If you’re unhappy with your current smile—or you’ve simply seen the ads on TV—you‘re likely familiar with Invisalign. Unless you’ve used Invisalign treatment yourself, though, you might not completely understand the process—or what you get for the price.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign or is a type of transparent aligner hence the name. The three-step treatment process helps teens and adults alike finally have the confident smile they’re dreaming of in as little as six months.
While undergoing Invisalign treatment, you’ll wear your clear Invisalign aligners for 20-22 hours a day. Because they’re removable, you can remove them for meals or other activities without sacrificing your results. As a bonus, you won’t have any food restrictions like you would with traditional braces!
Another benefit of Invisalign over conventional braces is the level of discomfort you’ll face. Like most types of orthodontic treatment, braces are hardly comfortable—in the days after the initial placement and whenever they need to be tightened, you’ll likely experience some level of pain and soreness. In comparison, Invisalign users most often describe the sensation of the clear aligners as a more subtle pressure than the pain associated with clear or metal braces.
If you and your doctor decide that Invisalign is a good fit for your goals—whether that’s compensating for an overbite, straightening crooked teeth, or something similar—you’ll begin wearing your custom-made aligners. Then, you’ll switch to a new set every week or two (per your doctor’s instructions), leaving you with a beautiful new smile.
How much does Invisalign cost?
More often than not, the cost of Invisalign is comparable to that of standard braces. If anything, they may cost slightly more due to the materials and lab efforts behind each clear aligner. Generally, Invisalign patients agree that the additional cost is well worth the benefits of opting for Invisalign treatment over braces or other clear aligners.
How can I pay for Invisalign?
For many potential patients, the cost of Invisalign can be an intimidating one if it doesn’t deter you entirely. With a bit of digging, though, you‘ll see just how manageable that Invisalign cost can be.
For instance, there’s a good chance that Invisalign is covered in part by your existing insurance provider—be that health insurance or your dental insurance plan—much like the cost of metal braces would be. If your current orthodontist is in-network and happens to be a qualified Invisalign provider, you’ll save even more with many insurance plans. Your provider can reach out to your insurance company when the time comes to start your treatment, or you can plan ahead by reviewing your insurance plan or calling them yourself. Alternatively, many orthodontists offer payment plans to make Invisalign treatment more affordable. You can also take advantage of an existing HSA or FSA to cut the cost further.
If none of these options work for you and you can’t afford the cost of Invisalign upfront, you might consider applying for a credit card to help spread out the overall cost. The internet has plenty of credit card comparisons readily available, giving you the chance to compare different types of cards, bonuses, and card features, not to mention what type of credit card and credit limit you’ll likely be able to get with your credit score.
With interest, you’ll likely spend more on Invisalign treatment as a whole, but you’ll have a different sort of monthly payment plan in the process. When used responsibly, you can even improve your credit as you use and pay off that credit card—all while showing off your beautiful new smile.
As you and your orthodontist discuss what treatment plan is best for you, there’s a good chance you’ll land on Invisalign as the best option. With benefits like the unnoticeable, removable clear aligner, it’s certainly a tempting treatment option, too. The cost of Invisalign might be off-putting at first but, by talking to your doctor and taking advantage of methods like insurance coverage or credit cards to minimize your treatment costs, you can begin Invisalign treatment and have the smile of your dreams in a matter of months.