When you look in the mirror and see crooked teeth, you have little confidence in your smile. Rather than continue to be self-conscious about your smile, you may now be considering orthodontic treatment in the form of braces. Like many people, you may be intrigued about Invisalign. Does it cost more to get Invisalign than other types of braces? Here’s all you need to know.
Wire is Generally Cheaper
On average, the cost of getting traditional wire braces is a bit cheaper than choosing Invisalign braces. For most patients, Invisalign braces will cost between $3500-$9000. Traditional wire braces tend to range from $2500-$6000. But, there is some overlap in the price range between these two types of braces. As a result, many factors will play a role in determining the final cost of your braces.
Does Insurance Cover Braces?
The ultimate cost you incur will depend on what type of insurance you have and what it will or will not cover in terms of dental care. Generally, most health insurance plans will cover most of or all of the costs associated with getting braces. That is, unless getting them is deemed to be for cosmetic purposes only. Because of this, it is important you get a recommendation from your family dentist that will let your insurer know that braces are needed for your dental health. Should you possess dental insurance only, this should help defray some of your costs but likely will pay less than 50 percent of the total cost.
Other Factors Affecting Price
When selecting between Invisalign and traditional wire braces, always remember that there will be various factors that will impact the price. One of these is how extensive your treatment plan will need to be to straighten your teeth. For example, if you suffer from an overbite, it usually takes longer to move your teeth into their proper positions. You should consider the average price of dental and orthodontic treatment in the area where you live. Should you reside in a large city, you may pay more for these services than you would in a small town or rural area. To get a good idea of how much you may pay, contact several dentists and ask for a general estimate of these services or check out this guide on how much does invisalign cost in Washington DC.
Aesthetics and Convenience
As you compare Invisalign cost to that of other types of braces, always take into consideration the aesthetics and conveniences associated with both types. One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign aligners is that they are very similar to retainers, meaning they can be removed when you want to brush, floss, or eat a meal. However, to be fully effective, you will need to wear your Invisalign aligners 20-22 hours per day, including when you sleep. Another advantage of Invisalign aligners is that they are practically invisible to others, which works well for adults like yourself who may feel very self-conscious about wearing traditional wire braces that are extremely noticeable.
Treatment Times
When many people first hear of Invisalign aligners, they often believe they have found a shortcut to getting a beautiful smile. But as your dentist will tell you, obtaining straight teeth will take plenty of work on your part. No matter which type of braces you select, treatment times usually vary from as little as six months if front teeth need to be straightened to as long as 24 months if many teeth need to be realigned. It is important to remember that when your orthodontist is working to straighten your teeth, they may also be working to correct skeletal or jaw misalignments as well, so keep this in mind when being advised of treatment times.
It’s Your Decision
Ultimately, since it is your mouth and teeth, it is your decision as to whether Invisalign or traditional braces will work best for your situation and budget. For more and more people, when all things are equal, and there is very little cost differential, Invisalign aligners have proven to be a safe, effective, and discreet way to achieve a beautiful smile.