If you’re thinking of getting Invisalign price, you should be aware that it may be expensive. You should also know that there are many factors that impact the cost of clear aligners.
A major factor is the complexity of your teeth alignment. Some dentists use fixed pricing while others follow a tiered approach that depends on your case’s severity.
Treatment Duration
There are several factors that can influence the length of Invisalign treatment. The most prominent factor is the complexity of the dental issues at hand. For example, treating severe overbites and underbites takes more time than fixing minor crowding or gaps.
Another important consideration is age. Younger patients tend to have softer bone density, which allows them to move their teeth more quickly than adults. As such, they might be able to get the results they want in half the time.
Finally, the patient’s adherence to Invisalign guidelines also plays a big role. Those who regularly wear the trays and keep up with follow-up appointments tend to experience faster progress. Conversely, those who skip a few sessions or go long periods without wearing their trays might have to wait longer for their smiles to improve. On average, Invisalign treatment takes 12-18 months. But this varies from person to person. Your dentist can give you a more precise estimate once they’ve analyzed your smile.
Dentist’s Fees
A primary component of your Invisalign cost is the dentist’s fees. They will include the initial one-hour consultation during which you’ll get an evaluation of your crooked teeth and discuss the course of moving them. They’ll take bite impressions and photos, as well as create a model of your teeth for a treatment plan.
Invisalign prices vary by region due to the cost of living. Dentists in more populous areas often charge more than those in smaller towns or rural regions. The complexity of the treatment will also impact the Invisalign cost. More severe malocclusion types require a greater number of aligners and may take longer to correct, driving up the price.
You can minimize the overall Invisalign cost by using tax-free dollars from your HSA or FSA account to pay for it. Additionally, many orthodontic clinics offer 0% interest financing to make the payments more manageable. These arrangements can be made with a monthly payment schedule or even through auto-draft.
Insurance Coverage
Many adults have dental insurance plans that cover a portion of the cost of Invisalign aligners, and some even find this treatment is less expensive than traditional braces. Insurance coverage varies between providers and specific policies, however.
Some insurance companies only cover a percentage of the overall treatment, while others may have yearly or lifetime maximums. Additionally, patients must pay a co-pay or coinsurance for services rendered at out-of-network providers.
To make the process of acquiring Invisalign less stressful, many orthodontists offer monthly payment plans for their patients. These programs allow patients to spread out the costs of their Invisalign treatment in manageable increments, typically at 0% interest. Individuals can also use pre-tax funds from a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) to cover the expense of their Invisalign aligners. This is a great way to reduce the overall cost of the treatment and make it more affordable.
Payment Options
Many dental insurance providers offer payment plan options that make the cost of Invisalign more manageable. These plans eliminate added interest and fees and break the total investment down into smaller, more affordable monthly payments.
If you do not have insurance or want to save a lump sum, you can also use healthcare financing solutions like CareCredit to make the cost of your Invisalign treatment more affordable. Some dentists also partner with these companies to provide 0% interest payments on your treatment.
Invisalign aligners are more than just an affordable way to straighten your smile; they can also improve your credit score, making it easier for you to qualify for a mortgage or auto loan in the future. If the price of Invisalign is preventing you from getting the smile you deserve, ask your dentist about available finance and insurance options. They may even have special offers for new patients. This way, you can start smiling sooner!