Patients with misaligned teeth no longer always need to wear traditional braces to correct said misalignments. Some patients can now address misalignments with Invisalign treatment instead.
Perhaps this treatment option appeals to you. However, if you live in Monmouth County, NJ, and you don’t have insurance, you may wonder if you can afford Invisalign.
The best way to learn how much Invisalign might cost if you’re uninsured is to discuss the topic with your dentist. They can help you better understand whether this treatment option is right for your budget. In the meantime, this overview will answer your basic questions about the topic.
Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces: What You Need to Know
Although the purpose of traditional metal braces is to improve a patient’s smile, during treatment, they can have a negative impact on a patient’s appearance. Invisalign is different.
A patient who opts for Invisalign treatment will wear sets of clear aligners over their teeth throughout the day for a certain length of time. Usually, Invisalign treatment lasts between 6 and 18 months. Traditional braces, on the other hand, might take two years or more to fully address a misalignment.
Because Invisalign aligners are transparent, no one can see them when a patient is wearing them. Additionally, in a paper published in BMC Oral Health, researchers who reviewed several studies concluded that Invisalign is at least as effective as traditional braces.
Benefits of Invisalign Treatment
Being able to correct a misalignment without having to wear braces that might negatively affect their smile is typically the main reason some patients choose Invisalign. However, this isn’t the only advantage this treatment option offers.
Unlike braces, patients can (and should) remove Invisalign aligners throughout the day. Patients should remove their aligners before eating, allowing them to eat foods they might otherwise have to avoid if they wore braces.
Additionally, Invisalign patients remove their aligners before brushing and flossing. As such, they can adhere to basic oral hygiene habits more easily than they could with braces. It’s also worth noting that patients tend to find that, when compared to braces, Invisalign aligners are more comfortable to wear.
The Cost of Invisalign Treatment Without Insurance
Even if you have dental insurance, not all insurance plans cover Invisalign. Be sure to check to confirm whether your plan covers this treatment option. Under some policies, Invisalign qualifies as a “cosmetic” treatment, and thus doesn’t qualify for coverage.
There’s also no definitive answer to the question of how much Invisalign treatment costs without insurance. Different providers charge different rates.
On the low end, Invisalign treatment may cost as little as $1,800. On the high end, it may cost as much as $9,500. Factors such as the overall complexity of the treatment will influence the cost.
Paying for Invisalign Without Insurance
There are several ways you might reduce the cost of Invisalign treatment if your insurance won’t cover it. Options include:
- Paying through a flexible savings account (FSA) if your employer offers one
- Paying through a health savings account (HSA) if you meet the IRS eligibility requirements for opening one
- Paying over time through a payment plan
Discuss these options with your dentist for more information. Although you need to account for practical factors like your budget when deciding whether a particular treatment is right for you, your dentist may be able to illustrate how Invisalign could be more affordable than you think.
Learn More About Invisalign’s Cost in Monmouth County, NJ
At Bella Dental, with offices in Brick, Holmdel, and Oakhurst, NJ, we can answer your questions about Invisalign, helping you better understand how you may be able to afford it even without insurance. To request an appointment, call us at 732-739-3070 (Holmdel office), 732-477-1335 (Brick office), or 732-531-8533 (Oakhurst office).