At a cost that exceeds many Americans’ monthly paycheque, Invisalign may seem out of reach to some Americans. But there’s good news: dental insurance or health savings accounts (HSAs) can cover part of the costs for clear aligners.
Dr. Eckhardt suggests visiting a dental school that offers Invisalign at discounted prices as another cost-cutting measure.
Cost
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses clear plastic dental aligners to straighten teeth. The cost of Invisalign depends on your case and misalignment complexity; the average cost without insurance is roughly $3,000. There are ways you can save money with Invisalign: shop around to find the best price; ask your dentist or orthodontist about pricing and financing options before visiting local health centers and dental school clinics that frequently offer discounted Invisalign treatments.
The cost of Invisalign will differ depending on where you live; living costs affect running a dental practice and paying qualified staff members. Furthermore, location is integral when selecting Invisalign treatment – specialist or general dentist offices could offer different rates.
Before attending your initial consultation for Invisalign treatment, many dentists and orthodontists can give an estimate for its price. But for your protection, getting another opinion before making your final choice is wise. Some providers might charge much lower fees but may not have as much experience or training in providing this form of therapy.
Before choosing an orthodontist to provide Invisalign treatments, inquire about their financing and payment plans. Many practices offer monthly payment plans, which make fitting Invisalign into your budget easy. In contrast, some doctors will even offer discounts if the total amount is paid upfront before beginning treatments.
Another effective strategy for reducing the cost of Invisalign is taking advantage of your dental insurance benefits. Most providers will cover at least part or all of its price, and most patients qualify for at least $1,600 in coverage. You could also use savings in flexible spending accounts or healthcare savings funds to cover this expense.
Once your Invisalign treatment is over, a retainer must be worn daily to keep the teeth in their proper positions and avoid further shifting over time. Retainer costs typically range from $100-$500 per set; failure to do so could result in your teeth moving more significantly over time. It is crucial that this step be completed promptly, or else risk shifting may result.
Aligners
When comparing aligner costs among providers, evaluating all charges and services they offer is essential. Some providers include regular checkups in their pricing, while others add them as optional extras. Some even provide protection plans against accidental damage or loss. When making this evaluation, note which professionals work at each provider; ensure they are licensed and experienced to ensure proper monitoring during your treatment plan.
Producing aligners requires highly specialized equipment and technology, such as that provided by Invisalign and Clear Correct. Both companies use digital models of patients’ teeth combined with 3D printing technology to fabricate customized trays designed to exert the appropriate amount of pressure needed for shifting teeth into their ideal positions. Once created, these aligners are cut out, filed down, and polished by machine or hand, depending on company size.
Each aligner in a treatment sequence (1A, 1B, 2A, etc.) has been assigned a letter to allow for systematic and gradual tooth movement – an option much safer and more comfortable than sudden large movements that may cause discomfort.
The cost of aligners depends on the severity and number of sets required to correct it. For instance, someone suffering from severe malocclusion could need over 30 locations to achieve desired results; under such conditions, they would pay more per set purchased.
Both Invisalign and Clear Correct provide options tailored specifically to each patient. Invisalign’s Express 10 offers less complicated orthodontic treatment at a lower cost; Clear Correct’s unlimited option costs more;
