What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment used to straighten and re-align teeth. It uses a clear aligner that:
- is customised to your teeth
- Is worn 20 to 22 hours a day
- you take out for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing
- needs to be swapped for a new set every one to two weeks, or as directed by your dentist
- gradually shifts your teeth into place, with results potentially becoming noticeable after about six months.
How much does Invisalign cost?
The cost of Invisalign will depend on the complexity of your treatment plan, how long the treatment takes, and your choice of orthodontist. As a guide, dental network Smile.com.au says the Invisalign cost can be between $6,000 to $9,000 for full treatments. By comparison, it estimates ceramic braces to cost between $5,000 and $8,500, and traditional metal braces to be about $4,500 to $8,000.
How can you pay for Invisalign?
The cost of Invisalign definitely requires consideration as clear aligners like Invisalign are typically more expensive than other types of braces. Some orthodontic practices offer payment plans, so you can spread the cost of your Invisalign treatment over several months or even years if this suits you. Check directly with your practice as to whether they provide these plans before beginning treatment and whether a plan will incur any additional costs. If you have private health insurance, there may be cover for some of the costs involved.
Is Invisalign covered by private health insurance?
Your Invisalign treatments may be covered depending on the type of health insurance policy you have. When considering health insurance cover, it’s a good idea to check out:
Extras
If you have private health insurance with extras cover that includes orthodontics, you may be able to claim a rebate towards the cost of your Invisalign treatment. Before you agree to a treatment plan and its associated costs, you can ask your insurance provider about how much they might cover. You may have to provide item numbers and other details to them, which your dental practitioner can provide. This could give you a better idea of your expected out-of-pocket expenses.
Waiting periods
You may also need to serve a waiting period of up to 12 months before you can claim for Invisalign treatments. A waiting period is a length of time you need to serve with your health insurance provider before they will pay a claim on a particular service, such as orthodontics.
However, there are some funds that waive waiting periods, usually as a promotional or sign-up deal to attract new customers. Check the terms and conditions, as well as associated costs, before signing up to a policy.
Lifetime limits
Invisalign generally falls under orthodontics, a sub-section of your dental cover which is usually subject to a per-person lifetime limit. A lifetime limit is the maximum amount you can claim, for life, for orthodontic treatment. Even if you switch providers down the track, you won’t be able to claim for orthodontics if you’ve already used your lifetime limit.
This is especially relevant with a treatment such as Invisalign, which requires your commitment to using the aligners correctly and regularly for the treatment to work effectively. If you’re unhappy with the result, you could end up having to self-fund the entire amount for any future orthodontic treatment. Lifetime limits for orthodontics can vary widely depending on your health fund and level of cover.
Is Invisalign suitable for everyone?
Orthodontics Australia says clear aligners like Invisalign are one of the most popular courses of orthodontic treatment for adults in Australia. However, it adds that these aligners work best for adults who require minor corrections to problems such as mildly crooked or protruding teeth. For more complex problems, the results can be less predictable.
Smile.com.au notes that clear braces may have slower results than traditional braces, and are only suitable for teenagers and adults. Traditional braces are more likely to be a better option for major corrections, as they apply more predictable and consistent force to your teeth to achieve the desired result.
Is Invisalign suitable for children?
You may need to talk to your orthodontist about whether Invisalign is a good alternative to fixed braces for children. According to Smile Team Orthodontics, children whose teeth are still growing may be ineligible for Invisalign. Baldivis Orthodontics adds that the success of Invisalign hinges on the aligners staying in place as often as possible. As Invisalign braces can be removed, children may forget to replace them after eating, or misplace or lose their aligners. There is even a chance of causing damage to the teeth from misuse.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Invisalign.com.au states that some treatments can be completed in as little as six months, though you could start seeing results in a matter of weeks. Various dental practitioners estimate the average length of time for treatment with these aligners to be between 12 to 18 months, depending on the patient. You’ll typically be advised to see your dentist or orthodontist every six to eight weeks to ensure your treatment is progressing well.
Where can you get Invisalign?
The Invisalign website has a search function that allows you to find an Invisalign-trained dentist or orthodontist in your area. You can also call or email individual practices to ask if they offer aligners, and to get an idea of the cost of Invisalign.
Before you consult with your dentist or orthodontist about a potential treatment plan, it could be a good idea to check your level of orthodontic cover through your health insurance provider. This could help you plan for Invisalign costs, and decide whether the treatment process will suit your needs.
