Is Invisalign cheaper than braces? Although at one time, Invisalign was much more expensive than traditional braces, technological advances have lessened that gap. While Invisalign remains slightly higher in cost, weighing the advantages might make that minor difference a worthwhile investment for many patients. Let us explain.

Differences in Treatment — Invisalign vs. Braces

Traditional metal braces are the tried-and-true method for straightening teeth that have been around for centuries. In fact, mummies with braces dating as early as 400-300 BC have been discovered! When Invisalign began treating patients in 1999, they were prescribed only in cases requiring minimal correction. Since then, technological advancements have made Invisalign a viable replacement for braces even in more complex cases.

While traditional braces aren’t as aesthetically pleasing as Invisalign, they are an effective treatment for correcting malocclusions. Whether you have a minor alignment problem or a complex case of overcrowding, traditional braces have been a stalwart performer. Adjusting to having the brackets and wires in your mouth can be frustrating at first, but most patients adjust quickly.

Invisalign has become a favorite treatment method because it is nearly invisible. In many instances, most people won’t even realize that you are wearing braces at all. With the development of SmartTrack material, Invisalign has become both more affordable and more effective in treating a wider variety of malocclusions. Using other appliances to nudge teeth into new positions quicker, Invisalign can be almost as aggressive as traditional braces. This shortens treatment time, which of course, lowers the overall cost.

Is Invisalign Cheaper than Braces?

So, is Invisalign cheaper than braces? Not yet, but the cost differential is not as great as it was. Prices can vary widely from patient to patient.

Because each mouth is different, each treatment plan is different. An average “ballpark” figure for traditional braces is $3,000 to $7,000. While that is a very broad range, it can cost more, or in very minor cases be a little less expensive.

For Invisalign, the pricing can range from $3,500 for minor cases up to and beyond $8,000 for more complex malocclusions. Believe it or not, even your physical location has an impact on the cost. In urban areas, the cost may be much higher than treatment from an orthodontist in a rural area.

Although both treatments can be a budgetary hit to your family, there are ways to lower the impact. Aesthetic Dental Group works with patients to make sure that treatment plans fit into your budget without sacrificing your bread and egg money. Using dental insurance plans, Health Saving Accounts (HSA), Care Credit, and monthly payment plans, braces, or Invisalign can be affordable.

Make an Appointment with Aesthetic Dental Group

Are you ready to start your journey to having a new smile? Whether you select Invisalign or braces, Aesthetic Dental Group can get you on your way. We are both a dental and orthodontic practice, serving whole families from very young to grandma and grandpa.

Whatever your needs from routine cleaning, braces, or dentures and dental implants, we have services for your entire family. Check out our dental blog for great articles on orthodontics, dentures, dental procedures, and oral health and hygiene. We also maintain a presence on Facebook and Instagram. Please visit our pages and follow us to stay up-to-date.

Get started today by filling out and submitting our online contact form. You can also call our office to schedule an appointment at (732) 356-5050. We look forward to meeting your whole family!