Key Takeaways

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NHS Braces

Cost: Free for eligible patients.

Eligibility: Based on need, not just aesthetics.

Treatment Options: Generally limited to traditional metal braces.

Waiting Times: Can be very long, depending on location and demand.

Flexibility: Less flexibility with appointments, often during limited hours.

Continuity: You may see different clinicians over time.

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Function Comparison

Clear Aligners:

Custom-made, transparent trays: Discreetly fit over teeth.

Removable: Allows for easy eating, brushing, and flossing

Gentle movement: Applies gradual pressure to move teeth into desired positions.

Fewer adjustments: Requires less time in the dentist's chair compared to braces.

Predictable results: 3D imaging maps the entire treatment, providing a clear view of the final outcome.

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Traditional Metal Braces:

Fixed brackets and wires: Can cause mouth sores and require more maintenance.

Dietary restrictions: Patients must avoid certain hard or sticky foods.

Frequent adjustments: Often necessitate regular appointments for adjustments and tightening.

Handle severe cases: Effective for complex orthodontic issues that clear aligners may not address.

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Cost Comparison

Clear Aligners:

Can have a higher upfront cost due to technology and materials.

The total cost is often bundled into the initial quote, including all aligner products.

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Traditional Metal Braces:

Generally less expensive initially.

May incur additional costs for frequent adjustments or emergency repairs if wires break.

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Reasons for Popularity

Aesthetics and Discretion: Their transparent nature makes clear aligners virtually invisible, appealing to adults and teens who want to avoid the look of metal braces.

Comfort: The absence of metal brackets and wires reduces discomfort and the risk of mouth injuries.

Convenience: Removable aligners make it easy to maintain oral hygiene and enjoy a normal diet without restrictions.

Hygiene: Easier cleaning and a more effective oral hygiene routine are possible without the obstacles of brackets and wires.

Predictability: 3D technology allows patients and orthodontists to see the predicted outcome, providing confidence in the treatment plan and its potential time and financial investment.

Straight teeth aren’t only about appearance; they play a big role in your oral health and confidence. Clear aligners are a modern way to treat malocclusion. Unlike traditional metal braces, aligners let you straighten your smile without leaving your home and in an affordable manner. Deciding whether to go with braces or clear aligners often comes down to your dental condition, daily lifestyle, and how much you’re willing to spend.

This blog will walk you through what aligners are, how they work, invisible braces cost,why pricing differs between providers, their main advantages, possible alternatives, and when they may be the best option.

Table of Content

What are aligners and how do they work

Clear aligner process

Clear aligners are removable, transparent plastic trays that apply consistent yet gentle pressure on your teeth and shift them into the desired position. When clear aligners apply gentle pressure to your teeth, it triggers a process known as “remodeling.” The remodelling process involves specialized cells working together to build the old tissue bones.

Clear aligners can be bought online that allow for either virtual or hybrid assistance, depending on the provider you choose, or in-office aligners are provided at different clinics with in-person monitoring.

Daily wear time

Clear aligners need to be worn for 20 to 22 hours daily to work properly. The remodelling process needs a continuous and consistent force of at least 20 hours to work properly. Wearing them less may extend your treatment time.

Treatment duration

Treatment duration varies, but typically, most cases take around 12 months to align the teeth completely; slight misalignment issues can be treated in 4 to 6 months.

What influences the price of clear aligners

You have finally decided to take your first step towards a teeth straightening journey and are thinking, “How much do clear aligners cost?” Several factors influence the price of clear aligners, including:

  • Customized technology: Some providers use 3D scans, and some use at-home impression kits. Both create a digital treatment plan, but scanning facilities may increase the price compared to a fully remote model.

  • Professional oversight: Providers with hybrid treatment that involves in-office checkups can cost more than the providers with remote monitoring.

  • Provider facilities: Clear braces cost at every brand vary depending on the facilities they provide.

  • Treatment range: Treatment duration varies in each brand, depending on the severity of your case.

  • Long-term value: Regardless of the provider, clear aligners come with fewer emergencies and repairs, making them a cost-effective choice in the long run.

Ready for a smile makeover at a price you'll love?

Caspersmile clear aligners bring you a confident smile straight from home, stress-free.

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Alternatives to clear aligners

Braces, lingual braces, and veneers in an image

Clear aligners are most effective for mild to moderate alignment problems. In case of severe dental problems, you can go for other options given below:

Traditional braces

For a century, braces have been a way to treat misaligned teeth. However, traditional braces are often more expensive and less comfortable than clear aligners. Complex dental cases can be treated through braces effectively. For mild to moderate cases, opt for aligners, a more affordable and painless procedure than traditional metal braces.

Lingual braces

Those who are smile-conscious, lingual braces are a go-to option for them, as these braces are placed at the back of the teeth. These braces are completely hidden but more costly than other teeth straightening options like clear aligners.

