Like with any form of treatment, the cost can vary depending on where you go to receive care and how extensive the care you require is. Prices can vary from state to state, and even from clinic to clinic. The price you pay out of pocket can also depend on whether you have insurance or not, and who your insurance provider is. This blog will break down the costs associated with Invisalign compared to traditional braces in the United States of America.
What is the Price of Invisalign?
When looking at the price range of Invisalign, it will be based on the typical length of time required for treatment. Usually, Invisalign is worn for 12-18 months, sometimes this can be longer or shorter depending on your plan.
Generally speaking, Invisalign costs more than traditional braces would. On average, Invisalign can range from $3,500 to $8,000. Invisalign has a higher cost because it requires a little more work than traditional braces do. Your Invisalign sits on small attachments that are put on your back molars. This is to help keep the aligners in place during wear. It also comes at a higher cost because each tray must be molded from your teeth’s current position. The mold is then adjusted slightly to provide pressure for your teeth to move, and then 3D printed with a special food-grade plastic that is FDA approved for long-term wear. Over the course of your Invisalign treatment, you will receive multiple different trays as your teeth progress into their final positions.
If a tray is lost or damaged, it must be replaced and your progress may slow down a bit while you are not wearing the proper set of aligners. This replacement may come at an additional cost, as well as the cost of prolonging treatment. This is why it is also important to make sure you are wearing your Invisalign for the full 20-22 hours a day.
Although Invisalign costs more, it also offers benefits that are different from that of traditional braces. Invisalign can be removed when eating, brushing your teeth, or if necessary, during sports. They are easier to clean and will not make any significant changes to your oral hygiene routine.
What is the Price of Traditional Braces?
On average, traditional braces typically cost less than Invisalign. The treatment length for traditional braces can range from 18 to 24 months. Like with Invisalign, the cost can vary depending on the length and severity of treatment. In Colorado, traditional metal braces can range from $3,000 to $7,000.
Traditional braces can cost less than Invisalign because there is less of a chance for the components to be lost, broken, and require replacement than Invisalign. This is because the brackets are glued onto your teeth with a special dental glue and are not removable. If you are following the rules of braces (like not eating specific foods like hard candies or gum), braces are quite sturdy. When it comes to adjustment appointments, the only portion of braces that are replaced are usually wires, powerchains, or bands. Much less material is being added than what is used for new Invisalign trays.
While this is focusing on traditional braces, it is important to note that there is another form of braces that is offered at Taft Hill: ceramic braces. Ceramic braces cost a little more than traditional metal braces because they are made with a ceramic material that is fitted specifically to your teeth. They can range in price from $4,000 to $8,000. The price increase here indicates the extra work required to specially make each bracket to match with each tooth, in comparison to the standard traditional metal bracket that is glued onto a tooth.
Does Taft Hill Offer Payment Plans?
Yes! We will happily accommodate you with a payment plan that will help you receive the treatment you need. We set up this payment plan so you are able to focus on multiple needs and reduce stress while not putting a large upfront medical payment onto you should your insurance company only partially cover the expense. This payment plan consists of a $300 down payment with a monthly charge of $180.
Curious to know more about the pricing of traditional braces vs Invisalign? Book a consultation with us to see how much a treatment plan may cost for you.