Clear Braces Cost: Are They Cheaper Than Metal Braces?

In the last few years, there has been a huge increase in the number of Australian adults getting braces. Some people are even getting them for a second time! So if you are over 25 and considering getting braces, you’re in good company.

Investing in your smile is a great way to boost your confidence and clear braces are becoming a lot more popular than traditional metal braces. However, with some patients paying between $6,000 and $10,000 for their braces, it’s worth thinking carefully about this investment!

So how much do clear braces cost and how does this compare to fixed metal braces? If you’re thinking about giving your smile a new lease of life, read on to find out more!

What Are Clear Braces?

Clear braces for adults straighten your teeth by slowly shifting their position over time. While traditional types of braces use brackets and wires to do this, with removable braces you wear a series of clear trays. These are custom-made to fit your mouth.

During the process, you wear each tray for around six weeks. Once your teeth have shifted into the position of one tray, you move onto your next one. This continues until your teeth are straight.

The number of trays that you need and the length of the process depends a lot on the severity of your misalignment.

How Much Do Clear Braces Cost?

The cost of clear aligners can vary depending on where you get them done. Going to an orthodontist will usually be more expensive, as you end up paying for appointments and covering admin fees.

However, it is also possible to get clear braces using a home kit. These skip out the middle man and send the impression kit, aligners, and retainer straight to you. This costs around $1,900 if you pay upfront.

A lot of companies also offer payments on a monthly basis, to make the process more manageable. For example, you might pay around $120 a month for the same services.

Monthly payments usually cost a little more over time but can be really helpful if you don’t have a lot of spare cash to splash.

Comparing Brace Costs

When it comes to comparing braces costs, there are a lot of things to consider.

Compared to online clear aligner packages, metal braces are a lot more expensive. Traditional metal braces can cost up to $8,000. If you opt for ceramic brackets rather than metal ones, this can make things even more expensive.

It is also impossible to have fit metal braces at home. So you will have to visit your orthodontist regularly to have your wires tightened and your brackets removed.

It might cost you a little more to get clear aligners through your orthodontist. Some clear aligner companies also charge more than others for their treatments. So it is worth doing some research into what’s on offer before you start spending!

Of course, when it comes to looking at the cost of braces, you also need to think about the value that you’re getting for your money. Let’s take a look at some of the things that clear aligners offer compared to metal braces.

Clear Aligners are More Aesthetically Pleasing

If you are getting braces, the chances are that you’re already a little self-conscious about your smile. Because of this, you may want to opt for braces that don’t draw attention to it.

Metal or ceramic brackets can highlight your misalignment at the beginning of your treatment. In comparison, most people won’t notice when you are wearing your clear aligners. So you can enjoy the treatment while feeling confident about your smile.

It’s Easier to Clean Your Teeth with Clear Aligners

Dental hygiene is always extremely important and this can become more difficult when you are having teeth straightening treatment.

Having brackets, wires, or aligners in your mouth can make it a lot easier for food and other debris to get stuck in between your teeth. This can lead to tooth decay, plaque buildup, and gum irritation. So you have to put some more time into cleaning around them.

This is much easier with removable aligners, as you can floss, brush, and use mouthwash like normal. All you have to do is pop your aligners out.

You can also take these out at mealtimes to avoid food getting stuck in them. You just need to clean your teeth thoroughly before you put them back in.

Most clear aligners will come with instructions about how to clean the trays themselves. Doing this regularly will help to keep your teeth feeling and looking fresh!

Clear Aligners Are More Robust

The last thing you want is to fork out loads of money on teeth-straightening treatments only for something to go wrong! This is why clear aligners are really robust. They even come with a handy storage case for you to keep them in when you’re not wearing them.

You also don’t have to worry about wires snapping, which can happen with traditional braces and can slow down the straightening process. If a bracket or wire breaks, you need to book an appointment with your orthodontist for them to fix this as soon as possible.

Find Your Perfect Smile Today

As you can see, when it comes to clear braces cost, you need to think about the value for your money as well as the price tag.

Ready to find your perfect smile? Then get started with a free smile assessment today!