Over the last few years, Invisalign has become a more popular way to straighten teeth compared to traditional orthodontics. It’s more affordable than fixed orthodontics and offers a more convenient way to straighten teeth. But the cost of Invisalign can be hard to predict, especially when prices vary so much. To help you better budget for your orthodontic treatment, this blog post will detail the cost of Invisalign in 2021.
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What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a custom-fit orthodontic treatment option that helps to re-align teeth without the use of traditional metal braces. This excellent alternative to regular braces includes a series of custom-made clear aligners that cover your teeth and gently move them into an ideal position.
Many people want to straighten their smile but may only be aware of conventional braces and some people are afraid to have them installed because of how they look. Unlike traditional metal braces, which use metal wires and brackets to straighten smiles, Invisalign clear aligners are almost invisible.
Invisalign is made from BPA-free plastic to put enough pressure on your teeth to slowly move them into a better position. During your treatment plan, you will have various sets of aligners that are replaced every one to two weeks.
If you have been wanting to straighten your teeth and have a beautiful smile but did not like the idea of metal braces, Invisalign may be the best choice for you. However, there are some instances where Invisalign will not work and the only way to know if they are right for you is to pay a visit to an accredited specialist orthodontist.
How Does Invisalign Work?
To get fitted with Invisalign, you’ll have to schedule an in-person consultation. They will need to examine your teeth before recommending Invisalign. If this type of clear aligner braces is right for you, then they will use X-rays and 3D images of your teeth to create an accurate estimate for a personalized treatment plan. The 3D model and special software allow you to see how the Invisalign clear aligner will progressively correct your dental issues.
This personalized treatment plan determines how far your teeth need to be shifted and how long it will take before they are aligned correctly. After that is done, the X-ray, 3D models, and pictures of your teeth are usually sent to the Invisalign laboratory to be made.
Teeth align themselves into their correct position due to the gentle pressure from the Invisalign clear aligner. This constant pressure is transferred through the roots of teeth to the jaw and forces the jawbone to move the teeth sockets.
In some cases, the clear Invisalign tray aligners alone may not work and the orthodontist may need to use other dental treatments such as attachments and elastics. Once you’ve received your aligners and tried them on, your licensed dentist will determine if you need additional help.
After the fitting and adjustments, you’ll be required to wear your Invisalign aligners tray all day except when you eat, floss, and brush your teeth. Remember to keep your aligners in for at least 22 hours a day to ensure they work properly.
You’ll find that the first aligner tray will be tight, but as your teeth start to move, your tray will become looser. However, keep wearing your aligner or inform your dentist via telephone or at an in-person dentist visit and they’ll advise you accordingly. During the period of your treatment, you will have regular dentist visits scheduled to check up on your progress and see if any adjustments need to be made.
Invisalign treatments may last 12-18 months or 18-24 months, and the time frame can depend on various factors, since each case is different. However, after your initial consultation, your dentist will let you know how long your potential treatment plan is. You will be required to wear a retainer after treatment to help keep your teeth perfectly aligned.
Invisalign can work for both adults and teens and can improve oral health by fixing various orthodontic issues. These include:
- Gapped teeth – many people suffer from an irregular spacing between their two front teeth.
- Overbite – an overbite occurs when the upper jaw protrudes over the bottom jaw and the chin appears smaller.
- Underbite – underbites occur when the bottom jaw protrudes out past the upper jaw and the chin appears more prominent.
- Open bite – open bites happen when large spaces between the upper and lower teeth in the front part of the mouth. These occur in people who excessively suck their thumb or pacifier.
- Crossbite – a crossbite is when your upper teeth fit behind your lower teeth when your mouth is closed.
- Crowded teeth – Overcrowding occurs when there isn’t enough space in your mouth for your teeth to grow, and so they bunch up, overlap and twist.
Check Out: How Long Does Invisalign Take to Straighten Your Teeth?
