Is Invisalign Cheaper Than Braces?

Cost

A digital blueprint of your teeth will be created, and from this, a series of clear plastic aligners will be crafted. The aligners will shift your teeth into the correct position gradually over time. You will wear the trays every day except for when you are eating or drinking. You can remove your trays when you are not wearing them to clean them thoroughly and avoid smells or discolouring, but it’s important to remember that you will need to replace the trays at least once a day, and you should brush your teeth before putting the aligners back in to ensure they don’t trap bacteria along the gum line or cause food build-up.

Invisalign is typically more expensive than braces, and they can range from $3,500 to $8,000. However, private insurance may cover some of the cost. Additionally, many flexible savings accounts and health savings accounts (HSAs) allow you to use tax-free dollars towards the cost of Invisalign.

Insurance Coverage

While the cost of Invisalign is comparable to that of braces, many dental insurance plans cover the treatment. Check with your orthodontist to see what options are available. You can also search the Direct Benefits Marketplace to find affordable dental plans that can reduce your Invisalign costs.

You’ll want to find an orthodontist who is knowledgeable about the Invisalign process and has experience working with it. You should be able to get clear answers to your questions and a specific price quote from the doctor.

Some insurance plans only cover a portion of the Invisalign cost, rather than the full amount, and may require you to pay up front and submit a claim for reimbursement. However, dental savings plans and flexible spending accounts (FSAs) can help you save money by using tax-free dollars to cover the expense of Invisalign. You should also explore Medicaid coverage options, which can provide coverage for low-income individuals. These plans cover a wide range of health and dental services, including orthodontics.

Financing Options

Many dental clinics and third-party credit providers offer financing options that make it more manageable to afford the cost of Invisalign. These extended payment plans, often requiring a minimum of 24 months, can help patients avoid interest charges and pay off their debt in an affordable timeframe. However, eligibility can vary and depend on a patient’s credit history.

Additionally, many dental insurance providers cover Invisalign treatment in the same way they do for braces, which can alleviate out-of-pocket costs. Finally, tapping into tax-deferred savings accounts or flexible spending plans can also reduce the financial burden of an Invisalign treatment. By exploring all of these cost considerations, it’s easier to determine if Invisalign is worth the investment for a straighter smile. This information empowers individuals to allocate their resources wisely and align their budget with their treatment goals.

Convenience

One of the biggest benefits of Invisalign is its convenience. Patients can remove the aligners when eating or drinking anything but water, and brushing their teeth becomes much easier. Invisalign can also fix issues like bite problems, overcrowding and gaps in the teeth.

However, this convenience can be a drawback for some people. If you aren’t disciplined about putting your Invisalign trays back in before you eat or brush, you might not wear them for enough time to see the best results. This can increase your treatment time and the overall cost of your Invisalign treatment.

Additionally, some people may need small tooth attachments (similar to buttons) on their Invisalign trays to help with the movement of their teeth. These attachments are visible through the clear plastic, and they must be put on and taken off by an orthodontist. This can increase the number of consultations and the cost of your Invisalign treatment. Additionally, you’ll need to regularly clean your trays to remove bacteria and avoid smelly breath and discolouration.