A bright smile is contagious. It can light up a room, improve mood, and serve as a powerful communication tool. Unfortunately, not everyone is born with the perfect smile. In fact, we found a survey on Invictus Media that showedone out of fourAdults interviewed indicated that they avoid smiling completely because of the condition of their mouth and teeth. The good news is that when it comes to our smiles, we don't get attached to what we're given. Orthodontics can intervene.
Orthodontics, or the treatment of dental irregularities, mostly related to alignment, can provide effective and long-lasting solutions for people who are unhappy with their pearly white teeth. Historic. The treatment was very expensive. Jokes have been made about mortgages, borrowing college bills, and opting for dentures rather than facing an orthodontist bill... The options have also expanded. Not so long ago, the only choice orthodontic patients had to make was the color of the elastic bands to hold their metal braces. But today, consumers can choose from clear aligners, metal braces, ceramic braces, and even lingual braces (which point toward the inside of the mouth).
Below is a guide from Invictus Media highlighting some of the many orthodontic options available today. The list includes how the treatment works, average cost, and consumer reviews and ratings.
Invisible aligners:
Invisible aligners are a relatively new and popular mechanism for straightening teeth. The aligners are completely transparent and fit your teeth perfectly. Once inserted, it is difficult to tell that the wearer is wearing an orthodontic appliance. Below is a summary of some of the largest clear aligner manufacturers operating today.
Byte:
Byte is a direct-to-consumer provider of clear aligners that straighten and whiten your teeth in the comfort of your home at a fraction of the price of traditional options.
How they describe themselves:
byte is the #1 physician-led brand in the teledentistry revolution, providing customers with access to at-home clear aligners that deliver professional results in half the time and cost of traditional methods. Headquartered in Los Angeles, byte's nationwide network of orthodontists and licensed dentists prescribes and oversees all treatment plans. For less than $85 a month, byte has found a way to make the unaffordable accessible - offering a simple, convenient and affordable way to improve your smile through its teledentistry platform.
How the treatment works:
With the byte, they ship an impression kit right to your door, a team of dentists creates a personal 3D treatment plan for you, each patient gets a licensed orthodontist to review, approve and supervise the plan, and custom make invisible aligners shipped directly to your home. They also offer teeth whitening products and HyperByte, a unique high-frequency vibration device that cuts your aligner treatment time in half. So, if your treatment time was six months, with byte now it would be an average of three months for mild and moderate cases. Upon completion of treatment, Byte will provide an overnight retainer to protect your investment.
Price:
1.895 $
The print kit costs $95. If the byte team can handle it, you can either make a one-time payment of $1,895 or get a 100% loan commitment to pay $83/month with a $1 deposit. $349. If the assistant orthodontist determines that you are not a candidate, he will refund your money.
Consumer Ratings:
Byte ranks #1 on most major review sites, highlighting customer service as something they care deeply about. For example, byte has 4.9 stars out of 5 from Consumer Affairs with 342 votes and 9.9 stars out of 10 from Best Company with 1116 reviews
Customer rating:
“My experience with Byte has been great. They have personal relationships with their customers. You helped me get the smile I always wanted. They always respond quickly when I email them. I would definitely recommend this to anyone.”- Arlene on consumer issues.
Invisalign:
Invisalign was the original innovator of clear aligners. In fact, they only owned the patents on the technology. recently expired. Invisalign treatment requires a visit to the orthodontist and cannot be performed at home.
How they describe themselves:
Step 1: Meet with your doctor and take a look at your new smile. With the iTero Element scanner, your Invisalign practitioner can quickly and accurately create a 3D digital scan of your teeth and create a personalized treatment plan just for you.
Step 2: Start transforming your smile with the first adjustment. This is a critical step to your success. Your doctor will make sure your aligners fit well, answer your questions, and let you know what to expect.
Step 3: Keep your new beautiful smile. Long-lasting results with our Vivera retainer. You've transformed your smile with the world's most advanced clear aligner system. Now it's easy to keep the smile you love. Vivera retainers are custom made and 30% stronger than other retainers. (Those ones).
