The Cost of Invisalign: Understanding Your Payment Options and Financing
One of the biggest hindering factors to dental care is the cost of treatment. It may cost a lot of out-of-pocket money when you want to undergo orthodontic treatment. Sometimes, this can limit you from choosing the dental appliance you desire, particularly in the case of Invisalign ® treatment near you.
What Is Invisalign?
It is a treatment in orthodontics that uses transparent, removable aligners to gradually shift teeth into their proper positions. Unlike conventional braces with metal brackets and wires to move teeth, Invisalign aligners feature a smooth, virtually invisible, BPA-free plastic. You typically wear a series of clear aligners for 2-6 weeks before switching to the next set in the series. Each new tray of aligners will be slightly different than the previous one, gradually shifting your teeth into their proper positions.
Cost of Invisalign Vs. Traditional Braces: Which Is Better?
The comparison of Invisalign cost with traditional braces is necessary before you begin your orthodontic treatment. You must know what to anticipate so you can choose a treatment option that matches your budget without undermining your preferences.
Although the actual cost can vary depending on several factors, the Invisalign cost is typically higher than traditional metal braces. Some factors that impact the cost are the length of treatment, the complexity, and the location of the orthodontist. Here is a summarized comparison of the cost of Invisalign versus traditional braces:
Invisalign:
The average cost of Invisalign treatment ranges from $3,000 to $8,000. This pricing is generally expensive because of the cost of the aligner trays and any additional attachments or refinements you may need.
Further, many dental insurances do not cover the cost of Invisalign as it can be considered a cosmetic procedure. Still, insurance coverage for Invisalign may foot part of the dental bill, but the amount of coverage will vary widely depending on the plan.
Traditional Braces:
The average price of traditional metal braces ranges from $2,500 to $7,500. Generally, metal braces are less expensive because they do not require specialized aligner trays or attachments. Besides, most dental insurances cover the cost of traditional braces for functional orthodontics. However, the amount of coverage will also vary widely depending on the plan.
How Can I Finance My Orthodontic Treatment with Invisalign?
If you are worried about inflexible payment options for Invisalign, you are not alone. Many patients have been held back from orthodontic treatment because of budget restrictions. However, we are happy to announce that you can explore various financing options to help with your orthodontic treatment at Great North Dental. Some of the financing options for Invisalign available to make your treatment more affordable are:
Payment plans in orthodontic offices – allow you to spread out the cost of treatment over an extended period. These plans require a down payment and may charge interest or finance fees.
Third-party financing companies – they offer loans specifically for medical or dental procedures. The loans often have low-interest rates and longer repayment periods than your typical credit cards or personal loans.
Credit cards – you can use credit to pay for Invisalign treatment. It can be convenient, but be aware of high-interest rates and potential credit score impacts.
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) – they are accounts that allow you to save pre-tax dollars for medical expenses, including Invisalign treatment. Confirm with your employer or benefits provider to determine if these options are available.
Invisalign-specific financing – some companies offer financing specifically for Invisalign treatment, such as the Invisalign Payment Plan or the CareCredit healthcare credit card.
Conclusion
Ultimately, it is evident that the cost of Invisalign may be higher than traditional braces. Still, many patients are willing to pay a little extra for the added benefits of clear, removable aligners.
Besides, some orthodontists offer flexible payment plans or financing options that make Invisalign more affordable for patients. Talk to your orthodontist about the costs associated with both options and consider the long-term benefits of each before making a decision.