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We know what you're thinking… It's 2024. Why isn't there a way to get straight teeth quickly, affordably and without affecting my rizz?
Well, since you brought it up. There have been some advancements when it comes to straightening out the chompers. Yes, traditional 'metal mouth' braces still grace us with their presence, but have you noticed that there has been less roaming around in the wild? Ever wondered why? Could more and more people be straightening their teeth using an almost invisible approach?
The main teeth straightening options are clear aligners, metal braces, and clear invisible braces. We're here to spill the tea on the wizardry of the dental world and compare the different teeth straightening options so you don't have to.
Traditional Braces vs. Modern Alternatives
We all know what traditional metal braces and ceramic braces are, right? They involve a mix of metal, wires and elastic bands, along with monthly dental appointments to give a stranger and their tools unlimited access to your mouth to tighten those little gadgets attached to your teeth.
But… have you heard of Clear Aligners?
No? Allow us to introduce you.
Advantages of Clear Aligners
Virtually invisible, clear aligners are plastic trays or retainers that you wear daily. Every fortnight, you switch them out for another pair that will move your teeth safely and comfortably in small increments. Look, we're not saying they're pain-free, but compared to traditional teeth straightening methods, they aren't anything! AND, we haven't even told you the best part yet… in some cases, you can complete a clear aligner treatment entirely from home! Like, all of it. No human contact whatsoever. You don't even have to leave the house!
Clear Aligners can fix crooked teeth, overcrowded teeth, and misalignments on lower teeth and upper teeth, providing you with an almost invisible alternative for a straighter smile faster and at an affordable cost.
Let's chat more about them.
The Rise of Clear Aligners: What Sets Them Apart
There are multiple reasons why straight smile chasers are opting for clear aligners.
As we mentioned above, in some cases, you can complete your entire clear aligner treatment remotely. You can even avoid your initial consultation with an orthodontist by ordering an 'Impression Kit' that will take a mould of the current state of your smile and allow the team to recommend a treatment plan to get you started. Bitesoft Co also uses a super smart gadget called a 'Scanbox' that will enable you to scan your progress and let your orthodontist track your movements digitally. While traditional braces will have you in the chair monthly, at minimum.
Also, unlike braces, you can remove your clear aligners when you eat, drink, have a first date (*winks), etc. Wear time is a minimum of 20 - 22 hours per day to achieve the results you want in the expected timeframe, but 4 hours is more than enough to have a meal, see a movie, and snag a goodnight kiss before having to pop them back in.
Comparing Teeth Straightening Treatment Durations: Which Option Fits Your Lifestyle?
What's faster, braces or aligners? Unbelievably, clear aligners often require a shorter timeframe to wear than other teeth straightening options. Bitesoft Co experts say that, on average, their clients will receive anywhere from a 4—to 12-month treatment plan, while braces, on average, take between 1 and 3 YEARS! And longer treatment time often (in this case, definitely) means more expensive.
Cost Breakdown: How Different Teeth Straightening Methods Stack Up
As mentioned above, braces can take 1 to 3 years to achieve your desired teeth alignment. Braces also require regular visits to the orthodontist, which means more money. Based on our research and a quick Google search on 'how much are braces going to cost me?' You're looking at somewhere between $3,500 and $7,000. And that price is based on traditional metal braces. If you're looking into ceramic or lingual braces, the cost can be up to a heart-breaking, wallet-aching $15,000.
On the other hand, a Bitesoft Co clear aligner treatment costs between a modest $2,900 and $4,000.
Effectiveness Matters: Evaluating the Success Rates of Each Treatment
We're not going to lie to you by saying clear aligners are better in every way (they are), but both offer a great outcome when it comes to effectiveness out of the teeth straightening options.
Clear aligners do have some limitations when it comes to highly complex cases. Still, we recommend choosing an orthodontic treatment that will have minimal effect on your snazzy (or snazzy less) lifestyle and still get you a confident smile.