Factors that Affect Invisalign Cost
Invisalign® is a teeth straightening treatment that improves tooth alignment by progressing patients through a series of clear, plastic aligner trays. Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible and can be removed for brushing, flossing, and eating, which makes them far more discreet and convenient than traditional orthodontic treatments, such as braces.
Many patients assume that the benefits of Invisalign treatment come along with a hefty price tag, but the cost of treatment is actually similar to the cost of braces. Of course, the exact cost of treatment is different for each patient. Dr. Jean Barthman can give our Redwood City, CA, patients a more accurate cost estimate after considering all the factors that affect Invisalign cost.
Complexity of Treatment
The cost of Invisalign treatment will depend on the complexity of orthodontic issues that are present. Less severe problems require a shorter treatment process and fewer aligner trays. Conversely, more complex malocclusion problems will take longer to correct, and will require the use of more aligner trays.
More advanced issues may also require additional treatment techniques, such as the use of elastics to correct the position of the bite. All of this will have an impact on the cost of Invisalign treatment.
Length of Treatment
The average Invisalign treatment is around 12 months but some patients may require less or more time. Throughout Invisalign treatment, patients will progress through a series of aligner trays. The longer that treatment takes, the more aligners trays will be needed, and the greater the cost of treatment will be.
Number of Aligner Trays
The number of aligner trays that are needed throughout the duration of Invisalign treatment has a big effect on the ultimate cost of treatment. In most cases, a patient switches to a new set of aligners every two weeks during Invisalign treatment, but this can vary slightly, which will affect how many aligners a patient needs during treatment.
Another factor that can affect the cost is if an aligner tray becomes damaged or lost and needs to be replaced.
Adherence to Treatment Guidelines
A big part of Invisalign success comes down to patient cooperation. After the initial Invisalign consultation, Dr. Barthman can give patients a precise treatment plan and accurate cost estimate. However, if our Redwood City patients do not adhere to treatment guidelines, their treatment timeline may be altered, which can affect the final cost. The best thing that patients can do to promote a successful and timely Invisalign treatment is wear their aligners as directed, for at least 20 to 22 hours per day.
Schedule an Appointment
If you would like to find out if Invisalign treatment is right for you, Dr. Jean Barthman would be happy to offer a personalized consultation. Schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience by calling us in Redwood City at (650) 367-4967. We look forward to helping you achieve the straighter, healthier teeth you desire.