Cost of Treatment
The cost of Invisalign depends on the severity of your tooth alignment issues and how much movement is required to correct them. For example, more severe cases will typically require more aligners trays and longer treatment time than less serious ones.
Before beginning your Invisalign treatment, a 3D scan or impression of your teeth will be done and a customized treatment plan created. This plan will outline the gradual movements your teeth need to make to achieve your desired alignment. Next, custom-made aligners will be fabricated based on your specific treatment needs. You will wear your aligners for 20-22 hours each day, only removing them to eat or drink.
Invisalign can be expensive, but many dentists offer affordable monthly payment plans and other financing options to help you manage your costs. Additionally, many insurance policies cover Invisalign, and money you put into your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account can be used to pay for it with tax-free dollars.
Cost of Aligners
Depending on the complexity of a patient’s case, a full comprehensive Invisalign package will cost more than a basic alignment treatment. The most common complications that affect the cost of Invisalign include crowded teeth, gaps and overbite.
The length of time it takes to complete a treatment plan also depends on the patient’s consistency. Since the aligners are removable, some patients may forget to wear them 20 to 22 hours a day as directed, which can prolong treatment and increase the overall cost.
It is important to find a dentist that is transparent in their pricing. Some dentists will charge a fixed price for Invisalign regardless of the complexity of a patient’s case, while others will follow a tiered pricing model like we do at Blyss Dental. Invisalign offers a number of dental financing plans, which can be helpful for patients who don’t have the money upfront to pay for their treatment. These plans typically involve low monthly payments.
Cost of Retainers
A retainer is needed to hold your teeth in their new position after Invisalign has finished moving them. Retainers typically cost $100-$500 and can be either removable or cemented to your teeth. They will need to be replaced often and are less likely to stay clear than Invisalign Vivera trays.
Invisalign Vivera retainers are made from a more durable material than Essix trays and are more comfortable for the mouth. They also require minimal maintenance, though they can become dingy or discolored after long periods of time.
Invisalign costs vary, but they are usually more affordable than traditional metal braces. You might be able to find a financing option that lets you divide your Invisalign costs into a series of monthly payments. Some credit cards offer a 0% APR introductory rate that could make it easier to manage the cost of your Invisalign treatment. You can also use a health savings account (HSA), which allows you to set aside money for specific medical and dental expenses.
Cost of Insurance Coverage
Many dental insurance providers include some or all of the cost of Invisalign in their coverage plans. This can save you a significant amount of money, especially if your insurance provider has a higher coverage limit for Invisalign than regular dental treatment.
It’s important to fully understand your insurance coverage before you start your Invisalign treatment. You’ll need to know how much your insurance will cover, any copays or deductibles you may have to pay and any yearly or lifetime limits on orthodontic coverage.
If your insurance won’t cover the cost of Invisalign, you can always explore financing options with your doctor or orthodontist. Many doctors offer budget-friendly monthly payments and 0% interest financing that make Invisalign more affordable for patients without sufficient insurance coverage. You can also use a flexible spending account or health savings account to pay for Invisalign, which will let you utilize tax-free funds.