If you are interested in the Invisalign vs braces cost, you should get informed on what may contribute to the price of these procedures. When you want to straighten your teeth, there are two main treatments you can choose from: Invisalign and braces. If you are undecided whether to get one or the other, as both are equally recommended, you can decide based on the costs involved.
Average Cost of Invisalign and Braces
The average costs of Invisalign is around $5,000, but you may be able to find costs ranging from $3,500 to $8,000, or even more. The average costs of braces are close to $5,000, with costs ranging from $3,500 to $7,500. The costs should include the device, the placement of the device, and the fees of the dentist or orthodontist.
In terms of costs, these are similar. Consequently, you should choose whichever procedure is more recommended by your dentist or the procedure that you consider the most advantageous. Some dentists will recommend you Invisalign, as it is removable and you will be able to eat and brush normally.
What Can Affect the Costs
The quotes that you will get both for the Invisalign device and braces will depend on a number of factors such as:
- Your location, as you may know certain areas have higher living costs and there may also be areas with higher demand for braces of Invisalign
- The prestige of the dentist or orthodontist
- The fees of the technician, which can be chosen by the dentist/orthodontist or you can choose your own technician
Additional Costs
When it comes to additional costs, you need to be informed to know what to expect. You may be charged extra for the following:
- If you need adjustments made to the device, according to how your teeth will change during the time you need to wear the device; these changes cannot be predicted. Some patients require no adjustments, while others may require three to five adjustments in 12 to 18 months.
- Whether the initial consultation is free of charge; certain dentists will give you a complimentary consultation.
- Any additional consultation will be typically charged; you will be asked to check back periodically with your dentist/orthodontist.
Insurance Coverage
There are some insurance plans that may cover the costs of orthodontic treatments. Not all insurance plans cover the costs of Invisalign or braces. You may also find that some insurance plans cover only the costs of braces and not the costs of Invisalign. You need to check with your insurance provider and ask for details.
You should also ask your company about flexible spending accounts (FSA) for employees. This is a system that will allow you to spend money from your paychecks without having to pay taxes on the spent income. This means that you will end up paying less for the braces or the Invisalign procedure.
