Originally from Texas, Dr. Bennett made Washington home in 2016 when he joined Creekside Dental. A Baylor College of Dentistry graduate, he now serves as Clinical Director, where he’s known for raising clinical standards, embracing new technology, and sharing his passion for dentistry with patients and colleagues alike. Under his leadership, Creekside Dental has earned recognition as an Invisalign Gold Provider and is an active member of the American Academy of Clear Aligners (AACA), reflecting the team’s commitment to excellence in clear aligner treatment.
Beyond the office, Dr. Bennett is a dedicated family man, sharing his life with his wife and five children. He’s a foodie who loves to cook, a cyclist who enjoys the open road, and someone who never says no to a hug. At Creekside Dental, he’s thrilled to help patients achieve healthy, confident smiles.
Choosing to fix your smile is a big decision. It is not only about looks. It is about confidence, comfort, health, and long-term results. One of the most common questions patients ask at Creekside Dental is very simple yet important. Should I choose clear aligners or braces, and which one fits my budget better?
Both options work well. Both straighten teeth. But they differ in cost, comfort, lifestyle impact, and long-term value. In this blog, Dr. Bennett breaks everything down in simple terms so you can make a smart and confident decision for your smile and your wallet.
A Better Smile Starts With a Smart Financial Choice
When patients think about braces, many picture metal wires, monthly visits, and a long treatment time. Clear aligners often feel like a newer and more modern option. But many people wonder whether clear aligners are more expensive or a smarter investment, and many choose to learn Invisalign cost details from Dr. Bennett before making a final decision.
The truth is, both treatments can be affordable, depending on your case, goals, and treatment plan. The key is understanding what you are paying for and how the process works.
What Are Braces?
Traditional braces use metal brackets that are attached to the teeth. A wire connects them and slowly moves the teeth into better positions. Braces have been used for many years and are still very effective for complex bite issues.
Braces stay on your teeth at all times. You cannot remove them. You will visit the dentist regularly for adjustments and tightening. Treatment often lasts 18 to 24 months, depending on the amount of movement needed.
What Are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are custom-made, clear trays that fit over your teeth. They gently move your teeth step by step into better alignment. The trays are almost invisible and can be removed for cleaning when needed.
At Creekside Dental, Dr. Bennett uses advanced digital technology to plan every step of the aligner process before treatment begins. This gives patients a clear idea of how their smile will change and how long it will take.
The Clear Aligner Process at Creekside Dental With Dr. Bennett
When you are ready to fix your smile, Dr. Bennett and his team start with data collection. This includes a digital scan, photos, and X-rays. These records allow Dr. Bennett to understand your teeth and bite fully.
About three weeks after data collection, you come in to personally review your clincheck. The clincheck is a computer animation that shows how your teeth can move and how long it will take to fix your smile.
Three weeks after you approve your clincheck, you return to start your first tray toward the smile you always wanted.
You will wear trays 24 hours a day. Day, night, eating, sleeping. All the time except when you clean your teeth.
While each patient is unique, Dr. Bennett customizes treatment to your specific needs.
Some patients need IPR. This means light polishing between the teeth to create very small gaps. This helps uncrowd your teeth, improve their fit, and make them look better.
Most patients will need attachments. These are tooth colored buttons placed on the teeth at the beginning and polished off at the end. They help move your teeth more reliably.
Dr. Bennett’s advanced Invisalign experience allows him to minimize the number of visits you need while still maximizing your results.
Once things look good, you are given multiple trays to take home and start on specific dates.
You are always welcome to visit Dr. Bennett and his friendly team as often as you want, but it is usually not necessary. This saves you time and effort while keeping treatment simple and effective.
The most important part is wearing the trays all the time. Dr. Bennett handles everything else.
Once you are happy with your smile, you receive retainers. These look like aligner trays but are slightly thicker. You wear them at night every night to keep your teeth in place. They also help protect against grinding and clenching, and can be used for professional whitening.
Because retainers stretch over time, research shows they should be replaced every 2 years to prevent shifting. Some people may need them sooner. Additional retainers can always be purchased later.
