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Dr. Prashant Rao, DDS, a Charlotte native and NYU-trained dentist, specializes in esthetics, dental implants, and preventative dentistry.
Do you have mouth and jaw pain due to shifting teeth or over-crowding?
Does your overbite, underbite or open-bite drive you crazy?
Are you self-conscious about having a crooked smile?
Are you ready to close that gap in your front teeth for good?
If you thought, “yeah, that’s me” to any of those questions, we should talk about Invisalign together.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment that helps to straighten teeth without the use of the typical metal braces.
Invisalign has quickly revolutionized the orthodontics world.
No more metal!
No more painful adjustments!
No more brushing around brackets!
Now patients have a different option besides ugly metal brackets. Invisalign involves wearing a series of custom-made clear plastic aligners that help shift your teeth into the proper position.
Image Property of Invisalign
Patients who would have never considered braces before are now giving Invisalign a shot.
Why do you even need straight teeth?
The alignment of your teeth and jaws can not only improve your smile, but also your oral health.
Crooked teeth that do not fit together correctly are harder to keep clean and are at risk for tooth decay and gum disease!
The Cost of Braces vs Invisalign
For many people, though, the choice comes down to cost.
How much do Invisalign braces cost? Are they worth the money, or are you better off going the traditional route?
The typical price of Invisalign braces is usually a bit higher than regular braces. The average cost, according to the manufacturer, is between $3,500 and $8,000.
Your dentist or orthodontist can give you a better estimate of the price.
The factors that come into play are:
- The extent of the alignment your teeth require
- How many aligners you will need
- How long you are in treatment
- Where you live
- Your insurance coverage
The typical cost of regular braces varies widely, but is usually in the range of $2,500 to $6,000. Again, the cost varies on a case-by-case basis, depending on your individual needs, and should be discussed with your dentist.
Most dental insurance plans cover Invisalign just as they would regular braces, but check with the insurance company first to determine the extent of their coverage.
The average Invisalign price is not that much higher than regular braces and the unique advantages Invisalign offers – like being able to take the aligners out to eat and brush your teeth – often outweigh the slight difference in price. If cost is a big concern for you, talk to your dentist about payment options. Many providers will offer flexible monthly payment plans to spread out the Invisalign braces cost over a longer period.
In the end, it is up to you and your orthodontist to decide which is the best treatment for your individual case.
Benefits of Invisalign Over Braces
THEY’RE REMOVABLE!
You can take them off! With Invisalign, your brushing, flossing and mouth wash routines can stay the same! You don’t have to work around those bulky rubber bands and metal brackets and wires.
THEY’RE INVISIBLE!
When you’re wearing the clear alignment trays, they are hardly noticeable. Your family and co-workers will barely be able to tell you are wearing them. You don’t have to worry about unsightly metal wires in your mouth or developing a lisp due to bulky equipment.
THEY’RE COMFORTABLE!
If you’ve had braces before, you know the pain that comes with your orthodontist tightening the wires in your mouth. If you haven’t had braces before, consider yourself lucky. The Invisalign alignment trays take out the cranking and tightening discomforts of braces!
THEY’RE QUICKER!
Based on the severity of your case, the number of trays you need for your treatment, and the amount of time you wear your alignment trays, this painless process can be much easier and quicker compared to braces. The more often you wear your aligners, the faster your teeth will correct! You’re in control!
Questions to Ask Your Dentist
ADULTS
- Please explain the treatment process. How does it move my teeth?
- With my case, about how long will my treatment last?
- How often will I have to visit your office?
- How much will it cost, and are there payment options?
- What restrictions will I have when it comes to eating?
- Will wearing Invisalign aligners affect my speech?
- What happens after Invisalign treatment is done? Will I need to wear a retainer? Why are Vivera® retainers my best retention option?
PARENTS
- Please explain the treatment process. How does it move my teen’s teeth?
- With my teen’s case, about how long will treatment last?
- How often will we have to visit your office?
- How much will it cost, and are there payment options?
- How does Invisalign fit into my teen’s life in terms of eating, school, sports and other activities?
- I’m afraid my teen might lose or break an aligner. How much extra will this cost me? My teen doesn’t have all of his/her permanent teeth yet. How does Invisalign work in this case?
- How do I know that my teen is wearing the aligners as recommended/prescribed?
- What happens after Invisalign treatment is done? Will my teen need to wear a retainer? Why are Vivera retainers the best retention option for my teen?
TEENS
- Will my treatment be painful?
- Can I still play sports or a musical instrument while wearing the aligners?
- Is there anything that I am not allowed to eat?
- Will wearing Invisalign aligners affect my speech?
- How long will my treatment last?
- What happens if I break or lose an aligner? How much more will that cost my parents?
- What happens if I forget to wear my aligner? Will that mess up my treatment?
