Braces are often considered a rite of passage for teenagers. But what if you’re an adult with crooked teeth and you want a perfect smile?
Increasingly, adults are turning to a new type of braces to correct crooked teeth: invisible clear braces. Invisible braces are revolutionizing the way adults manage orthodontic issues are managed. Here are four of the best clear braces options you can buy.
1. Invisalign
There’s a clear frontrunner in the clear braces market, and that’s the pioneer of the industry: Invisalign. The very first company to develop invisible clear braces, Invisalign is responsible for making clear braces possible.
Straightening your teeth with Invisalign is similar to the process for traditional braces – except no one will know you’re wearing braces. You’ll need to make regular visits to a licensed orthodontist who offers Invisalign. Each week, you’ll receive a new set of custom-made clear aligners that move your teeth subtly over time.
On average, Colgate¹ reports that Invisalign treatment costs anywhere from $3,500 to $8,000, making it one of the most expensive options for clear braces. Fortunately, many insurance plans cover some portion of Invisalign treatment, and many dentists offer payment plans.
2. SmileDirectClub
Like most of Invisalign’s competitors, SmileDirectClub seeks to provide an affordable clear braces alternative. And SmileDirectClub accomplishes this by reducing its overhead to a bare minimum. Forget visiting an orthodontist or a clinic; you’ll straighten your teeth by completing the whole process online.
To get started with SmileDirectClub, you can either visit one of the SmileShops or visit the company’s website. A technician will scan your mouth and a licensed dental professional will assess your teeth. If you’d like to do everything online, you’ll instead order an impression kit, create impressions at home, and send them back for processing. You’ll then be sent your entire treatment plan at once: a series of clear plastic aligners you’ll wear and swap out every few weeks.
Clear braces from SmileDirectClub² are available for a flat rate of $1,850, which takes the guesswork out of the cost. Financing is available; you have the option to make a small down payment and then pay monthly to make the cost more affordable.
3. SmileLove
SmileLove operates strictly on online – there are no brick-and-mortar locations or need to visit a licensed dentist. Instead, everything you need will be delivered to your home. You’ll receive a molding kit, custom aligners, retainers, and a whitening kit via the mail.
Typically, you’ll need between 15 to 20 different aligners and you’ll wear each for two weeks at a time. SmileLove allows you to straighten your teeth in no time at all.
And it’s affordable too. On average, invisible braces from SmileLove³ cost between $1,700 and $1,800. And a monthly payment plan is available. If you opt for that, you’ll pay just $78 per month. Although SmileLove braces aren’t often covered by insurance, the company does accept HSA and FSA plans, which can help cut costs.
4. SnapCorrect
SnapCorrect is one of the newest players in the clear braces industry. Like SmileLove, the company operates almost entirely online, which keeps costs low. SnapCorrect claims to have the clearest aligners in the industry, so if you truly want invisible braces this may be your best bet.
On average, the SnapCorrect system takes between three to nine months to correct your teeth. That’s one of the fastest times possible — but it can take longer than 18 months depending on the extent of the realignment you need.
SnapCorrect⁴ aligners cost only $1,749 for full treatment. However, that’s not the total price you’ll pay – you also need to pay an additional $79 to design your custom aligners. Check with your health and dental insurance plan to see if any of the cost of your treatment can be covered.
Like anything, it’s always a good idea to be aware of the latest research. We recommend comparing at least 3 or 4 options before making a final decision. Doing a search online is typically the quickest, most thorough way to discover all the pros and cons you need to keep in mind.
