Invisible braces have become the standard when it comes to straightening crooked teeth and getting the perfectly aligned smile that most of us aim for. This is largely because they are often more affordable, can take less time to get the job done, and are more discreet than traditional wire braces. While there was once only one company that made these invisible braces, there are now many businesses that offer the promise of straightened teeth often without the hassle and discomfort of traditional braces. With so many new options on the market, it can be difficult to determine which invisible braces provider is right for you. Let’s take a look at the key features that you need to be on the lookout for in order to find the invisible braces that are right for your needs.
Orthodontist Supervision vs. Entirely Remote Monitoring
All traditional wire braces require regular trips to the orthodontist to check up on progress and make any adjustments necessary. Though it does offer patients some peace of mind knowing that a professional is taking care of them, this hands-on approach isn’t something that everyone is looking for.With today’s technology, many companies that make invisible braces will send patients a kit to allow them to create an impression of their teeth. This will allow orthodontists to create a plan complete with different aligners to suit each patient’s need, in some cases never meeting with the patient. In other instances, this plan is followed by remote check-ins to monitor progress. No in-person visit is required, which is a huge bonus for those who have busy schedules that don’t allow for regular visits.
Some companies take the more traditional approach of working with your own orthodontist or dentist, allowing them to create a plan that best fits you and making adjustments as necessary. This can be beneficial to patients who enjoy the security of in-person monitoring of their progress. Affordability and Payment Plans Metal braces will typically cost you thousands, depending on the severity of your teeth concerns. When it comes to many invisible braces manufacturers, the price is closely comparable, even a bit pricier due to the advanced technology used and convenience.
If cost is a concern for you, it’s important to take your budget into account when choosing your invisible braces. Luckily, there are quite a few affordable options available, typically for a fraction of the cost of traditional wire braces. Many of these companies also offer flexible payment plans, giving you the option to pay in monthly installments. It’s also worth noting that a lot of these companies offer various discounts or specials, so searching for the best deal could allow for even more affordable price tags to suit your budget.
Unique Teeth Alignment Concerns
Many patients want to try braces for similar teeth concerns. Some of the most common problems that braces can help with include:
While most invisible braces on the market are capable of addressing some of the common issues that people have, many have limitations when it comes to more severe teeth concerns. Things like severe spacing or bite issues could require more of a hands-on approach to correcting alignment which some invisible braces cannot offer.
Another thing to take into consideration is the shape and size of your teeth. For people with smaller teeth, some invisible braces have caused issues of digging into gums or not fitting properly. If your teeth have a more unique shape, you’re going to need to make sure that your invisible braces can accommodate them.
Comfortability
Though it’s expected to feel a bit of discomfort while re-aligning your teeth, intense pain should not be a part of the process. This ties into the previous concern about the shape of your teeth. You want to check out the reviews and see if the company you’re purchasing invisible braces from can work with the size and unique shape of your teeth. Something else that you need to consider is how many aligners you’re going to need. If your company’s plan requires you to switch out your aligners every week, it may be a bit more uncomfortable than allowing more time for your teeth to adjust to a more gradual plan with an aligner that lasts weeks at a time. On the plus side, these more aggressive alignment plans may mean quicker results than the gradual ones.
Speediness of Results
One of the claims to fame of invisible braces is how quickly they are able to offer results. When taking the traditional route, it’s expected that wire braces will take anywhere from 18 to 24 months and even longer, depending on the issues that need to be addressed. While some people are completely fine with this timeframe, others would prefer to see straighter teeth in less time. With invisible braces, many companies claim that patients can expect to see results in under 12 months. Though this may sound exciting, it’s important to check out reviews to see if the invisible braces a company is offering actually delivers on its promise. This time frame also depends largely on how well you’re able to stick to the plan. Since invisible braces are removable, it’s easy for some people to forget to pop their aligners back in after eating or choose to take them off for the day when they get uncomfortable. Following an orthodontist’s instructions directly can shorten the time it takes to get your teeth straightened.
Reputation
Getting invisible braces is not only a financial investment but also an investment in your health. Since invisible braces are going to be altering the alignment of your teeth, it’s important to look into the company that manufactures them. Many companies are FDA-approved which can leave patients feeling more comfortable with the quality of the product they’re using. There are also invisible braces providers that have been in business for longer, allowing them time to perfect the science of straightening teeth invisibly. To see what actual patients have to say, take some time to read through the reviews. This will give you a real-life example of what you can expect from your invisible braces. Find the Right Fit for You When it comes to invisible braces, it’s important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all formula to finding the best company. Take your budget, specific needs, and expected outcome into consideration to find the best invisible braces for you.