How the treatment works:
To use Invisalign, you must consult a physician trained in Invisalign. Invisalign employs a team of Smile Concierges to help you find a doctor in your area. After completing your initial consultation, custom aligners will be made for you. You'll need to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours every day and switch to a new set of progressive aligners every week or two. You will need to schedule a follow-up appointment with your Invisalign doctor every four to six weeks. In general, treatment lasts from 12 to 18 months.
Price:
$ 5.000 - $ 8.000.
Invisalign prices are comparable to braces prices and can vary depending on the doctor treating you in your area. Payment plans are available but not 100% approved.
Consumer Ratings:
4.2 stars for Consumer Affairs with 16 votes and 5.6 out of 10 for Best Company with 87 ratings.
Customer rating:
"I'm not young, but my teeth started to change and I kept biting my lip. A visit to the orthodontist and Invisalign was recommended. My orthotics allowed me to pay monthly without interest, which was very nice. My treatment was completed in less than one year. I now have Invisalign retainers that I use EVERY night. I am very happy with the results!” - Catarinaon consumer issues.
SmileDirect Club:
SmileDirectClub was one of the first innovators in home orthodontic treatment. Today, you can go to a SmileShop for a scan in person or have your prints taken at home and monitor your entire treatment remotely.
How they describe themselves:
Our Story: Co-founders Alex Fenkell and Jordan Katzman met at summer camp at age 13, a time when most smiles are full of yarn. The two remained friends, and years later, as they reflected on Alex's youth, they decided there had to be a better, more affordable way to whiter, straighter teeth. Working with Camelot Venture Group, experts at creating opportunities in highly regulated industries, they sought to democratize orthodontics with SmileDirectClub.
Founded in 2014, SmileDirectClub now represents 95% of the physician-led home clear aligner industry. We've helped over a million people transform their smiles - your before and happy ending photos speak for themselves. We've grown to over 6,300 employees in 391 SmileShop locations and we're still growing.
A full 80% of Americans could benefit from orthodontic treatment, yet only 1% get it each year, with cost being the biggest concern. SmileDirectClub exists to fill this gap. (Those ones).
How the treatment works:
You can kite or scan. The kit option allows you to make your own molds at home. The scan option is a free personal consultation at one of your stationary SmileShops. SmileDirectClub's team of dentists will use your kit or scan to create a 3D model of your teeth and develop a treatment plan. Custom aligners are then created and shipped directly to you. Just wear the aligners as directed and, on average, in 4 to 6 months, you'll have the smile of your dreams.
Price:
1.895 $
The print kit costs $49. After that, you can either make a one-time payment of $1,895 or opt for the $85 per month payment plan with a $250 down payment.
Consumer Ratings:
1.5 stars from Consumer Affairs with 54 reviews and 9.5 out of 10 stars from Best Company with 1070 reviews.
Customer rating:
“SmileDirect is fantastic. I wish I had known this before my kids were scammed out of thousands by their dentists. I also funded through them. It took me about 9 months to straighten my crooked smile. I have retainers through them as well. It quickly became easier, much faster and cheaper than going to a traditional orthodontist (or even getting Invisalign from the dentist)!!– Marika on Consumer Affairs
ClearCorrect:
ClearCorrect was founded by a dentist who wanted a better clear aligner solution for his patients. Aligners are provided by ClearCorrect Dental Partners and are not available directly to consumers.
How they describe themselves:
Hey! We are ClearCorrect Nice to meet you. ClearCorrect was founded in 2006 by a dentist who had over 400 patients who needed to complete their clear aligner treatment, but no one to make the aligners for them. So was Dr. Willis Pumphrey went one step further for his patients: he started his own company to manufacture aligners for them. Gradually, other dentists signed up to try Dr. Try Pumphrey and ClearCorrect started to grow. Today, ClearCorrect has served tens of thousands of dentists around the world, delivering literally millions of aligners to their patients. Through it all, we make it a priority to listen to our suppliers and put their needs first. This has kept us in business for over 12 years and that's why we know we'll always be here. (Those ones).
How the treatment works:
You should see a dentist who is a registered ClearCorrect provider. Custom aligners are created based on your dentist's prescription. Once your aligners arrive, you'll be wearing them 22/7, and you'll need to schedule follow-up appointments with your provider. Each case includes interactive 3D treatment views.
Price:
2.500 a 5.500 $.
