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If you’re on the quest for a straighter smile, metal and wire braces are no longer your only option. Widely available at dentist’s offices, teeth aligners give you multiple at-home treatment options as well. In addition to being discreet, many people find teeth aligners to be more comfortable, convenient and affordable. And research notes that aligners may work faster than braces^[1].

What Are Teeth Aligners (Invisible Braces)?

Teeth aligners are clear, mouth appliances that move your teeth without the wires and brackets used in traditional orthodontics, says William Busch, D.M.D., a dentist and director of North Kansas City Dental in Kansas City, Missouri.

“Instead of using a bracket in the wire to move a tooth from one direction, aligners actually move the tooth in three directions at the same time,” says Busch. That’s because aligners put pressure on the front, top and back side of the tooth all at once, achieving results about 20% faster than traditional braces, he adds.

Do Invisible Braces Work?

Recent research shows invisible braces (or clear aligners) are as effective in straightening teeth as traditional braces, though there may be differences in treatment time and duration. Clear aligners tend to have a shorter treatment time but may not offer as much retention (especially without continued retainer wear). However, the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) notes that there’s no single correct way to approach orthodontic treatment, and the right method depends largely on the patient’s needs and preferences. Receiving an accurate diagnosis from an orthodontist is the first step to any successful braces treatment—invisible or not.

The Benefits of Invisible Braces

Invisible braces in general offer a number of benefits, says Payam C. Ataii, D.M.D., a dentist at Laser Dental Center in Laguna Hills, California. Aligners have been proven to be a faster and significantly more efficient way to straighten your teeth when compared to traditional braces, with an average treatment time of four to eight months, Ataii says.

Another benefit of invisible braces is improved oral hygiene. “With braces, some may find it difficult to do something as simple as brushing their teeth effectively. Clear aligners give you the ability to take them off, brush and floss your teeth and put them right back in when you’re done,” says Ataii.

Because they’re removable, invisible braces offer more flexibility when it comes to food choices as well—your diet isn’t limited by hard, chewy or brittle foods, says Patricia J. Panucci D.M.D., a dentist and owner of Beach Braces in Manhattan Beach, California.

Perhaps the biggest benefit of at-home teeth aligners is their convenience, offering an improved smile right from the comfort of home, Panucci adds. “For those worried about their appearance with metal braces, clear aligners allow you to go through your smile journey most discreetly.”

The Potential Risks of Invisible Braces

The ease of virtual teeth aligners makes them very appealing, but experts say it’s still important to visit your dentist or orthodontist in person prior to and during your treatment with at-home aligners. That’s because it’s important to identify any underlying issues, says Busch. For example, if you haven’t seen a dentist for four or five years and you have cavities, aligners cut off all the oxygen to the gum tissue and the teeth, creating an environment where the bacteria that causes decay to thrive, he adds.

There are other drawbacks to consider, adds Panucci. Aligners must be worn as prescribed to be effective and obtain the desired results. “As I tell my patients, ‘The aligners only work when they are in your mouth!’ Additionally, not everyone is a good candidate for clear aligners. I always recommend meeting with an expert before starting any treatment, to ensure the best fit for your personal needs,” she says.

The best candidates for at-home teeth aligners are patients with mild crowding who just need a little tweak, according to Busch. Those who may not qualify as candidates include patients with a discrepancy in jaw position as the aligners cannot correct this, as well as those with issues with their supporting tissues (bone and gingiva), adds Panucci. In these cases, orthodontic treatment needs to be carefully prescribed by a dental professional to ensure that the situation is not worsened.

How Much Do Invisible Braces Cost?

Without insurance, most invisible braces brands range from $900 to $9,500, depending on the patient’s needs and the extent of their treatment. On average, straightening treatment for a teenager is estimated to cost $1,800 to $3,500 based on advertised prices. For perspective, traditional metal-bracket braces typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000.

Does Insurance Cover Invisible Braces?

Some dental insurance plans may cover Invisalign as an orthodontic treatment, though some classify clear aligners as a cosmetic cost, in which case treatment is not covered. If you have dental insurance, speak with your insurance provider to determine whether invisible braces are covered under your plan.

Who Are Invisible Braces Right for?

The AAO notes that clear aligners can be an effective treatment for mild to moderate cases of the following conditions: 

• Gapped teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite
• Open bite
• Crooked teeth

When Should You Avoid Using Invisible Braces?

While they can be a solid solution for a number of bite concerns, the AAO notes that aligners may not be a suitable treatment for severe cases of the conditions listed above. Your dental care provider can determine whether aligners are a good fit for you and your needs.

