Is Invisalign Worth the Cost?

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One of the most popular methods of straightening your teeth is by using Invisalign. It is an excellent option for people who are looking for an aesthetic alternative to traditional metal braces. However, is Invisalign worth the cost?

That depends on your individual needs and budget. Here we will take a closer look at Invisalign and how it can benefit you. We will also discuss the cost of Invisalign so that you can make an informed decision about whether it is right for you. Keep reading to learn more!

What Are Invisalign Aligners?

An Invisalign is a popular and effective clear aligner system used for orthodontic treatment. The aligners are made of a flexible thermoplastic material called SmartTrack. Each aligner will be tailored to the treatment plan formulated by your dentist for you and these aligners will apply pressure to your misaligned teeth, gradually shifting them and moving them into place.

Invisalign is an effective way to straighten crooked teeth, and the aligners are virtually invisible, so they are much less noticeable than conventional braces. In addition, the aligners are removable, so you can take them out for eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth. Invisalign is an excellent choice for adults and teens who want to straighten their teeth without metal braces. If you are looking for an Invisalign provider in your area, you can search the Invisalign website for a list of providers. You can also ask your dentist if they offer Invisalign treatment.

How Long Does It Take Invisalign to Work?

Some patients report seeing changes with their teeth within the first two weeks of Invisalign treatment. However, others can take almost a month or two before noticeable changes are apparent. The rate at which crooked teeth move varies from person to person. It’s essential to see your dentist for the follow-up appointments, so your progress can be noted. This will give them a clearer idea of how your treatment will progress.

Invisalign treatment can take between six months to a year. Treatment duration depends on a number of factors, including:

Compliance
Unlike most dental treatments, the effectiveness of Invisalign treatment falls directly on the shoulders of the patient. The aligners are removable, which makes it the patient’s responsibility to make sure that they are worn for the recommended daily duration. Typically, they need to be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day. If the patient does not comply with the instructions of the dentist, it can prolong the course of the treatment.

Gap size between teeth
Gaps between teeth can be caused by tissue overgrowth or a disproportion between the tooth and jaw bone size. Small gaps can be closed in a few months, while larger ones may take a longer time to close. A significant deciding factor is how well the teeth respond to the treatment and whether they move as soon as expected.

Teeth crowding
With crowded teeth, there is insufficient space for all the teeth. The body compensates for this by displacing some teeth. The crowding can be classified according to severity. With more complex problems, treatment can be expected to last longer.

  • Minor teeth crowding: treatment takes approximately six months
  • Moderate teeth crowding: treatment can take up to 12 months
  • Severe teeth crowding: treatment needing more than 12 months to correct

Patient Age
Patient age impacts treatment heavily. Generally, teens have teeth that move faster than those of an adult. This can be attributed to how the jaw bone in a teen is still growing while their teeth are still settling down. On the other hand, the teeth and bones of an adult have already been set in place and fully matured. This does not make Invisalign any less effective or successful for adults.

Also Read :- Tips for Eating While Wearing Invisalign

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign is a clear aligner system that is made using an advanced 3D computer-imaging technology. Invisalign makes use of a series of aligners that, across a series of months, move your teeth into their new position. It has been determined to be an effective treatment for both adults and teens.

Invisalign has been clinically proven to be effective in treating a wide range of dental issues, including crowding, spacing, and misaligned bite issues. Additionally, these clear aligners are a comfortable and convenient alternative for patients. Treatment with Invisalign typically takes several months to a year, and there are no food restrictions or special cleaning requirements. If you are looking for a discreet and effective way to create your ideal smile, Invisalign may be the right choice for you.

How Much Does Invisalign Cost?

The cost of Invisalign varies depending on the prescribed treatment plan. For a complete treatment that can last around a year or more, you might pay $6,000 or more. Invisalign treatments for minor corrections can cost around $4,500. Your dentist will be able to give you an accurate estimate of treatment costs after a thorough examination.

What Are the Factors that Affect the Cost of Invisalign?

