Braces vs. Clear Aligners: What Affects the Cost?

What is the difference between braces and clear aligners?

Braces stay attached to your teeth, while clear aligners are removable trays you swap out over time. Braces use brackets and a wire that apply gentle, steady pressure. Clear aligners, such as the Invisalign system, are thin plastic trays made to fit your teeth, and each set moves them a small amount.

Both can treat crowded or gapped teeth and many bite problems. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) notes that clear aligners aren’t right for everyone and that some cases are treated more predictably with braces.

Orthodontics, including braces and aligners, will be available right here at our Murrieta office, so you won’t need to travel to another office for care.

What affects the cost of braces or clear aligners?

Orthodontic fees are built around your case, not the appliance alone. The AAO says cost depends on the type of appliance, how complex the case is and how long treatment lasts.

• How much your teeth need to move. A mild spacing issue generally needs less treatment than severe crowding or a significant bite problem.
• Treatment time. The AAO says most people wear braces for about 12 to 24 months, while mild cases can be shorter and complex ones longer. More time usually means more visits.
• Type of appliance. The AAO describes traditional metal braces as effective and affordable. Braces placed behind the teeth are usually more expensive.
• Work needed first. The AAO notes that problems like cavities may need treatment before braces go on. A checkup and cleaning is a smart first step.
• What the fee includes. Some fees cover all appointments, emergency visits and the first retainers. Others don’t, so ask what’s included and what isn’t.
• Your age. Adults can get treatment, but the AAO says adult treatment may take longer than a child’s because adult teeth are more firmly set.

What can make orthodontic treatment cost more than expected?

Surprises often come from extra time, repairs and replacements. Knowing them up front helps you keep your plan on track.

With clear aligners, results depend on wearing them as directed. The AAO says each aligner is typically worn for about a week, at least 22 hours a day, and taken out only to eat, drink, brush and floss. Skipped hours can slow progress.

With braces, broken brackets and wires mean extra visits. The ADA’s MouthHealthy site suggests avoiding foods like popcorn, corn on the cob, chewing gum and whole apples, and notes that too many sugary foods can lead to plaque around brackets.

Cavities that start during treatment add cost, too. Brushing well and keeping regular checkups helps protect your teeth while they move.

Does dental insurance cover braces or clear aligners?

Some plans do, but orthodontic benefits vary widely. According to the AAO, plans with orthodontic coverage usually treat braces and clear aligners the same, and they typically pay either a percentage of the cost or a fixed benefit amount.

Orthodontic benefits often come with their own rules. The ADA’s MouthHealthy site notes that a lifetime limit may apply to braces, which is different from your plan’s yearly limit.

Golden Triangle Dentistry works with most dental insurance plans, including most PPOs. Visit our dental insurance page, and ask our team about your benefits. Questions to ask your plan:

• Does my plan include orthodontic coverage for adults, children or both?
• Is there an age limit or a lifetime maximum for orthodontics?
• Does it pay a percentage of the fee or a fixed amount?
• Do I need to see an in-network provider?

Is there a right age for braces or aligners?

There’s no single right age, but there is a recommended first check. The AAO recommends that children be screened at age 7, when there are enough permanent teeth to spot developing problems early.

A check at 7 doesn’t mean a child will get braces at 7. Early treatment, when it’s needed, can guide the growth of the jaw and make room for incoming teeth. Our children’s dentistry visits include checks on how teeth and habits are developing.

Adults aren’t too late. The AAO says being older doesn’t prevent orthodontic treatment, and about 1 in 3 orthodontic patients today is an adult. If crooked teeth have bothered you for years, an exam can show your options.

Do you wear a retainer forever after braces or aligners?

For most people, yes, at least some of the time. The AAO says a retainer is typically needed for a lifetime, though how often you wear it may decrease over time.

Retainers come in two main types: clear removable trays and a thin wire bonded behind the teeth. Your provider will recommend the right type and schedule for your bite.

Plan for retainers in your budget. The AAO notes the first set is often part of the overall treatment fee, but replacements may be a separate fee. Keeping a removable retainer in its case when it’s not in your mouth helps you avoid losing it.

How do I compare orthodontic quotes and keep costs manageable?

Compare complete plans, not just totals. Ask each office what the fee includes, from the first exam to the last retainer, and get the payment terms in writing.

Pre-tax accounts can help. The AAO notes that health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs) can be used for orthodontic care, and that FSA money generally must be used within the calendar year. MouthHealthy adds that most FSAs can’t be used for purely cosmetic services, so check with your plan administrator.

Our office accepts cash, check, major credit cards and CareCredit, and we’re adding flexible financing options. See our dental financing page. Before you sign any financing, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau suggests asking whether a 0% offer uses deferred interest, which can charge interest on the full amount if the balance isn’t paid in time.

Many dental benefits renew at the end of the year, and our team is happy to help you use yours before then.

Questions & answers

Common questions