ClearCorrect offers a variety of pricing options, but the first step will always be a treatment preview, which tells you how many steps there are in your treatment plan. Once you know that, you can choose from three payment plans: Flex, One, and Unlimited. With the Flex plan, you pay for each treatment step you authorize and for each aligner and retainer you choose. With Plan One, you pay a flat fee that covers up to 24 sets of aligners and includes a revision and retainer. With the Unlimited tariff, you pay a fixed tariff that covers everything you need for up to five years.
Consumer Ratings:
There are no new reviews in Consumer Affairs and 3.1 out of 10 in Best Company with 10 reviews.
Customer rating:
“I've only been in treatment for 2 months so I can't judge the final direction but. I have to sand off the sharp edges of each set before I can use them properly." - Steveno ConsumerAdvocate.
Open:
Candid offers invisible aligners that can be monitored remotely. You can fill out a print kit at home or run a scan at the office. After the initial scan, you scan your own teeth in the comfort of your own home and have them monitored by a dedicated team of orthodontists.
How they describe themselves:
Our task. Everyone deserves to feel like they can express themselves with confidence - but for millions of people, their teeth get in the way. By removing barriers to orthodontic treatment and providing the highest standard of care, we empower people to transform their lives. Straighter teeth are just the beginning.
Our story. There were once five of us talking about our teeth. We all wish they were more straight, but like millions of other people, we didn't want to pay more than $5,000 for the treatment. Also, braces weren't an option. (Especially for Lilla, who's had her twice before.)
We looked at the aligner industry and knew we could make a difference. So we connected with a world-class orthodontist, Dr. C. Lynn Hurst, merged and founded Candid. Our first office was in Andy Warhol's former apartment. So we moved to another apartment. It was all very comfortable. Tens of thousands of patients and 300 staff later, we no longer have bunk bed meetings. But the spirit of what we do hasn't changed since those early days and it never will. (Those ones).
How the treatment works:
After mailing your impressions or performing an in-office scan, Candid's orthodontic team reviews and creates your treatment. You will then receive your clear aligners along with everything you need for treatment. As your treatment progresses, you will have scans of your phone which will be reviewed remotely by Candid orthodontists. This is a simple blend of in-office and remote treatment.
Price:
$ 2.400.
You can either make a one-time payment of $2,400 or deposit $399 and pay $99/month for 24 months if approved by the finance company.
Consumer Ratings:
There are no new reviews in Consumer Affairs and 7.6 out of 10 in Best Company with 102 reviews.
Customer rating:
“I received my aligners yesterday. I couldn't fix my butt, I called my personal consultant, she told me how to adjust. Now it's working. I have read all the negative reviews, this was not my experience with CandidCo. It's true that I have a long time of treatment, that could change because now I'm happy." - Cherie for consumer protection.
SnapCorreto:
SnapCorrect is another direct-to-consumer clear aligner company that prides itself on making truly invisible aligners.
How they describe themselves:
We believe in making the world a happier place, one smile at a time! At SnapCorrect, we want to offer you the clearest and fastest path to your perfect smile. Our friendly staff will guide you through the process of creating beautiful teeth impressions and smile selfies, which will help our dedicated dental experts create precise, custom aligners tailored to your smile.
We'll also save you thousands of dollars by offering truly invisible aligners. We are able to do this by combining the latest in advanced dental technology and teledentistry, eliminating the need for repeated expensive and inconvenient visits to the dentist's office or orthodontics for metal braces or Invisalign®.
In addition to straightening your teeth, we can make them pearly white with a free toothpaste and homemade whitening gel kit, both of which come with your aligners.
Now let the smiles begin! (Those ones).
How the treatment works:
You will be given an impression kit to take your own impressions and instructed to take a series of pictures of your teeth. Once your first impressions and photos are verified, the aligners will be shipped directly to your home and you can continue the treatment on your own.
Price:
1.749 $.
There are no hidden fees. Your payment includes a set of custom-molded aligners for each step of your treatment plan. You can make a one-time payment of $1,749 or pay around $80 a month with an APR of 10-30%.
Consumer Ratings:
No reviews published by Consumer Affairs or Best Company.
