What are Invisible Teeth Aligners?
Many people feel discouraged by braces because of how visible they are. Well, that’s where invisible options come into play. Invisible aligners are a series of clear, removable trays that fit over your teeth and gradually move them into the desired position. They are made from a clear, medical-grade plastic material, making them almost invisible when worn. Invisible teeth aligners are a highly effective way to straighten teeth, and many people don't even notice them!
What to Expect with Invisible Teeth Aligners
The process of getting invisible aligners begins with a consultation and assessment with an orthodontist or dentist. They will assess your teeth and determine if you are a suitable candidate for invisible aligners. Then, using digital scans, photos and X-rays of your teeth, a custom treatment plan is created. Based on the treatment plan, a series of custom-made aligners are created.
Patients wear each set of aligners for about one to two weeks, for 20-22 hours per day. They are only removed to eat, drink (anything other than water), brush and floss.
Your orthodontist or dentist will regularly monitor your progress to ensure that you are progressing as planned. Once the treatment is complete, it's usually recommended to wear a retainer in order to maintain the new position of your teeth.
Costs of Invisible Aligners
Before making the decision to get invisible aligners, it's important to understand if the cost suits your budget. On average, you can pay anywhere between $3,000 to $8,000 for invisible teeth aligners depending on what brand you opt for, what your priorities are, the severity of your situation and more.
We recommend researching the different brands and their associated costs before making any decisions.
Brands to Choose From
Here are some of the most popular brands of invisible teeth aligners on the market:
1. Invisalign
Invisalign is the most well-known brand of clear aligners and is widely used by orthodontists and dentists. In fact, as of 2024, an estimated 18 million people, including more than 4.5 million teens, used Invisalign clear aligners to transform their smiles. Clinical research has shown them to be highly effective at straightening teeth, and do so discreetly. However, Invisalign often comes at a higher cost.
2. ClearCorrect
ClearCorrect offers an in-office treatment with aligners provided through dental professionals. You can order your aligners custom made no matter what your orthodontic issues might consist of.
3. Byte
Byte offers patients with state-of-the-art at-home impression kits and 3D scanning. They’re perhaps best known for their use of HyperByte technology that uses high-frequency vibrations to accelerate dental movements. Byte has effective results and a lower cost.
Pros and Cons to Consider
Before taking the plunge and committing to invisible teeth aligners, consider the pros and cons so you can make sure your budgetary and lifestyle needs are accommodated. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros
- Clear aligners are nearly invisible, making them excellent options for teens or adults who don’t want their braces to be seen. They’re a great alternative to conventional metal braces.
- Many teeth aligners are made from smooth plastic, making them much more comfortable than standard braces. No matter how long you need to wear them, they’ll be comfortable enough that you might even forget that you’re wearing them.
- Aligners can (and should) be removed for eating, drinking and oral hygiene, making them easier to fit into your everyday lifestyle.
Cons
- While you can remove your teeth aligners to eat, drink, or brush your teeth, patients must wear the aligners for at least 20-22 hours a day in order to get the full effect of their dental plan. Any significant shift in this structured schedule can delay or compromise the outcome.
- Invisible aligners can be more expensive than traditional braces due to their discreteness, comfort and ease of use. Furthermore, some people with more complex dental cases might find an increase in cost.
- Aligners need to be cleaned regularly to prevent staining and maintain oral hygiene. Some people have found that this can make it easier to break or lose their invisible aligners.