How Much is Invisalign?

Invisalign has become a very popular alternative to traditional braces for achieving straighter teeth over the past few years. However, some people are concerned about the potential cost of this treatment.

Factors That Impact the Cost of an Invisalign Treatment

Your individual Invisalign cost will depend on a number of factors. For an accurate quote, a consultation with an Invisalign trained doctor is necessary.

Complexity

One of the primary factors affecting the cost of Invisalign treatment is the complexity of your orthodontic issue. Mild misalignments or minor adjustments will generally cost less than correcting severe bite problems or extensive alignment issues.

With more complex cases, you may need Invisalign tabs, which are little tooth-coloured tabs that are bonded to your teeth, to allow the Invisalign treatment trays to grip your teeth better, and allow for better, and more predictable movement, or you may need other additional care, which increases the expense of your Invisalign treatment.

Treatment Length

The length of your Invisalign treatment can significantly influence its cost. Longer treatment times, often required for more severe issues or if you don't wear your trays enough each day, may involve more aligners and more frequent check-ups, all contributing to a higher overall cost.

Geographic Location

The cost of Invisalign can vary depending on where you live. Orthodontic services are generally more expensive in urban areas than in rural locations, and different provinces have their own dental fee guides. Factors like cost of living and demand for orthodontic services play a role in this.

Insurance Coverage

Some dental insurance plans do cover an Invisalign treatment, although the percentage of insurance coverage will vary. Usually, 25% to 50% will be covered. Whether you have dental insurance and your specific plan will impact how much you have to pay out of pocket for your treatment process.

If you have a health savings account, that can also be used to reduce the amount you have to pay.

Monthly Payment Plans and Other Payment Options

Some dental clinics offer monthly payment plan options or similar financing to help patients afford their up-front Invisalign treatment costs.

Cost of Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces

An Invisalign treatment can be more cost-effective compared to wearing braces.

Part of the reason for this is that, in many cases, an Invisalign treatment length is shorter than that of braces. Follow up visits may also require less time on the part of your dental providers. After the initial assessment for Invisalign, your dentist only needs to monitor progress, and doesn't have to adjust and tighten wires.

Another cost factor to consider is that, because Invisalign aligners are removable, you can clean your teeth better than you can with braces, so you have lower risks of tooth decay and gum disease, and may save on dental costs associated with these issues.

The Cost of Not Seeking Orthodontic Treatment

Although you may be concerned about the cost of treatment, it's important to remember that not seeking orthodontic treatment for alignment and bite issues can have cost consequences, too.

Dental Health Issues

Misaligned teeth can lead to a host of dental problems. Crowded or crooked teeth are more challenging to clean, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Over time, untreated alignment issues can result in tooth loss.

Crowded teeth can rub against each other and cause damage, while gaps can allow teeth to shift and increase the risks of infection.

Bite Issues

A poor bite, or malocclusion, such as an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, can cause jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty in chewing or speaking. These issues may worsen if left untreated.

Longer and Costlier Treatment

In many cases, a patient may consider not receiving orthodontic treatment, but then ends up having it anyway, resulting in simply delaying it. This makes the eventual correction more expensive when it is completed, as it can take longer for teeth to shift as you get older.

Also, in the meantime, you may have had to pay for dental treatment costs to address oral health issues that are associated with misaligned teeth.

Considering Invisalign Aligners?

Invisalign offers a convenient, comfortable, and discreet option for orthodontic treatment, and many people find the benefits of these clear aligners well worth the investment.

It's important to consider not only the Invisalign treatment cost but also the potential consequences of not seeking orthodontic treatment. Untreated alignment and bite issues can lead to dental health problems, aesthetic concerns, and even speech difficulties, and delaying treatment can result in longer and costlier treatments in the long run. Investing in your oral health can pay off!

Victoria Family Dental offers Invisalign treatments, and coordinates with most major insurance companies. We will develop a treatment plan in consultation with you, work with your insurance for coverage, and can discuss any other concerns you may have about the cost of Invisalign.