Let’s be honest. Most of us who have endured the old, bracketed and wired braces, wish we could have skipped the awkward months of teeth realignment. Luckily, invisible aligners are been becoming more popular amongst every age group. So why choose invisible aligners and what are the best alternatives to Invisalign?
Invisible aligners give you the chance to correct oral issues, such as overbite, widely-spaced teeth, or even crooked teeth. Those with extensive oral issues may want to seek a more traditional dental route. However, for those with minor realignment needs, invisible aligners will do the trick!
Braces and invisible aligners were both created to serve one purpose: Improve the overall health and appearance of your smile. Even though they both have a common goal, there are several benefits to choosing the invisible aligner route, over braces.
- Invisible aligner trays are removable
- It is less likely that someone notices you are in treatment
- You will feel more comfortable, having avoided the wires and bands
- Dental cleanings are easier
Alternatives to Invisalign
If you should choose to go the invisible aligner route, there are a few different options. One of the most popular being Invisalign. Invisalign is a tray formed, and worn most hours of the day, to correct your specific oral needs.
The cost of Invisalign may vary depending on how many teeth require readjusting. If you’ve ever tried Invisalign, you may notice it is a bit costly. As severity being the leading factor in cost, you can expect to dish out anywhere from $2,800 to $4,800. Those who decide to use Invisalign typically end up paying a bit more out-of-pocket, as only about 25-50% of the cost will be covered by insurance.
Much like most prescribed medicines, Invisalign does have alternatives. These alternatives can help save money, while serving the exact same purpose, with the exact same results. Three of the more popular choices when steering away from Invisalign are:
- Smile Direct Club
- Snap Correct
- Clear Correct
Each invisible aligner company is different. Find the one that fits your lifestyle the best, and you will be on your way to a happier (and more smiley) you!
See also
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Smile Direct Club
While we don’t always admit it, a smile is important. As one of our most notable features, we want our teeth to look good. With the Smile Direct Club, you can develop the smile you want, from the comfort of your own home.
The process the Smile Direct Club uses takes a lot of pressure off the trip to the orthodontist. As you age, staying closer to home can become a vital part of your healthcare. Leaving your home may present uncertain risks, causing stress and a bit of anxiety.
One of the biggest bonuses of this method of oral alignment is the cost. The initial impression kit is only $95! Once your dental plan is approved, you will have the option to pay all at once or enroll in a payment plan. The payment plan will require you to put $250 down up-front, then $80 per month thereafter for 24 months. However, if you decide to pay the cost up front, you will likely save a little bit more money.
It is important to note that Smile Direct Club may come with some uncertainties. When you decide to go this route, you skip out on seeing a dentist. If you’re not seeing a dentist in person, results may not always come out the best. It is usually suggested you get an in-person impression of your teeth, to receive the best results. Incorrectly straightened teeth could potentially develop more dental risks.
SnapCorrect
When it comes to invisible aligners, you want them to be exactly that. Invisible. Unlike the opaque style of Smile Direct Club, SnapCorrect aligners come perfectly clear. They also have contoured edges, whereas Smile Direct Club trays tend to have a raised border.
If cost is a deciding factor for you, SnapCorrect and the other mentioned alternatives typically end up costing the same. However, with SnapCorrect, you will also receive one set of free retainers.
SnapCorrect aligners are not created with 3D printers. This means you have less of an opportunity to develop irritation in the gums. Also, the aligners will be fitted more snugly to your teeth, making them more comfortable, and easier to wear.
Let’s talk about speed. There is always a larger demand for invisible aligners when a big event is coming up. Whether it be graduation or a wedding, SnapCorrect has you covered. As a huge benefit, you will receive your custom aligners within one month!
However, much like its competitors, SnapCorrect comes with the risks of not seeing a dentist in person. A common issue is the amount of time it takes to fix a tray or replace retainers. Unfortunately, when you go the mail-order approach, you do not necessarily get the same attention and priority a dentist may give.
ClearCorrect
As a huge benefit to your life, ClearCorrect is a very easy to maintain option. Aside from the usability, ClearCorrect comes with many perks. ClearCorrect uses advanced 3D modeling technology, sent directly from your dentist. Due to this technology, and orthopedic intervention, ClearCorrect ensures all their aligners will be perfectly fit to your teeth.
With Invisalign, you receive 20 to 30 aligners, for both the upper and lower sets of teeth. Whereas, when ordering with ClearCorrect, you receive 32 steps of treatment, delivered in eight phases.
When comparing the costs of alternatives to Invisalign, you may be surprised. ClearCorrect comes in two forms of treatment: limited treatment and full treatment. The ClearCorrect Limited treatment may end up costing you somewhere around $3000. For the ClearCorrect Full treatment, you will end up paying out closer to $5000. If cost is a big deciding factor for you, it may be smart to go a different direction.
It is important to note, much like Invisalign, ClearCorrect is administered by a dentist or orthodontist. The initial fitting and treatment decision will be determined solely by your physician to meet your specific needs.
Choosing the Best Invisible Aligner
If you are worried about cost, you may try going the Smile Direct Club route. They are extremely affordable and allow you to start the process of realignment from the comfort of your own home.
When it comes to having the perfect fit, SnapCorrect seems to be the one to go for. They avoid 3D modeling, ensuring that a comfortable fit takes priority. Ultimately, what is more important than ensuring they fit properly?
As far as general effectiveness, ClearCorrect and Invisalign seem to have the best reputation. However, it seems that ClearCorrect may provide you with more options for treatment. Therefore, giving you a more personally designed, better treatment outcome.
At the end of the day, each company has their differences and perks. It is up to you to decide on which fits your lifestyle the best.
Please remember, none of these aligners should be used in place of a dentist or orthodontist if your dental circumstances are severe. However, in the case of minor alignment issues, it is suggested to use one of the aligners mentioned above.