Blog Post

What Is the Cost of Invisalign and Do the Results Justify It?

Dr. Garland K. Davis • May 03, 2019

Are you considering Invisalign? Find out the details of the cost of Invisalign, and learn whether or not the results speak for themselves.

cost of Invisalign


Oral health can sometimes be overlooked but is vital to your overall wellbeing and appearance. When teeth are improperly aligned, it can lead to problems ranging from tooth decay, jaw pain and periodontal disease. There is also the issue of self-confidence that a beautiful smile with straight teeth provides.

There are options ranging from traditional metal braces to Invisalign’s innovative clear and removable system. You want to invest wisely and have been hearing a lot of buzz about Invisalign but are unfamiliar with the cost involved. Their system has brought a new option to replace the cumbersome metal braces of the past.

Adults who would not consider braces are now looking into Invisalign for the ease of use and almost invisible appearance.

The questions now are what is the cost of Invisalign and is it worth it?

Let’s take a look into the answers.


What is Invisalign?

Invisalign uses clear trays to help re-align the teeth. The trays are made exclusively at Invisalign’s facilities and are manufactured using their unique blend of plastic. They are built strong and apply just enough pressure on specific points on your teeth to gradually put them in a better position in your mouth.

The trays are worn up to 22 hours a day, but they can be easily removed for eating and, of course, brushing and flossing. Because they are designed for the unique specifications of your mouth and gums, they fit and look better than metal braces.

The effectiveness of Invisalign is in replacing the trays every few weeks. As new molds are made, the trays are designed to keep your teeth steadily moving in the right direction with as little discomfort as possible.

You will need to consult with your dentist to make sure this is the best option for your situation. They look at all aspects of your oral health, teeth, goals and they will design a treatment plan to get you where you want to be.

There are also steps you can take to protect your teeth for a lifetime of good oral health.

The Cost of Invisalign

On average, Invisalign is slightly higher than traditional braces. However, the range in pricing for both options varies widely and depends on factors like how much alignment is needed and the overall health of the mouth.

The price of the Invisalign tray system can range from $3500 to $8000. The cost for regular metal braces goes from $2500 to $6000. Again, each patient is different and only your dentist can provide the actual cost involved in either process.

While it is true that Invisalign is a bit more expensive, most people believe the unique benefits outweigh the slight  cost difference. The overall appearance of clear trays versus metal bars on the teeth along with being able to remove them to eat the foods you love is a big plus for this system.

Options for Payment

There are several ways that the Invisalign system can be paid for.

Dental Insurance

Most dental insurance plans will cover the cost of both traditional metal braces as well as Invisalign. Of course, you should always check the details of the policy to confirm the exact amount of coverage as well as any deductible.

If you do not have dental insurance, some health insurance policies offer coverage for ‘orthodontic treatment’. Again, if you are unsure, you should check the policy or with the benefits coordinator for your plan.

You will also need to confirm with your dentist that they accept the coverage offered through your specific insurance company.

FSA

FSA is a flexible savings account that is offered through some employers. It is designed as a pre-tax savings plan from your salary to be used to help pay for medical and dental costs and procedures.

Your employer manages the account and you contribute money into it all during the year. This usually happens as an automatic paycheck deduction.

The maximum yearly contribution is $2600 and the money cannot be rolled over into the following year. FSA is not offered by all employers, so please check with yours for the details.

HSA

HSA is another pre-tax health savings plan that is offered through some employers. It is designed to help people who have an insurance health plan with high deductibles. Money is put into the account to cover the cost of medical and dental treatments.

The maximum yearly individual contribution is $3400 and the maximum for a family is $6750.00. The money in this type of account can be rolled over. As with the FSA, you must contact your employer to see if this is offered and the HSA also has IRS requirements that must be met.

With both the FSA and HSA plans, there will need to be some coordination between the doctor’s office and the benefits manager to determine how the money is allocated to the cost of the treatment.

Monthly Payment Plan

If you don’t have dental insurance or one of the pre-tax savings plans, you still have the option to arrange a monthly payment plan with your dentist. This will make it easier to fit the Invisalign system into your monthly budget.

The cost of the systems is broken down and spread out over the time span of your treatment. You will make regular payments directly to your dentist.

Most offices will require a down payment before the process can begin.

No-Interest Credit Card

As a last resort, you can look into paying for your Invisalign with a no-interest credit card. If you qualify for one, you can finance your treatment and pay it off before the end of the 0% introductory offer.

This option can be risky if you do not have all the details of the credit card agreement or lose track of the allotted time for the 0%. Research this carefully before proceeding and understand all the fine print.

CHIP – Help for Kids and Teens

If you are looking for help in paying for Invisalign for a child, CHIP ( Children's Health Insurance Program ) may be a place to start. Teens and children who receive government supported healthcare may qualify for assistance to cover the cost of Invisalign if the orthodontic need is confirmed.

Each state may have different rules, so please talk with your dentist and insurance representative for details.

The Choice

Invisalign is becoming the clear choice for many who are looking to improve their oral health.

They are almost invisible to detect, easy to use, removable for eating and cleaning, and are customized to fit your mouth for a comfortable experience.

When comparing the cost of Invisalign with the benefits, it is easy to see why more people are deciding to go with this treatment plan.

For more information on Invisalign and how we can assist in your overall oral health; reach out.

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