Before understanding how to navigate the world of clear braces, it’s important to understand who transparent aligners are made for.
The majority of clear braces are designed to treat underbites, overbites, crossbites, open bites, crowded teeth, and minor gaps. Put simply, clear aligners are meant for milder dental cases.
If you have a more complex case, then your licensed orthodontist may recommend using traditional braces. Other cases where clear braces might not be the right choice for you include intrusion, extrusion, tooth rotation, midline movement, and misshapen teeth.
Now that you know who invisible teeth aligners are intended for, let’s proceed to the brief, yet informative, buyer’s guide.
Price
Invisible braces are expensive. If you look closely at the price of each option on our list, you’ll see that the average that companies charge is around $1,800.
However, it’s important to understand that some companies include the price of the impression kit in the total, while others charge an additional fee. This same principle is also applicable to post-care retainers. With this in mind, take a close look at your chosen invisible braces’ pricing and what you get for your money.
Another thing to realize is that more expensive options do not automatically mean higher quality, or cheaper ones, lower. In order to help you make the best purchase ever, we also looked at the money-back guarantees and compared additional benefits to the total cost of the invisible braces.
Duration of Treatment
Treatment with clear braces can last you 10–24 months (more or less). Remember, the time your treatment takes entirely depends on your unique case. Certain companies recommend their patients wear their over-the-counter teeth-straightening products for 22 hours daily.
If for some reason you fail to do this, you might not achieve the results as quickly as you would like, possibly adding more time to the treatment. Ultimately, it’s the combination of these specific factors that will determine the effectiveness and duration of your treatment.
Fitting Options
Certain companies offer a braces fitting from the comfort of your home using a teeth-straightening kit, while others require you to go to a dental clinic. The first option is very convenient for people who live far away from a dentist or who prefer to get fitted in their own space.
The at-home fitting process is simple. You’ll use an impression kit to make a mold of your mouth. Next, you will need to take photographs of your gums and teeth and mail everything to the chosen company. After an orthodontist or dentist reviews your photos and molds, the expert will make a digital scan. Finally, the invisible braces are created and sent to your doorstep.
Teeth Straightening at Home for Kids and Teens
Invisible braces are meant for adults and teenagers alike, and certain orthodontists also use clear braces with kids. On the flip side, certain companies have a minimum age requirement when considering the treatment. We believe there are many advantages of clear braces for teenagers:
- Since they’re discreet and clear, teens won’t fall prey to teasing.
- There are no dietary restrictions (and growing teenagers love food!).
- Clear braces are more comfortable than standard braces.
- Keeping up with oral hygiene is easier since the clear braces are removable during everyday brushing and flossing.
