Guide to Clear Aligners: Types, Benefits, and Costs

Can you really get a straighter smile without the discomfort and obvious appearance of braces? The answer is “yes.” With clear aligner therapy in Eastpointe, MI from Lakeshore Dental Specialists, you can get the straight smile and healthy bite that you’ve always wanted.

But can clear aligners like Invisalign really work just as well as braces? What different types of clear aligners are available, and how are they different? How much does it cost, and is it really worth it? In this comprehensive guide to clear aligner therapy, we’ll answer all of these questions and many more.

Understanding How Clear Aligners Work

So, how do clear aligners work? Basically, just like braces! But instead of using brackets, wires, and rubber bands to move your teeth, clear aligners like Invisalign use a series of “aligners” or “trays” made from strong, thin plastic.

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These look sort of like a retainer or a night guard for teeth grinding. Each aligner is meant to move your teeth by about 0.1 to 0.2mm. You’ll wear your aligners for about 20-22 hours per day, and switch to a new set every 1-2 weeks, or as directed by your dentist at Lakeshore Dental Specialists. 

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By switching through a series of multiple aligners and following the treatment plan provided by your dentist, you can correct issues like gaps in your smile, crooked teeth, overcrowded teeth, and even bite problems like an overbite or an underbite. It usually takes between 20-22 sets of aligners to fully correct your smile, though this will vary depending on your orthodontic needs.

Who Is A Good Candidate For Clear Aligners?

Not sure if you’re a good candidate for clear aligners like Invisalign? Here’s what you need to know about qualifying for treatment.

Your mouth must be healthy

First and foremost, your mouth must be healthy to get clear aligners. You can’t get orthodontic treatment if you have untreated oral health problems like cavities, infected teeth, or gum disease. These issues must be resolved before you can start your clear aligner treatment.

Complex orthodontic issues may disqualify you

Clear aligners, and Invisalign in particular, are very versatile and can be used for lots of orthodontic problems. However, if you have very complex orthodontic problems like extremely crooked or crowded teeth, clear aligners may not be the right choice. Traditional braces may be needed along with oral surgery and other orthodontic treatments to resolve complex cases.

Age doesn’t matter

Do you think you’re too old for clear aligners? Think again. There’s no age limit. From teenagers to seniors, anyone can get treatment with clear aligners. Clear aligners are a particularly good choice for adults who may want to avoid the obvious appearance of braces, especially if they work in a professional setting.

Are There Different Types Of Clear Aligners?

Yes. Some of the top brands of clear aligners used at dental offices include Invisalign, 3M Clarity, ClearCorrect, and SureSmile, and there are some other smaller companies that offer clear aligner treatment, too.

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From a patient’s perspective, all of these clear aligner treatments mostly work in the same way. The main differences are in the materials used to create aligners and in the software and treatment planning techniques used by dentists. At Lakeshore Dental Specialists, we prefer Invisalign clear aligner treatment.

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There are a few reasons for this. First, Invisalign was the first company to develop clear aligners in the late 90s, and they have a long history of successful treatments. Because they were the first to develop clear aligners, Invisalign also has a lot of patents that help them create more effective treatment plans.

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For example, Invisalign’s patented SmartTrack plastic is extremely thin and strong, and uses a multi-layered construction method to deliver fast and effective tooth movement without adding bulk to the aligners.

The Benefits Of Clear Aligners

Wondering why you should choose clear aligners for a straighter smile in Eastpointe, MI? Here are a few benefits of choosing them over traditional orthodontics, like braces.

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• Invisible treatment – Clear aligners are nearly invisible when worn, making them one of the best teeth straightening options for adults who would like to avoid the obvious appearance of braces. With clear aligners like Invisalign, nobody has to know that you’re straightening your teeth unless you want them to.

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• Enhanced comfort – Clear aligners are made out of smooth, thin plastic. They don’t have any pointy wires or bulky metal brackets that could irritate your gums, lips, tongue, or cheeks, making them more comfortable.
• Completely removable – You can take out your clear aligners to eat and drink, which means you can keep eating hard and crunchy foods like chips and pretzels, gummy candies, and other foods that are off-limits with braces. Also, you can take your aligners out to brush and floss, so it’s much easier to care for your smile.
• Faster treatment time – Generally speaking, it usually takes 12-18 months to straighten your teeth with clear aligners. Braces, on the other hand, usually require 18-24 months for comparable results.
• Excellent results – Once your treatment is finished, you’ll enjoy straighter teeth, a healthier bite, and more confidence in your smile. Not only will your new smile look more attractive, but straighter teeth are easier to clean, which can reduce your risk of issues like gum disease and cavities.

The Drawbacks Of Clear Aligners

While they're a great option for most patients, clear aligners aren’t perfect. They do have some drawbacks that you may want to keep in mind if you’re considering Invisalign in Eastpointe, MI, including the following: 

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• Not quite as versatile as braces – While they're appropriate for most patients, clear aligners may not be a good option for patients with very crooked or crowded teeth, or severe bite problems. In these cases, traditional braces are a better option.
• Requires diligence and commitment – Unlike braces, clear aligners are removable. But you need to be responsible and make sure you wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day. If you don’t wear your aligners enough or you lose, damage, or misplace a set, this can delay your treatment and lead to higher costs.

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• Usually more expensive – This depends on your case and your dentist, but clear aligners are usually more expensive than braces. If you are on a tight budget, this may mean that braces are a better option.

How Much Does Clear Aligner Treatment Cost?

Clear aligner treatment in Michigan with Invisalign usually costs between $3000 and $8000. There are a few different factors that can affect the cost of clear aligner treatment. However, the primary factor is the complexity of your case.

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The more your teeth and bite need to be corrected, the longer your treatment will take. This means you’ll need more aligners and more checkups at Lakeshore Dental Specialists, too, resulting in a more expensive overall treatment.

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To get an accurate estimate of what your treatment will cost, you’ll need to schedule an orthodontic consultation with our team. We offer transparent pricing and accurate estimates and can help you understand exactly how much your Invisalign treatment will cost.

Insurance coverage for clear aligners

If your dental plan covers orthodontic treatment, it may pay for part of the cost of your clear aligner treatment. Most dental plans offer a lifetime maximum for orthodontic treatment, usually between $1500 and $3000.

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You can consult with your insurer or your policy documents to see if your plan will cover the cost of clear aligners like Invisalign. Our team at Lakeshore Dental Specialists will also be happy to help you understand your benefits and whether or not you can get orthodontic coverage.

Explore your financing options

Many dental practices offer financing options for clear aligners. For example, at Lakeshore Dental Specialists, we offer Sunbit financing for our patients who need some more budgetary flexibility.

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With financing options like Sunbit, you can split the cost of your treatment into monthly installments. This makes it much easier to fit the cost of clear aligners into your budget since you don’t have to pay for the full cost of treatment up front.

Explore Your Options For A Straighter Smile At Our Office

If you’re thinking about getting clear aligners in Eastpointe, MI, the team at Lakeshore Dental Specialists is here to help. Dr. Whitney Weiner and our dental team offer expert Invisalign treatment in a relaxed, comfortable, and patient-focused environment.

So don’t wait. Book your first appointment today to see if Invisalign is right for you, and take the first steps toward a straighter smile, healthier bite, and a confidence boost. Give us a call at (586) 777- 0260 to get started, or contact us online to book your orthodontic consultation at Lakeshore Dental Specialists.