If you don’t have the perfect smile and want to correct it without the glare of traditional, metal braces, you may want to consider Invisalign. These clear aligners improve your smile just as well as tradition orthodontic treatments without the potential risks to your oral health traditional braces create. However, on your hunt for information about this popular technology, you may also see it comes with a pretty heavy price.
In the article below, we will uncover some of the benefits of Invisalign, why we think they are well worth the premium, in addition to some payment options that help lower the cost of Invisalign treatment. In combination, these factors will ultimately uncover whether Invisalign is the right choice for you.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a custom made clear aligner that is changed out every two weeks for around 6 to 18 months or longer if needed. Each aligner is specifically designed for the individual patient to gently shift the teeth to the desired position. As the teeth shift, a new aligner is made to continue the movement until the teeth are exactly where they need to be.
The Benefits of Invisalign
When compared to traditional braces, the convenience and oral health benefits of Invisalign are clear, offering a wide range of benefits ranging all the way from cleaning to comfort.
- They Are Less Noticeable
Having a mouth full of metal braces is an eyesore that grows exponentially more embarrassing when getting them later in life. As the name suggests, Invisalign is nearly invisible. - You can Eat Whatever You Want
Because the trays can be removed just like a retainer, you are free from the many dietary restrictions that come with traditional braces. - Clean and Floss as Normal
For anyone that has had braces in the past, you know it’s difficult to clean them. Getting into each crevice around the brace, threading your floss, and potentially needing a Waterpik to get your entire tooth clean, creates quite the hassle. With Invisalign, simply remove the tray then brush and floss as normal. - Better Gum Health
The way metal braces sit on your teeth and the challenge they pose to proper brushing leaves many opportunities for poor gum stimulation. This can cause gum problems over time. With removable trays, there is no adverse effect to the gumline. - No Metal and No Sharp Edges
The metal of braces can result in sharp edges and soreness on the inside of the mouth. Because Invisalign is custom made to fit your teeth, they sit flush on the surface. This, in combination with the smooth plastic material, nearly eliminates all possibilities for irritation to occur.
Financial Considerations
The average cost of a full set of aligners costs around $5,000– roughly $2000 more than traditional braces. This should not discourage you however, as there are ways to either financially plant for the procedure or receive a reduced price.
- Check Your Insurance Coverage
Most dental insurance plans cover at least part of the cost for your Invisalign aligners. A rule of thumb here is that if your insurance has coverage for metal braces, alternative treatment options will likely be covered as well. - Ask About Payment Plans
Most dental professionals will work with your budget and help you with monthly payment plans to enable you to pay for your treatment. With children, early intervention can help determine the extent of care needed and estimate the overall budget of the aligners will be. - Flex Spending Accounts
If you have healthcare through your employer, you may be able to utilize a flexible spending account (FSA). You contribute pretax dollars to an FSA and can, in turn, use that money for items such as copays, deductibles, and medical costs. Your employer may even make contributions to your FSA, although this is legally required. - Health Savings Account
An HSA works similarly to an FSA, in that it allows you to set aside tax free dollars to use towards medical expenses. This type of savings account is used in conjunction with a high deductible health insurance policy.
Limitations of Invisalign
While there are many benefits to Invisalign, this type of treatment is not designed for everyone. If you have teeth that need extensive adjustments, such as very crooked teeth or teeth that sit at different heights, traditional braces and possibly other treatments will be more effective. This is because it is more difficult for plastic to shift the teeth into complex movements.
Your age may also play a part in choosing the right dental solution. Older teenagers and adults are good Invisalign candidates because their teeth and jaw are fully developed. Younger teens or children see leff effect from Invisalign as they may outgrow the size captured in thor initial impression kit.
Furthermore, maturity and responsibility also play an important role. Invisalign needs to be worn at least 22 hours a day to work. Young children may take advantage of being able to remove the aligners without remembering to put them back in, significantly delaying the process or rendering the align technology useless.
Contact a Trusted Provider
The key to straightening your teeth with the best results possible is to work with a professional team that can help you meet your goals. If your teeth need moderate adjustments and you want a nearly invisible, flexible option, Invisalign might be perfect for you.
Contact our office today and we’ll formulate the best treatment plan possible for your specific needs. Then all that’s left to do is order aligners to give you a perfect smile.