It’s never too late to enjoy healthy, straight teeth. As an adult, the thought of traditional metal braces can be overwhelming, but fortunately, there are alternative options available. Clear braces — such as invisible aligners and tooth-colored ceramic braces — have become a popular choice for adults seeking to improve the appearance of their smiles.
What are Clear Braces?
Depending on who you ask, clear braces can include anything from clear aligner systems like Invisalign to tooth-colored braces made out of ceramic. Both are subtle and effective, eliminating the need for visible metal brackets and wires. Most of the time, when people are talking about clear braces, they’re referring to the clear aligner orthodontic systems that snap on and off over your teeth, like Invisalign trays.
As a popular clear aligner brand, “Invisalign” is often a term given to invisible teeth aligners as a whole, but today there are lots more options to choose from (see the link above for Forbes.com’s review). At Canal Vista Family Dental, we use and recommend ClearCorrect as a cost-effective Invisalign alternative.
Cost of Clear Braces vs. Traditional Orthodontics
Clear braces used to be more expensive than traditional metal braces, primarily because they are made of more advanced materials. Today they’re typically about the same prices as regular braces, depending on your particular bite needs and which braces your dentist or orthodontist is using.
On average, the cost of clear braces can range from $2,000 to $8,000 in more advanced cases. Traditional braces typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 at most. However, the cost can vary depending on the severity of the dental issue, the length of the treatment, and the location of the dental office.
If you’re considering clear braces in Princeton, Dr. Bestandji will thoroughly evaluate your occlusion (biting relationship) and teeth to determine the best method of care. From there, we’ll calculate the length of your treatment and any insurance benefits you’re using so that you know how much the total cost of clear braces will be. You’ll have an exact price quote before you leave your consultation appointment.
Does Insurance Cover Braces for Adults?
While dental insurance plans differ, some insurance companies cover a portion or all of the cost of braces for children and teenagers. However, dental insurance coverage for adult braces is less common. It’s essential to check with your insurance provider to determine whether they offer coverage for adult braces or clear aligners.
The good news is that low monthly payment plans still make it easy to fit adult braces into your budget.
Payment Plans for Clear Braces
Canal Vista Family dental offers affordable payment plans to help make the cost of clear braces or clear aligners more affordable for our Princeton patients. Payment plans can help to spread the cost of treatment over several months, making it easier for adults to achieve the straight smile they desire. That way, you don’t have to wait to enjoy the benefits of healthier, straighter teeth.
We also offer low and 0% financing through third parties like CareCredit on most of our services.
Best Clear Braces
There are several options available for clear braces in Princeton, NJ. Clear aligners are the most common. However, some specialists will even include alternative designs, such as ceramic braces and lingual braces. Ceramic braces work similarly to traditional metal braces but are made of a clear or tooth-colored material. Lingual braces are placed on the backside of the teeth, making them less visible.
Both options offer the benefits of traditional braces without the visibility of metal brackets and wires. However, they still involve fixed brackets and wires, meaning you’ll need to adjust how you eat and clean your teeth on a day-to-day basis.
Health Benefits of Adult Braces
Straight teeth not only improve the appearance of your smile, but they also have several health benefits. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, which can help prevent gum disease, cavities, and other dental issues. Plus, aligned teeth can also improve your bite and TMJ function, reducing the risk of jaw pain, TMJ disorder, and headaches caused by misaligned teeth.
Investing in straighter teeth can lower your risk of gum disease and cavities, having a positive influence on your care costs in the future. Paying for adult braces today can help prevent the added expenses of dental work later on down the road.
Do You Need a Dentist for Invisalign?
Invisalign treatment is typically prescribed and monitored by a dentist or orthodontist. In Princeton, Dr. Bestandji is an Invisalign-certified provider. We offer complete clear aligner treatments in our office with no extra referrals needed to a separate orthodontist.
Her advanced training in Invisalign and clear aligner orthodontics allow us to correct a variety of misalignment concerns, ranging from crowding and gaps between teeth to overbites and more. We treat patients ranging from teens to adults of all ages right here in our office, so there’s no need to visit a separate specialist for your Invisalign treatment.
What to Expect with Clear Aligners Each Day
Clear aligner treatment involves the use of custom-made, clear trays that fit over your teeth and apply gentle pressure. In order for your teeth to move correctly, the aligners must be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day. That gives you just enough time to remove them during meals or to brush and floss your teeth. The aligners need to be changed every two weeks to gradually shift the teeth into the desired position. Make sure you don’t change them out too quickly or wear them longer than you should, as it can interfere with tooth movement and bone remodeling, resulting in serious complications.
Regular check-ups with our Princeton Invisalign dentist are necessary to ensure the treatment is progressing as planned.
Consultations for Adult Braces in Princeton
If you’re considering clear braces or clear aligners, Dr. Bestandji and the team at Canal Vista Family Dental can help. During your consultation, we will evaluate your dental needs and recommend the best treatment options to achieve your desired smile. Our team will also provide information about the cost of treatment and payment options to make the process as affordable as possible.
Don’t let the thought of traditional metal braces hold you back from achieving the smile you deserve. Request a clear braces consultation today!
