You may have been considering braces for years, and with today’s convenient Invisalign option, you’re ready to take that first step towards the smile you’ve always coveted. But how much is that dream smile going to really cost you?
How much should I budget for alternative orthodontics?
Just like traditional braces, the cost of alternative orthodontics isn’t a one size fits all answer. The path to straighter teeth is complicated and every patient’s situation is different regardless of the type of orthodontics you choose. Don’t let the unknown keep you from a better smile – Your first step in figuring out exactly how much you should budget for braces is to schedule a consultation with a trained and experienced orthodontic specialist so you know what your treatment plan would look like, and what the bottom dollar is going to be.
The typical average cost for Invisalign ranges from $3,000 – $5,000 in the United States, and there are a few determining factors listed below.
Factors to Consider
When comparing the price of Invisalign to traditional braces, the two may be similarly priced, or the option of Invisalign may be slightly higher, depending on what’s involved in your specific orthodontic treatment plan.
For many patients, especially adults, it’s well worth the slightly higher cost to be able to wear invisible aligners that don’t interfere with your smile and your daily life, so don’t forget the convenience factor when looking at the price breakdown.
Insurance Coverage
If you are enrolled in dental insurance, you may be able to receive some level of orthodontic treatment coverage depending on your dental insurance plan. Every plan is different, so check with your provider for help in understanding your dental benefits and whether your provider will cover Invisalign the same way they would traditional metal braces.
Complexity of Treatment
Invisalign is the most advanced clear aligner system available, and can address many different types of issues including:
- Crooked teeth
- Alignment issues
- Underbite
- Overbite
- Gapped teeth
The less severe your issues, the lower the cost of the treatment.
Location of Invisalign Provider
Depending on the area in which you live, the costs connected to an Invisalign treatment will vary due to the amount of competition and the standard cost of living in the area among other factors.
Payment Plan Availability
There are ways to make your Invisalign affordable. Checking into a few different sources of assistance might be beneficial for your needs and will help you with the costs of the treatment including:
- Insurance – As previously mentioned, your dental insurance may offer coverage up to $3,500 of your treatment cost. Our staff will help you coordinate your benefits and get as much coverage as possible. If you are near your open enrollment time, checking to see if you are eligible for a more generous dental insurance plan that pays towards orthodontic treatments could be your golden ticket to savings.
- Flexible spending account – If you have a flexible spending account, you can apply up to $2,550 of your pre-tax dollars towards Invisalign.
- Financing and payment plans – We are proud to offer financing services to our patients that can allow you to set up a payment plan so upfront costs aren’t an obstacle in obtaining that perfect smile.
Remember – Invisalign Impacts More Than Just Your Wallet
It’s easy to get hung up on pricing, but that overlooks the larger impact of Invisalign treatment. Deciding on alternative orthodontics is going to change your life – and make the process a lot more comfortable than metal braces along the way. Don’t let cost hold you back from straightening your teeth and restoring your confidence in your smile.
Check out this Online Invisalign Cost Calculator that will help you have a better idea of the costs of treatment. The calculator requires an estimate from an Invisalign provider to get started, so schedule your commitment-free consultation with Hinsdale Dentistry and take the first step. After all, you have nothing to lose and so much to gain!