Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment option that has gained steam in the last few decades due to its convenience and invisibility. Despite treating many of the same conditions as conventional metal braces, Invisalign can cost more. Additionally, dental insurance plans do not always cover Invisalign.
Continue reading to learn why you might want to consider Invisalign as a viable treatment option and what you can expect to pay for this convenient alternative to metal braces.
Want to find out if you or your child needs braces? Visit Reese Orthodontics in Charleston, SC for leading orthodontic care.
What is Invisalign Treatment?
Invisalign is an alternative to metal braces that uses medical-grade plastic retainers to gradually put pressure on your teeth to correct a similar range of malocclusions, including crooked teeth, spacing issues, overbite, underbite, and crossbite.
Not every patient is eligible for both Invisalign and metal braces since the plastic aligners can’t apply the same force as a fully tightened archwire. This means that metal or ceramic braces may be the better option for severe cases or cases where only a few teeth need to be treated.
For those that are eligible, however, Invisalign comes with many benefits over conventional braces, which is why it’s been gaining popularity since its invention in the mid-90s. These benefits include invisibility, which could be helpful for professionals who don’t want to alter their appearance during treatment, convenience, owing to the patient’s ability to self-regulate treatment and comfort.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
While metal braces normally cost in the range of $3,000 to $7,000 for a full treatment regime (up to $8,000 for ceramic braces), Invisalign costs are more affected by the patient’s needs. This is because a set of braces is permanent no matter the length of treatment, while a course of Invisalign aligners could require anywhere from five to twenty aligners.
This makes the range of Invisalign greater, with some “express” treatments costing as little as $1,500 and other comprehensive plans going up to $8,000. The reason that Invisalign has a reputation for being more expensive than braces is not due to this base price but to the differences in insurance payouts for each treatment. Dental insurance plans may not cover Invisalign, so it’s important to ask your provider what you can expect to pay for your treatment.
As a rule of thumb, assuming that your dental plan negotiated Invisalign as a benefit, most plans cover 25-50% of Invisalign treatment. However, many have a maximum payout set to $2,000. In other words, Invisalign which costs $8,000 that is covered by dental insurance at 50% may still cost you $6,000 out of pocket once it hits that maximum benefit coverage.
Importantly, this can be the same for traditional braces, depending on the fine print of your company’s dental insurance plan. Check with your provider about your options.
Payment Options for Invisalign
Orthodontic treatments like Invisalign can be paid for using several methods. The first is an out-of-pocket payment plan for those without insurance or whose plans do not cover their treatment. Be sure to ask your orthodontic care provider about potential discounts for out-of-pocket or upfront payment plans.
An HSA or FSA is a popular payment option for Invisalign. Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts may be offered by your employer to be used for expenses like this treatment.
Care credit can also help you save on Invisalign. Personal loans offer another option to pay for your treatment and can be used to your advantage since many providers offer discounts on the total treatment cost for a large upfront payment. This can help you avoid interest charges in the long run.
Most orthodontic care providers offer payment plans tailored to the needs and means of their patients. Ask your provider about your payment options based on your budget and your proposed treatment to learn the best way to pay for your Invisalign.
Choose Reese Orthodontics
If you’re an adult who is considering braces, you need professional advice on your treatment and payment options. For orthodontic treatments in Charleston, SC, Reese Orthodontics offers the latest technology and treatment plans. Our advanced and comfortable orthodontic treatments can be customized to suit your needs. A consultation with Reese Orthodontics includes scans, a comprehensive exam, and a conversation with the orthodontist to discover which treatment options are right for you.
Schedule an appointment with us today to stay ahead of your oral health and receive the best possible treatment in your area.