  • Complexity of treatment
    A significant contributing factor to Invisalign’s cost is the severity of the patient’s bite condition. Minor problems like small gaps or minimal crowding will not require a lengthy treatment, cutting down on the additional cost significantly. However, complex dental problems like severe bite issues will need a more comprehensive treatment course. A longer Invisalign treatment period will require more sets of clear aligners and dental appointments, which compounds the cost.
  • Provider experience
    The experience of your provider may also factor into the cost of treatment. Providers with similar levels of experience should have little to no difference in terms of cost. On the other hand, less experienced Invisalign providers may charge less for treatment. You should bear in mind that with less experienced providers, you may be left with less satisfactory results, requiring additional treatments in the future.
  • Patient cooperation
    Patients play a prominent role in the Invisalign process since the effectiveness of treatment relies mainly on patient compliance. If a patient cooperates fully and follows all the instructions of their dentist, this makes the Invisalign process timely. With non-compliant patients, the treatment typically takes longer, which adds extra cost for the treatment. This is due to the additional dental visits required to get the desired results.
  • Insurance coverage
    Although insurance coverage does not typically alter the actual cost of Invisalign treatment, it can affect how much the patient needs to pay out-of-pocket. Most insurance plans that cover standard braces should also cover Invisalign as a form of orthodontic treatment.

Is Invisalign Worth the Cost

Invisalign treatment has many advantages, including the fact that it is virtually invisible, comfortable, and can be removed for eating and drinking. It also tends to have a shorter treatment time than regular metal braces, saving you money on dental appointments. Although Invisalign treatment is more expensive than traditional braces, many people feel that it is worth the cost, thanks to its many different benefits. Some of them include:

  • You can eat and drink whatever you want
    With traditional metal braces, there are some foods you are asked to stay away from to avoid damage to the wires and brackets and jaw pain when eating. These include gum, caramel, popcorn, and hard nuts. With Invisalign, you can remove your aligners before you eat anything. This removes the need to limit your diet options. As long as you can clean your teeth by either brushing them or rinsing them with water after eating, you should have no problems just putting your aligners back in place after your meals.
  • Invisalign is virtually invisible
    The aesthetics Invisalign provides is one of the main reasons why it is such a popular option for adults. It gives you the opportunity to straighten your teeth without drawing attention to your orthodontic treatment. The clear aligners your dentist will provide you with should be almost imperceptible visually.
  • Oral hygiene is easier
    Maintaining proper oral hygiene is more manageable with Invisalign. With traditional braces, you need to contend with the wires, brackets, and elastics. It makes brushing and flossing at home a longer and more involved process. You don’t have this problem with your aligners. You can floss and brush your teeth the same way you’ve always done. Cleaning your aligner trays is as easy as soaking them in a special cleaning solution or brushing with a soft toothbrush.
  • Invisalign is comfortable
    Some adults who undergo Invisalign treatments actually wore metal braces as children. Over the years, their straight teeth may have shifted, needing realigning. Many comment on how the Invisalign treatment is more comfortable. It eliminates the need for monthly wire tightening. Orthodontic emergencies like missing brackets and mouth sores from wires poking the inside of your cheeks are also a thing of the past.

Does Health Insurance Cover Invisalign Aligners

With all of the advantages of Invisalign, many prefer it compared to conventional metal braces. However, the cost of Invisalign is usually higher. As it is a form of orthodontic work that is used to straighten teeth, claims for Invisalign treatment usually come off of your orthodontic limit. If you have a health insurance plan that covers orthodontic work, then you may be able to get Invisalign covered. However, you should check with your insurance provider to see if Invisalign is a covered benefit.

If you are unsure whether orthodontics is covered on your current insurance plan, you may contact your private health insurance provider to find out before having the treatment.

Final Thoughts

Invisalign is an excellent investment to achieve your beautiful smile and improved oral health. If you’re considering Invisalign, rest assured that it is worth the cost. In addition to being less conspicuous and more convenient than traditional braces, there are also no food restrictions with Invisalign. Plus, you can change aligners at home, so you don’t have to go to the dentist as often. Finally, it’s easier to maintain oral hygiene when wearing removable aligners since you can brush and floss your teeth easily. Ask our team at Ashburton Dental Centre about Invisalign today by calling (08) 9516-1003. Feel free to ask any questions or concerns you may have!

Disclaimer – Use At Your Own Risk :- The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as advice for any individual case or situation. Any action you take upon the information on these blogs are strictly at your own risk. We will not be liable for any losses or damages in connection with the use of the information from these blogs.

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