Invisalign is a great treatment for correcting your misaligned teeth, how much does invisalign cost varies by region and treatment length. But if you have dental insurance, it may cover a portion of the cost. You can also use tax-free dollars from your Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account to help pay for your treatment.
Cost
Many patients are surprised to learn that Invisalign costs significantly less than traditional wire braces. While there are a number of factors that affect this difference, including insurance coverage and treatment duration, a consultation can help you get a clearer picture of the cost of your Invisalign treatment.
While mail-in aligner companies offer a lower price point, they lack the professional oversight and support that an orthodontist provides. This is especially true for shorter-term orthodontic treatments, like Invisalign Lite. Choosing a dentist with years of experience and high-tier status as an Invisalign provider can make all the difference in ensuring your smooth, successful Invisalign treatment.
Invisalign providers use a 3D scan of your teeth to create a custom treatment plan and provide you with a preview of your finished smile. They also have access to the latest technology for aligner production and can offer a range of payment options that fit your budget. In addition, they can work with your dental insurance to reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
Insurance Coverage
Dental insurances usually have an annual maximum for orthodontic work, and many of them cover a portion of the cost for clear aligners. However, the specific dollar amount that is covered will depend on the insurance plan and whether you choose to visit an in-network or out-of-network provider. Out-of-network providers typically charge higher fees than in-network dentists, which is why it’s essential to carefully review your insurance coverage before committing to a treatment plan.
Moreover, some dental insurance plans also provide for orthodontic rider or add-on, which may help to reduce the cost of your Invisalign treatment. Similarly, flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs) are additional ways to save money on Invisalign treatment by paying for it with pre-tax dollars.
While it’s possible to treat Invisalign without insurance, most patients prefer to take advantage of the benefits that come with having coverage. A consultation with a qualified orthodontist is the best way to assess your insurance coverage and determine if Invisalign is a good fit for you.
Payment Options
Most dental insurance plans cover some or all of the cost of Invisalign. If you don’t have coverage, you can pay for your Invisalign treatment with a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA). These are tax-deductible accounts that can be used to save money on healthcare costs such as Invisalign. You can put up to $3,400 in an individual HSA or $6,750 in a family account.
Invisalign providers also offer monthly payment plans that allow you to spread the cost of your treatment over time. These plans reduce upfront costs and eliminate added interest. Some providers even use medical loan companies that specialize in providing financing for dental treatments like Invisalign. These companies typically offer competitive rates and can give you an approval amount within a few days of applying. They may run a credit check but don’t generally report to the credit bureaus. This means that paying your debt on time won’t harm your credit score.
Treatment Time
The length of time that it takes to straighten your teeth with invisalign varies, depending on the complexity of your misalignment. Simple cases can take around six months, while more complicated issues may require 18 months or more to correct. The length of your treatment can also depend on how diligently you wear your aligners. The more often you wear them, the faster your treatment will be.
The duration of your invisalign treatment will also vary based on your age. For example, teenagers tend to forget to wear their aligners as much as they should, so their treatment will probably take longer than that of adults. For this reason, there are special teenage Invisalign aligner trays that have compliance indicators. These contain blue dots that fade over 2 weeks, indicating that the aligner has been worn for the recommended amount of time.
Once your treatment is complete, you’ll need to continue wearing a retainer to ensure that your teeth don’t shift out of their new positions. Fortunately, your orthodontist will be able to advise you on the best way to do this.