Everyone would love a perfect smile, and in some cases, that means paying for one – through procedures like Invisalign treatment. However, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all price for this treatment. How much you part with during your Invisalign treatment depends on factors such as the extent of adjustment your teeth need and if you need attachments or elastic bands. For instance, if you have relatively straight teeth and your top and bottom teeth match when you bite, you might only need minor orthodontic work. However, if you have lots of crooked teeth and crowding, you might have to pay more since the procedure is more complex and involves more materials. These factors notwithstanding, we have shared a few tips on how you can make your Invisalign treatment affordable.
Book your Free Consultation
Before you dive deep into the process, it would be best to schedule a free consultation with your doctor. During the consultation, you can discuss the various teeth-straightening options with Invisalign braces. To do so, the doctor will take a complete 3D scan of your mouth – a high-tech procedure that gives the doctor details of every tooth. From the results of the 3D images, the specialist can come up with a tailor-made treatment plan. Besides, you can have all your questions answered and myths debunked during the consultation – all on the house.
Ask for Upfront Costs
One of the major deal-breakers most patients experience during Invisalign treatment is hidden fees. To get the best price on Invisalign, be sure to ask for an accurate estimate of the cost even before you start the treatment. The best time to talk about the money would be during your complimentary consultation. Keep in mind that getting the best price doesn’t necessarily mean getting the lowest price – it could also mean friendly payment options. You can always find a financing plan that fits your budget. Additionally, ask if the post-treatment care is included in the initial case fee to avoid unprecedented costs.
Use your Insurance Plan as a Bargaining Chip
Understandably, paying for your Invisalign treatment entirely out-of-pocket can be an uphill task – worse if multiple people in the family need the treatment. That’s where insurance comes in. Most orthodontists are in-network with major insurance plans. Most of them will even submit your claims to your insurance for you. They will then give you an estimate of your out-of-pocket expense before you start your treatment.
Avoid DIY Products
There are so many DIY Invisalign products, and while they might be cheaper than seeing an orthodontist right away, they might be too good to be true. Some promise fast results, and on the contrary, they might end up causing permanent damage. You might end up paying more than what you’d have paid in the first place in an attempt to reverse the damages. It would be best to work with a board-certified orthodontist right away to get value for your money.
Ask Around
If you are price conscious, take your time to visit a few orthodontists around you. Ask each one of them for their estimated costs or check out this guide on how much does invisalign cost in Washington DC. However, be careful not to compromise on quality in an attempt to save some cash. One of the ways you can vouch for an orthodontist is by going through customer reviews – although the reviews are not the gospel truth.
Be on the Lookout for Discount Deals
Sometimes, orthodontists go out of their way to make their services more affordable to you. Therefore, they might roll out special deals on Invisalign treatment. Keeping an eye on such deals can save you some money.
Other Factors to Consider
Even if you find an affordable orthodontist, you have a role to play to ensure that you don’t break the bank. You need to follow the dentist’s instructions to the letter once you get home – failure to do so might lead to additional costs, which beats the point of getting affordable Invisalign treatment. It might also lead to prolonged treatment time.