If you want straight teeth without the hassle of traditional metal braces, Invisalign treatment could be the answer to your dreams. Instead of using a system of brackets and adjustable wires, Invisalign uses a series of transparent plastic aligners to straighten your teeth. Each week, you replace your plastic aligner with a new set, and each set is shaped slightly different to move your teeth into place. You can remove Invisalign to eat, so you won’t have to make any diet changes. Plus, these transparent aligners are practically invisible when you’re wearing them.
While you won’t have to see your orthodontist for regular adjustments, Invisalign is still expensive. You should expect to pay $4,000 to $7,400 to straighten your teeth.
Traditional Braces vs. Invisalign Cost
Instead of Invisalign, you could use ceramic, metal or lingual braces to improve your smile. Traditional metal braces are somewhat less expensive than invisible braces, at $3,000 to $7,000 for a full course of treatment. Ceramic braces, which use white ceramic brackets instead of metal brackets, are slightly more expensive, at $4,000 to $8,000, which makes them comparable in cost to Invisalign.
If completely invisible braces are important to you, you might want to consider lingual braces. These braces have brackets that are attached to the backs of your teeth. That way you’ll never see any orthodontia when you smile. However, lingual braces cost $8,000 to $10,000, so they’re not the best option if you’re worried about your budget.
How Much Can I Save With DentalSave?
While even traditional braces and Invisalign cost thousands of dollars, there are still ways to trim costs without sacrificing straight teeth. If you have dental insurance that covers orthodontia, you’re probably aware that most policies cap your benefits at $1,000 to $2,000 per year. Your policy may also limit the amount of time that you have braces. In addition to these limits, you’ll also still need to pay your regular premiums, copays and other fees.
DentalSave offers an alternative to dental insurance by offering you a membership dental plan for 25 percent off orthodontia services. All you do is pay the individual or family membership fee and choose a participating dentist. You’ll also save 25 to 50 percent on exams, cleanings and other types of dental care you’ll need to keep your teeth healthy. Starting at $99/year, DentalSave is also far less expensive than dental insurance premiums.
If you’re considering orthodontia for you or a member of your family, don’t let cost stand in the way of a better smile. Find a DentalSave-participating dentist in your area, and you’ll see how affordable braces can be.
