Invisalign is an excellent option for those looking to straighten their crooked teeth. It’s also a great option for those who are concerned about the appearance of traditional braces. However, many people wonder, Is Invisalign cheaper than braces The answer to this depends on your dental needs, your budget, and the experience of your orthodontist.
Cost
The cost of Invisalign varies based on your specific treatment needs. However, it usually starts at around $3,500 and can go up to $8,000. Many patients are able to get help paying for their Invisalign treatment through dental insurance or Flexible Spending Accounts.
Invisalign works by creating a digital blueprint of your teeth and using that to create clear aligners for you. This digital model eliminates the need for impression “goop” and allows for a much more convenient orthodontic experience for patients. Moreover, patients can easily remove their aligners to brush and eat and are only required to wear them for 20-22 hours each day for the best results.
Invisalign also requires minimal maintenance, making it a more convenient option for busy adults. The aligners may get dingy over time, but you can freshen them by scrubbing them with a toothbrush and toothpaste. This way, you’ll have a bright and beautiful smile for the entire duration of your Invisalign treatment.
Time
Depending on the complexity of your tooth alignment issues, it can take anywhere from 12 to 24 months to complete your treatment. Some cases that require less work may be able to finish quicker. Not following your orthodontist’s instructions, missing appointments, eating hard foods and not properly cleaning your aligners can all prolong your treatment.
If you’re going through Invisalign treatment, you’ll need to remove your clear aligners when you eat or drink. Otherwise, liquid can seep down between them and stain your teeth and gumline. This might be a bit of a hassle for some people at first, but you’ll get used to it.
The good news is that some dental insurance plans do cover Invisalign to the same extent they do traditional braces. And if you have a Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account, you can use those tax-free dollars to pay for your Invisalign treatment as well. The savings can add up quickly!
Appearance
For adults, who often care about their appearance, clear aligners are less noticeable than braces. They are easily removed before eating, which means patients don’t have to change their diet or brush and floss their teeth differently.
The aligners are made of a transparent plastic material that is fitted to each patient’s mouth. While the treatment requires regular visits to the orthodontist, patients can usually eat and drink as they normally do.
While most patients adapt to the aligners within a few days, they may notice some slight speech changes in the first week. This is caused by the aligners taking up space in the mouth and is expected to disappear quickly.
Both treatments require patience and discipline. Regular orthodontic appointments are required with both, and patients must remember to wear their aligners for at least 20 – 22 hours each day. Without proper compliance, patients risk having their teeth return to their original position after the treatment is complete.
Health
Invisalign is more than just about aesthetics. It also moves your teeth more efficiently and can be easier to brush and floss around, since there are no pokey wires and brackets to get stuck in food and dirt.
Invisible braces are often less expensive than traditional metal braces, especially if you can find a doctor who offers flexible and affordable monthly payment options or financing with low-to-no down payments. They may also be able to help you use FSA and HSA funds to pay for Invisalign with tax-free dollars.
Some dental insurance plans don’t cover clear aligners, but others do — usually at a lower rate than they cover other orthodontic treatments, says Dr. Gareth Edwards, who specializes in both braces and invisible Invisalign in Bournemouth & Poole. He recommends checking with your insurance provider to learn more. He adds that it’s best to find an orthodontist who can give you clear answers to your questions about cost, treatment length, and other factors before making a decision.