Invisalign is an extraordinarily popular choice for improving imperfect smiles. Instead of brackets bonded to your teeth, Invisalign uses a series of clear, smooth, removable alignment trays to align teeth and correct an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite. Patients with dental insurance may find that their policy offers coverage for either traditional braces or Invisalign. Other policies may not cover this treatment. Since each dental insurance policy is a bit different, it’s wise to contact your PPO plan and ask about coverage limitations or exclusions that apply to Invisalign treatment.
Paying for Invisalign: What to Know
Invisalign used to be more expensive than traditional braces. However, the cost difference has become negligible over the past several years. In some cases, traditional braces may even be more costly than Invisalign.
Invisalign offers indirect savings because fewer appointments are required during treatment. Instead of the dentist tightening your braces regularly, you are responsible for wearing and switching your trays as prescribed with Invisalign.
Patients who choose Invisalign also won’t have to worry about emergency orthodontic treatment for a snapped wire or loose bracket. This can result in additional indirect savings.
If your insurance does not cover Invisalign treatment, or if you do not have insurance, you still have options. You should check with your dentist about payment plans their dental practice offers. Many dentists will provide discounted services for uninsured patients. Other dental practices will allow for in-house financing for qualified borrowers. In this situation, you would agree to make monthly payments to your dentist throughout your treatment.
CareCredit financing is also an option for paying for Invisalign. CareCredit is a third-party financing company that allows people to pay for dental and medical treatments. CareCredit often offers no-interest or low-interest financing for up to one year. For more than 30 years, CareCredit has provided more than $70 billion in financing to patients. It is accepted by more than 250,000 providers nationwide.
Is Invisalign Right for You?
More than 12 million people in the U.S. have used Invisalign to correct problems such as:
- Gapped teeth
- Slanted teeth
- Misaligned teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Overlapping teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
So, is Invisalign right for you? If you’re interested in correcting imperfections, you’ll be happy to know that Invisalign offers many benefits, such as:
- Discretion
Invisalign trays are nearly invisible, so most people won’t know you’re wearing them. They are rarely visible in photos.
- Comfortable
Invisalign trays are made of smooth, safe, BPA-free plastic, so they are not abrasive to the soft tissues inside the cheeks and lips.
- Removable
Invisalign allows you to eat whatever you want because the trays are removable. You can also remove them and replace them with a mouthguard when engaging in sports.
- Allows for Better Oral Care
Invisalign allows you to brush the entire surface of the teeth and floss normally. No special floss threaders or tools are needed. There is no risk of teeth staining around a bracket bonded to your teeth. The ability to brush and floss normally can prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
- Fast Results
In many cases, Invisalign treatment can be completed faster than traditional braces. If you only have a few misaligned teeth you want to correct, you may complete treatment in just months.
Schedule an Invisalign Consultation on the UWS
Smiles on the Upper West Side provides Invisalign treatment in Manhattan. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Massiah, call 212-222-5225, or book an appointment online.