Invisalign® is a clear aligner system growing in popularity among people of all ages. It’s a great system that uses advanced technology to give you your dream smile. Invisalign clear aligners have challenged traditional wire and bracket braces. Now, there are a variety of clear aligner competitors. But, with so many options, you’re probably wondering how the treatment protocols stack up, how long does treatment take, how to pay for it and how much does Invisalign cost in Vancouver? 

What’s the average price of Invisalign treatment?

There’s no set rate for Invisalign treatment because quite a few variables come into play. For example, your total treatment cost depends on whether or not you have dental insurance and how many office visits and new sets of aligners you need. To get a specific fee price for treatment, you need to schedule a consultation with the Ranieu Family Dental. During this time, we’ll discuss your smile goals and perform an assessment of your current smile.

Invisalign can treat a broad spectrum of dental and jaw misalignments. A more severe condition will take more time and materials and therefore ending up with higher overall costs. Doctor expertise also plays an essential role in your overall treatment outcome. Your team at Ranieu Family Dental is rated a top Invisalign dentist, which means you get expert care from a highly qualified team.

Does dental insurance cover the cost of Invisalign?

Many dental insurance plans may cover a certain percentage or dollar amount of Invisalign treatment. If you have questions about whether your insurance plan will cover Invisalign, contact your provider or call our front office team. We’ll work with you to file insurance and discuss financing options so you can reach your smile goals.

How much does Invisalign cost without insurance?

If you don’t have dental insurance, there are various options you can take advantage of to get the treatment you want. In fact, we wrote an entire blog all about dental insurance, how it works, the different types, and which is best for you and your family. While having dental insurance can certainly be helpful, it may not be the best choice for everyone. Many people may not realize that it doesn’t work the same way as health insurance. Dental insurance usually maxes out at about $1,500, so it won’t necessarily be covered if you need a lot of dental work. That’s why we offer an in-house dental savings plan — so you can get the care you need and get discounts on other treatments. 

The cost of Invisalign without insurance is usually between $3,000 to $7,000. Keep in mind the total cost of your Invisalign treatment will depend on how complex your case is and how many aligners you need. Your dentist will determine the specifics of your situation during your consultation and discuss financial options with you before beginning treatment.

Even if you don’t have insurance, you have options to afford the smile of your dreams.

How to pay for Invisalign if you don’t have dental insurance

Ranieu Family Dental proudly offers financing options for all patients. Below are three ways our patients pay for Invisalign if they don’t have dental insurance. For those who want to pay cash, we offer some discounts for payment in full. Ask your treatment coordinator for more information during your Invisalign consultation. 

Third-party financing

Ranieu Family Dental offers financing through CareCredit, a third-party patient financing program specifically designed for healthcare expenses. CareCredit makes it easier for you to get the treatment or procedures you want and need. 

In-house dental savings plan

As part of the Ranieu Family Dental patient family, you also gain access to a dental savings plan for patients without insurance. This helps patients get the care you need and want in a way that fits your budget. This plan covers your routine dental exams and professional dental cleanings, plus gives you special membership benefits like discounts on treatment, including Invisalign. 

Use tax-free funds

Additionally, you can use the tax-free dollars in your flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) to pay for Invisalign treatment. An FSA or HSA allows you to set aside a portion of your paycheck (pre-tax) to pay for qualified medical and dental expenses. You can submit receipts for reimbursement from your savings account, or some companies provide cards that you can use to pay for expenses directly. 

How much does Invisalign cost vs. braces?

The American Dental Association, 2020 Survey of Dental Fees, states that metal braces cost between $4,200 to $6,600 and up to $10,000 for severe cases. The Invisalign website states treatment costs, on average, are between $3,000–$7,000. However, there is a lot of room for variation because each case is different and your specific treatment plan depends on the current condition of your teeth alignment.

For example, suppose you have an overbite or underbite. In that case, it will take longer to correct and move your teeth and jaw into the desired position. On the other hand, if your jaw is in the correct position and you have minor tooth misalignment, it will take less time. The Invisalign vs. braces cost is roughly the same for the average case. But there’s a lot to consider when deciding on Invisalign vs. braces, and price is just one of the factors. Invisalign clear aligners and braces are different in many ways.

Is Invisalign faster than traditional braces?

Yes, Invisalign clear aligners work faster to correct misalignment than traditional braces. There is less time spent in the dental chair in total with Invisalign treatment. With metal bracket and wire braces, your dentist takes an impression of your teeth using a puddy material that takes time to set, then has to be sent to a lab. Invisalign uses the iTero Element® scanner, advanced scanning technology, to quickly and accurately scan your teeth to create a 3D projection of where your teeth need to move. You also get a smile simulator photo to see what your smile will look like once you complete treatment.
Once your Invisalign scans are complete, your dentist creates your customized trays and calls you when they’re ready to pick up. You’ll need a 2-hour appointment to get the metal brackets glued to your teeth with braces.

You’ll wear each Invisalign clear aligner for about 20 hours a day for 2 weeks and then get a new set that gradually repositions your teeth. On average, Invisalign treatment takes between 12 to 18 months, though you can start seeing results in a matter of weeks. Braces will be a permanent fixture on your teeth for about 2 years.

Your dentist will determine how long you’ll need to wear your Invisalign clear aligners, depending on your unique situation and treatment needs.

The overall Invisalign process is faster – from your initial appointment to the time it takes to create the smile of your dreams.

Is Invisalign better than traditional braces?

Each person is unique, and so are their dental needs and preferences. If you want to straighten your teeth and have the option of either Invisalign vs. braces, you need to consider what is important to you. The Invisalign process is faster, more comfortable and about the same price as braces. It’s a great way to get the smile you want with minimal interruptions to your life.

If you want to get Invisalign in Vancouver, consider the following:

  • How much does Invisalign cost? How can you make this work in your budget?
  • How much does Invisalign cost without insurance? Consider joining the dental savings plan to get a discount on Invisalign treatment. 

Getting the most out of your Invisalign clear aligners

Make the most of your smile investment by following your dentist’s recommendations and wearing your aligners for the prescribed amount of time. It’s also essential to maintain good oral health throughout your treatment period. Brush and floss twice daily and maintain your regular dental cleaning appointments, usually every 6 months. 

In fact, your dentist will recommend a professional dental cleaning before starting treatment to ensure your oral health is in good condition. If you have dental issues that need to be addressed, get those taken care of before beginning Invisalign treatment. Otherwise, it could actually cause harm to your oral health. 

As with braces, you’ll want to wear a retainer to keep your teeth in their new position after Invisalign and maintain your new smile. Ranieu Family Dental offers Vivera retainers which provide the same benefits as Invisalign: clear, comfortable, removable. 

Learn more about Invisalign treatment, how straight teeth can benefit your oral and overall health, and contact the Ranieu Family Dental office today to schedule your consultation. Then, get on your way to smile with confidence!