May 16, 2022
Compared to traditional braces, Invisalign clear aligners are more discreet, more comfortable, and more efficient. Does that mean they’re more expensive, too?
This article reveals the average cost of Invisalign in Massachusetts. We’ll explain the different factors that influence the cost of clear aligners, and we’ll also help you decide whether Invisalign is worth the cost.
Invisalign Cost: A Complete Breakdown
Each individual patient has different orthodontic needs. Generally, the cost of Invisalign is proportional to the amount of time, work, and aligners that your smile will require.
In the state of Massachusetts, the average price of Invisalign treatment is between $3,000 and $7,000. Someone with a moderate case can expect to spend around $5,500 for full Invisalign treatment.
At Somerville Orthodontics, we work with our patients to provide a flexible payment plan that fits their budget. Without insurance, the average monthly payment for Invisalign is $460 over 12 months, or $305 over 18 months.
In addition to your individual case, other factors will influence your exact cost, including:
- The length of your treatment. On average, Invisalign treatment takes 12 to 18 months to complete. The exact timeline depends on how many aligners you will need, as well as how well you can adhere to your treatment plan. If your treatment takes longer than average, this will increase your final cost.
- Your provider’s location. Most orthodontists factor in the regional cost of living into their Invisalign prices. In most cases, Invisalign treatment costs more in larger cities than it does in smaller rural towns.
- Your orthodontist’s experience level. Orthodontists charge for labor based on their level of expertise. While a skilled doctor may charge more for their services, getting work done by an inexperienced orthodontist could cost you much more in the long-run.
Because the cost of Invisalign is different for every patient, we encourage you to contact our experienced orthodontist to schedule a free assessment. We will perform a thorough examination of your mouth before discussing the different options that are available to you. Then, we will provide a personalized treatment plan with a price estimate.
Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Invisalign?
Dental insurance may reduce the final cost of orthodontic care. Many dental plans cover Invisalign the same way they cover braces: either as a lump sum, or a percentage of the total cost. While orthodontic coverage varies from plan to plan, it is not uncommon for providers to cover $3,000 or more for Invisalign treatment.
To discover your out-of-pocket cost for Invisalign, visit an orthodontist to review your individual treatment needs and your coverage plan.
Invisalign vs. Braces: Cost Comparison
On average, traditional metal braces cost between $3,000 and $6,000. In many cases, this is comparable to the cost of Invisalign treatment. If you’re interested in ceramic braces, lingual braces, or self-ligating braces, these options may be more expensive than Invisalign.
The price difference between braces and Invisalign depends on your unique treatment needs. In general, the more severe your case, the more Invisalign will cost compared to braces.
As we mentioned above, what you pay for orthodontics depends on your treatment plan and your dental coverage. Only an orthodontist will be able to tell you the exact difference in cost.
The best way to compare your options and prices is by visiting an orthodontist for a smile exam.
What About At-Home Clear Aligners?
There are some companies that offer direct-to-consumer (DTC) aligners. Instead of relying on experts in an orthodontist’s office, these companies send trays to your home to make impressions of your teeth yourself.
While you may be tempted by the lower cost, you should know that mistakes happen frequently with at-home clear aligners. When taking aligner impressions at home, it can be difficult to ensure accurate results. Even the slightest error could push your teeth and mouth into the wrong position.
An orthodontist will have to correct such mistakes, and it will usually be much more expensive than if you had visited an orthodontist from the start.
In contrast, Invisalign treatment is extremely precise. At our office in Somerville, we use an iTero digital scanner to take 3D impressions of your teeth, which we then send to the Invisalign lab. Once you receive your aligners, an orthodontist monitors your progress during every step of your treatment. In other words, we ensure that your smile progresses the way it’s supposed to.
Why is Invisalign So Expensive?
It is not uncommon for patients to feel that the cost of Invisalign treatment is high. However, there are a number of factors that contribute to the expense, and many people find that it is well worth their investment.
The cost of Invisalign includes everything you need to achieve a healthy and attractive smile:
- The initial consultation
- Your personalized treatment plan
- Your custom-made aligners
- Remote progress monitoring
- Check-up appointments
- Your post-treatment plan
Invisalign treatment is completely personalized to your orthodontic needs. Custom treatment ensures that there are no problems or setbacks during treatment.
Is Invisalign Worth The Money?
Invisalign is one of the most popular orthodontic treatments in the world and it has a proven track record of effectiveness. Despite being quite expensive, the treatment is worth it for anyone looking to improve their smile for the long term.
Invisalign clear aligners are comfortable and convenient, with no metal brackets or wires. In most cases, they reduce the time it takes to fix teeth alignment from years to months.
Patients can remove their Invisalign clear aligners to eat, drink, and clean their teeth. Because it’s easier to keep your teeth clean, you’re much less likely to develop cavities or other dental problems during treatment.
As long as you can keep up with your custom treatment plan and follow it up with a post-treatment retainer, Invisalign will help you achieve amazing results that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Curious to Know More About Invisalign?
Traditional braces have been around for over a century, but they don't always live up to the promises of convenience. Invisalign is a discreet, modern alternative to wire-and-bracket braces, and treatment is often more affordable than you might think.
In order to know if Invisalign will work for you, it is important to consult an experienced orthodontist first. They will examine your teeth and go through all of your options before providing a price estimate.
If you’re in Somerville, Massachusetts and you’re ready to learn more about Invisalign, contact Somerville Orthodontics today to schedule a free smile assessment!