Invisalign – Manchester Center, VT

Factors that Affect the Cost of Invisalign

There’s no set cost of Invisalign in Manchester since no two patients are going to have the exact same needs. To determine how much you’ll end up paying for your treatment, we’ll need to answer a few questions:

• Are you getting Invisalign for both arches or only one? Most of the time, both are treated at the same time, but if you are only making changes to one arch, naturally that means you won’t have as many aligners to pay for.
• How complex is your case? Closing a small gap or straightening a couple of teeth will be much easier (and less costly) than adjusting the entire smile.
• How long will the treatment be? The longer it takes, the more aligners you’ll have to pay for – and therefore the higher the total cost will be.

Invisalign vs. Smile Direct Club™: Which Costs More?

On average, an Invisalign treatment costs more than Smile Direct Club. However, this is one case where a higher cost indicates which treatment is more reliable. A do-it-yourself solution like the Smile Direct Club comes with certain risks. With no dentist to personally oversee the treatment, you could end up making changes to your smile that you never intended. With Invisalign, we’ll be there at every step, from taking accurate impressions to ensuring that there are no problems during the treatment. The dazzling smile you see in the mirror by the time Invisalign treatment is complete will speak to the worth of your investment.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?

Orthodontic coverage may or may not be included in your dental plan, and if it is it may or may not include Invisalign. It always pays to check with your insurance provider if there’s anything you’re unsure of, and our staff can review your benefits with you if needed. Note that if you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can use it to help pay for Invisalign in Manchester.

Options for Making Invisalign Affordable

During your first consultation for Invisalign, we’ll discuss your options for payment. At this time, you can let us know about any concerns you might have about paying for the treatment, and we can discuss ways that might make it more affordable so that you can ultimately enjoy a straighter, more attractive grin.

Does Invisalign Hurt?

No, Invisalign treatment will not cause you any serious pain. In fact, Invisalign’s smooth plastic design makes it one of the most comfortable orthodontic treatment options available. When you first get Invisalign, you may experience some mild discomfort. However, this is how you know your treatment is working! Invisalign clear braces gradually shift teeth into proper alignment by applying gentle pressure. Each time you switch to the next aligner in the series, you may experience slight soreness as your mouth adjusts to the pressure. You can take over-the-counter pain medication to manage this temporary soreness. Holding a cold compress to your cheeks off and on for 15 minutes at a time can also help. 

Is Invisalign Cheaper than Braces?

Because no two smiles of the same, the cost of orthodontic treatment varies based on numerous factors. This holds true for both Invisalign and traditional orthodontics. In general, Invisalign in Manchester costs about the same as metal braces. In some cases, Invisalign can be more expensive because it is typically not covered by insurance. However, patients say it’s always well worth the investment because of the many benefits, such as the aligners’ subtle appearance. Some insurance plans do offer at least partial coverage for Invisalign, so be sure to check with your provider before making any final decisions.

How Is Invisalign Made?

Invisalign’s process utilizes a series of aligners that are made of smooth, clear plastic. These aligners are custom made based on digital impressions taken during your consultation at our office. Dr. Mason sends the impressions to the Invisalign factory, where your entire set of aligners are manufactured by an advanced 3D printing process. The manufacturing process for all the aligners in the series will typically take 3 to 4 weeks in total. As soon as your Invisalign aligners arrive at our office, we will contact you to arrange pickup.

Who Is Not Eligible for Invisalign?

Invisalign can be used for almost any patient who has their full, permanent teeth. This means that children as young as 13 years old can take advantage of this treatment. However, there are some important exceptions to keep in mind. For example, severe bite issues often need to be treated with traditional orthodontics instead of clear aligners. Patients who smoke and are unable to or unwilling to stop also may not be good candidates for Invisalign. Smoking tobacco not only stains the aligners but also puts oral health at risk. To find out if you are a good candidate, schedule an initial consultation with a cosmetic dentist in Manchester.

Who Invented Invisalign?

Invisalign was first created in 1997 by Zia Chishti and Kelsey Wirth in San Jose, California. Perhaps surprisingly, Chishti is not an orthodontist or a dentist. Instead, he majored in Computer Science and Economics at Columbia University before going on to get his MBA at Stanford University. During his time at Stanford, Chishti was undergoing traditional orthodontic treatment when he was inspired to invent an alternative way to straighten teeth. He worked on the concept of custom clear braces in his dorm room before graduating from Stanford and founding Align Technologies. Since that time, over 10 million people around the globe have benefitted from the invention of Invisalign!