Invisible braces are a newer development in dental braces technology, making it easy for people of all ages to get the dental treatments they need without the obvious presence of metal braces. There are two main types – lingual Invisible Braces and plastic trays – which both work to ease teeth into more correct positions without the brackets and wires so commonly seen with conventional dental braces.

The cost can fluctuate considerably depending on the type used however, with some lingual orthodontics ranging among the highest costs of any braces due to how work intensive they can be to fit and apply. For some people, invisible braces are a perfect option though, and well worth any extra cost as it enables them to get their treatments done without anyone else even knowing they are wearing braces.

Lingual Invisible Braces

Lingual braces are braces that are made to fit behind the teeth, rather than in front of them. In doing so, it is possible for the patient to wear dental braces completely undetected, which is a great comfort to many, especially some older patients.

Besides the fact that this type of braces is worn on the inside surface of the teeth, the other main difference between lingual braces and conventional braces is that they are much more labor-intensive to fit and apply. Some lingual braces are fit using a computer program that scans the teeth and directs a robotic arm, which actually creates the braces wire, giving a more precise treatment, but this can increase cost. Lingual braces fit by hand require extra time in not just fitting brackets and wires, but affixing them on the underside of the teeth, which is also more time intensive, adding to the cost.

Estimates for lingual invisible braces cost vary greatly depending on the length of time braces need to be worn, and the number of adjustments a person needs. Depending on the complexity of the application, the range seems to be between $6,500 and $9,000 for most applications, with some going as high as $12,000 for a complete treatment.

Removable Plastic Invisible Braces

Plastic removable braces are another invisible orthodontics option, and one that is a lot less expensive in many cases. Unfortunately though, not everyone is a candidate for these types of braces. Known by various brand names such as Invisalign, Simpli 5 and ClearCorrect braces, they work by gradually pushing teeth into a more correct position over time, but it is not possible to create the desired movement in all cases with these snap-in, removable braces.

Sometimes the trays need to be affixed to the teeth using enamel-colored adhesives in order to get the right movement as well, which is done very discreetly, but can sometimes defeat the purpose of having “invisible” braces in the first place, especially if rubber bands Invisible Braces Cost are needed, too. These plastic, removable, invisible braces are generally an option that most people can explore however.

Invisalign or comparable

The cost of Invisalign or comparable products can also vary, but these treatments tend to fall toward the lower side of invisible braces estimates. Basic orthodontic treatment with removable invisible braces for basic alignment concerns is found to be as low as $2,800 in some cases. More complex treatments that require additional tray changes, or possibly attachments and other added procedures typically range from $3,500 to $6,500, which is still considerably less expensive than many lingual braces where this type of orthodontic is applicable.

Clear Braces

Another option that sometimes falls under “invisible” braces – although they are not completely invisible – are clear braces. With clear braces, the brackets are made of clear plastic and actually work differently than conventional braces, so wires do not have to be fixed within the brackets.

This reduces the material sitting on top of the teeth so it is only the bracket and the wire, with no binders needed. Brackets are therefore much smaller and less obvious, with the only truly visible part of the whole application being the arch wire. Much less attention is drawn to the mouth, and from a few feet away the wires are barely even seen.

For those whom removable plastic braces are not an option, and who cannot afford lingual braces, clear braces may be just right. Invisible braces cost of clear braces ranges from about $3,800 to up to $8,000 for more extensive treatments.

As always, when inquiring about cost it is important to find out whether or not things like repeat visits, adjustments and repeat dental x-rays are included in these costs, or if they are additional.