If you suffer from crooked, crowded or gapped teeth, you may have considered braces for correction. But many patients feel that traditional braces are unsuitable for their lifestyle. Invisalign offers a near-invisible solution that can help to correct mild to moderate cosmetic alignment issues and provides faster results than conventional braces. Best of all, Invisalign is more affordable than you think. Read on to learn more about Invisalign in Australia and how to find a payment plan to suit your budget.
What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign is an orthodontic device used to treat misaligned teeth, including an overbite, crossbite, crooked, over-spaced, and crowded teeth. It consists of a series of flexible clear plastic trays that are custom fitted to your mouth to apply gentle force to the teeth to reposition them.
Why Use Invisalign®?
There are many benefits to using Invisalign over traditional braces and other clear alignment trays. Invisalign trays are designed using over 20 years of innovative research and have a proven record of success, with over 5.5 million patients worldwide.
Studies have also shown that adult orthodontic patients respond better to treatment protocols when using Invisalign over other orthodontic devices. This can lead to faster and more effective treatment and minimise any social anxiety they may feel around wearing a corrective device. However, one hurdle that often comes up when discussing Invisalign is the cost.
How Much Does Invisalign® Cost in Australia?
Compared with traditional braces, Invisalign is more expensive due to the complexity of creating the custom mouthpiece, as well as consultations and adjustments. The cost of Invisalign treatment varies according to the orthodontist and the nature of the alignment problems that need correcting, and Invisalign prices can range anywhere from $6,000 – $9,000. However, many orthodontists offer payment plans aimed at keeping Invisalign affordable for all patients.
Factors That Influence the Cost of Invisalign®
Some orthodontic issues are more complex than others and require additional consultations -and in some cases surgery- before the Invisalign aligners can be made, so the overall cost of treatment including the device can vary.
The number of Invisalign aligners you need can also impact the final cost of treatment. Over the course of treatment, you may need to have additional trays made to apply further force where necessary, which will also include further adjustments incurring an additional cost.
Your health care funding can also impact the cost of your Invisalign braces. For patients who do not have private health care, Medicare, unfortunately, does not cover the cost of cosmetic orthodontic work such as Invisalign. There are exceptions where the misalignment of your teeth significantly impacts your well-being. If you have private health insurance, be aware that not all insurance providers cover the Invisalign cost in Australia. Invisalign is categorized as “Major Dental” in insurance plans and is typically only offered as part of your extras cover with a 12-month wait period for new claims. However, many providers provide rebates, which can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs, which you can also spread out as payments over several months or years to make the prices of Invisalign more affordable.
Final Thoughts
Invisalign clear aligners are a worthwhile investment in the health of your teeth and your overall well-being. Invisalign is an excellent alternative to traditional braces for correcting mild to moderate orthodontic issues, but the cost can be off putting for some patients. Using your extras coverage and spreading out your payments is a cost-effective way to get Invisalign treatment.
If you are interested in learning more about Invisalign in Australia, call CP Dental at one of our three locations around Queensland to make an appointment to talk with our dentists about your orthodontic care.