Are Braces Cheaper Than Invisalign?

When Should I Get Braces?

While treatment for orthodontic concerns can happen at nearly any age, there are seasons of life in which orthodontic care is more effective. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every children, no later than age 7, should have an orthodontic evaluation. Through quality orthodontic care, problems like:

  • Crooked teeth
  • Crowded teeth
  • Underbites
  • Overbites
  • Disorders of the jaw
  • Poor jaw position can be resolved

More than ever before, adults are looking to improve their overall health by considering orthodontic treatment. It is never too late to improve your smile and dental health by considering braces. At the Smile Specialists, we will give you honest answers about when and if orthodontic care is the best treatment option for you and your health.

How Long Will I Have Braces?

This is one of the biggest concerns our patients have when considering braces. The answer to this question isn’t always as straightforward as you may think. Length of treatment will depend largely on the seriousness of your orthodontic concern and your age. Because jaw bones are still growing and forming in adolescence, ages 10-14 tend to be the ideal time for orthodontic treatment to occur. As we age, our bones stop growing and are a bit more difficult to move into the correct alignment. That being said, it is never too late to receive orthodontic treatment and achieve our perfect, beautiful smile!

Foods to Avoid with Braces

The first few weeks with your braces can be a little tricky in the eating department, especially for young people. Foods you had no problems eating before can now cause pain and damage to your new braces. While it may be tempting to simply eat all the old foods you once enjoyed, here are some suggestions of foods to avoid:

  • Raw Foods Like Veggies: These aren’t totally off limits. If you decide to eat raw veggies, like carrots, cut them into smaller, more manageable pieces that are easily chewed with back teeth.
  • Corn on the Cob: When chewing corn off the cob, it can get stuck in the wires of braces and can even cause wires to break or come loose. Cutting it off the cob can be a simple solution.
  • Hard or Chewy Bread: Cut breads like french bread or bagels into smaller pieces that don’t require your teeth to tear apart.
  • Pizza Crust
  • Apples: Again, biting apples off the core can cause broken wires. Cut apples into smaller, bite sized pieces.
  • Burgers or Sub Sandwiches
  • Chips

These food restrictions only apply to braces that are permanently affixed to your teeth like metal or ceramic braces. One of the huge benefits of using the Invisalign system to straighten your teeth is the fact that there are virtually no diet restrictions. With clear, removable aligners, eating with Invisalign becomes simple and straightforward; simply remove the aligners before eating and replace when finished. Brushing and flossing is also much more simple with Invisalign as aligners are removed for brushing and flossing.

Are Braces Cheaper Than Invisalign?

The professionals at The Smile Specialists are committed to helping families around Collegeville and Gilbertsville receive effective and affordable oral care. The average cost of braces depends on the extent and duration of the treatment. Usually, full orthodontic treatment costs less than $6000, though for teenagers and children it’s typically less. On average, Invisalign costs a little more, but the treatment is shorter and less painful.

Investing in braces is the same as investing in long-term oral health. Corrected teeth can prevent malocclusions, gum disease, and bone erosion. Those with straightened teeth have improved speech, self-confidence, and overall oral health. Taking a few months to improve your smile is undeniably worth it.

Call 610-489-6032 today to schedule your first complimentary consultation. During the first visit, Dr. McSurdy or Dr. Pavlow will take photos, x-rays, and provide a free examination. Only after the first consultation will we be able to quote you an exact price for your treatment. Call today to get started!

Braces vs. Invisalign

Invisalign are clear trays that correct your teeth without the use of wires and brackets. Every two weeks, we provide patients with new trays. Invisalign costs a little more than traditional braces, but they may be the better option for patients who only need minimal treatment or those who frequently participate in contact sports. Read below for the pros and cons of braces and Invisalign.

Braces: Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Better option for more complex issues
  • No removal for sports or eating
  • No chance of losing aligner
  • Normal brushing and flossing; no cleaning special appliance

Cons:

  • Mild pain and discomfort of gums and lips
  • Food restrictions: candy, popcorn, hard foods, sticky foods
  • Special mouth guards needed for sporting events

Invisalign: Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Virtually invisible
  • Removable for food variety
  • Less discomfort
  • Improved oral health
  • Fewer office visits

Cons:

  • Slightly more expensive
  • Because aligners are removed before eating, brushing and flossing is required before replacing to avoid discoloration of teeth
  • Must remove to eat or drink

No matter the choice, The Smile Specialists will help you receive the best treatment possible. We believe in continuous education, and Dr. McSurdy and Dr. Pavlow participate in international seminars each year. In order to stay informed and aware of all the new cutting-edge orthodontic practices, our team attends annual trainings. Each member of our staff is friendly and trained to help your family improve their oral health. Call The Smile Specialists today!

Many people typically think of orthodontic care as an aesthetic improvement. Unfortunately, there are many oral health risks involved with crooked teeth. Orthodontic care can be used to treat a wide range of oral issues. If you live in Boyertown and are experiencing issues with your teeth, you can take advantage of The Smile Specialists for your orthodontic care.

The Smile Specialists provides orthodontic treatments to people in the greater Philadelphia area. Our offices aim to provide each patient with the perfect treatment to help them achieve the smile they always dreamed of. Our facilities are equipped to provide the most progressive orthodontic treatments. Learn more about our braces and invisalign treatments.

Best Orthodontist in Boyertown

If you live in Boyertown, you can utilize The Smile Specialists for all of your orthodontic needs. We can find the perfect treatment for your lifestyle and provide you with the best plan for your teeth. Whether you want braces or invisalign, we have the staff and tools to make that happen. If you want to schedule a visit, you can contact us here or give us a call at 610-489-6032!