The Most Common Alternatives to Braces for Teens
Invisalign
When you choose Invisalign at QuickSmiles as the alternative to braces for teens, you can save money and time. While metal braces can take 18 to 24 months to work on average, many teenagers wear Invisalign for as little as six months. In addition, Invisalign can be removed when teens brush their teeth, which makes it easier to maintain oral hygiene.
Many teenagers play sports, and Invisalign trays can be removed whenever the teen is wearing a mouthguard. Plus, Invisalign is significantly less expensive than metal braces and lingual braces. While Invisalign costs as little as $2,450 to $3,450 with QuickSmiles, traditional braces can reach prices as much as $7,000 or more.
Invisalign is like a clear tray fitted to your teeth, so no one can tell if you’re wearing it or not. Because of this, many teens feel a higher sense of self-confidence when they are wearing Invisalign than traditional braces. Additionally, the aligners are often more comfortable to wear than metal brackets, wires, and rubber bands.
Ceramic Braces
Another alternative to braces for teens is ceramic braces. While metal braces cost around $3,000 to $7,000, ceramic braces can set you back around $4,000 to $8,000. Unlike metal braces, ceramic braces are designed to be clear but not quite invisible.
The clear nature of ceramic braces is one of the reasons why it can take 18 to 36 months to finish treatment. Because the ceramic braces are weaker than traditional metal braces, they are more likely to break. This can end up slowing down the treatment process and lead to extra appointments.
Ceramic braces are more likely to be damaged by pressure, which is another reason why treatment takes longer. The main benefit of using ceramic braces is the added comfort and improved appearance the clear look provides.
Lingual Braces
When looking at alternatives to braces for teens, you may also be considering lingual braces. These braces are located behind the teeth, and they face the palate and tongue instead of on the front. Because of this, they can straighten teeth without being able to see them.
Lingual braces take longer to adjust and are customized to fit each tooth. Due to these time requirements, they generally cost more as well. Depending on where you live, they can easily cost $8,000 to $10,000 for the whole treatment.
This kind of treatment can be completed in 7 to 24 months. While they may be cosmetically appealing, they tend to be less comfortable for teens to wear because of their placement. Specifically, lingual braces are often more painful for the tongue than other kinds of braces or clear aligners.
At-Home Clear Aligners
There are many clear aligners you can use as alternatives to braces for teens. Clear aligners cost anywhere between $1,200 to $8,000 depending on the brand and process you choose. Because they are molded to the teeth in a similar way to Invisalign, they are generally comfortable for people to wear.
Clear aligners are popular because they are invisible and can easily be removed. Out of all clear aligners, Invisalign is rated as the best option. By picking the Invisalign alternative to braces for teens, you can get fast, high-quality results for an affordable price.
Other clear aligner solutions offer affordable prices but don’t provide the level of care and supervision that is needed from a professionally licensed orthodontist. This can lead to poor results, improper treatment, and even more out-of-pocket costs.
Retainers
Sometimes, dentists will recommend a fixed retainer as an alternative to braces if the teen’s teeth are only slightly crooked. However, retainers are primarily used to keep teeth in place after they have already had braces.
The cost of a retainer depends on the kind of retainer you get. Normally, you can expect to pay between $150 and $800 with options ranging from metal retainers to clear aligner retainers. A permanent retainer will normally cost about $150 to $500 if you need to get a new one.
Veneers
When properly taken care of, veneers can last for between 10 to 30 years. They aren’t designed to change your mouth forever but provide an optional alternative to braces if you simply want your current smile to look better.
Veneers aren’t made to change your bite or fix crooked teeth, but they can improve the appearance of your teeth. They are tooth-colored shells that are attached to the tooth’s surface. Designed out of composite or porcelain, veneers can fill in gaps between your teeth by making the surrounding teeth look wider.
In many cases, veneers will set you back anywhere between $10,000 to $40,000. Because they have to be redone every decade or two, veneers can quickly become an expensive upkeep cost. Due to their high price, they are primarily used by famous actors, athletes, and other wealthy individuals.
Accelerated Orthodontics
Accelerated orthodontics help you achieve the same results as metal braces, but you can get those results in less time. Braces are normally worn for a couple of years, so accelerated orthodontics can help you speed up this process significantly. The cost really depends on the kind of accelerated orthodontics you get and the strategy your orthodontist decides to use.
