Do you have an overbite, underbite, or crowded teeth? Are you wondering if Invisalign is for you?

Invisalign aligners can correct bite issues and reduce your chances of gum disease. They’re less noticeable than other forms of braces. You can also remove Invisalign aligners when you eat or drink, so you won’t have food restrictions like you would with traditional braces.

But how much is Invisalign, and is the Invisalign cost worth it?

Let’s take a look.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a treatment that can straighten your teeth without the use of braces. They’re clear and can get taken on and off.

If you’re a good candidate for Invisalign, you’ll get a full dental examination complete with X-Rays and a 3D model of your teeth that will be used to create your aligners.

You’ll need to wear your Invisalign aligners for at least twenty-two hours a day. Every two weeks, you’ll return to your orthodontist for a new set of aligners. Your teeth will gradually shift into position. 

Invisalign aligners are generally comfortable to wear. The overall treatment takes less than two years. 

Who Can Get Invisalign?

Invisalign is a great option for adults and older teenagers. While Invisalign aligners are removable, wearers must have the maturity to keep them in for a certain number of hours each day. Invisalign wearers need to brush regularly so food doesn’t get stuck inside them, where it will be quite visible. 

Generally, Invisalign is better suited to folks who are a bit more responsible than the average teen. If, however, you’re an older teen or adult with generally healthy teeth who wants a straighter smile, you could be the perfect candidate.

How Much Is Invisalign?

Invisalign aligners are generally more expensive than traditional wire braces. They can cost anywhere between $5,000 and $6,000. This includes your Invisalign replacement cost. 

You can compare this with the cost of traditional wire braces, which is usually somewhere between $3,000 and $5,000. Many folks find that the price is worth it because of the comfort and convenience Invisalign provides. 

Slightly more expensive than traditional wire braces are ceramic braces, which use tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend in better with teeth. Some styles even utilize tooth-colored wires. 

Lingual braces can be even more expensive than Invisalign. These use braces installed behind your teeth that aren’t visible. Lingual braces probably won’t work for small teeth, and they may get in the way of your tongue.

Keep in mind that other factors may affect the cost of your Invisalign treatment. If your case is more complex, it could take longer and cost you more. You can also expect to pay more if you live in an urban area or an expensive region of the country.

Will My Insurance Cover Invisalign?

Your health insurance may not cover Invisalign because it’s considered cosmetic. Your dental insurance, however, may cover all or part of the cost. 

A dental insurance company may give you a flat fee for the cost of Invisalign, or it could pay for a certain percentage. 

You may have someone in your HR department who can explain how much of your treatment your dental insurance will cover. Or you can call the customer service line for your dental insurance plan. Make sure you know how much your dental insurance will pay before you decide to start your treatment.

How Can I Pay For Invisalign?

If you don’t have dental insurance, or your plan only covers part of the cost, you may need to pay for some of your treatment out of pocket. 

Before you begin your treatment plan, talk to your orthodontist about the types of payment plans they offer. Some offices, for example, will allow you to pay your aligners off a little bit each month. Others will give you a discount if you pay for the entire treatment upfront.

Talk to your employer about opening up a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Savings Account (FSA.) These days, an HSA is often offered along with your company’s health insurance plan.

Both an HSA and FSA allow you to increase your take-home pay by putting aside a certain amount of tax-sheltered money from it each month. This money can be used for medical costs that include orthodontics, co-pays, and vision costs.

The main difference is that an HSA is owned by you, while an FSA is owned by your employer. An HSA also offers greater flexibility, and you can rollover funds that you don’t use from year to year.

The Benefits of Invisalign

Many folks find that the benefits of Invisalign make it well worth the investment.

Besides correcting your smile and increasing your confidence, Invisalign can also help prevent dental problems such as gum disease. If your teeth aren’t properly aligned, it can be difficult to brush and floss correctly. Straightening your teeth with orthodontics makes it easier to keep them healthy.

Since Invisalign is removable, it allows you to eat foods you love while still correcting your bite. It also improves your smile faster than traditional braces.

One of the main reasons adults choose Invisalign is that it doesn’t have the obvious metal braces look that’s common for teens. As folks mature, they may want a teeth-straightening option that’s less visible. Invisalign allows you to get a beautiful smile and improved dental health without the obvious look of traditional braces. 

Movin’ On

How much is Invisalign? The answer will depend upon a number of factors. With some careful planning, however, you can have straight, beautiful teeth and a confident smile in no time.

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