How Much Does Invisalign Cost?

 Asad A | August 1, 2023

When you encounter someone for the very first time, they form a split-second impression of you based on your smile. If you are not smiling, they may make the determination that you are rude. However, it may just be because you have misaligned teeth.

Misaligned teeth, also known as malocclusion, can have a detrimental impact on your self-confidence. In the past, the only way to treat this issue was with traditional braces, with brackets and wires. Thanks to advancements in technology, Invisalign clear aligners were introduced to the market in the late 1990s.

This alternative allowed patients to discretely improve their smile. While this is a more advanced system for straightening teeth, it does not cost any extra. Here's what you need to know about the cost of Invisalign at Invisalign Toronto.

Understanding Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign is an alternative to traditional metal braces. This is a series of clear aligners designed to gradually shift teeth into their appropriate position within the jaw. The aligners are custom-made to fit snugly against the teeth, putting even pressure across the entire arch.

Invisalign offers many benefits over traditional braces including:

 

Transparent:

most people won't know that you are wearing them- even at close range.

Convenient:

doesn't require visits to the dentist every couple of weeks for adjustments but you will need to check in every few aligners to make sure that teeth are shifting as expected.

No food restrictions:

aligners are removable, which means that you can eat whatever you want- though you may want to avoid foods that are tough because your gums may be slightly sore.

Oral hygiene is easier:

there are no brackets and wires to get in the way of brushing/flossing your teeth, which means your teeth/mouth will be cleaner

Comfortable:

aligners are made of smooth plastic, which means there are no brackets/wires to cut/scrape the inside of your mouth.

Who should get Invisalign?

There are several different types of malocclusion including underbite, overbite, crossbite, open bite, crooked teeth, gapped teeth, and more. If your malocclusion is mild to moderate, you may qualify for Invisalign treatment. If you have a more severe case, the dentist may recommend that buttons and/or rubber bands be used to improve the effectiveness of the aligners.

Average Cost Range for Invisalign

On average, Invisalign ranges from around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on the type and severity of your malocclusion, which determines the number of aligners you need and the length of treatment. Other factors that can contribute to the cost of Invisalign include:

  • Experience/expertise of the dentist performing the procedure
  • Location of the dental clinic
  • Additional procedures required including extractions, gum disease treatment, etc.
  • Cost of the initial consultation and exam (most clinics offer a complimentary exam, but there are some that charge- which could increase the overall cost of treatment) 

The average cost of traditional braces usually ranges from around $3,000 to $7,000.

The primary difference is that often dental insurance will cover the cost of traditional braces, while many will not cover the cost of Invisalign treatment. Unfortunately, many providers consider this to be a cosmetic treatment, rather than a medically necessary one.

Financing and Insurance Coverage

There are several options for paying for your aligners. The first option is to use your dental insurance. While many dental insurance providers recognize the benefits of Invisalign aligners, many others still classify it as a cosmetic procedure, which means it's elective and therefore, is not covered. However, even if your insurance provider does not cover Invisalign treatment, there are still ways that you can pay for it.

Invisalign Toronto offers financing options including PayBright and Crelogix. Both of these offer low monthly payments with zero interest, no prepayment penalties, no annual fees, and no setup costs. Payment plans can span 3 months to 60 months, depending on the amount financed.

You may also use your Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account to pay for your treatment costs. 

Post-Treatment Care

Following treatment, you will be given a retainer to wear, which will keep your teeth in their new positions. You should wear the retainer just like your aligners at first. Eventually, you will be able to only wear it at night.

In addition, you should be visiting the dentist every 6 months for an exam and cleaning to ensure that your teeth are remaining where they should be and to keep your mouth and teeth healthy.

Schedule Your Invisalign Consultation Today

If you have mild to moderate dental malocclusion and are interested in alternative treatment options, schedule your Invisalign consultation today at 350 Front St W, Toronto & 485 Lawrence Ave W, Toronto. Dr. Kurtz has treated more than 4,000 Invisalign cases. He is a Diamond+ preferred provider. He has the experience and expertise to guide you through the process.

Invisalign FAQs

If you have any questions/concerns about Invisalign treatment, Dr. Kurtz will be happy to address those. Below are some of the most common questions that we are asked.

  • Is Invisalign expensive?

    The cost of treatment with Invisalign clear aligners depends on the type and severity of your malocclusion. It starts at around $1,500 and goes up to around $8,000. Many dental insurance providers recognize the benefits of Invisalign over traditional braces, while many others do not. If your provider does not cover Invisalign treatment or if you do not have dental insurance, we offer financing options to help you pay for your treatment.

  • Is Invisalign really better than braces?

    Invisalign has many advantages over traditional braces including comfort, convenience, appearance, and more. Treatment time with Invisalign clear aligners is often shorter than treatment time with traditional braces. However, compliance is often an issue with Invisalign clear aligners, which means this is not the best option for some patients.

  • Is the cost of Invisalign more than traditional braces?

    No, Invisalign does not typically cost much more than traditional braces. In fact, the cost of Invisalign treatment is comparable to that of traditional braces. The primary difference is whether or not dental insurance will cover it. Many providers recognize the benefits of Invisalign, while many others consider it a cosmetic procedure, meaning it's elective and therefore is not covered.

  • What are some tips for the new Invisalign users?

    If you are new to Invisalign, there are a few things to keep in mind:

    Wear your aligners as directed- for at least 20 hours a day. The longer you wear them, the more effective they will be.

    Change your aligners every 1 to 3 weeks as directed by your treatment plan- and hold on to your previous aligner just in case something happens to your current one and you're not quite ready to move to the next.

    Remove aligners every time you eat/drink anything and when you are brushing/flossing your teeth. This will prevent bacteria buildup and bad breath, as well as help avoid damaging your aligners. Rinse your aligners every time you take them out and again before you put them back in. If you plan to leave them out for an extended period, which is not advised, place them in the case to avoid losing or damaging them.

    Practice proper oral hygiene by brushing and flossing after every meal/snack. This will reduce your risk of bacteria and plaque buildup. Also, make sure to clean your aligners at least once daily. 

  • How effective is Invisalign for teens?

    Compliance is a major factor in the effectiveness of Invisalign treatment. For responsible teens who wear their aligners as instructed, this can be a very effective method for resolving misalignments. However, for teens who are not very responsible, traditional braces may be the better option.

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