Invisalign Alternatives

If you’re deterred by the comparably high price tag and the time commitment of savage Invisalign treatment, you may be looking for an alternative way to straighten your smile and improve your oral health. In addition to traditional braces, there are a few alternatives available, and there may be ways to make Invisalign more affordable.

One alternative to Invisalign is a treatment called Clear Correct. Clear Correct resembles Invisalign in that it uses clear plastic trays, or aligners, that your orthodontist will use to straighten your teeth. The cost for Clear Correct is usually less than Invisalign, though the plastic used to make Clear Correct aligners is thinner and therefore less sturdy. Additionally, some patients find that the plastic used for Invisalign is more comfortable than Clear Correct. Results with Clear Correct are usually comparable to Invisalign, though many dental professionals prefer the resources that come along with Invisalign. If, however, you have an experienced orthodontist who is familiar with both treatments, this may not matter, and Clear Correct may be an appropriate alternative treatment for you.

A second alternative is Smile Direct Club. Smile Direct Club allows patients to undergo an orthodontic treatment remotely; first, potential patients send a 3-D scan of their mouth to a remote orthodontist, who creates a treatment plan for the patient. Patients receive aligning trays in the mail, along with instructions for use and care. Smile Direct Club costs about $1850 per treatment, which doesn’t include the cost of the scan or of a retainer for use after treatment, making it significantly more affordable than Invisalign. Though it is less expensive, it is also not without its drawbacks, and some of these drawbacks are significant. First, the kit potential patients use to create their dental impressions can be difficult to use, and it’s vital that the initial dental impressions are correct -- otherwise, the entire treatment will be ineffective. It is possible to have a scan done professionally if you live near a Smile Direct Club location, but this adds to the overall cost of the treatment; the at-home kit costs about $100. Another drawback comes from the lack of one-on-one face time with your orthodontist. This means that if, for any reason, your treatment plan needs to be altered, you won’t have the liberty to do this, and you’ll also miss out on a professional checking in on your progress. Without monitoring, it may become more difficult to fix any problems that may arise. Smile Direct may be appealing to people on a strict budget, but if it’s at all possible, the benefits of working directly with an orthodontist really do outweigh the discounts of Smile Direct Club.

There are a few overseas products that may be available as alternatives to Invisalign. One is ClearPath, a popular alternative in the UK and India. Because ClearPath is a newer company, based in the Middle East, there are few available reviews and it’s difficult to gauge the success of the treatment. K-Line is another overseas company, based in Germany and also popular in the UK. Very few US orthodontists are trained to use K-Line. Though the technology behind both of these treatments is similar to Invisalign, the treatment itself may not be the same. This is because of the decades of research that have gone into Invisalign, as well as the planning tools and certification programs used by Invisalign providers. Especially if you have a more complex case, these planning and training tools can be an important part of your treatment program. If, however, you have a simpler case, these less expensive Invisalign alternatives may be appropriate for you.

Some patients learn about Ormco aligners, which are commonly used by dentists and occasionally in at-home treatments. Some patients prefer the feel of Ormco aligners, though the outcome is similar between Ormco and Invisalign. However, Ormco aligners are created by a technician who uses a digital tool, while Invisalign is created by the orthodontist directly; some patients prefer this level of control and the ability to work closely with one specialist throughout the entire treatment process. Additionally, in many cases, Ormco aligners are comparable in price to Invisalign, making them a less favorable option. Since Invisalign treatment is well-researched and reputable, if the cost difference isn’t significant, they are usually the better option.

Some people may hear about do-it-yourself solutions for orthodontic concerns. Please note that dentists strongly discourage patients from these DIY approaches. You may hear about at-home kits that are delivered to you, or tips you might find on the Internet for straightening your teeth. Not only are these products often ineffective, they may also be dangerous. Consider the amount of schooling and training orthodontists must undergo in order to receive and maintain their license to practice medicine. It is highly unlikely that a treatment you can create yourself will be effective and harmless, and it is not advisable to try to straighten your teeth without the care of an orthodontist, no matter how easy the Internet may make it seem.

If you prefer to work closely with a trained and certified professional, receiving one-on-one care every step of the way, you may prefer to work with an Invisalign provider. Make sure to find an orthodontist who works with your dental insurance provider, if you have one, and, if you are uninsured, find an orthodontist who will work with you on a payment plan. Many orthodontists are willing to work out such a payment plan, as their ultimate goal is to help people achieve the smile they desire, so be sure to talk to your dentist to learn more about investigating Invisalign for yourself.

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