Invisalign can fix spacing issues, misalignments, rotations, and more, making it a common orthodontic treatment. By providing a discreet experience, people who’ve avoided treatment because they didn’t want conspicuous metal braces may finally repair their smiles.
To receive all those benefits, you might automatically assume the price is too much for you, but that might not be the case. Once you see the cost and understand its implications, you can determine whether it is feasible or not.
So, how much does Invisalign cost? Check out this complete guide to everything you should know.
Why Invisalign Costs More Than Braces Usually
Modern metal braces definitely are less noticeable than they were in the past, but no matter the changes made, Invisalign still reigns supreme when it comes to its noticeability.
Clear aligner treatment is often more comfortable than braces, and they’re also more convenient.
You tend to pay more for it since it’s more common and sought after, and the makers of the product get that and charge more for it. It’s the whole supply-and-demand thing.
The cost of Invisalign is also impacted by the fact that more is required in the planning process on the orthodontist’s end, and advanced technology is necessary for planning. Creating your aligners requires the orthodontist to send the details and imaging to the lab to custom-create the aligners for the patient.
Giving you an idea of the Invisalign cost, you’ll typically pay anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000, with some plans being cheaper and some costing $8,000 or more. Braces, on the other hand, tend to fall on the lower end of that price range.
What Are the Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign?
As you can see, the price of clear aligners ranges immensely. While this seems a bit confusing and worrisome, there are reasons this orthodontic treatment for teens or adults varies.
Complexity of Your Case
When you consider the average cost of Invisalign, you have to understand that it could be on the lower or higher side based on the complexity of your case. If you have large gaps, serious rotations, more than a little crowding, or a mix of problems, your treatment is usually going to fall on the upper side of that estimate. Treatment tends to take longer because you’ll need more aligners. And you pay for the number of aligners and the frequency of visits.
If this is only an Invisalign touch-up rather than a full treatment, it’s usually less expensive. Generally, what you’re having done is only minor.
Age
While you may choose Invisalign because of your age — because you want a discreet solution — your age plays a role in how well and quickly your teeth shift. Because your jawbone isn’t as malleable as it was when you were younger, the treatment generally takes a little longer now than it would’ve when you were in your teens. That, however, isn’t saying it’s not possible, but it affects the time it takes for treatment and the number of aligners you need, potentially increasing the cost.
Insurance Plan
When Invisalign first hit the market, insurance companies didn’t all climb aboard and decide to cover this orthodontic treatment. In fact, none really covered it because having clear aligners was for aesthetic reasons only.
As popularity grew and evidence showed that it was just as effective at treating mild to moderate — and even some severe — cases, insurance providers started covering the treatment as a standard orthodontic procedure. Therefore, you can receive it even if it’s a choice you’re making rather than a recommendation from an orthodontist.
How much the plan will cover depends on your unique plan. Insurance plans usually pay 50 percent of the cost, and you’re responsible for the other half.
You also have to consider whether you have orthodontic coverage or not. Not all dental insurance policies include it. As a result, you might have to pay for all the costs out of pocket.
Along these lines, your policy will only cover a certain amount for the lifetime of the policy. Once you hit it, the policy won’t cover any more treatment. So you’re aware, each person has their own lifetime maximum.
The final factor to consider with insurance is your deductible. You have to pay that deductible before your policy coverage kicks in and covers any diagnostics or treatment.
Additional Procedures May Be Needed
Sometimes, the cost of Invisalign is on the higher side because you need additional procedures to prepare for the treatment. One of the more common ones is a tooth extraction that removes severely overcrowded teeth or ones that will affect your bite, even after you finish Invisalign.
Aftercare for Invisalign is necessary for all patients. At Bernstein Orthodontics, we prescribe every patient a retainer to keep their teeth in the new positions. This is an additional cost.
Cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening, to correct other issues during or after your treatment, add to the total.
How to Make Treatment Affordable
If you’re scared that the average cost of Invisalign is too much, know there are ways you can reduce the amount you owe and options to pay off your responsibility.
First and foremost, let someone from our team contact your insurance company. We’ll see how much orthodontic coverage you have and what your portion of the bill will be. Check your healthcare savings plan. If you have funds there, you can use them for treatment.
We aim to make treatment affordable for both teens and adults, allowing as many people as possible to get the care they need. To cover your share of the expense for either you or your child’s orthodontic care, we offer no-money-down, interest-free payment plans. We work with you to find a monthly payment that fits into your budget.
Try saving the money by doing small jobs for neighbors, playing online games that pay, or working overtime. Put it all in a spare account and reserve it for treatment only. You can wait until you have all the funds, or you can use it to put down a down payment to lower your monthly cost.
We also strive to make taking care of your bill easy, such as by having an online portal. You can stay on top of your account this way. We accept cash and credit cards, which can help immensely. Make cash payments in person, or use your card to conveniently pay online without needing to visit the office. You can use your American Express, Discover, MasterCard, or Visa card in the office, too.
The average cost of Invisalign varies immensely based on your case, age, and other factors. However, know that Dr. Bernstein and the team are here to make every aspect of the treatment easy on you, even if it’s for your child. We work with you so that a treatment that may have seemed unattainable financially is within reach.
FAQs
If you still have questions about Bernstein Orthodontics’ cost of Invisalign or skipped right to the FAQs, take a look at the answers to the most common questions we get asked.
How much does Invisalign cost?
The cost of Invisalign ranges immensely. The average is $3,000 to $5,000, but some people with less severe cases pay less, while patients with more serious cases pay more. We give you an accurate quote when you come in for your free consultation.
Why is Invisalign $5,000?
The average cost of Invisalign actually ranges, so your treatment might not be $5,000. That being said, the seemingly high price of Invisalign relates to the luxury of having a discreet way to correct orthodontic problems. You’re also paying for the skill and time of your orthodontist and the fact that you’re receiving a name-brand treatment that uses technology to precisely create your clear aligners.
Is it cheaper to get braces or Invisalign?
While either treatment can be within your price range, especially if you only have a minor case, the overall cost of braces is cheaper than that of Invisalign. The treatment requires less technology and doesn’t require as much on your orthodontist’s part. Not to mention, braces, though they work effectively, aren’t as new, nor do they have the decreased visibility of Invisalign.
What is the cheapest way to straighten your teeth?
Consider correcting certain issues using bonding, which is cheaper than true orthodontic treatment. However, it’s only a temporary solution, and it won’t correct the problem. Your teeth may shift more in the future. Out of braces and Invisalign, braces are usually less expensive.
How can you make Invisalign more affordable?
The price of the treatment is pretty static, and you can’t take anything away without sacrificing the results. You can opt for a dentist who lets you make payments on the amount you owe. At Bernstein, we not only let you make payments, but you won’t have to pay anything down, won’t have to pay interest, and can keep making payments even after you complete your treatment.