The Cost of Invisalign®
Improve Your Oral Health with Invisalign® Clear Aligners
Invisalign® is an innovative teeth-straightening system that uses clear, virtually invisible aligners. These custom-made, removable aligners are worn over the teeth to gradually shift them into the desired position. You don’t have to live with crowded or crooked teeth any longer with the help of Invisalign!
However, one of the most frequently asked questions about Invisalign is how much it costs. To learn more about Invisalign treatment at Gentle Family Dentistry, contact our dental office in Bakersfield, CA, today by calling 661-664-9900.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
Generally, the cost of Invisalign treatment can range from $2,000 to $10,000, with the average being about $5,000. However, prices can vary greatly based on various factors, especially since every patient’s case is unique to their dental health needs.
Factors That Affect Cost
Several factors influence the total cost of Invisalign treatment, including:
- The Complexity of the Case: The severity of the alignment issues affects the overall cost. For instance, minor misalignments require fewer aligners, reducing the cost compared to more complex orthodontic cases.
- Length of Treatment: Invisalign treatment typically takes 12 to 36 months. Shorter treatment times tend to be less expensive.
- Geographic Location: The cost of living and the average price of orthodontic treatments in your area can influence the cost of Invisalign. Prices may be higher in urban areas compared to suburban or rural locations.
- Practitioner’s Experience: Experienced orthodontists may charge more for their services. While it might be tempting to opt for cheaper options, remember that quality care and expertise can lead to better results.
- Dental Insurance Coverage: Some dental insurance plans may offer partial coverage for Invisalign treatment.
Dental Insurance
Many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign treatment just as they do traditional metal braces. However, insurance coverage does vary from plan to plan. Remember the following about insurance when considering Invisalign Trust:
- Percentage of Insurance Coverage: If your insurance plan does cover Invisalign aligners, the plan might not cover the entire cost. Many insurance plans have a maximum lifetime benefit for orthodontic treatment. Once you reach this limit, you’ll need to pay for the rest of the treatment out of pocket.
- Pre-Approval/Predetermination: Before your Invisalign treatment, it’s often necessary to get pre-approval or a predetermination from your insurance. This process involves your orthodontist submitting a treatment plan to the insurance company, who will then decide how much they’ll cover.
- In-Network vs. Out-of-Network: If your dentist or orthodontist is in-network with your insurance company, you might pay less out of pocket for your Invisalign treatment. If your provider is out-of-network, you’ll likely pay more.
Does your insurance cover Invisalign? You can contact our dental team in Bakersfield with any questions you have about treatment and insurance coverage.
Financing Options
If your insurance doesn’t cover Invisalign clear aligner treatment costs, there are various dental financing options you may consider:
- Payment Plans: Many dental offices offer flexible monthly payment plans, allowing you to pay for your treatment over a specific period.
- Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts can be used for eligible dental expenses, including Invisalign.
- Dental Loans or Credit Cards: Various lending companies, such as CareCredit, and credit card providers offer special financing for healthcare expenses, sometimes even interest-free if paid within a specified period.
For a more affordable Invisalign treatment, you may consider checking for a dental school near you that offers Invisalign.
Invisalign Alternatives
If the cost of Invisalign is too high for your budget, there may be some cheaper alternatives you can consider:
- ClearCorrect: While pricing can vary, ClearCorrect is often somewhat less expensive than Invisalign. The treatment involves clear, custom-made, removable aligners that gradually straighten teeth.
- SureSmile®: A type of clear aligner therapy similar to Invisalign. They’re made of smooth, transparent plastic that fits snugly over your teeth. It tends to be a bit more budget-friendly than Invisalign.
- Byte: Another at-home clear aligner system, Byte offers an all-day aligner system and an all-night option. It’s known for its faster treatment time, which can make it more cost-effective.
- Traditional Metal Braces: As a tried-and-true orthodontic treatment, metal braces are typically more affordable than Invisalign aligners. This is because braces are a simpler technology and don’t require the creation of a series of custom Invisalign trays.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Invisalign cost is generally comparable to that of traditional braces, but it depends on the specific treatment requirements. On average, Invisalign costs a bit more than traditional braces. Your Invisalign provider will inform you of treatment costs.
Yes, the cost can decrease if your dental insurance covers a part of the treatment or if you can utilize dental financing options. Also, choosing a less-experienced practitioner or living in an area with lower living costs might reduce the price.
The national average cost of Invisalign for adults is between $2,000 and $10,000 for a 12 to 36-month treatment plan. Talk to your Invisalign provider to get an accurate estimate of your Invisalign treatment costs and how much you should budget.
Schedule Your Invisalign Consultation at Gentle Family Dentistry
Ready to determine if Invisalign treatment is right for you? Schedule your initial consultation at Gentle Family Dentistry! Our Bakersfield dentist will help you decide if Invisalign can correct your smile alignment, and they’ll walk you through the Invisalign costs. Call us today at 661-664-9900.