A few months ago, we had an interesting discussion in my comments about expensive investments, namely the frugal reality of braces. Above you see our second born son, sporting his newly perfected smile – sans braces. We have two down, three to go.
Braces were a huge financial investment, but it was so worth it. It was a decision that doesn’t just affect today, but makes a difference for a lifetime.
One of the reasons I subscribe to a frugal lifestyle is so that we save on certain things, in order to spend (and give) on other things.
All the comments and suggestions from our past post on braces was very interesting, but there was one alternative I wasn’t aware of when I wrote the post.
All the children below would have loved the option of Invisalign – the clear alternative to braces. When we were making the decision to put braces on our three boys, Invisalign never crossed my mind because I assumed that they were much more than traditional braces…I was mistaken, and they are just as eligible to be covered by insurance.
I also assumed that Invisalign was more of a treatment for adults who had previously had braces but now they needed some additional straightening (like mine.) Again, I was mistaken.
Invisalign Teen is a wonderful choice for my daughter and I am really thrilled to begin the process. She won’t have to straighten her teeth the old-fashioned way, with metal braces (even though they were just fine for my boys), and is so excited about that option. The Invisalign Teen™ system lets you do it the modern, hygienic way. Your new smile is created with the most innovative technology – a series of clear aligners that are custom-fit to your teeth. I was completed amazed at the technology. You seriously can’t even tell people are wearing them.
There are so many benefits I can’t begin to outline why we are leaning in this direction, but check out the Invisalign Teen site to find out more.
They didn’t ask me to write this post, but I am impressed by the company and the strides they are making to offer a clear alternative to braces.
For those of you with preteens or teens in the house this is a fun opportunity, I thought I would pass along.
Invisalign Teen is hosting Straight to Stardom sweepstakes. The winner will receive a VIP trip for 4 to the Teen Choice Awards 2010!
The grand prize includes:
* Trip for 4 to attend Teen Choice 2010, including air, hotel, and transportation
* 4 Post-Show VIP Party Tickets
* 2 Flip Cameras
Runner up prizes include:
• iPad
• Laptop computer
• 3 iPod touch mobile digital devices
• Authentic Teen Choice 2010 surfboard
Total Approximate Retail Value of all prizing is $10,000.00
This Sweepstakes is open only to legal residents of all 50 United States (not including territories and possessions) and the District of Columbia. Entrants must be aged 14 and older for entry. You may enter ONLINE by visiting the Invisalign “Teen Choice 2010” Sweepstakes page at Invisalign Teen and completing all information requested on the entry form and clicking on the “submit” button to complete the entry process. ALL ONLINE ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BY 11:59:59 PM (EDT) ON July 11, 2010.
Sorry that I didn’t give you much notice, but I just saw the deadline so enter today. 🙂
I don’t have personal experience with these, but our Ortho gave us pretty compelling reasons to NOT use invasalign with our son. He said they are great for adults that are committed to the process, but not for teens that just aren’t ready for that hassle. In his experience, they did not work with teens/children. Braces provide a permanent solution that kids don’t have to “think” about or lose, for that matter. That being said, I have no experience except that which was shared with us. Just something to think about.
@Carla Noll, In the past year, Invisalign has done some major revamping and your ortho probably just isn’t aware of the changes. One of the biggest concerns was the fact that teens wouldn’t be responsible enough and would lose their aligners – just like what you ortho said. Now, the treatment comes with six “free” aligners, so if your child does accidentally throw it away, there’s no worry.
Thanks for the input, Carla, I am glad I could actually add that in here because many orthos aren’t even aware of that change and in my opinion – it’s HUGE! EVen the most irresponsible kid couldn’t lose six of them….lol.
My friend and her teen daughter went through this together. She was able to keep up with it and now her teeth look wonderful.
I’m a dentist and I would encourage families to consult with a board certified orthodontist before making any decisions on ortho for your child or yourself. Traditional braces are still the treatment of choice for long term success in most cases and you should be fully educated on the pros and cons before jumping into Invisalign based on advertising.
Julie – I absolutely agree. I went to my orthodontist, who I highly respect and he said that the changes Invisalign have made over the last few years has been amazing, but yes, traditional is still the typical route. I, of course, would assume that everyone would consult their practitioner as well since only trained orthodontists can use this option anyhow. I highly suggest that for others. Invisalign is definitely not right for every one. One of our sons would not have been able to have Invisalign due to some jaw issues, and we were very happy with our traditional route, but I am also very excited about this option for my daughter after consulting my ortho and looking into it. Even though this is not a paid advertisement in any way, most people don’t even know about Invisalign, so I was glad to see this alternative.
My son got the invisalign braces and they did a wonderful job. The cost for the “regular” braces was going to be $3400 and the invisalign was $3900. That was an extra $500 I was happy to pay. Teens are so self-conscious anyway, and if invisaligns worked, it was worth every penny. He had to have his braces for almost 2 years. He got new “braces” every 2 weeks and had no problems at all with them. I tell everyone about invisalign.
It needs to be reminded that after braces…and for the rest of one’s life….nighttime retainers must be worn. Otherwise, like me, one finds their teeth gradually shifting back to their original positions.
@Lynn, Trust me…I know. I had traditional braces ions ago and they have shifted back so much. I just don’t think they told us that back then (or I would have listened).
On the side of frugality – having put braces on 5 kiddos now, what we have learned is to stay with the same orthodontist – and ask for a discount for returns. He gave us 5% off for the second child, 10% for the third and fourth, 15% for the fifth child – I’m wondering if we’ll 20% off the entire package with the sixth? It is a lot of money off the entire package – especially when you consider that the insurance pays 50% and he knocks of another 15%… I pay only 35% of the cost.
So ask your ortho if he does a discount for repeat customers.