FAQs
Q. How much does Invisalign cost?
A. I get so, so many emails about this and to be honest the answer varies. There are three Invisalign systems: Invisalign full, Invisalign express and Invisalign teen. Invisalign full and teen are the full Invisalign system including refinements used to treat adults or teenagers with orthodontic problems. Invisalign full is the most commonly used system. Invisalign express is for very minor orthodontic problems where very few aligners are required.
Which system you use will affect the cost, as will the experience of your provider, and your location. On average in the US the price is around $5000 but this varies greatly by region. The only real way to find out is to get a quote from your Invisalign providers location. The website realself.com offers a guide to prices in different areas.
Q. Can anyone get Invisalign?
A. Originally Invisalign was only for very simple cases, but as the system developed over the years it now can be used for almost any orthodontic problem by the more experienced Invisalign providers. If you have been told that you can’t have it, get an opinion from a more experienced provider.
Q. Who offers Invisalign?
A. Any dentist or orthodontist who has attended Invisalign training can offer Invisalign. The company website provides a list of providers. Dentists are like a GP for teeth and do general work on teeth as well as Invisalign. Orthodontists have done extra specialist training in teeth movement (usually several extra years at an orthodontic school) and I therefore think that they are the best people to seek Invisalign from. The Invisalign website offers a ranking system to show which providers are the most experienced.
Q. Can you take Invisalign out?
A. Yes you can. In fact, you have to take them out to eat and drink anything other than water. It also means that if you have an event such as a job interview you can remove them. The treatment plan goal is to wear them 22 hours a day. Many patients have been told that Invisalign wasn’t suitable for them and then went on to use it very successfully.
Q. How long does treatment take?
A. As with any orthodontic treatment this varies by the problem being treated. Some minor cases take less than 6 months, more complex cases can take up to two years. Only an Elite specialist provider can give you an indication of how long your treatment will take.
Q. Do the aligners hurt?
A. My orthodontist was very clear when I started my Invisalign that if something was hurting it meant that something was wrong. Invisalign is not meant to hurt. They do give a sensation of pressure at the start of new aligners, but this very quickly subsides and is not exactly painful, more uncomfortable. Sometimes people get a sore tongue or cheek from a plastic edge. However, if this happens you simply need to file the rough edge with a nail file and this immediately solves the problem.
Q. Will my insurance company pay for my treatment?
A. Some companies pay around half the cost however, it varies by insurance company. Usually if your insurance covers orthodontics it covers Invisalign but check with you insurer.
Frequently Asked Questions from Invisalign.