Cost of Invisalign
The cost of your Invisalign treatment will vary and it all depends on your circumstances. Treatment costs will factor in what issues need fixing, treatment time and how many aligners will be needed in your set of aligners. You will be given a fair idea of these after the orthodontist examines your teeth, performs an X-ray, and creates a 3D model.
The average cost of treatment for Invisalign clear aligners starts at $4500 to $9000. Most of the time, having major corrections done will have you paying a high price, while minor treatments will have you paying less. Some dental providers may offer several payment plans, like a monthly payment plan option, to spread out the cost of your Invisalign treatment over time. This is a great payment option if you can’t afford to pay the entire cost upfront and just make regular payments every month at your follow-up visits.
Learn more about: ClearCorrect vs Invisalign: What’s Better For Me?
Is Invisalign Covered By Private Health Insurance?
A private health insurance plan with extra cover may be able to cover the cost or help you to partially pay for the cost of your Invisalign treatment. Invisalign falls under the category of orthodontic work, which is a sub-section of your dental cover. Any claim made for Invisalign will be taken off your orthodontic lifetime limit.
If you are thinking of getting Invisalign but you currently have no coverage for extras or any extra policy at all, you will have to wait for 12 months before you can claim your Invisalign treatment from your health insurer. If Invisalign is something you want, then now is the time to invest in an extra policy.
Factors That Can Impact The Cost Of Invisalign
The cost of your Invisalign treatment will depend on several factors: These include, but are not limited to:
The Severity or Complexity of your Condition
The Invisalign standard plan can treat multiple teeth and jaw alignment issues, but Invisalign Express is designed to correct minor issues such as crowding and spacing of the 6 front teeth. Although it is used for minor treatments which can cost less, the cost of Invisalign can rise significantly and will depend on the complexity of your particular case.
Dentist Experience
Experienced and in-demand dentists will charge more than others. Those who have been administering Invisalign treatments may be a part of the Invisalign Advantage program. The program comprises several tiers that range from bronze to diamond, and dentists and orthodontists earn points for every Invisalign treatment they complete.
Those at the highest tier receive significant discounts which they may pass on to their patients, while others may charge more because of their expertise.
Retainers and Aftercare
Dental aftercare will most likely result in the use of a retainer. After your Invisalign treatment, you will have nice, straight teeth. To keep it that way, you will be required to wear a retainer all day immediately after your treatment and then only at night.
The reason for the retainer is so that the teeth remain perfectly aligned. Teeth normally shift back to their initial position without the Invisalign clear tray in place, so to stop this, a retainer is recommended.
Refinements
Oftentimes, your Invisalign treatment plan will give you the exact results you expect. Regular dentist visits will ensure you are always on track and will make note of how the treatment is progressing and if any adjustments are required. In some instances, your dentist may issue a refinement for new custom aligners that may increase the cost.
How To Choose The Right Invisalign Provider
Finding the right dentist to carry out your Invisalign treatment is of utmost importance and may be the key to whether your treatment is successful or not. Here’s how to choose the right Invisalign provider:
How experienced they are with Invisalign
Look for a dentist that has years of experience with Invisalign clear aligners. It is more than likely that an Invisalign-trained dentist has treated all types of orthodontic issues and knows how to deal with them to reduce any hiccups along the way. Moreover, look for someone who specializes in dealing with orthodontic treatments such as yours. Try to find out the number of smiles that they fixed using Invisalign clear aligners and look for someone who has a recent record of success.
years they’ve spent at their current practice
You want a dentist who is committed to your success. The dental practice should be registered and have a permanent place of business. You can also do some research and see if they’ve served in other offices and how long they’ve spent there.
Read online reviews
Check out reviews posted online by past users. Most dental practitioners have a website where people can leave reviews. Settle for a dentist where the positive reviews outweigh the bad ones.
Ask for sample photos
A dentist who is proud of his work will provide before and after pictures without hesitation. Take time to study the pictures and make an informed decision.