Is Invisalign Worth It? Explore the Costs & Benefits

Invisalign has become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional metal braces in recent years. The clear aligner trays allow you to straighten your teeth discreetly and comfortably. But is Invisalign really worth the investment? Here at Allure Dental, we want to help you determine if  Invisalign is right for you. Here are some of the costs, benefits, and alternatives to help you decide if Invisalign is right for your smile goals.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign uses a series of clear, custom-fit aligner trays to shift your teeth into place over time gradually. Each tray is worn for about two weeks before being switched out for the next in the series.

The Aligners apply gentle, consistent pressure to move  your teeth into alignment. They are removable, so you can take them out for eating, brushing, and flossing. Treatment time averages between 12-18 months but can vary based on the complexity of your case.

Here’s a quick overview of how Invisalign works:

• Impressions or scans are taken of your teeth
• Aligner trays are 3D printed and shipped to your dentist’s office
• You’ll switch to a new set of Aligners approximately every 2 weeks
• Your teeth will incrementally shift into a straighter position over several months
• Once your teeth have reached the desired position, you’ll receive a retainer to maintain results

As an experienced Invisalign provider, Allure Dental develops customized treatment plans tailored to your unique smile goals. We can preview how your smile will look after treatment using the latest technology, like digital scans and virtual visualization.

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

The average Invisalign treatment takes 12-18 months but can vary based on your specific orthodontic needs. Less complex issues may be resolved in as little as 6 months.

Here are some factors that influence Invisalign treatment length:

• Type of orthodontic issues being corrected
• Amount of crowding/spacing
• Needed for rotational or vertical tooth movement
• Jaw misalignment or bite issues
• Age and cooperativeness of patient
• Compliance with Aligner wear and treatment plan
• Overall health of teeth and gums

During your Invisalign consultation, we’ll assess your smile’s needs and develop a custom treatment timeline. With innovations like weekly Aligner changes, accelerated plans are also now possible with Invisalign Express 10 and Invisalign Go.

What Are the Benefits of Invisalign?

There are pros and cons of Invisalign. Invisalign offers many advantages that make it an appealing choice for adults and teens looking to straighten their smile. Some of the top benefits of clear aligners include:

More Comfortable and Discreet

One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign is the removable design, which provides a more comfortable orthodontic experience compared to fixed metal braces. Aligners are smooth and don’t have any brackets or wires that can irritate your mouth.

Invisalign is also virtually invisible on your teeth. The transparent aligners are far more discreet than conspicuous metal braces, which makes Invisalign a popular choice for professional adults, teens, and public figures.

Easier Oral Hygiene

With Invisalign, you can remove the aligners to brush and floss normally. This helps maintain better oral hygiene compared to braces, where food and plaque can easily get trapped around brackets and wires.

Fewer Dietary Restrictions

Since Aligners are removable, you can take them out for meals and enjoy your favorite foods without wires or brackets getting in the way. While there are still some dietary guidelines to follow with Invisalign, restrictions are fewer than with fixed braces.

Potentially Shorter Treatment Time

Depending on the complexity of your case, Invisalign treatment time can be shorter than braces. The average treatment is 12-18 months but can be faster with minimal spacing or crowding issues. Braces often take 18-24 months or longer to achieve desired results.

More Comfort, Fewer Emergencies

The Aligner trays gently move teeth and are less likely to irritate, so you’ll experience more comfortable treatment with fewer emergencies like poking wires or soreness. Appointments for lost or broken aligners are less disruptive than orthodontic emergencies with braces.

Effective for a Variety of Cases

While results still depend on the individual case, Invisalign can effectively treat a variety of issues including:

• Crowding
• Spacing/gaps
• Crossbite
• Overbite/underbite
• Open bite

Improved Self-Esteem

A beautiful, healthy smile does wonders for self-confidence. By straightening your teeth with clear aligners, Invisalign can help you smile brighter and improve self-esteem.

What Are the Downsides of Invisalign?

While the pros are plentiful, Invisalign does have some disadvantages to consider before choosing clear aligners. Here are a few potential cons:

Results Rely on Compliance

For Invisalign to work properly, Aligners must be worn 20-22 hours per day. You’ll also need to avoid removing trays too often or indulging in foods/drinks that could stain or damage them. Braces don’t depend on compliance or removable trays.

