Invisalign was the original brand of clear, removable braces, also called aligners. Years later, other options have hit the market. How can a wise consumer decide which treatment will best meet their expectations? That’s a great question!
According to Dr. Jason Cellars of Seacliff Dental, Huntington Beach orthodontists aren’t the only option for helping you achieve straight teeth and a comfortable bite. In this blog, he will educate you on some alternatives to traditional braces. Without bias toward one treatment over others, these facts can help guide your research. If you’d like to consult with Dr. Cellars, call (714) 848-4247.
Similarities Across Clear Braces Brands:
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Effectively move teeth
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Clear, inconspicuous aligners
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No metal
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Comfortable aligner material
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Remove aligners when desired
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Shorter treatment time than metal braces (usually)
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Compliance is key to success
Differences Between Clear Braces Brands
You may still want to meet with a Huntington Beach orthodontist or Invisalign provider in person before making a final decision. By consulting with Dr. Cellars, you’ll find the right solution to your orthodontic concerns.
Invisalign
Length of treatment: 6-24 months
Dentist involvement: Dentist administers and oversees entire treatment
Types of cases: Mild cosmetic misalignments to complex malocclusion cases
Case approval: Dentist determines whether patient qualifies at first visit
Cost: $3100-6300
Perks: Dentist oversees treatment; Payment plans usually available through CareCredit; May be covered in part by dental insurance (not applicable to cosmetic-only cases)
Self-assessment: Visit this website to find out if you’re a candidate for Invisalign.
Smile Direct Club
Length of treatment: 4-6 months
Dentist involvement: Dentist approves case, then does check-ins by reviewing the patient’s submitted photographs
Types of cases: Mild to moderate dental misalignments
Case approval: Dentist reviews and accepts/rejects case after bite impressions are submitted
Cost: $2050
Perks: Convenience of no office visits; SmilePay installment plan
Self-assessment: Visit this website to learn whether you’re a candidate for Smile Direct Club.
Candid
Length of treatment: 6-9 mos.
Dentist involvement: First visit with dentist, in office; Check-ins by photo submission every 14 days; Dentist can be seen for concerns
Types of cases: Mild to moderate crowding and spacing issues only; No bite/occlusion correction
Case approval: Dentist reviews and accepts/rejects case after bite impressions are submitted
Cost: $3600+
Perks: Hybrid in-office and home administration; Dentist may offer payment plans
Self-assessment: Visit this site to learn if you’re a candidate for Candid.
Byte
Length of treatment: 3-6 months
Dentist involvement: Available if problems arise; treatment is totally self-administered and not overseen by a dentist
Types of cases: Mild to moderate dental misalignments; Not for large gaps or severe overcrowding
Case approval: Dentist reviews and accepts/rejects case after bite impressions are submitted
Cost: $2756-3320
Perks: Convenience of no office visits; Payment plans; Byte-for-Life guarantee
Self-assessment: Visit this website to find out if you’re a good candidate for Byte.
Traditional Braces
Length of treatment: Wide variations, from short-term to multi-phased, depending on the case
Dentist involvement: Your Huntington Beach orthodontist or a general dentist who offers orthodontics will administer and oversee the entire treatment, as well as post-treatment retention
Types of cases: All
Cost: Varies widely; Usually starts at $3000
Perks: Confidence that your case is being handled by an expert; May qualify for insurance and/or financing
Self-assessment: By in-person appointment
How to Choose the Right Fit for You
The most important consideration is whether your orthodontic case qualifies. If your misalignment or malocclusion is deemed moderate to complex, Invisalign may be your only alternative to traditional braces. Malocclusion is a serious issue that can lead to bruxism, teeth damage, and TMJ disorder, so don’t settle for a potentially insufficient aligner program. You’ll jeopardize your oral health and waste money, as well as time.
Home-administered impressions always come with a risk of needing to be redone. If the approving dentist needs you to make additional impressions, your estimated treatment completion date will likely be pushed out a bit.
Huntington Beach Orthodontist or Clear, Removable Braces?
Call Dr. Cellars in Huntington Beach at (714) 848-4247 to schedule your consultation. He will evaluate your mouth, then answer all of your questions about clear aligners. Together, the two of you can decide which option will best meet your expectations.
