treatment comparison
Treatment comparison
What to know which treatment is best for you? Let’s compare our most popular orthodontic treatment options:
Metal braces | Clear Braces | Self-ligating braces | Lingual braces | Invisible Braces | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Will people notice my braces? | Yes, but the brackets are smaller and more discreet than in the past. | Yes, but the ceramic brackets will help your braces blend in with the color of your teeth. | Yes, but self-ligating brackets are smaller than regular brackets, making this a discreet option. | No. Because the braces are fitted to the back of your teeth, they aren’t visible from the outside. | No, Invisalign® clear plastic aligners are virtually invisible. |
Can I still eat with my braces on? | Yes, but you should try to avoid very hard and sticky foods. | Yes, but be aware of staining foods and beverages like curries or red wine that could color your clear elastics. | Yes, but be careful when biting into very sticky or chewy foods. | Yes, but avoid hard foods and sugary drinks. | You will remove your aligners to eat, so you can eat as usual! |
Are the braces comfortable to wear? | Once your mouth gets used to them, metal braces are reasonably comfortable. | Your mouth will become accustomed to the feel of your braces over time. | Yes, self-ligating brackets are much smaller than other types of braces so are more comfortable to wear. | Yes, lingual braces are quite comfortable once you get used to them sitting next to your tongue. | Yes! Invisalign® clear aligners are incredibly smooth, and custom-fit to your smile. |
Is the treatment expensive? | Metal braces are our cheapest option, but they are comparable to other treatments in cost. The average cost of metal braces is: $5,350. | Clear braces are only slightly more than metal braces on average. The average cost of clear braces is: $5,500. | Self-ligating braces cost about the same as clear braces. The average cost of self-ligating braces is: $5,500. | With lingual braces, you pay for discretion. The average cost of lingual braces is: $12,000. | Invisalign® clear aligners are actually about the same cost as braces. The average cost of invisible braces is: $5,700. |
Each orthodontic case is different
Treatment time and cost vary greatly from person to person. Schedule a free consultation to get your custom treatment plan.