.