Customer rating:
“Snap Correct was very affordable and offered funding through Affirm. Customer service is exceptional. The aligners are very clear. The only downside is that if a dentist takes the first impression of your teeth, you'll probably be a better fit." - Kimno TrustPilot.
Orthodontic device:
Braces are what most people think of when they think of orthodontic treatment. They are visible in the mouth and are often prescribed for teenagers and teenagers, but they can also be used by adults. Below is a list of the different types of handsets currently available on the market.
metal clamps:
This is the most common option. When it comes to metal staples, there are many manufacturers, including companies likeamerican orthodonticsE Aurodontics, Inc.That said, no brand name stands out with significant distinguishing features. Our review here pertains to metal staples as a category rather than individual brands.
How the treatment works:
Metal braces must be fitted by a professional orthodontist. If you choose metal braces, the brackets are glued directly to the front of the teeth. Arches are then installed. These wires are attached to the brackets with rubber bands and provide a track to guide tooth movement. The idea behind metal braces is to apply small but continuous pressure that will align your teeth. Depending on your specific case, your orthodontist may also add spacers, orthodontic bands and headgear to your treatment. This type of treatment requires frequent visits to an orthodontist and treatment can last from one to three years.
Price:
US$ 4.000 a US$ 7.000.
The final bill depends on the specific amount of work required in your mouth and how long the braces will remain in place. In general, you pay for appointments, professional cleanings, check-ups, dental x-rays, the braces and retainers.
Ceramic appliances:
Ceramic braces work similarly to metal braces but are more aesthetically pleasing. If you don't like the look of braces, you can opt for ceramic braces that match the color of your teeth. You can also get ceramic braces in any color, so if you want a fun way to draw attention to your mouth, you can! The downside is that they can be more brittle than metal braces and can take a little longer to heal. Like metal clasps, there are many manufacturers like3M MundpflegeE Rocky Mountain Orthodontics, but its distinguishing features are minimal.
How the treatment works:
Ceramic brackets follow exactly the same treatment process as metal brackets. See section above for details.
Price:
$ 5.000 - $ 8.000.
Ceramic braces are consistently $1,000 to $2,000 more expensive than traditional metal braces.
Lingual Apparatus:
If you absolutely hate visible braces, you can have lingual braces installed. These braces are placed behind the teeth and face the tongue, so they are completely invisible when you smile. They're aesthetically fantastic, but harder to install and harder to adjust, so they might not be an option for everyone.
How the treatment works:
As with metal and ceramic appliances, you should consult an orthodontist to install the lingual appliance. They are more difficult to work with, so it can be difficult to find an orthodontist who is experienced or even willing to put on lingual braces.
Price:
8,000 to 10,000 US dollars.
They are more difficult to handle and are therefore charged accordingly by orthodontists. A lingual appliance is the most expensive non-surgical option.
No matter how much improvement your smile needs, there are options available to you. Find the orthodontic treatment that speaks to you and start working on that smile!
FAQs
How many orthodontic consultations should I get? ›
Orthodontic treatments can often be more demanding than regular dental routines. With a dental appointment, you'll need to visit the office twice a year for a teeth cleaning and exam. With orthodontic treatment, you may need to go to the office every few weeks to continue treatment and to monitor progression.
Is it better to pay in full for braces? ›Payment in full at the beginning of treatment may provide a way to save some money. Many orthodontists will give a discount if the entire treatment fee is paid when the braces are placed. Discounts vary from office to office, but are usually in the 3%-7% range.
Can I negotiate with my orthodontist? ›Some orthodontists will give a discount, usually 5 to 10%, if you pay the total in cash or with a credit card at the beginning of treatment.
How much is the top row of braces? ›The cost of getting top or bottom only braces range from $3,000 to $5,000.
What is the best age to get orthodontic treatment? ›The best age for braces (orthodontic treatment) is right before your child loses his/her last set of baby molars. This varies but is usually between 12-14 years old for most children.
How long is the orthodontist waiting list? ›Even if your youngster qualifies for free orthodontic care, waiting times for treatment can range from six months to two years or more, according to the NHS.
What is the lowest monthly payment for braces? ›Your braces treatment may cost between $1,200 and $13,000 total, and anywhere from as little as $80 per month to $650 per month, depending on where you live, how long the treatment is, and which type of braces you get. There are many different types, some more affordable than others.