Invisible Braces vs. Metal Braces: Pros and Cons

When it comes to invisible braces and metal braces, there are clear differences between the two. In general, the two differ in the following ways: 

Appearance. Clear teeth aligners and invisible braces can provide a more low-profile approach to straightening teeth, which may allow some people to be more comfortable and confident during treatment.

Oral hygiene. Traditional metal braces are more susceptible to the entrapment of food and plaque between brackets, requiring more stringent oral hygiene practices, the American Dental Association (ADA) notes. Invisible aligners, on the other hand, can be removed at any time, making maintaining oral hygiene easier. 

Duration. The treatment duration for invisible aligners is quite shorter than that of traditional metal braces, according to the ADA. 

What to Look for When Buying Teeth Aligners

Make sure your teeth and gums are healthy before starting at-home teeth aligners, says Victoria Veytsman, D.D.S., a cosmetic dentist at Cosmetic Dental Studios in Beverly Hills, California and New York City. “If you have a history of poor oral hygiene or gum disease, it can worsen the problem. If your misalignment is a little more complex, you’ll likely need a more thorough treatment, and meeting with a professional would be the best case as every treatment is not one-size-fits-all,” says Veytsman.

But for those with mild to moderate crowding or spacing issues, aligners can be a great option. When choosing a specific treatment plan, it’s helpful to consider the following.

• Cost: “There are a few different pricing models available to consumers ranging from $1,500 to upwards of $3,000. Consumers should do their research and go with the company that best fits their health needs within their budget,” says Ataii.
• Convenience: “Different providers offer a number of ways to undergo treatment. Some offer physical locations that you can visit for a consultation, while others may only be able to send doctor-prescribed impressions kits to your home,” he adds. Some companies, such as SmileDirectClub, allow you to do both, he notes, and offer an in-person visit with an in-network dentist to start your treatment.
• Overall treatment time: “It’s really important to follow your customized doctor-prescribed treatment plan and follow the recommended wear time for your aligners. Your doctor has used their expertise to prescribe a treatment plan for your teeth. They’ve calculated exactly how much pressure the aligners will apply to each tooth and for how long.” says Ataii. “The amount of time your aligner is out of your mouth is a part of the equation, too. Diverging from your treatment plan can disrupt that careful calculation.”
• Treatment options: At-home aligner treatment plans should be doctor-directed and have a dentist and/or orthodontist licensed in your home state following your treatment and available for consultation every step of the way, says Ataii. Still, it’s important to do as much research as possible to be sure you’re making the right decision for your health.

To ensure success with at-home aligners, check in with your orthodontist and/or follow the procedures that are required by your teeth alignment program; otherwise, your treatment may become ineffective and even unsafe, says Panucci. Check-ins will also help to avoid any issues with your bite or teeth as they begin to shift. Some aligner providers offer both daily 22-hour wear and nighttime-only treatment options, and though you may have a preference for one or the other, the doctor guiding your treatment will determine if you are a candidate for the overnight-only option, says Ataii.

• Payment and financing options: One of the most attractive features of at-home teeth alignment systems is their affordability, with prices ranging from about $900 to $2,000 for a full treatment. Some programs offer a monthly payment option, but may require a down payment and additional charge if you choose to finance. Teeth whitening costs may be included as well. Daily and nighttime-only aligners will differ in cost as well, as the materials used and wear times may vary.
• Accessories: Some teeth alignment programs may come with whitening systems, which Atai says are a great option to combine with aligner therapy. “Additionally, retainers are a must if you want your smile to last following your treatment,” he adds. Proper oral care such as flossing, brushing and using aligner cleaner are also important during alignment treatments.

Sources

Footnotes

• Yunyan, K. Yanfei, Z. Min, Z. A comparison of treatment effectiveness between clear aligner and fixed appliance therapies. BMC Oral Health. January 2019.

References

• Pricing. Byte website. Accessed 12/14/21.
• Braces vs. Clear Aligners. American Association of Orthodontics. Accessed 5/27/2022.
• How Much Does Invisalign Cost Without Insurance?. GoodRX Health. Accessed 5/27/2022.
• How Long Does Invisible Aligner Treatment Take?. Cavalancia Orthodontics. Accessed 5/27/2022.
• FAQ. Invisalign. Accessed 2/27/2023.
• Clear Aligners. American Association of Orthodontics. Accessed 02/27/2023.
• What Are Invisalign Braces?. Friendly Dentistry. Accessed 2/27/2023.
• Say Cheese! 7 Advantages of Invisalign Over Traditional Braces.. American Dental Association. Accessed 2/27/2023.