Would an Orthadontist Recommend Metal Braces over Invisalign to Make More Money?

Question

I have had metal braces about ten years ago. I never wore my retainer and now want to have them fixed again I went to the ortho and he suggested metal braces over invisalign but priced them both the same. Not sure why. I really was wanting invisalign but he recommended braces. I'm so torn. Any words of advice?

Robert Waxler, DMD, MS · Answer

Invisalign costs the orthodontist more in lab fee but can be offset by less chair time so many doctors charge the same for either braces or Invisalign.  If the doctor is comfortable and use to using Invisalign then they tend to go with Invisalign if possible...if the doctor is not comfortable with INvisalign or has done only a few cases he may try to push you to braces even though you could be easily treated with Invisalign

Jacqueline Demko, DDS, MSD · Answer

Money is never a determining factor in treatment. Metal braces are cheaper for the dr the lab cost for invisalign greater and requires more dr chair time

	If a doctor recommends one over the other it simply means that is what they feel most comfortable accomplishing your specific treatment goals with.

	As far as financial motives it likely is not that one is more profitable than the other but more that one course of treatment is smoother and less stressful for the doctor.

	If you truly want Invisalign, speak second and third opinions before you commit to anything.

Steven Jay Bowman, DMD, MSD · Answer

An orthodontist typically makes recommendations for either Invisalign or traditional braces based on many factors that may be specific to your particular needs.  For instance, if patient cooperation with Invisalign could be suspect (for example, perhaps you were not compliant in wearing your retainers after your original treatment...), then depending upon you to wear the aligners 24/7 is a real concern.  In addition, if simply re-aligning your lower front teeth is required if there is substantial overlap of those teeth, then perhaps braces  might be more efficient in resolving that crowding.  In other words, braces can be applied immediately with re-alignment of your teeth often in less than 4-5 months, whereas Invisalign may take a month to six weeks to be delivered to simply begin the process.  Invisalign is an excellent treatment approach for many patients; however, traditional braces are as well.  Only your orthodontist can determine your treatment needs and prescribe the best options specifically for you.  If you still feel uncomfortable as to what is being recommended, then getting a second opinion is suggested to give you piece of mind.

Doug Depew, DMD, MS - Account Suspended · Answer

Invisalign is a great way to go to treat most cases of relapse.  Sometimes however there are some movements that the orthodontist might feel would work more predictably by using Invisalign.  This may be why he is more in favor of using fixed braces.  As far as the cost goes, that's a good question.  The materials and lab costs for Invisalign are higher, but the time in the chair are typically higher with braces.  In many cases, Invisalign tends to be a little higher to pay the lab fee and to cover any contingencies.  So if he is charging the same thing, it sounds like a good deal.

Would an Orthadontist Recommend Metal Braces over Invisalign to Make More Money?

Answers (4)

Answer: Braces vs. Invisalign to treat relapse

Answer: Braces vs. Invisalign to treat relapse

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Would an Orthadontist Recommend Metal Braces over Invisalign to Make More Money?

Answers (4)

Answer: Braces vs. Invisalign to treat relapse

Answer: Braces vs. Invisalign to treat relapse

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Braces

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.