If you’re looking to correct the position of your teeth with orthodontic work, you have basically two options to choose from: Invisalign or braces. Of the two, Invisalign is definitely the more comfortable and discreet option.
Because it’s relatively new technology, people often think that the Invisalign cost is higher than that of the alternative. In reality, the cost is actually pretty similar.
So, how much does Invisalign cost exactly? Keep reading to find out.
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment for realigning your teeth. A series of clear tray aligners that are replaced every one to two weeks put pressure on different parts of your teeth. Over a period of one year on average, Invisalign slowly brings teeth into their proper position and improves your overall dental health.
Unlike braces, there’s no need for metal brackets or wiring. They can be used to fix everything from crooked and crowded teeth to wide spaces and unevenness. They can also be used to treat less severe cases of overbites, crossbites, and underbites.
For them to be effective, Invisalign tray’s must be worn for 20 to 22 hours every day. When you need to eat, brush, and floss, they’re easily removed. And, as the name suggests, they’re nearly invisible when worn.
The cost of Invisalign is anywhere from $6,000 to $9,000 and less minor treatments cost an average of $4,500. However, it’s important to note that the exact cost of your treatment is highly subjective.
And, while the cost sounds high, that’s about the same as an orthodontic treatment involving braces. For comparison purposes, traditional metal braces cost between $4,500 and $8,000, whereas ceramic braces start at $5,000.
In the same way that the cost of traditional braces is highly dependent on your own specific circumstances, the cost of Invisalign has a wide range depending on the individual. Things affecting the cost of your Invisalign include your own orthodontic needs, the orthodontist you choose, and the degree of aftercare you require.
If you’re fixing a small gap versus trying to correct an overbite, your costs will be very different. The more complex the oral health issue you’re working on, the more expensive your Invisalign treatment will be. This is because you’ll require more aligners and more time for treatment and adjustments.
While the Invisalign cost is generally similar to that of braces, there are some instances where braces may be a better fit. For example, while Invisalign is a solution for minor or moderate crowding of the teeth, they’re less effective than braces in cases of severe crowding. Similarly, they’re less effective than braces at correcting issues with how the upper and lower jaw work.
Of course, your orthodontist will be able to give you a better idea of what option is best for you.
A big part of the Invisalign cost is the cost of your orthodontist. Whether your orthodontist is in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, or Perth, you’re paying for the labour of your orthodontist. If you require more extensive work, the higher number of visits will result in higher costs.
Some orthodontists charge anywhere from $100 to $200 just for your initial consultations. What they charge depends on two items: their experience and their location. Orthodontists located in popular city-centres will likely charge more in order to cover higher overhead costs such as rent.
Correcting your teeth with Invisalign isn’t a matter of one year of treatment. Following the adjustments made with the use of the clear plastic trays, you’ll need to maintain your results. That means wearing a retainer to keep your teeth in their new position.
Some retainers are removable and only need to be worn at night. Others retainers are cemented behind your teeth. They cost between $100 and $500.
Although the cost of Invisalign is about the same as conventional braces, that doesn’t make them any less costly. Here are some things that might help you cover the cost of Invisalign treatment without breaking the bank.
In 2013 alone, Medibank Private members made over 10 million dental work claims. That number demonstrates that there’s help out there in the form of dental insurance.
Today, many dental insurance plans treat Invisalign similar to conventional braces. As in, they pay a certain percentage of your treatment and you cover the remainder.
For all the details, you’ll have to check your coverage with your insurance company and make sure that your orthodontist accepts your provider. You might also refer to the benefits manager at your place of work if you’re covered through an employer-sponsored dental plan. You may even be covered for orthodontal work under a health plan rather than an insurance plan.
Most orthodontists are willing to work out a payment arrangement to help you pay for the cost of your treatment.
You’ll typically have to pay some sort of downpayment before beginning treatment but, following that, you can likely arrange a monthly payment plan that spreads that large cost over the course of a few months. This will make it easier to fit the cost into your budget and avoid the need to dip into any emergency funds.
Talk to your doctor about what payment plans they have available before or during your consultation.
Don’t go with the first quote that you get. Instead, shop around and question a few different orthodontists. And, because location makes a difference, be sure to look as far as an hour away to see if your location is impacting how much you’re paying.
Once you’ve shopped around and have a good idea of the price range available to you, negotiate with your orthodontist. Even if they can’t bring down the cost of the aligners or labour, they may be willing to offer a discount on the cost of your x-rays or the consultation.
If paying in cash is available to you, you might be able to get a significant discount. Because it means that they’ll receive the money in a lump sum and that they won’t have to pay any fees to credit card companies, some orthodontists are willing to offer you a discount if you pay upfront and with cash.
Another factor affecting the cost of your orthodontists is their experience level: the more the experience, the more costly their service is.
Having your treatment performed at a dental school, therefore, comes with discounted rates. Check if there are any dental school in your city that may provide great work at an even better price.
When you get your Invisalign treatment, make sure to use it as directed. Failure to do so will result in a longer treatment period, which will cost you more in labour and visits to the orthodontist for adjustments.
Keep your Invisalign retainers in for 20 to 22 hours per day and only remove them for eating, flossing, brushing, and special occasions (if you must).
If you’re lucky enough to have very mild alignment issues, you may qualify for a faster, less involved treatment program. Invisalign Express is a treatment for issues with minor crowding and spacing.
The Invisalign Express cost is significantly less than the full Invisalign program and takes a lot less time to complete. Speak with your orthodontist about whether or not you qualify.
If you’re tired of hiding your teeth in your photos and you’re ready to correct your alignment issues, orthodontic treatment can give you the smile you want.
As long as you don’t have extensive issues to correct, most people have to choose between treatment with conventional braces or with Invisalign. Obviously the more comfortable and less invasive option, some people avoid exploring Invisalign for fear of the Invisalign cost.
But Invisalign doesn’t cost any more than traditional braces. In fact, the costs are quite similar. And, in the same way that you can get help paying for braces, most dental health insurance place will now help you pay for Invisalign treatment as well.
In addition, you may get help paying for your treatment through monthly payment programs or by simply employing smart consumer tactics like shopping around.
Whether you’re in Brisbane or Adelaide, we have all the information on the best orthodontists in your area. Check out our directories to get started.
