Several people want to attain a million-dollar smile but are afraid to dish out hefty sums. Invisalign braces have revolutionized the orthodontics industry. Nowadays, patients can smile thanks to Invisalign.
If you consider Invisalign braces, you probably want to know how much you will have to spend to have the smile you have always wanted. The cost of Invisalign braces varies due to several factors. This guide will break down the cost of Invisalign braces depending on various factors.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
According to a recent study by the Consumer Guide for Dentistry, the national average for Invisalign is around $3,000 to $5,000. However, the final cost will be determined by your dentist based on various aspects such as:
- The severity of the dental problem
- Unique needs
- The treatment period
- Location
- Dentist’s or orthodontist’s experience
- Payment methods
- Financing
- Insurance
Invisalign braces work by shifting crooked teeth into the appropriate position. Customized plastic trays are required to keep the teeth in place. Therefore, this means that people with severe dental problems will need several trays and attachments. Treatment will also take longer.
Invisalign Cost Depending on Various Factors
Below are the various factors that determine the cost of Invisalign braces.
The Severity
In most cases, Invisalign braces are used to treat minor cosmetic misalignment issues. However, Invisalign braces can also be used to treat severe teeth and jaw misalignment. In this case, patients require several dentist visits. Therefore, the cost of your treatment will increase if you are dealing with very crooked teeth.
Moreover, some dentists and orthodontists might charge an extra fee to customize your aligners.
The Experience of Your Dentist or Orthodontist
Dentists and orthodontists who have been around for quite some time are cheaper than inexperienced dentists are. Such is because dentists classified as experienced get more than a 40% discount on Invisalign lab fees.
Some of these dentists choose to pass the savings on to their patients. However, experienced dentists might also charge more for their expertise than inexperienced dentists might. The best thing to do is check your dentist’s cost and compare it with other dentists near you.
Your Location
Where you live will also determine the final cost of dental treatment. On average, patients in urban areas pay more for Invisalign braces than those in rural areas. Moreover, the Invisalign cost varies from state to state. For example, the average cost of Invisalign braces in California is around $6,500 to $9,000. On the other hand, the cost of treatment in Florida is approximately $4,500 to $5,500.
After Care and Refinements
After the treatment, your teeth will be straight, and you will finally acquire the smile you have always longed for. Unfortunately, teeth are stubborn and tend to get out of place quickly. Therefore, to make sure this does not happen to you, it is advisable to wear retainers and visit your orthodontist occasionally. The number of office visits you will make and the retainers you will use will also influence the final costs.
When it comes to refinements, it is advisable to speak to your dentist or orthodontist to determine if the cost is included in the treatment plan, or you might have to spend some extra dollars.
Insurance
Almost all health insurance plans in the USA cover Invisalign braces, as is the case with traditional braces. However, most plans will not cover the entire cost of Invisalign braces. In that case, your insurance plan will pay a percentage of the total cost.
Requirements vary from one state to another. Some states only require plans to cover Invisalign braces for children but not adults. In such situations, your policy will only cover treatment for medical or functional jaw or teeth problems if you are an adult.
When it comes to Invisalign braces for cosmetic purposes, finding an insurance plan covering the treatment is complex. Most patients have to cover the total cost of treatment in such scenarios. Make sure to download the Invisalign app to learn more about your coverage.
The cost of Invisalign braces might be more than that of at-home aligners, traditional metal braces, and lingual braces. However, Invisalign braces can be used to correct any jaw or teeth issues.
Besides, Invisalign might be your only choice if you do not qualify for other treatment options. If you still find it hard to decide between Invisalign braces and other options, you will be better off speaking with an experienced oral healthcare provider.
