Invisalign – York, PA

Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign

There are several variables that must be considered when putting together an estimate for Invisalign treatment. Some of the most important factors include:

• The number of arches being treated. Most of the time, you’ll wear Invisalign on both rows of teeth. But if you only have one arch that needs to be straightened, you can expect the cost of your treatment to be lower.
• The complexity of your case. More extensive orthodontic issues usually require more aligners to correct and thus are more costly to treat.
• Your ability to comply with the treatment. You need to wear each aligner in the series for about two weeks. If an aligner is broken or lost before you’re done with it, you’ll likely need to pay for a replacement.

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

Smile Direct Club™ is a DIY clear aligner treatment. It does tend to cost less than Invisalign, but remember that a lower price doesn’t necessarily mean better treatment. With Smile Direct Club™, you don’t have the benefit of having a dental expert directly overseeing the entire process; as such, there’s a higher risk of problems occurring. Meanwhile, with Invisalign, the York Smile Care team will be with you every step of the way to make sure there aren’t any complications.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?

Invisalign is classified as an orthodontic treatment, so whether it’s covered by your dental insurance policy depends on your carrier’s approach to orthodontic care. Some plans might not include orthodontic coverage at all; others do provide such coverage but may have limitations, such as only paying for children’s treatments. If you’re unclear about what is and isn’t covered under your plan, our team can go over the details with you.

Options for Making Invisalign Affordable

We give our patients the option to break up the cost of their care through CareCredit or LendingClub. Both of these third-party financing companies offer multiple low-to-no-interest plans so that you can pick one that fits your budget. Our team will be more than happy to explain more about how financing works at our practice and how you can use it to manage the cost of lengthier treatments like Invisalign.

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

Since Invisalign isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment timeline. The average, however, is 12 to 18 months. Of course, you’ll be given an estimate upfront after we’ve reviewed important factors like the severity of your misalignment and how many aligners are needed.

Important note: how well you follow the treatment guidelines, such as wearing your aligners for 20-22 hours a day, will also play a role in how long your clear aligner treatment takes. So, make sure to prioritize all of our dentist’s instructions – you’ll be thankful you did!

Does Invisalign Hurt?

Guiding your teeth into their properly aligned positions requires some pressure, which can result in soreness. There IS a silver lining: that means your treatment is working! Plus, there are several ways you can help alleviate any discomfort you experience, including placing a cold compress against the outside of your cheek, sipping on cold water, and taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.

Can You Eat with Invisalign?

One of the biggest perks that Invisalign offers patients is no dietary restrictions! Since the aligners are removable you can eat whatever you’d like (as long as you remove your trays first). If you have attachments, then it’s a good idea to exercise caution with hard, sticky, and chewy foods that could put enough pressure on them to break off.

How Do I Clean My Invisalign?

Good news: cleaning your aligners doesn’t require anything too complicated. On the contrary, many patients make it way more of a hassle than it needs to be. The first step is always removing your aligners before eating or drinking anything (other than water). Second, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and some lukewarm water to gently scrub each surface of your aligners after every meal. Lastly, soak your aligners in the cleaning crystals as needed for about 15 minutes at a time.

Who is a Candidate for Invisalign?

Fortunately, Invisalign can correct crowded and gapped teeth as well as bite issues. As a result, the clear aligners are an ideal solution for many patients! As always, the best way to find out if you’re a candidate is by scheduling a consultation. That way, our York dentist can conduct an exam, ask you questions, and learn more about your dental needs. At this point, they will be able to determine if Invisalign is the best teeth-straightening solution for you.