Cost Range for Braces
The cost of braces usually depends on how complex your case is and how long treatment lasts. On average, traditional metal braces cost between $3,000 and $6,000.
This cost normally includes:
- Initial consultation
- Brackets and wires
- Routine adjustments
- Emergency visits
- Final removal
More advanced braces, such as ceramic braces, may cost more.
Cost Range for Clear Aligners
Clear aligners also vary in price based on the amount of movement required and the treatment length. On average, clear aligners cost between $3500 and $6500.
This cost normally includes:
- Digital scans
- Clincheck planning
- All aligner trays
- Attachments and IPR if needed
- Routine checkups
- Retainers after treatment
For many patients, the cost difference between braces and clear aligners is not as big as they expect.
Which One Gives Better Value for Your Money?
Braces may seem cheaper at first, but they come with some challenges that affect daily life. Eating certain foods becomes difficult. Cleaning around brackets takes more time. Broken wires can cause emergency visits, which is why many patients choose to explore Invisalign treatment affordability by Dr. Bennett before committing to treatment.
Clear aligners usually offer more comfort, better appearance, and less disruption to your routine. Many patients feel the convenience and confidence they gain make the investment worth it.
Dr. Bennett always helps patients choose the option that fits their budget and lifestyle, not just what looks good on paper.
Payment Options Make Both More Affordable
At Creekside Dental, both braces and clear aligners can be paid for using:
- Monthly payment plans
- Insurance benefits
- Flexible financing options
Dr. Bennett and his team work with you to build a payment plan that fits your comfort level.
Which One Is Easier to Maintain Long Term?
After any orthodontic treatment, retainers are needed to maintain results. Retainers come with both braces and clear aligners.
Clear aligner patients are already used to wearing trays and often adapt to retainers easily. Many also enjoy the added benefit of protection from grinding.
Brace patients may take longer to adapt to retainer wear after removal.
Understand the clear aligner costs with Dr. Bennett.
Who Is a Better Fit for Braces?
Braces may be a better option if:
- Your case is very complex
- You struggle with wearing removable trays
- You prefer a fixed system that works without extra responsibility
Who Is a Better Fit for Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners may be better if:
- You want a discreet option
- You want to remove trays for brushing and cleaning
- You want fewer office visits
- You want to see your results in advance with digital planning
What Dr. Bennett Recommends
Dr. Bennett believes the best treatment is the one that fits your needs, your lifestyle, and your budget. Some patients do better with braces. Others get amazing results with clear aligners.
The most important step is a full consultation, during which Dr. Bennett reviews your teeth, your goals, and your financial situation.
Final Cost Comparison Summary
Braces are usually lower in upfront cost but come with lifestyle limits. Clear aligners cost slightly more on average but offer comfort, confidence, and flexibility.
When long-term convenience, fewer emergencies, and easier hygiene are considered, many patients find that clear aligners offer a better overall value.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are clear aligners always more expensive than braces?
Not always. Many cases have similar pricing, especially for mild-to-moderate alignment needs.
2. Does insurance cover clear aligners?
Most dental insurance plans that cover braces also cover clear aligners.
3. Which treatment is faster?
Clear aligners can sometimes be faster, depending on the case and how often the trays are worn.
Choosing the Right Smile Option
Both clear aligners and braces straighten teeth and improve your smile. The real difference comes down to comfort, appearance, lifestyle, and long-term value. Braces may work well for certain complex cases. Clear aligners offer flexibility, confidence, and fewer interruptions to daily life, which is why many patients choose to explore Invisalign treatment affordability by Dr. Bennett before making their decision.
At Creekside Dental, Dr. Bennett takes time to explain both options clearly so patients can make a decision that feels right financially and personally. With the right plan in place, your new smile can be both affordable and life-changing.
Remember Your smile is an investment that lasts a lifetime. The right plan makes both clear aligners and braces truly affordable.
Disclaimer This blog is for general education only and does not replace a professional dental evaluation. Treatment costs and timelines vary by case. Always consult Dr. Bennett at Creekside Dental for a personalized orthodontic plan.