Research indicates that nearly everyone has some type of malocclusion or tooth misalignment. Until the late 1990s, the primary treatment for this dental issue was traditional metal braces. However, this treatment could be uncomfortable and often took up to 2 years- sometimes more, depending on the complexity of the misalignment.
In the late 1990s, Invisalign clear aligners were introduced, which revolutionized the orthodontic industry. This treatment option consists of a series of clear aligners custom-made to fit snugly against the teeth, gradually shifting them into their appropriate positions in the jaw. The aligners are more comfortable and offer a shorter treatment time- as little as 6 months.
In this article, we’ll explore the average cost of Invisalign treatment, factors that impact the cost, and payment options.
Average Cost of Invisalign Treatment
The primary factors that impact the cost of treatment with Invisalign are the complexity of the misalignment and the length of treatment. Rainier Ave Dental offers several different treatment plans based on your age and your needs. However, it is important to note that costs vary on a case-by-case basis and this in no way guarantees the fee that you will pay.
Invisalign Express
Invisalign Express is designed to resolve very mild to mild misalignments. There are two versions of this treatment:
- Up to 5 aligners ranges from around $1,200 to $1,800
- Up to 7 aligners ranges from around $1,500 to $2,000
Invisalign Lite and Moderate
Both Invisalign Lite and Invisalign Moderate are designed to resolve mild to moderate misalignments.
- Invisalign Lite is primarily used for mild/moderate misalignments. This plan offers up to 14 aligners and ranges in cost from around $3,000 to $4,500
- Invisalign Moderate is primarily designed for moderate misalignment. This plan offers up to 20 aligners and ranges in cost from around $3,500 to $5,000
Invisalign Comprehensive
Invisalign Comprehensive is designed to treat moderate to severe malocclusion and offers unlimited aligners. The average cost ranges from around $4,500 to $8,000.
Children and Teens
Invisalign First Comprehensive and First Comprehensive Phase 2 are designed for children and teens. The primary difference between the aligners is the inclusion of blue dots on these aligners. The blue dots will fade over time if the aligners are being worn as directed. While this does not guarantee that your child or teen will wear the aligners, it can give you peace of mind knowing that you can track their compliance and progress.
The average cost of these two phases ranges from around $3,000 to $4,500 each.
After a few days, you can begin to transition to a soft food diet- even if you are wearing a temporary prosthesis. It is critical to exercise care for at least the first three months because the jawbone is healing around and fusing with the implants. If you bite down on something hard, you could cause the implant to shift, which can cause complications.
Recommended foods include:
What Factors Impact the Cost of Invisalign Treatment?
There are several factors that influence the cost of Invisalign treatment, including:
Complexity of Treatment
If you have a mild misalignment, you may only need a few aligners. This means that your treatment will be short and therefore, cost less. On the other hand, if you have a severe misalignment, you will likely need more aligners, which means your treatment will take longer and will cost more.
Experience/Expertise of the Dentist
The experience and expertise of the dentist directing the treatment will have an impact on the cost. However, the cost should be fairly consistent among dentist with the same experience/expertise.
Therefore, if you find a dental professional offering cheap Invisalign treatment, you’ll want to confirm their experience with Invisalign to make sure treatment will be effective and efficient. Most of the time, dentists who offer extremely low rates on this treatment have little to no experience, which means you likely will get unsatisfactory results.
Consistency of the Patient
One of the major advantages of Invisalign aligners is that they are removable. However, this is also somewhat of a disadvantage because patients often forget to put them back in, which means treatment often takes longer and costs more. Invisalign aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day.
Insurance Coverage
When Invisalign was first introduced to the market, most insurance providers classified it as cosmetic, which meant that it was an elective procedure. This meant that they would not cover any portion of treatment.
Since that time, more research has been completed, which has led to most Insurance coverage providers covering a portion of treatment.
Payment Options for Invisalign
There are several ways that you can pay for your Invisalign treatment. Rainier Ave Dental works with a variety of dental insurance providers. Our office staff will contact your provider to determine your coverage.
When it’s time to pay for your portion of the fee, we accept cash, check, and credit/debit cards. We also offer financing options if you are unable to pay for treatment. This allows you to pay for treatment and break it up into more manageable monthly payments.
