Aligners vs. Braces: Making The Right Decision

Type of Braces

• Traditional Metal Braces: Typically the more affordable option than other braces. The costs of metal braces start from $6,000 to $10,000+.
• Ceramic Braces: They are comparatively less visible than metal braces. Due to this, they generally have higher costs, which is between $8,000 and $12,000+.
• Lingual Braces: These are behind the teeth, so they are entirely hidden, but they are the most expensive, starting at $10,000 up to $15,000+

Payment Plan/ Installment

Some orthodontists always offer payment plans to let patients afford braces. These plans enable you to make payments throughout treatment, which makes it more manageable. The particulars of these plans (down payments, interest rates, monthly payments, etc.) differ from orthodontist to orthodontist.

Maintenance costs

If you have braces, you will have certain dietary restrictions as well as other restrictions related to your oral hygiene, and the wires and brackets placed in your mouth can cause discomfort and irritation if not maintained properly. So, to maintain your oral hygiene, it is crucial to have regular dentist visits to have your braces cleaned and make your treatment smooth and pain-free. Each doctor’s appointment will have additional charges.

Once your braces come off, you'll wear retainers to maintain your teeth's new positions. They are crucial for avoiding relapse. There are two types of retainers after braces: Clear plastic ones and metal ones, so the cost of the retainer will also depend on the type you choose.

Other Potential Costs

Consultations and X-rays: Typically, consultations and diagnostic X-rays are required before treatment. These may have separate fees.

Emergency: If you have an issue with your braces (broken wires, loose brackets, etc.), you may have to come in for emergency appointments, which can lead to extra fees.

Debonding Fees: Orthodontists also charge for removing the braces at the end of treatment.

Treatment Plans

Smilepath offers four types of payment plans for your treatment. Here is the breakdown of treatment plans:

Upfront Treatment plan: This is the simplest treatment plan, you just have to pay the entire treatment cost, which is currently $1,320 (price can vary, check recent price here) in one lump sum. This option often represents the best overall value as there are no added interest or financing fees.

Easy Installment Plan: This plan allows you to pay a smaller amount monthly. The first installment starts from as low as $73 a month, for 18 months. The big upside here is the 0% APR, which means you won’t pay any interest on the installment payments. This makes it the best option for budgeting.

Fortnite Plan: In this plan, you have to pay every two weeks (fortnightly). The payment is $22 per installment with a total of 52 installments. This plan requires a 20% payment upfront. While the individual payments seem small, it's essential to calculate the total cost, including the deposit, to ensure it aligns with your budget.

No credit check plan: This plan caters to those who would otherwise be hard-pressed to find traditional financing due to their credit history. It means paying $200 a month for 6 months, but you also have to shell out $500 upfront. Although this plan does not require credit checks, you should try to understand the full cost.

Maintenance Costs

Aligners do not require any additional checkups and maintenance costs, the treatment plan also includes retainers so you do not need to pay extra for them. Smilepath has 24/7 customer support which can help you if you have any concerns or treatment-related questions.

Clear aligners also require proper care, so it is better to remove them while eating or brushing your teeth. It is also important to clean your aligners regularly, for which you can buy a Smilepath aligner cleaner along with your treatment plan.

Additional Costs

There are no extra costs for aligners. You just have to buy a suitable treatment plan, and that plan will include everything you need to align your teeth. There are also no additional maintenance or check-up costs.

Clear Aligners - Preferred Choice

Clear Aligners are the preferred choice for most individuals these days and the reason behind their growing preference is that it's an affordable, convenient, and discreet treatment. And the research backs it up.

Take, for instance, the recent report by Transparency Market Research. Their in-depth study of the Australian and New Zealand dental aligners market paints a picture of explosive growth. They project the market to balloon to a staggering US$581.0 million by 2031, growing at a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.7% from 2023 to 2031. This research highlights a few factors such as the growing demand for aesthetic dentistry (people need perfectly aligned pearly whites), and people are more aware of the importance of oral hygiene.

Orthodontics Australia, a leading professional organization, recognizes the increasing preference for clear aligners, especially among adults. They highlight how clear aligners have become popular as a preferred choice because of their easy, at-home, discreet treatment. The idea of straightening your teeth without anyone even noticing is a hit! The removable nature of aligners also means you can enjoy your favorite foods without restrictions and maintain your oral hygiene with ease.