Sachar Dental NYC
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All the below content has been written by Dr. Sandip Sachar.
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Dentist NYC : Invisalign Vs Metal Braces
On this page: (Click topic below)
What are the differences between Invisalign and traditional metal braces?
What problems can be treated with Invisalign versus traditional metal braces?
How long does Invisalign treatment take Vs. traditional metal braces?
How many hours a day should I wear my Invisalign aligners Vs. traditional metal braces?
Will I need a retainer after my Invisalign treatment Vs. traditional metal braces?
What is the cost of an Invisalign treatment in NYC Vs. traditional metal braces?
Does dental insurance cover the cost Invisalign treatment Vs. traditional metal braces?
Summary of advantages of Invisalign Vs. traditional metal braces
What are the differences between Invisalign and traditional metal braces?
There are many similarities and many differences when comparing Invisalign and traditional metal braces. We will discuss many factors in comparison. The main advantage Invisalign has over traditional metal braces is the ability to remove them. This allows patients to eat without any limitations or restrictions that can be caused by traditional metal braces. Another one of the main advantages of Invisalign over traditional metal braces is the aesthetics. With Invisalign, patients wear a clear aligner over their teeth that can be virtually undetectable. Invisalign also allows for better oral hygiene enabling patients to what now to as they remove their aligners versus trying to cleaning teeth between metal wires and metal brackets.
What problems can be treated with Invisalign versus traditional metal braces?
Invisalign and traditional metal braces both treat many of the same things. For example, for many patients they can be equally effective in treating crowded teeth, gaps between the teeth, crooked teeth and mild bite problems of misalignment. Traditional metal braces may have an advantage over Invisalign in that they may be more effective when it comes to rotating teeth. At Sachar Dental NYC, we always do an initial consultation to determine if our patients are good candidates for Invisalign versus traditional metal braces. If you have an orthodontic problem that may not respond to Invisalign well, we will let you know, and refer you to our trusted team of orthodontists.
How long does Invisalign treatment take Vs. traditional metal braces?
Both Invisalign and traditional metal braces both take around the same amount of time to move your teeth into their new alignment. Every patient and every individual case is different, and vary slightly. In general, both metal braces and Invisalign are worn for approximately 6-18 months and rarely longer more severe cases of mal-alignment.
How many hours a day should I wear my Invisalign aligners Vs. traditional metal braces?
Traditional metal braces are not removable by patients. They are worn 24 hours per day for the entire course of your treatment. A major advantage of Invisalign is the ability to remove the clear aligners when one eats, drinks, brushes and flosses. This allows one to eat normally without food restrictions when using Invisalign. Also using Invisalign, a main advantage over traditional metal braces is the ability to floss and brush in order to remove plaque and tartar. This results in significantly improved oral hygiene and reduces the risk of cavities, tooth decay, gum disease and having bad breath. We recommend wearing your Invisalign aligners for 20-22 hours per day and only take them out when you are flossing, brushing, drinking or eating. An advantage of metal braces over Invisalign is one of compliance. If you feel like you, or your child may not be compliant with Invisalign, we may recommend traditional metal braces that you cannot remove.
How often will I come in for appointments during my Invisalign treatment Vs. traditional metal braces?
With both Invisalign and traditional metal braces, you will need to come in to the office for evaluation of your progress. For a majority of patients, you will need to be seen every 4-8 weeks for wire adjustments with traditional metal braces. For a majority of patients that are undergoing Invisalign treatment, we recommend coming in every 6-8 weeks and occasionally every 10-12 weeks for simpler cases. During these visits, will assess how your treatment is going and how your teeth are progressing. Sometimes, we will perform a mid-course correction with Invisalign and adjust your aligners accordingly. Sometimes, we will attachments to your teeth to allow the Invisalign aligners to grip the affected teeth in order to more efficiently move them. They are barely noticeable and fit right into your aligners.