What happens if you don't have enough money for braces? ›Talk with your orthodontist about setting up a payment plan to help spread the cost out over a longer period of time. Other options are the use of an FSA (Flexible Spending Account) or an HSA (Health Savings Account) to help afford orthodontic procedures, such as metal braces or Invisalign.
Is orthodontic worth the money? ›Braces are absolutely worth the cost because they are going to give you a fantastic smile and make flossing and general oral care easier and more effective. Crowded teeth and more can often require further treatment in order to make sure that the teeth are aligned or are placed more closely to where they need to be.
Why are some orthodontists cheaper? ›It's simple supply and demand! The more experienced orthodontists (or those who can treat more complex cases) will cost more. For many patients, the extra financial investment is worth the peace of mind and the higher quality end result.
How do I change my orthodontist if I get paid in full? ›
- Inform your orthodontist: Let your orthodontist know as soon as you find out that you have to relocate to a new orthodontist. ...
- Use AAO resources: To make the transition easier, the AAO (American Academy of Orthodontists) offers a transfer form for patients in active treatment!
The average cost of braces is $5,000 to $6,000 for both children and adults. Currently insured? While the average cost for braces is $5,000 to $6,000, some individuals pay as little as $3,000 or as much as $10,000. Orthodontic treatment is highly personalized based on both the orthodontist and the patient.
Which braces are more expensive? ›Lingual braces have the same function as traditional braces, but they're attached to the backside of your teeth instead of the front. Lingual braces are nearly invisible, but they also tend to be the most expensive type.
Why did my orthodontist only put my top braces on? ›It's not unusual for adults and children to request braces on top teeth only. It makes sense: if you're happy with the way your bottom teeth look, or couldn't be bothered to straighten them since they're not as visible, it's easier to just focus on the top teeth, right?
What age is too late for braces? ›The answer, it's never too late to get braces! Getting braces is usually associated with children and teenagers, but we are here to inform you that there is no age limit on getting braces. Having the perfect smile can be lifetime goal of yours no matter what your age.
At what age are braces not free? ›NHS funding is available for orthodontic treatment, but it's in limited supply and usually reserved for under 18s. If you are aged 17 or under, you can ask your dentist for an NHS referral to an orthodontist (a dentist who specialises in straightening teeth).
Is it too old to get braces at 30? ›So long as you have healthy teeth and gums, you can enjoy straighter teeth even if you're already in your 30s or 40s! In fact, there's no age limit to having your teeth straightened.
How many times do you go to the orthodontist before getting braces? ›Patients often ask Dr. Caudill and Dr. McNeight about the number of visits necessary before they can start their braces or Invisalign treatment. In many cases, the answer is one or two, but sometimes, we can start on the same day as the first consultation.
How long after your first orthodontist appointment Do you get braces? ›Typically after the initial exam, it takes about 2-3 weeks to get your braces.
Can you get braces the same day as your first appointment? ›With any type of braces you choose (traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, or Iconix® white gold braces), you can get braces the same day as your consultation.
How do you get braces if you don't have money? ›
Medicaid and CHIP Grants for Free Braces
If you qualify for Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program, then your state government may pay for you or your children to get braces. Qualifications vary from state to state, so you will need to get information about the requirements where you live.
However, most medical insurance plans won't cover costs for regular or cosmetic dental procedures, including braces. Braces and other cosmetic procedures will typically need to be covered under a separate dental health insurance plan.
Can you pay for braces per month? ›The payment plan is structured with an initial fee payment (due on the day the braces get placed on your teeth) and then the balance is paid off in monthly installments. The number of monthly installments will vary depending on the approximate length of your treatment.
What is the cheapest way to fix teeth? ›Dental Implants
A dental implant is the cheapest way to fix teeth after an injury, cavities, or rotten teeth. In addition, this method of tooth replacement is long-lasting. This is because your replaced tooth is on a strong foundation.
Traditional metal braces are slightly more affordable than Invisalign. While the cost of Invisalign is covered by more and more insurance companies, you're still more likely to have a little more coverage for metal braces. If cost is a concern, metal braces come out the winner here.
