Everyone wants to have a bright white smile with perfectly straight, symmetrical teeth. But for years, clunky, traditional metal braces were the only way to attain this look. As a result, many people avoided getting braces unless it was medically necessary because they believed the traditional wire and bracket system was not appealing. 

Now, with more advanced and less visible options available, including Invisalign® and incognito braces, more people are turning to orthodontic treatment to achieve the smile they’ve always dreamed of. 

Do I need braces?

Braces are used to correct visibly crooked or crowded teeth, especially in patients who experience difficulty brushing or flossing adequately. 

Other indications that you may need braces include:

• Your adult teeth came in much later.
• You are missing teeth or have too many.
• You have an overbite or underbite.
• You are self-conscious about your smile and wish to correct it

Both teens and adults can benefit from braces.

What are incognito braces?

Lingual, or incognito braces, are similar to the traditional style in that they utilize a wire and bracket system. However, there is one key difference. The term lingual in dentistry means “towards the tongue”. Lingual braces are secured to the back of teeth rather than the front, making them seemingly invisible braces.

With brackets attached to the back of the teeth, patients do not have to worry about interference with work or their personal life and they do not have to remove them to eat a meal, unlike other invisible braces options. Although lingual braces are more convenient than traditional or other options, they come at a higher price point and have limited availability of orthodontists that offer them.

What are clear aligners?

Invisalign® is the leading name in clear aligners available. Rather than using the traditional bracket and wire system, Invisalign® utilizes a series of clear plastic trays designed to move your teeth closer together throughout treatment. Each tray is used for approximately two weeks and then traded out as your teeth shift closer together.

Clear aligners offer added comfort and convenience as they can be removed easily for eating, taking photographs, or for important events. However, this convenience comes with a lower success rate as it requires extreme dedication to maintaining proper use.

Orthodontic treatment cost

Several orthodontic treatment options like traditional or lingual braces and Invisalign® are covered by insurance, however, these options still come at a hefty cost. The price varies based on recommended treatment and the severity or complexity of your case. Some patients only need small adjustments with shorter treatment times while others require additional equipment to successfully straighten their teeth.

Both new-age braces options are expensive in comparison to traditional braces, but which costs more? On average, Invisalign® cost range is between $3,500 to $8,500 while lingual braces often start at $5,000 and can cost up to $13,000. 

Lingual braces require additional training and not all orthodontists specialize in this type of treatment. Luckily, Starling Orthodontics does, and Dr. Starling is not only one of the top Incognito providers in the U.S. but also is the #1 provider in the state of Tennessee.

Invisalign® vs lingual braces

The convenience factor of having “invisible” braces keeps Invisalign® and lingual braces in high demand. Choosing between the two options depends on a number of factors, including your lifestyle, needs, and budget. Both options offer low visibility treatment, but you may find Invisalign® a bit more affordable than incognito braces.

When comparing orthodontic options, people often wonder, “Is Invisalign® right for me?”. While up to 90% of cases are treatable with Invisalign®, not everyone meets the standards for clear aligners. Invisalign® is not recommended for people who have a severe overbite, do not have all of their adult teeth, or have improper tooth positioning.

While not much shorter, Invisalign® clear aligner treatment times are often 12 to 18 months compared to lingual braces or traditional braces with treatment times of at least 12 to 20 months.

Unlike clear aligners, lingual braces are not removable once they have been placed, making them more desirable because they require less effort. The average treatment time for these two orthodontic options is nearly the same, but appointment times for Invisalign® are often much shorter.

The Starling Difference

Are you searching for Brentwood Invisalign or lingual braces? At Starling Orthodontics, we are one of the few practices serving as many adult patients as we do children. Dr. Starling provides orthodontic treatment to as many adults as he does children, which is why he provides a full-service menu of orthodontic treatment. As Tennessee’s number one Incognito provider, Starling Orthodontics is the go-to in Brentwood for less noticeable treatment options. And, if you're searching for Invisalign® near me in Tennessee, Starling Orthodontics is an excellent choice.

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