Living with Invisalign aligners Vs. traditional metal braces
Invisalign aligners have an advantage over traditional metal braces in that one is able to remove them when they eat, drink, floss and brush. Traditional metal braces are not removable at all. This allows one to have better oral hygiene by brushing and flossing with the Invisalign aligners removed versus trying to floss and brush around metal wires and brackets.
Invisalign aligners are usually very comfortable and pain-free. Some patients report mild discomfort when first starting a new aligner. Many patients have told us that Invisalign aligners are much more tolerable than traditional metal braces that may feel tight and can be painful. Additionally, patients often complain of sharp brackets and wires that irritated gums and lips which does not happen with Invisalign aligners.
Will I need a retainer after my Invisalign treatment Vs. traditional metal braces?
After treatment with both traditional metal braces and Invisalign aligners, it is necessary to wear a retainer in order to prevent relapse and to maintain your new alignment of the teeth.
What is the cost of an Invisalign treatment in NYC Vs. traditional metal braces?
When comparing the cost of Invisalign aligners versus traditional metal braces, the costs are very similar. At Sachar Dental NYC our charge for Invisalign is listed below for both express Invisalign cases and full Invisalign cases. Express Invisalign treatment is used for more simple cases and requires less time and less movement of the teeth. Our expert Invisalign Certified cosmetic dentists will inform you if you are a candidate for express Invisalign treatment versus full traditional Invisalign treatment.
There are two types of Invisalign treatments, express and full. Express Invisalign treatment is used for the more simple cases and do not require as much time or movement of the teeth. Our expert cosmetic dentists will inform you if you are a candidate for express Invisalign treatment during your consultation. Full Invisalign treatment is all the other cases that are not simple cases. Express cases take approximately 6 months while full cases take 12-18 months or more.
In New York City, the cost range for Invisalign treatments, as of the time of this writing, is $3,000-$6,000 for Invisalign express treatment. And the cost for full Invisalign treatment in New York City is $6,000-$8,000.
At Sachar Dental NYC our costs are:
- $4,500 for express Invisalign treatment.
- $6,500 for full Invisalign treatment.
Does dental insurance cover the cost Invisalign treatment Vs. traditional metal braces?
Most dental insurances cover both traditional metal braces and Invisalign treatment. Many PPO dental insurance plans cover the cost Invisalign treatment at 50%-60%, up until your annual maximum. At Sachar Dental NYC, we always check your insurance benefits prior to your visit. We will let you know if Invisalign treatment is a covered service under your dental insurance, and also let you know what your out-of-pocket expenses will be prior to performing any procedure. We will submit a claim to your dental insurance and receive payment for the insurance portion directly from them. At the time your visit, you will only be responsible for your percentage out-of-pocket.
Can I use flexible spending dollars or a medical savings account for these charges?
Yes, you may be able to use your medical savings accounts or flexible spending dollars to cover charges related to both Invisalign treatment and traditional metal braces. At the time of your service, we will provide you with all the necessary documentation and receipts.
Do you offer payment plans for Invisalign treatment?
At Sachar Dental NYC, we offer interest free financing through Lending Club and Care Credit. In 15 minutes, we will let you know if you are approved for interest-free financing. These options will enable you to make payments over the next 12-18 months without any interest charged.
Summary of advantages of Invisalign Vs. traditional metal braces
Advantages of Invisalign treatment over traditional metal braces include:
- Nearly invisible for a more cosmetic appearance during your treatment.
- No food restrictions allow one to eat without limitations.
- Easier to clean the teeth with Invisalign because the Invisalign aligners are removable versus trying to clean the teeth around metal hardware.
- Lower risk of tooth decay and cavities and gum disease.
- Lower risk of bad breath.
- Comfortable and pain-free.
- Lower maintenance and do not require wire adjustments.
- Less visits to the dentist.
- No sharp metal brackets or wires that may irritate the lips and gums.
Advantage of traditional metal braces over Invisalign treatment include:
- May be able to more efficiently treat rotated teeth.
- More compliance for children and teenagers.
