One of the first things patients ask us when they are considering clear aligner therapy is how much it will cost. We at Forest Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry believe in being transparent about our prices so you can make informed decisions about your orthodontic care. We can’t give you an exact price without seeing your unique case but we can tell you what factors affect the cost of Invisalign and what to expect when you have this treatment.
The cost of Invisalign in Lake Forest is different for each patient because each case is unique. The main thing that affects how much your treatment will cost is how complex your orthodontic problems are. Cases that only need a little bit of space or crowding fixed in 6-12 months will cost less than cases that need a lot of bite correction or tooth movement that takes 18 months or longer to complete. The total cost of treatment depends on how many aligners you need. More complex cases need more aligners. Invisalign offers a clear, removable aligner system that straightens teeth with comfort and discretion. Patients choose Invisalign for its convenience and nearly invisible appearance.
The length of treatment has a big impact on the price. Shorter treatment plans need fewer aligners, fewer check-up sessions and less time overall to manage your case which means lower expenses. More complex cases may need more aligners, more frequent check-ins and possibly refinement aligners towards the end of treatment to get your smile just right. During your first consultation we will look at your teeth and give you a realistic idea of how long your treatment will take and how much it will cost.
Invisalign has multiple treatment options for varying levels of orthodontic correction and the cost depends on the individual product used for your case. Invisalign Comprehensive is the full treatment for moderate to complex cases. It comes with unlimited aligners for the duration of your treatment. Invisalign Moderate fixes mild to moderate problems with a specific number of aligners. Invisalign Express is the best option for very small corrections and is the least expensive. When you come in for a consultation at Forest Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry we’ll help you choose the best Invisalign option for you and explain the cost of each.
Knowing what’s included in the cost of Invisalign treatment is helpful. The cost includes your initial consultation and exam, digital scans of your teeth, making of all your custom aligners, regular check-ins during treatment to see how you’re doing and any changes that need to be made at the end to get you the best results. You’re not just paying for plastic aligners; you’re also paying for professional knowledge, cutting-edge technology, a detailed treatment plan and continuing care that ensures your treatment is moving in the right direction towards your goals.
Many people want to know how much more or less Invisalign costs than regular braces. Most of the time the prices are very close. When Invisalign first came out it was much more expensive than braces. But as technology has improved and more people have started using it the prices have gotten closer. In many cases Invisalign and braces are in the same general price range. So the choice is more about personal preference, lifestyle factors and which option best meets your individual orthodontic needs than just cost. The Damon system uses advanced self-ligating braces that require fewer adjustments and may shorten treatment time. Damon braces are known for providing gentle, efficient tooth movement.
Having insurance can lower the out of pocket cost of Invisalign a lot. Most dental insurance plans that include orthodontics will pay for Invisalign the same way they pay for regular braces. They usually pay for half of the cost up to a lifetime maximum benefit. We work with most insurance companies that cover patients in Lake Forest and we can check your benefits before you start treatment. Our staff takes care of all the insurance paperwork and helps you get the most out of your policy.
We have several payment options to make Invisalign more affordable and accessible for the part of treatment that insurance doesn’t cover. Many patients choose to pay a portion of their bill up front and then make monthly payments during their treatment. We work with lenders that have a range of programs with different interest rates and loan terms. Some of these options include promotional periods with no interest if specific payment conditions are met. We want to help you find a way to pay for your care that works for your budget without sacrificing the quality of care you receive.
Health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts are two other ways to pay for Invisalign. These accounts allow you to save money for medical and dental bills before taxes, which lowers the real cost of treatment by the amount you save in taxes. If your company offers these benefits you can save a lot of money by using them for orthodontic care. We give you all the paperwork you need to file claims or ask for money back from these accounts.
Some people wonder if getting Invisalign is worth it compared to dealing with crooked teeth or minor orthodontic problems. In addition to making your smile look better orthodontic treatment can also help you perform better. Cleaning teeth that are properly aligned is easy which lowers your chance of getting cavities and gum disease during your lifetime. Fixing abnormalities with your bite can help your teeth last longer and make your jaw discomfort or headaches less severe. When you think about these health benefits over time many patients say that orthodontic treatment is a good investment in their overall health besides giving them a boost of confidence with a better smile.
At Forest Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry we recommend you schedule an appointment so we can look at your teeth, talk about your goals and give you a precise cost estimate that’s specific to your situation. We’ll go over all your payment options with you and help you develop a budget that will make getting your perfect smile possible and affordable.