There’s a lot of talk in the orthodontic world about clear braces for teeth and the advances that have been made to provide patients with a great smile in a less noticeable way. The most popular brands of clear braces, otherwise known as ‘clear aligners,’ are Clear Correct and Invisalign, which feature plastic trays that fit over your teeth. The removable trays gently straighten your teeth over time and are switched out every few weeks to accommodate movement
The Best Candidates for Clear Aligners
Clear braces are best for patients with mild issues, not major adjustments like straightening very crooked teeth or a jaw that’s out of alignment. They are appropriate for both teenagers and adults, but we’ve found that adults can be more disciplined about wearing the trays, and they’re less likely to lose or break them. That being said, if you do have what your orthodontist considers a mild issue, you could be an excellent candidate for clear aligners.
Paying for Clear Braces for Your Teeth
ClearCorrect and Invisalign aligners are usually more expensive than traditional options. Until you meet with a provider and discuss your unique needs and wants, there’s no real way to know exact figures. If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can set pretax dollars aside to help with the cost. Speak with your orthodontist about payment plans and look into your dental coverage through your insurance to see if it would cover clear aligners and how much money you can expect them to provide.
The average adult spends less than $5,000 on restorative and cosmetic orthodontic treatment, according to the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics.
Daily Life with Clear Aligners
The benefits of products like ClearCorrect and Invisalign are many. Braces on your teeth have brackets and wires, but aligners are clear and most people won’t even know you’re wearing them! You can eat the same foods you always do and brush and floss like you normally would since the aligners are removable. You’ll also have fewer orthodontist appointments with this plan which means getting straight teeth and a healthy smile can be easy to fit into your busy schedule.