What is the cheapest way to get straighten teeth? ›The cheapest and most convenient way to align your teeth is through at-home teeth aligners (teledentistry). Minimal in-office attention translates to a lower cost [2]. Clear teeth aligners generally range from $1,200 to $2,000. It's even possible for dental insurance to cover a portion of the price.
Is insurance for braces worth it? ›Orthodontic insurance can help to save you money and often cut your out-of-pocket expenses in half. Orthodontic insurance is highly variable. Your savings will depend on your plan, where you live, and the coverage options. Not all dental insurance covers orthodontic treatment.
Why are braces so much money? ›The intricate details of the brackets and the expertise of the orthodontist allow the teeth to move at the proper pace. Higher quality orthodontic materials also increase the price, and the quality of appliances used does significantly impact the results of your treatment.
What is the fastest way to straighten teeth? ›- Metal braces. Metal braces are one of the popular teeth straightening options and attach separately on each of your teeth. ...
- Lumineers and Veneers. ...
- Invisible aligners. ...
- Snap-On Smile.
Selecting an orthodontist isn't a decision to rush: instead, take the time to consult with several orthodontists and compare your options. Each orthodontist you visit will examine your teeth, give you their assessment of your diagnosis and treatment recommendations, and provide a general quote for the cost of care.
Why do I have 2 appointments for braces? ›
Your second appointment will be booked in when you have decided how you want to proceed. At the second appointment, we will fit your new braces and provide guidance on how to take care of them for the duration of your treatment.
How many times do I need to see orthodontist for Invisalign? ›In most cases, patients undergoing Invisalign treatment will usually have to visit their orthodontist every four to six weeks. These follow up visits are a way for your orthodontist to check that your treatment is progressing as planned.
Do orthodontists change bracket every appointment? ›Your orthodontist needs to regularly adjust your braces in order for them to continue to place the correct pressure on your teeth. Your elastics need changing at each appointment, and your wires may need to be replaced, adjusted or tightened.
How do I know if my orthodontist is good? ›- They Should Be Comfortable with Close Interaction.
- They Should Be Trustworthy.
- A Detail-Oriented Person.
- The Person Should Be a Little Artistic.
- Leadership Qualities Matter.
- Great Rapport with Children.
- Good Reviews.
- Passion for Their Job.
Orthodontists also utilize different types of materials with their treatment plans. If your doctor uses higher-quality materials, that added cost will be passed along to you. Depending on your specific alignment, you'll probably have a few options for braces that will impact your cost.
How long after your first orthodontist appointment do you get braces? ›Typically after the initial exam, it takes about 2-3 weeks to get your braces.
Do they put top and bottom braces on at the same time? ›Answer: Braces can go on the top and bottom at the same time
This does take some time to get used to, but you will be able to eat properly with time.
If there is a cardinal rule for Invisalign, it's this: your trays must be worn 20 – 22 hours a day for them to be effective. The trays slowly and gradually shift your teeth into place, so if you aren't wearing them, they obviously cannot do their job!
How long until teeth are straight with Invisalign? ›Most adults finish Invisalign treatment and have straight smiles in as little as 12-18 months. In some cases, noticeable results begin appearing just a few weeks after starting the Invisalign process. You wear the aligners for 20-22 hours a day and get a new set of aligners every week or two.
How long does the average person have to wear Invisalign? ›Many orthodontists will advise that Invisalign treatment can take between 6 – 12 months or more, depending on your case. There's no one-size-fits-all for determining how long your treatment will last. That's because every patient will have their own individual tooth alignment issues.
Do my braces still work without tightening for 3 months? ›
Yes- you can go a few months without an orthodontic adjustment, and it will not cause any damage to your teeth. It may, however, add 2 to 3 months to your treatment time. Orthodontic wires can continue to straighten teeth for several months after being placed.
When braces are left on too long? ›If brackets remain in place for years, plaque could build-up in places that are hard to reach, eventually leading to tooth decay and gum disease. Some Brackets May Later Dislodge– Under normal circumstances, when a bracket dislodges, your orthodontist will reattach it.
At what rate do teeth move with braces? ›In general, you can expect to see some noticeable movement from around two months into the treatment. Some people notice it much sooner, and it could be as little as four weeks after you start wearing your aligners.