Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that involves wearing clear, custom-made aligners to shift your teeth. These aligners are replaced every 1-2 weeks with new ones until your teeth are in the desired position. Invisalign used to be much more expensive than traditional braces, which is one of the reasons that many parents choose to have their teens wear braces instead of Invisalign. However, how much does Invisalign cost has come down to the point where it is comparable to traditional braces.
The Treatment Plan
The cost of Invisalign varies from patient to patient based on the treatment timeline and complexity. For instance, very crooked teeth will take more time to straighten than teeth that are less crowded or have minor misalignment issues.
Location also plays a role in Invisalign costs since higher rent costs can drive up dental office overheads. Plus, specialist offices often charge more than general dental practices.
Once you meet with an Invisalign dentist, they will provide a detailed breakdown of your specific costs. They will discuss different payment options, health fund cover, and any available financing plans to help you find the right solution for your budget. They will also explain how the Invisalign process works, including the number of aligners you will receive and your expected timeline.
The Aligners
Clear aligners are a discreet, comfortable alternative to traditional braces that straighten teeth using a series of clear, removable trays. They apply controlled pressure to your teeth to gradually shift them into their proper position, and you will swap out a new pair every two weeks.
The length of your treatment and the complexity of your alignment issues will impact how many trays you need. For example, patients with more complex malocclusions may require a higher number of aligners and more visits.
You might have seen advertisements for devices like Propel or OrthoPulse that claim to accelerate Invisalign treatment, but these claims are not supported by scientific research. Invisalign is safe and effective when treated by an orthodontist who has advanced training in the movement of teeth and bites.
The Office Visits
Achieving straight teeth with Invisalign does come at a cost. But, the benefits of a beautiful smile that boosts confidence and self-esteem more than offset any financial concerns.
The first appointment is usually the longest, lasting two hours as the dentist collects information about a patient’s misalignment. This includes dental X-rays, clinical photographs, and 3D digital smile scans.
This data is sent to the Invisalign manufacturers, where customized clear aligners are fabricated. After the aligners arrive, the dentist will set up a schedule for office visits and check-ins. During these appointments, the patient will try on new sets of aligners, and may need to get replacements if they lose or damage their trays. This helps ensure that the treatment plan stays on track to reach its endpoint within the expected timeframe.
Insurance
Dental insurance can help reduce the overall cost of Invisalign. It’s important to understand your coverage before committing to treatment.
Most dental PPO (preferred provider organization) plans include coverage for orthodontic treatments like Invisalign. However, some insurance plans have age restrictions, life time maximums or other limitations that may impact your coverage.
Invisalign is typically covered by insurance if it is deemed medically necessary, and not for cosmetic reasons. The specific issues your dentist or orthodontist is correcting will also play a role in your insurance company’s decision to cover the procedure.
Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) are additional options to consider when financing your Invisalign treatment. These accounts allow you to set aside pre-tax money specifically for medical expenses including orthodontics.
Financing
Many Invisalign doctors offer affordable payment schedules that break the cost of treatment into manageable monthly payments. These plans eliminate added interest and fees and make it possible for adults to get the smile they deserve without a large up-front investment.
Some patients may also qualify for assistance with the cost of Invisalign through their general or dental insurance plans. This type of financial assistance is based on the amount and nature of the misalignment, and how it impacts overall oral health.
Some practices also work with third-party financing companies, such as Humm and Afterpay, to offer their clients flexible options for paying for Invisalign treatment. These companies can provide loans with a variety of repayment terms, and the application process is typically simple.