Invisalign Cost & Prices

Invisalign is a form of brace that straightens teeth without using the traditional metal braces. Dentists use clear tray braces made of plastic and manufactured in special facilities based on the patient’s shape of teeth. The invention of Invisalign has certainly revolutionized the world of orthodontics as patients no longer need to wear the ugly metal brackets. However, the decision to opt for this kind of treatment is based on the cost. So how much does Invisalign cost?

How Much Does Invisalign Cost?

Invisalign cost depends on the patient’s condition. Some alignments require simple procedures while others involve multiple steps, which add to the cost. Additionally, some patients need teeth extractions performed before Invisalign are installed. This means there is no definite cost of this treatment but we can estimate a range of $2,500-$8,000. It is important to get an accurate estimate from an orthodontist as factors such as the number of aligners the patient’s needs and the extent of alignment affect the overall Invisalign cost. Here’s a breakdown of the associated costs of Invisalign:

• The patient pays for the aligner trays and the labor cost of the dentist. To begin with, a consultation fee is charged which costs $100-$200
• The dentist may require an X-ray, which costs $25-$250. Some patients prefer getting dental X-rays elsewhere and bring them to the dentist
• Fixing the Invisalign braces $1,500-$4,500
• Continuing treatment through a nighttime retainer for a few months or years after the initial treatment. Such aftercare costs sometimes exceed $1,000

Invisalign Cost with Insurance

Traditional dental insurance covers Invisalign treatment under orthodontic care, a benefit most insurance companies offer on most dental plans. The dental insurance plan pays a fixed percentage for orthodontic care, including Invisalign procedures and requires patients to pay the difference. Most dental insurance plans cover costs up to $3,000 or more but traditional plans have a yearly cap of $1,000-$1,500 for lifetime coverage. This benefit is all-inclusive in that it covers Invisalign-related procedures like extraction, active treatment and records. The claim form should indicate that it covers these procedures to ensure the insurance provider pays for this cost. Where Invisalign-related procedures are paid out of the general dental benefits, the insurance provider pays 50% instead of 80%.

Generally, dental insurance providers include the Invisalign lifetime limit to the typical dental benefit where the maximum annual limit is fixed at $1,500 for both benefits. As such, if the patient has applied for this plan, the Invisalign benefit is reduced pound-for-pound during that treatment period. In some cases, however, only a portion is available for Invisalign treatment even though a maximum limit of $1,500 is stated. As such, it is important for patients to determine eligibility and the benefits of the cover to avoid disappointment. Here are examples of Invisalign prices charged by different insurance providers:

Metlife Insurance

The insurance provider covered $500-$1,500 of the cost of Invisalign treatment under the orthodontic care plan. This range covers 40% of the cost, so the patient needs to pay the remaining 60%. This benefit is limited to one time only.

Aetna Insurance

The provider covers 50% of Invisalign treatment cost up to a maximum of $2,500. Aetna offers a range of PPO covers for Invisalign treatment- $500, $1,000 and $1,250. The age limit affects the extent of Aetna Insurance cover for Invisalign treatment. This plan requires patients to attain a particular age before going for Invisalign treatment. As such, no benefits are paid after that age limit even if the treatment is not completed. Note that not all Aetna insurance plans include Invisalign and orthodontic treatment hence, the need to check the coverage details. Also, patients changing from HMO and DMO plans to PPO Invisalign benefits are entitled to a different orthodontic maximum. Thus, if the patient signs up for a plan that does not include orthodontic treatment, no benefits will be paid towards Invisalign. Similarly, going back to HMO and DMO plans means that the months covered under the previous plan will be deducted, so the patient should expect benefits for that period of time.

Cigna Insurance

This provider offers a PPO plan, which covers expenses related to Invisalign in progress. As such, the benefits depend on the number of months of treatment remaining and the patient’s co-insurance level of Invisalign treatment. Cigna pays 50% of the cost up to a maximum of $1,000 for a lifetime. The treatment cost should be submitted to the provider, showing the number of months the patient has gone through Invisalign treatment. For example, if a patient’s Invisalign fee is $2,400 and the treatment is spread for 24 months from 1/5/2018, the plan covers the 12 remaining months. Thus, the provider pays $100 per month for active Invisalign treatment.

Invisalign Cost for Top Teeth Only

It is also known single arch treatment and it is effective when a patient has a significant overbite and straight upper teeth. The top teeth tend to stick out past the bottom teeth hence the need for installing Invisalign on the upper teeth. The cost varies from $2,800-$5,600, depending on the length of treatment, malocclusion and how responsive the patient is. Some patients show great success after less than 10 treatments while others may require more treatments.

Conclusion

We believe this text has enlightened our readers about Invisalign price. Keep in mind that if using Invisalign cost with insurance plan, check if it covers this procedure as the benefits differ from one provider to another. Also, if paying without insurance, the patient should be ready to cater for the additional Invisalign cost associated with active treatment.