The minute you are told that you require dental attention and need to fix the alignment of your teeth, you start looking at the damages to your monthly budget. While Invisalign is a great option if you are eligible for it, the first question that does come to your mind is “how much is Invisalign?” or “how much will this set me back?”.
Invisalign is a great, dynamic and aesthetically appealing dental care option you can consider. By being transparent, removable and effortless to use, they’ve been rocketing in popularity but there’s one factor that you always have to consider before diving in – the price. Let’s take a look at how much the treatment costs in general and how you can cover the expenses.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
Now, the cost of an Invisalign treatment plan will differ from case to case, depending on how much work is required. The longer the duration of your treatment, the more the costs are going to go up. But this is something your doctor will decide in consultation with you when your scans arrive and the treatment plan can be made. The average cost of Invisalign is typically similar to the cost of traditional metal braces. According to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry, Invisalign can cost anywhere between $3,000 and $5,000, based on the national US average. Other than that, the cost will be determined based on your individual case and how complex it is.
If at all the costs of Invisalign are higher, it is because not every orthodontist specializes in working with Invisalign. You need to find a doctor with Invisalign certification to be prescribed Invisalign.
Ways to Cover Invisalign’s Cost
While the cost of Invisalign treatment is typically the same as traditional braces, that does not mean it is particularly cheap. There are a few different payment methods you could try to relieve the financial pressure of getting necessary dental treatment:
Insurance
Dental insurance is one of the first methods of payment you should look to. Check if your insurance covers dental expenses. In most cases, your insurance will cover Invisalign treatment the way it covers traditional braces. If not the entire amount, the insurance may cover a certain percentage of the billing amount, therefore reducing your out of pocket expenditure. There is usually a lifetime cap on how much your insurance can pay for orthodontic treatment.
Make sure to call your insurance agent to confirm what kind of dental or health plan you have. Before you book a consultation, you should also ask the doctor what kind of insurance plans they accept.
FSA/HSA
You can also make these payments with tax-free dollars if you have a Flexible Savings Account (FSA) or a Health Savings Account (HSA). These accounts allow you to pay for some types of medical expenses, like dental and orthodontic costs. These costs often include Invisalign treatment. To avail this facility, you should check with your employer about an FSA as it will be managed by the employer, though not employers offer it.
A Health Savings Account (HSA) is also a similar special savings account, though this is not managed by your employer. You can set aside a stipulated amount annually and can cover certain medical costs, including Invisalign dental treatment. This type of account is for those who have a high-deductible health insurance plan. To get started with an HSA, however, you are required to meet certain IRS eligibility conditions.
The biggest advantage of having one of these accounts is that you can write off the money you put into these accounts as tax benefits. Speak to your doctor and see if their practice will accept such a mode of payment. Alternately, you can pay upfront and be reimbursed from your HSA or FSA account.
Monthly Payment Plan
A monthly payment plan is an arrangement you can arrive at with your doctor. Some practices will allow you to make payments in monthly installments so as to relieve some of the burden of the expense. Typically, Invisalign treatment will take a few months to a year. You can have an understanding with your doctor to allow you to pay the amount over months instead of paying the entire amount upfront. Chances are a down payment will be expected, but the amount can be negotiated.
Before you enter into any arrangement or accept a dental plan, consult with your doctor to see what payment options they offer.
How Much is Invisalign? – Final Word
Invisalign is an effective dental treatment plan that is far more flexible than traditional metal braces. You no longer have to feel the discomfort of having your braces tightened or feeling embarrassed about speaking with a metal wire in your mouth. The clear plastic aligners not only do their job but also tick the box in the appearance department.
You can also remove them on your own without needing to go to the doctor every time it needs to be adjusted. As has been made clear in the article above, they do not cost any more than a traditional metal braces treatment. So speak to your orthodontist today and get on the Invisalign train!