How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
Introduction to Invisalign® Clear Aligners
With popularity continuing to grow, you’ll want to know about Invisalign clear aligners and their numerous smile benefits. Here’s what you need to know:
What Is Invisalign®?
Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment used to improve tooth alignment and bite issues. Invisalign uses clear and removable custom-made trays to achieve your smile goals and move teeth into their ideal positions.
The Rise of Clear Aligners Over Braces
Clear aligners are continuing to take the spotlight when it comes to orthodontic treatment. Clear aligners are sometimes the more popular choice when compared to traditional braces because of their comfort, convenience, discreet appearance, predictable results, and ability to be removed for improved oral hygiene. Many patients have had a high satisfaction rate with clear aligners.
Who Is Invisalign Right For?
In general, Invisalign treatment can be used to treat kids as young as 6 years, teens, adults, and seniors. For children, Invisalign offers unique custom-made trays to aid in pre-orthodontic tooth guidance and other dental issues in the presence of baby teeth and erupting permanent teeth. To determine if you are a candidate for Invisalign, an evaluation is needed by your dentist or orthodontist. Most healthy patients with mild to moderate dental issues will qualify for Invisalign treatment.
The Advantages of Invisalign® Over Traditional Braces
Invisalign offers some advantages over traditional braces worth considering. Here’s a more detailed look at the advantages of Invisalign:
Aesthetic Appeal
One of the most exciting features of Invisalign is their discrete nature due to their virtually clear SmartTrack™ material. This can lead to a drastic increase in confidence during treatment. A straighter smile can help improve your overall quality of life.
Comfort and Convenience
Invisalign clear aligners are custom-built to fit your exact smile, making them comfortable and efficient and accurate in moving your teeth into their correct positions. The material is soft and removable, leading to less orthodontic emergency appointments compared to traditional braces as there are no wires or brackets.
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign® Treatment
How much are Invisalign clear aligners? Cost of Invisalign® treatment is an important factor to consider when making treatment decisions. Continue reading to learn more:
Average Treatment Costs
How much does Invisalign cost? The answer can depend on various factors, which we discuss in detail below. In general, the national cost range for Invisalign treatment is between $3,000 to $7,000, similar to traditional metal braces. To determine your exact cost of treatment, consult with your dentist or orthodontist.
Factors Influencing Cost
How much are Invisalign aligners? Here are the most common contributing factors affecting cost for Invisalign:
Case Complexity and Duration of Treatment
Patients with more complex bite issues or severe teeth misalignments may require longer treatment times, more Invisalign aligners, and more office visits, leading to higher treatment costs. Invisalign is often classified in three categories based on case complexity and duration of treatment, including Invisalign Express, Lite Package, Moderate Package, and Comprehensive Package.
Geographic Location and Provider Experience
Your dentist’s office location and experience can play a role in the cost of treatment. Costs vary depending on the state you live in and the cost of living in your area. Urban and high-cost-of-living areas often have higher treatment costs. Dental providers with greater experience and training with Invisalign may also charge higher fees for service.
Insurance Coverage and Payment Options
What is the cost of Invisalign? Luckily, insurance and other payment options may make Invisalign treatment more affordable. Many insurance plans offer some coverage for orthodontic treatment, often about 50% of total costs, which may include Invisalign treatment.
Payment Options for Invisalign®
How much does it cost for Invisalign? Depending on your payment option choice, your Invisalign treatment may be easier to pay than expected. Here are some common flexible payment options that may be available to use to cover your Invisalign treatment:
Utilizing FSA and HSA for tax savings
Tax-advantaged savings accounts including Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) may be used to pay for Invisalign treatments. Check your specific FSA or HSA plan to confirm eligibility and coverage for orthodontics.
Financing plans and monthly payment options
Invisalign cost may be made easy with financing plans and monthly payment options that allow you to pay for treatment in smaller increments over time. Many dental offices offer financing options through third-party lenders like CareCredit or their own in-house payment plans. Some providers may even offer discounts or specials on orthodontic treatment.
Insurance coverage specifics
You may be wondering, how much is Invisalign with insurance and/or how much is Invisalign without insurance. Each dental insurance plan will vary in terms of coverage, which is why it is important to review your policy and speak with your insurance provider and dental professional to understand your coverage for Invisalign. Some plans may have age limitations, in-network and out-of-network provider restrictions, a lifetime maximum, and pre-authorization requirements.
The Invisalign® Treatment Process
Invisalign treatment is exciting, convenient, and straightforward. Here are the steps:
Initial Consultation
The first step to Invisalign is an initial consultation with a dentist or orthodontic specialist. They will perform a comprehensive evaluation, incorporating your smile goals and dental needs into a personalized treatment plan. A digital 3D scan of your teeth will be taken, along with dental X-rays and intra-oral and extra-oral photographs. With the diagnostic information gathered, your dentist will determine if you are a candidate for Invisalign and alternative dental treatment options will be discussed.
Treatment Timeline
Once your customized treatment plan is created, customized aligners will be created with incorporated tooth movements within each set of aligners. Your estimated treatment time will depend on various factors, such as your age, complexity of dental needs, and compliance in wearing the aligners. Your dentist will explain treatment instructions and monitor your progress during follow-up appointments.
Aftercare and Retainers
After your Invisalign treatment is complete, you will be given custom-made retainers to hold the new position of your teeth and prevent relapse. You will be given specific instructions by your dental provider on how to wear and take care of your retainers. To maintain your smile, it is also important to maintain good oral hygiene, limit sugary foods and beverages, and attend your regular dental check-ups and orthodontic retainer checks.
Importance of Retainers After Treatment
Retainers are a crucial part of orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign. Retainers help maintain and stabilize your newly positioned teeth. Without retainers, teeth will return to their original positions. Your dentist will determine the length of time you need to wear retainers based on your specific case. In general, retainer use is necessary to be worn full-time for several months, with a transition to night-time wear potentially for life.