More Planning Around Aligners

Because Aligners are removable, you’ll need to develop a routine around wearing your trays for the required time each day. You’ll also need to remove them and clean your teeth before meals. This requires more daily planning than fixed braces.

Slower at Rotating Teeth

Invisalign uses gentle forces over time to tip teeth into place. Braces can apply stronger rotational forces to teeth, therefore they may work faster for significant rotation issues.

Not Ideal for Every Case

While Invisalign can treat a wide variety of orthodontic issues, there are some complex cases that respond better to braces. This may include severe overbites/underbites, crooked/crowded teeth, or bite alignment issues requiring coordination with jaw growth.

Here’s a table breaking down the pros and cons of Invisalign:

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How Much Does Invisalign Cost?

The cost of Invisalign varies based on your individual treatment plan, orthodontist fees, and geographic location. However, Invisalign generally costs between $3,000 - $8,000 total for comprehensive treatment.

Here’s an overview of what’s included in Invisalign pricing:

• Initial consultation & diagnostic records: $0 - $500
• Retainer fee: around $0 - $500
• Aligners & treatment plan: $3,000 - $6,000
• Appointment & observation fees: $500 - $2,000

Treatment for more complex cases like an overbite or crossbite can run closer to $8,000 total. Teen Invisalign often starts around $4,000 - $7,000 for full treatment. At Allure Dental, we also offer our Allure Dental Savings Club affordable saving plans and discounts for cosmetic procedures like Invisalign with no wait time, no hidden fees, and no deductibles.

Does Insurance Cover Invisalign?

Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of Invisalign treatment, typically 50% up to an annual maximum amount. Contact your insurance provider to learn your exact orthodontic coverage details.

Financing options like CareCredit are also available to break the remaining fees into budget-friendly monthly payments.

Does Invisalign Work Better Than Braces?

Whether to choose Invisalign or braces depends on your specific orthodontic needs, lifestyle factors, and personal preferences. Ultimately, both can achieve great straightening results when performed by an experienced orthodontist. However, Invisalign does offer advantages in terms of comfort, convenience, and aesthetics that make it a preferable choice for many adults and teens. Clear Aligners are less irritating, allow for normal brushing and flossing, and are removable for eating and professional appearances.

Invisalign also exerts gentle, steady pressure that may stimulate bone remodeling in adults. Traditional braces apply stronger forces that focus mainly on moving teeth. For more significant bite misalignment that requires coordinating jaw and tooth movement, braces may be the better option. Invisalign generally works best for less complex teeth straightening cases.

Who is a Good Candidate for Invisalign?

In general, good Invisalign candidates include:

• Teens and younger patients with fully erupted permanent teeth
• Adults of any age looking for a discreet teeth straightening solution
• Patients with mild to moderate spacing, crowding, or orthodontic issues
• Healthy gums and bone structure to support tooth movement
• Commitment to wearing Aligners 20+ hours per day

Invisalign may not be the right solution for:

• Younger children before losing baby teeth
• Severe overbites/underbites requiring jaw alignment
• Complex bite issues like open bites
• Patients unable to commit to Aligner wear regimen
• Certain dental restorations or implants
• Damaged teeth needing reinforcement from braces

During your initial exam, we’ll determine if your case is suited for Invisalign or if braces would be a better fit. 3D digital imaging technology can also help predict your results with clear Aligners. Many people wonder does Invisalign work for adults, and the answer is yes. 

Can Invisalign Fix an Underbite or Overbite?

Many people wonder whether Invisalign fix overbite or underbite. Invisalign is effective at treating a variety of orthodontic issues, including mild to moderate overbites and underbites. Small vertical discrepancies often respond well to Aligner treatment.

For more severe overbite/underbite cases with pronounced jaw misalignment, traditional braces or jaw surgery may be required to coordinate upper and lower teeth positioning. Invisalign works best when bite issues are contained mainly to the teeth themselves.

Book a Consultation at Allure Dental

Ready to learn more about transforming your smile with Invisalign? Contact Allure Dental in Mandeville, LA to schedule a consultation. We’ll perform a comprehensive exam, take digital scans, and discuss whether Invisalign or Braces offer the best route to the straightened smile you deserve. Call (985) 951-2220 or request an appointment online to discuss Invisalign with our experienced cosmetic dentists. Investing in your ideal smile is worth it!