Famous clear aligner brands comparison

Famous clear aligner brand logos

Here's a quick comparison of Caspersmile vs. Competitors leading the clear aligner market.

Provider

Description

Key features

NewSmile

Affordable at-home clear aligners with fully remote monitoring. Best for mild to moderate cases with flexible wear options.

  • Cost: from $1,795

  • Duration: 4-6 months

  • Wear Time: 22 hrs/day or 8-10 hrs/night

  • Free whitening kit and retainers included

SmileSet

Remote clear aligners with the option to start at home or via 3D scan. Offers professional oversight with flexible wear options.

  • Cost: from $1,495

  • Duration: 4-6 months

  • Wear Time: 20-22 hrs/day

  • Day & night plans available

  • Retainers sold separately

Caspersmile

Budget-friendly, fully at-home clear aligners. Offers one of the lowest prices with freebies.

  • Cost: from $825

  • Duration: 3-5 months

  • Wear Time: 22 hrs/day or 8-10 hrs/night

  • Free whitening kit + first set of retainers

  • Free 1-on-1 video call with impression kit

Why everyone loves Caspersmile clear aligners

Clear aligners

Caspersmile has been gaining popularity in the US, and for good reason. Here are a few things that will make you fall in love with our clear aligners.

  • Transparent: Virtually invisible, designed to blend with your natural smile.

  • Comfort: Smooth, BPA-free plastic trays without sharp edges.

  • Convenience: Fully remote process, with aligners delivered to your door.

  • No lifestyle interruptions: Easy to remove for eating, drinking, or brushing.

  • Predictable results: Dentist-approved plans with clear timelines and outcomes.

Who can use Caspersmile clear aligners

Here's a lowdown on Caspersmile clear aligners eligibility criteria:

  • Mild to moderate misalignment: Effective for crowding, gaps, and crooked teeth.

  • Bite issues: Helps correct overjet, mild overbite, and some open bites.

  • Teen & adult treatment: A discreet option, especially preferred by adults.

  • Special considerations: Not suitable for severe dental issues, where braces or surgery may be required.

Your dream smile is closer than you think

With Caspersmile clear aligners, enjoy an affordable, at-home journey to confidence.

Buy now

Clear aligners: The smarter choice for your smile

Clear aligners not only improve your appearance, but they also treat misalignments more effectively and affordably than traditional metal braces. While braces may still be necessary for complex cases, clear aligners for teeth combine affordability, convenience, and confidence in one treatment.

Caspersmile stands out by offering one of the most budget-friendly plans, with extras like a free whitening kit, retainers, and 1-on-1 guidance included, making it easier to start your journey toward a straighter smile.

Clear aligners aren't just cosmetic; they're a reliable and modern way to improve your smile, and the next step is to take a free online consultation with Caspersmile or speak with an orthodontist to see whether aligners or another option best fits your goals.

Frequently asked questions

faqs
Clear aligners are transparent plastic trays that apply consistent pressure to your teeth and shift them into the desired position.
Clear braces are also known as clear aligners, which are the most effective way to straighten your teeth at an affordable price.
Clear aligners are much more affordable than traditional metal braces. These aligner treatments can be completed at home without any clinic visits.
Yes, clear aligners can treat a range of bite and misalignment issues like crossbite, overbite, deepbite, edge-to-edge, midline, teeth crowding, and spacing.
Treatment duration of the aligners varies depending on the severity of your case.
You may feel mild discomfort during the first few days, but it usually fades quickly.
Clear aligners are removable, so you can enjoy your favorite meals without any compromise. Just remember to remove them before you eat or drink anything besides water.
Whether you are 16 or 60, you can use clear aligners and achieve the smile you've always wanted to have.
Clear aligners begin a process called remodeling, which works with consistent and gentle pressure for 20 hours to shift teeth into the desired position. Wearing aligners for less than 20 hours can increase the lifespan of the whole treatment, and further treatment can cost you more than aligner treatment.

References

Ridgepointedental. (2024, April 18). A Guide on Meeting Your 22-Hour Wear Time with Invisalign | Ridgepointe Dental. Ridgepointe Dental Blog.
https://www.ridgepointedental.com/blog/2024/03/21/meeting-your-22-hour-wear-time-with-invisalign/#:~:text=Before%20getting%20into%20the%20tips,the%2DGo%20Dental%20Hygiene%20Kit

Guo, Z., Zhang, R., Guo, C., Li, X., Jin, Z., & Liu, Q. (2023). A retrospective study of alveolar bone remodelling after anterior retraction in orthodontic tooth extraction cases with clear aligners and fixed appliances. Orthodontics and Craniofacial Research, 27(2), 220-227. https://doi.org/10.1111/ocr.12705