Invisalign Cost And How To Pay For It

Different factors contribute to the cost of getting Invisalign treatment. These factors include:

• Your location and cost of living in the area
• Your orthodontist's charge for labour
• Your oral health needs and the level of treatment you need

On the Invisalign site, it is stated that getting Invisalign costs between £2,300 - £5,300 and it is possible to get up to £2,300 from your insurance company for your Invisalign treatment.

A consumer guide for dentistry also published that most Invisalign deals in the UK are between £2,300 - £3,800 while traditional metal braces cost about £1,500 - £4,500. However, these prices depend on the patient's case. Teeth that are severely crooked or a patient with an overbite would require more time to move the teeth with any of the available orthodontic treatment, and this means the cost would be higher.

Pros of Invisalign

The following are pros of Invisalign.

• Invisalign is almost invisible, and it is not easily noticed when you smile.
• It is easy to remove for different purposes like eating and cleaning the teeth.
• Duration of treatment is usually not as long as that of traditional braces.
• Treatment requires fewer visits to the orthodontist.
• Only a little discomfort is required as the aligners move the teeth gradually

Cons of Invisalign

• Invisalign may be more expensive than other braces.
• The aligners can get lost or broken then you would have to spend more money
• You may experience a little discomfort and ache during treatment.

Ways to save on Invisalign

Using Invisalign to straighten your teeth may seem like it is only necessary for the aesthetic purpose, but, crooked teeth are hard to clean, and this predisposes anyone to tooth decay and periodontal diseases. Using Invisalign can also help people who are not confident with their smile get over that feeling, so it does not affect their social and professional life.

Invisalign may be a more expensive orthodontic treatment, but there are several ways to cut the cost of your treatment. You should consider any of the following if you are looking for ways to save on Invisalign. 

• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)

With a flexible spending account, you are allowed to put away some money from your salary without paying tax on it. The money you put away is solely meant for healthcare. FSAs are usually available through an employer to benefit their employees. Using the money in a flexible saving account is simple, by using a debit card linked to that account, you can access your FSA funds.

As at 2018, the maximum amount an employee could have in an FSA for an employer is £1,960, and the funds could not be rolled over to the next year, but recently the amount of £190 can be rolled over to the next year.

• Health savings accounts (HSA)

A health saving account allows you to takeout pretax money from your salary to be spent only on healthcare.

There are two differences between an employer-sponsored HSA and FSA account. The fund in the HSA account can be rolled over into the next year, and you need to have a high deductible insurance plan. As of 2018, the maximum amount for an individual to deposit into an HSA was £2,645 and £5,250 for a family.

• Payment plan

You can opt for an orthodontist that offers a payment plan that suits your budget. With a payment plan, you do not have to pay for your treatment in full at once. You can also work out a favourable payment plan with your orthodontist.

• Dental schools

Dental schools offer discounts on orthodontic treatment so you can sign up for your Invisalign treatment at a dental school within your city. Signing up for the dental school means that you agree to let a dental student carry out your dental work. A good dental school would have an experienced orthodontist oversee the student in carrying out your dental work.

• No-interest credit card

You could use your credit card to finance your dental work if you use your card correctly. If you use your credit card correctly by making your regular payments and paying off the amount you owe before the introductory rate ends, you might qualify for a 0% APR introductory rate, then you will have a payment plan without having to pay more.

Be sure to use your credit card as a last resort because you may end up paying more if you do not use your credit properly.

• Medicaid and children's health insurance program (CHIP)

This can be used by children who qualify to receive help from the government. If your child's orthodontic problem prevents him/her from having good overall health, the orthodontic treatment may be covered by CHIP. You can work with your orthodontist and insurance representative to get your child's treatment covered.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an orthodontic device that uses clear aligner trays to straighten the teeth and correct bite issues. Invisalign is made of patented plastic created to fit every patient perfectly. The plastic used to make the aligners are strong enough to exert the right amount of pressure to move the teeth.

To get Invisalign, you need to have an initial consultation with your orthodontist where your smile and teeth will be assessed to determine if you are a suitable candidate. Your orthodontist then takes the impression of your teeth, which would be used to make your aligners. Your orthodontist would also create a treatment plan that helps you know what to expect at the end of your treatment.

The aligners are changed with a new set every two weeks until the teeth are in their right position. You have to wear your aligner trays for 20 – 22 hours daily for them to be effective. You can pull out the aligners to eat, brush, and floss properly.

Invisalign alternatives

There are other alternatives to Invisalign for those that need to discreetly straighten their teeth. they include:

• Lingual braces
• Smile Direct Club
• ClearCorrect

Before you finalise on any of these alternatives, consult your orthodontist to know if you are suitable for the treatment with them.

Things to ask before you decide on Invisalign or braces

• Will any of the options work better than the other?
• Does insurance cover more on one option than the other?
• Would the company pay for my retainer after treatment?
• Would the company pay for additional treatment if I am not satisfied with the result of my treatment?

Aftercare costs

You need a retainer set to keep your teeth in their new position after your Invisalign treatment just like any other orthodontic treatment. You can either get a removable or fixed retainer and getting a retainer costs about £76 - £380. After your treatment, you would have to wear the retainer all day, then with time, only at night.

If you are an adult, you may not need to repeat your orthodontic work if you wear your braces correctly because your mouth is no longer growing, unlike in children and teenagers.

Maximising your Invisalign aligners

To get the best out of your Invisalign investment, ensure you wear your aligners for the prescribed number of hours and maintain good oral hygiene. After your treatment, wear your retainer to prevent a relapse.

Comparison of braces and aligners

The table below gives a comparison of braces and aligners.

You can get a great Invisalign deal in London at London Braces. Contact us now on 020 37457520 or info@london-braces.co.uk to get more information on our deals.