How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
Patients who are looking for a teeth straightening solution may want to look beyond traditional braces and consider using clear aligners or Invisalign. There are many benefits of using the clear plastic corrective trays, but they also cost more than braces. Patients are often curious if the extra expense is worthwhile. We will review Invisalign, benefits of the solution, in addition to the average cost for treatment.
Clear aligners, also known as Invisalign, is a teeth straightening treatment that uses removable, conspicuous trays as an alternative to the traditional metal braces. The treatment begins with patients receiving the customized, clear plastic aligners. In most cases, the patient will receive several months' of trays at a time. The patient will change trays at intervals determined by the dentist. Trays are often changed approximately every two weeks. The trays work by strategically shifting the teeth. The entire treatment can take nine months or longer. Duration of treatment is dependent on the types of adjustments needed and how often the trays are worn. For patients who are hesitant to use traditional metal braces, clear aligners can offer an excellent solution.
The desired outcome for both traditional braces and clear aligners is to achieve straighter teeth. When the teeth are properly aligned, they also collect less bacteria because they are easier to clean. It is critical to practice good oral which reduces a patient’s risk of tooth decay, periodontal disease, and promotes healthy gums. When a patient’s teeth are properly aligned, the risk of chipping, breaking, or damaging the teeth is also reduced. Misaligned teeth can also place stress on the jaw.
A summary of the key benefits associated with using clear aligners to straighten the teeth is below:
- Appointments: With traditional braces, the wires are tightened about every six weeks. These appointments can be cumbersome and expensive for patients who do not have dental insurance.
- Appearance: Patients often opt to use the clear aligners because they want to avoid the alternative of unattractive metal braces. The nearly invisible aligners are quickly increasing in their popularity.
- Cleaning: Traditional braces can be extremely difficult to clean around. In comparison, the clear aligners are removed for cleaning.
- Comfort: The texture of the clear aligner trays feel similar to the natural teeth while traditional braces can cause quite a bit of discomfort.
- Repairs: When a bracket or wire becomes loose or damaged, braces must be repaired. If a clear aligner is damaged, the patient can just move on to the next set of aligners.
- Removable: Clear aligners can be removed when necessary for eating certain foods and special occasions.
Cost
The cost for Invisalign treatment can vary from patient to patient. Clear aligners generally cost more than braces. Schedule an appointment with a dentist or orthodontist to obtain a more accurate estimate of the cost for your Invisalign treatment.
On average, clear aligners cost approximately $3,500 to $8,000. In comparison, traditional braces cost anywhere from $2,500 to $6,000. The treatment cost for clear aligners is determined by the amount of adjustments needed and the number of aligners required. Similarly, the cost for traditional braces also depend on the individual patient. Dental insurance is similar in its coverage for clear aligners and traditional braces. Patients should review their individual plan and coverage before initiating treatment.