Does Invisalign cost more than braces?

Patients are often concerned about Invisalign (clear aligners) costing more than braces.  While cost is absolutely a concern, at Christenson Family Orthodontics, we don’t want our patients to choose their orthodontic treatment based on cost.  With very few exceptions, we do not increase treatment fees when patients choose Invisalign over traditional braces.

Benefits of Clear Aligners

Trays are Removable

The best and worst thing about orthodontic treatment with clear aligners (like Invisalign) is that you can take out the aligners.  Being able to remove them to brush and floss your teeth is wonderful!  Trust me, I have seen a LOT of food and plaque around kids’ braces.  The challenge with being able to take them out is that you then have to remember to put them back in.  If the Invisalign trays are not in your mouth, they’re not working…

Remote Treatment Options

With aligners, you can continue treatment even when you cannot make it to regular office visits.  College students and adults who travel for work are often excellent Invisalign patients.  They can take several weeks or months worth of trays with them.  We ask the patients to download an app that allows them to track their progress and send regular update photos.  I (Dr. Oakley) can monitor their progress remotely and communicate any changes to the original treatment plan.

Nearly Invisible Orthodontic Treatment

Even as an orthodontist who sees patients in Invisalign (clear aligner) trays daily, I can find it hard to tell if someone has trays in!  The clear plastic is nearly invisible when it’s in your mouth.  Patients love being able to work towards a beautiful smile without having all the hardware that goes along with traditional braces.

Is Invisalign right for you?

I take the time to talk to every patient about the benefits and potential drawbacks of Invisalign treatment.  Invisalign is better at fixing some things than braces.  But there are still some things that braces can do more predictably.  For some patients the best option may be a combination of braces and Invisalign.  You have to understand what your goals are and make the best treatment decision for yourself.

If you’re wondering what you can do about your smile, you don’t have to wonder much longer!  I would love to talk to you about your orthodontic treatment options so you can get started on getting the beautiful, confident smile you have always wanted!  Schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Christenson or Dr. Oakley today – 757.482.7660.