Invisalign – Schenectady, NY

Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign

The cost of Invisalign will vary depending on your individual circumstances, but a few main factors that often influence the total cost include:

• How many aligners you need to straighten your teeth – This is often related to the extent and type of your misalignment.
• Whether you are straightening one arch or both – It’s more expensive to straighten both the upper and lower teeth than straightening just one or the other.
• Your compliance with treatment – Lost or damaged aligners will inevitably need to be replaced, and these added costs can quickly add up. Additionally, not adhering to the 22-hour rule will lengthen your overall treatment process.
• Whether you require extra accessories – If you need elastics (small rubber bands) or other accessories, these can also factor into the final cost.

Invisalign VS Smile Direct Club™: Which Costs More?

Many patients like to weigh their options when it comes to orthodontic treatments, and DIY clear aligner treatments like Smile Direct Club™ have also become popular alongside Invisalign. These DIY alternatives usually cost around $2,000 whereas Invisalign may cost anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000. As attractive as the DIY system might be, it’s important to note a few differences between this option and Invisalign:

• DIY aligners are often made out of cheap plastic, while Invisalign uses a patented material that is designed for comfort and efficiency.
• There have been accounts where DIY aligners have been ineffective, and in some cases, they’ve even been known to worsen dental alignment!
• With Invisalign, you’re guaranteed the personalized support of our dental team!

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?

Some dental insurance policies include a once-in-a-lifetime provision for orthodontic treatment and Invisalign is often included, though you will need to verify with your provider beforehand. We’re able to work with your insurance plan and fully maximize your benefits so that your Invisalign treatment isn’t a financial burden on you. If your insurance doesn’t cover Invisalign, you might be able to use your FSA or HSA to pay for your treatment instead.

Options for Making Invisalign Affordable

Our team is happy to work with you to find a way to make your Invisalign treatment more affordable! If you don’t have dental insurance or orthodontic coverage, we offer alternative payment options with low-interest financing including CareCredit . If you’re ready to straighten your smile with Invisalign, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation to figure out the specifics—including the financial details.

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

Invisalign has an average treatment timeline of 12-18 months, which is considerably shorter than traditional braces. However, the exact length of your treatment will depend on several important factors, including the severity of your misalignment. Something else that will come into play once you begin the series of clear aligners is your compliance with the treatment guidelines. “Rules” like wearing your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day might seem inconvenient at first, but they are in place to keep you on-track with your treatment plan. With all that said, we can absolutely give you an estimate of your treatment timeline during your initial consultation.

Does Invisalign Hurt?

It’s not uncommon for patients who are interested in Invisalign to be concerned about the pain. Fortunately, Invisalign near Schenectady is considerably more comfortable than alternatives like traditional braces. In addition to being custom-made to fit your teeth exactly, the smooth plastic trays are designed not to irritate the soft tissue in your mouth. So, while you will likely experience some soreness immediately following the transition to a new aligner, your overall experience will be significantly more pleasant.

What Happens After Invisalign?

Remember, Invisalign is just the first step in achieving your smile goals. After you’ve worked through your entire series of aligners, we will give you a retainer. It’s important that you wear it consistently since it will play a crucial role in preventing orthodontic relapse (the phenomenon in which your teeth begin to drift back to their previous, misaligned positions). Don’t worry – retainers today are more discreet as well, allowing you to wear it without worrying about drawing unwanted attention to your smile.

What if My Invisalign Broke?

Although Invisalign aligners are quite durable, they aren’t completely indestructible. If yours breaks, do your best not to panic. And, of course, do not use superglue or any other household items to attempt to repair them. Instead, give our team a call as soon as you can. From there, we can take a look at your treatment plan and determine the next best steps, like moving onto your next set of aligners or wearing the previous ones until a replacement arrives.