If you want to improve your smile and dental health, you may be worried that your only option is metal braces. Like many other patients, you may be hoping to steer clear braces because they are obvious, limit what foods you can eat, and are often painful.
Luckily, there are many more options for those who are looking to correct their teeth or bite, and one of those options is Invisalign. Today, over 10 million people have opted for the benefits and treatment of Invisalign, an alternative to metal braces.
Convenient, comfortable, and invisible, these clear liners have been growing in popularity for several years now. But what is the average cost of Invisalign, and is it a better price than metal braces?
Below, we break down everything you need to know about the pricing of Invisalign, and what factors can impact the cost. So if you’re curious about Invisalign but are worried about your wallet, keep reading for some important information.
Table of Contents
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an alternative to traditional braces made of clear liners. Custom-fitted to your teeth, the liners are nearly invisible when used properly.
Every 6-8 weeks you’ll stop by your dental office to check-in and receive new liners. As you progress in treatment, your liners will slowly bring your teeth and bite into the desired position.
Most patients complete treatment after 12 to 18 months, which is shorter than the average metal braces treatment time.
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign is growing in popularity because of the unique advantages it has over traditional braces.
With Invisalign, you no longer have to worry about metal brackets causing bleeding from your lips or gums.
You can also remove the liners whenever you want, meaning that no foods are off-limits and you can stop treatment if you feel something is wrong.
Many patients appreciate that Invisalign requires fewer visits to the dentist’s office. Metal braces require tightening and brackets often fall off, meaning that orthodontist visits can be frequent and painful.
Invisalign requires visits just once every 6-8 weeks and comes with far fewer potentials for complications.
And while Invisalign comes with some soreness, most users report it’s far less painful than routine metal braces tightening.
How Much Is Invisalign?
After viewing the many benefits of Invisalign, many patients naturally have one question: How much is it?
The answer to this question depends on your teeth and dental goals, but most patients spend between $3,000 and $5,000 dollars on their Invisalign treatment.
While generally considered more expensive than metal braces, Invisalign offers many benefits that its competitors don’t. For many, this simple treatment is more than worth the price.
If your insurance covers orthodontic treatment, there is a good chance they will cover at least part of your Invisalign treatment.
For more specific information about cost and coverage, you’ll want to schedule a consultation with your dental office.
Price Factors
There are several things that can impact the cost of Invisalign treatment. Let’s take a look at factors that can raise or lower the price of Invisalign.
Severity
Generally, the longer the treatment takes the more expensive it can be. Because of this, more severe dental problems will be more expensive to fix than simpler ones.
The good news is that there isn’t much that Invisalign can’t fix. Whether you’re looking for overbite correction or just straighter teeth, you can opt for the convenience of these clear liners.
Age
The older teeth are, the more stubborn they can be. While any tooth can be moved, the time it takes increases as age does.
This means that someone in their 40s might take more treatment time than someone in their teens. The longer the treatment the higher the cost, making age a contributing factor to the price of Invisalign.
Dental Provider
In many cases, the cost of Invisalign will be related to the dental office you visit.
More experienced dentists can charge more for their expertise, which can raise the overall cost of your treatment. Many patients consult a few different offices before making their final treatment choice.
Aftercare
Once you have completed treatment, your dentist may recommend that you wear a retainer for a period of time to ensure that the teeth stay where they are.
A retainer likely won’t be included in the price of Invisalign treatment and can run anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
Following Instructions
The longer treatment takes, the more expensive it will be. One of the best ways to keep costs as low as possible is to follow all dentist instructions as well as possible.
Missing appointments or ignoring guidelines can result in delayed results and longer treatment. So if you’re interested in pursuing Invisalign, be prepared to commit.
Your State
Your town and state can impact the cost of your treatment. Those on the West Coast or in the North East of the United States often pay more.
Prices are also higher in larger cities. The more expensive it is for your dentist to do business, the more you may pay for Invisalign treatment.
If you’re wondering what Invisalign is likely to cost where you live, Smile Prep has created a helpful guide that details the average cost of Invisalign in all 50 states, further broken down by urban, suburban and rural areas of each state.
The Average Cost of Invisalign
Quicker and easier than traditional braces, Invisalign is a popular way to brighten smiles without causing stress. Today the average cost of Invisalign is $3,000 to $5,000 dollars.
When it comes to your dental health, treatment is almost always worth the cost. If you’re interested in Invisalign and what it may cost for you, schedule an appointment with your dental health provider to learn more.
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