Invisalign is a treatment that uses clear aligner trays that slowly and gently align your teeth. One of the most common questions we get about Invisalign is regarding the cost. While everyone has different financial standings that can make treatments like Invisalign very feasible, our staff can work with patients who do not have insurance to arrange manageable payment options.
The average cost of Invisalign is around $5,000, depending on the complexity and length of your treatment. While Invisalign is more costly than traditional metal braces, it can be an investment for your oral health, not only cosmetically, but functionally. Deciding to make such an investment can be a daunting task without knowing all of the details. Below, we outline the pros and cons of Invisalign to help you make your decision.
The Pros Of Invisalign
They Are Invisible
While nothing can be completely invisible, the aligners are clear and virtually unnoticeable. They are meant to be more subtle than traditional metal braces; most people won’t even realize you are wearing them! This makes it a great option for adults who want to avoid having distracting, bulky metal braces.
They Are Removable
Unlike metal braces, Invisalign aligners are removable, making dental hygiene easy with no metal braces to work around. They are to be removed every time you eat or drink anything other than water. You should then brush your teeth immediately afterward before putting the aligner back on.
This removes the hassle of cutting out foods like you would with metal braces. It also relieves the problem of food getting caught or having to worry about what you are eating damaging your braces. You can eat anything you want, no exceptions!
They Are More Comfortable
Unlike traditional wire braces, Invisalign aligners are fit perfectly to your teeth. While the shifting of teeth always entails a little discomfort, compared to traditional metal brackets, Invisalign should be relatively comfortable.
The Cons Of Invisalign
They Require Self-Discipline
Patients with Invisalign need to keep the trays in for at least 22 hours daily. The aligners should only come out to eat, drink, brush, and floss. If patients lack the discipline to do so, you can throw off your progress and slow down the treatment plan.
They Need To Be Removed Before Meals
While you will not have to worry about food getting stuck anywhere, you will have to remember to remove them every single time you eat or drink anything other than water. This can become a nuisance to remember.
They Require Frequent Teeth Cleaning
With Invisalign, your toothbrush will become your best friend. Every time you remove it to eat and drink, you will need to brush and floss your teeth before putting the aligners back in your mouth. If you do not, the aligners will keep food stuck in your teeth there longer and tighter, making you more susceptible to cavities and decay.
Is Invisalign Right For You?
The bottom line is that Invisalign is as cost effective as you make it. The success of the treatment depends on your commitment to the process. If done right, Invisalign can straighten your teeth quickly and efficiently.
Invisalign isn’t the right option for everybody, however. It is not ideal for patients with bridgework, back tooth bite issues, the need to rotate canines or premolars, or the need to move teeth vertically. Invisalign may also not be right for patients who do not have the discipline to keep trays in for at least 22 hours a day.
If you are a motivated patient and devote yourself to taking care of your teeth and Invisalign aligners, you will do just fine.
At Tower Dental Associates, we offer a FREE consultation to patients without insurance. At these appointments, our doctors will determine if you will be eligible for Invisalign and offer next steps for proceeding with the treatment.
Aligner trays are to be replaced every two weeks with a new set, and teeth slowly move until they have straightened to their final position. Patients will also have check-ins with our staff every six weeks. This is to ensure that the teeth are shifting properly and for patients to get new sets of aligners for the incremental process.
If you feel that this is the right choice for you, contact our office in Gainesville, FL to set up a consultation today! If you would like to learn more about Invisalign, visit the Invisalign website.
