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Alternatives to Dental Braces

For those desiring a mouth full of perfectly straight pearly whites, but do not want a mouth full of metal to get it, there are plenty of alternatives to braces on the market today.

  1. Invisalign

    • A relatively new option in teeth straightening is Invisalign. They are exactly what they sound like: invisible. Patients wear these custom-made clear aligners that fit over the teeth and switch them out every two weeks. The national average cost for Invisalign as of August 2009 is $5,000, but that varies for each patient. Not everyone is a candidate for Invisalign. Those with severe dental problems will most likely need metal braces.

    Veneers

    • With veneers, the entire front of the tooth enamel is removed and a thin piece of tooth-shaped porcelain or plastic is glued to the front of the tooth. As of August 2009, the cost ranges from $700 to $2,000 per tooth. Veneers are an inexpensive alternative to braces and provide a much faster solution, as they replace dullness, mild chipping, cracking or uneven teeth in as few as three office visits. Many of those without complicated dental issues opt for veneers as a quicker, less costly solution that will not leave them with brackets on their teeth for months or even years.

    Lumineers

    • Lumineers are similar in style and procedure to veneers, but are thinner. There are also no shots/drilling of the teeth. Costs as of August 2009 can go as high as $1,100 per tooth.

    Clarity braces

    • Clarity braces are clear, ceramic brackets that are fitted on the teeth, just like braces. However, they have a translucent appearance, so they are not nearly as noticeable. They will also not stain or discolor. Prices run about $500 to $1,000 over what you would pay for traditional braces. As of August 2009, the national average for metal braces is between $5,000 to $7,600.

    SmartClip braces

    • SmartClip braces do not require elastic bands. They have small metal clips built into the brackets to secure the wire, so no elastic bands are needed. They require less visits to the orthodontist and shorten the length of the treatment, even by as much as one-third of the time. It is best to speak to your orthodontist to discuss price.

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