If you're like most people, your teeth may not be perfectly straight. In fact, according to a report from Scientific American in 2020, up to 90% of Americans have some level of tooth misalignment. With so many individuals looking for a solution other than traditional braces, it's no surprise that so many people have chosen Invisalign.
Invisalign Explained
Invisalign is a smile-alignment system that involves using a series of customized trays to slowly move teeth into the correct place. The trays are made from a clear polyurethane-resin blend using advanced 3D-computer imaging of the patient's teeth. Each tray is worn for a short period of time, moving the teeth slightly before being swapped for the next tray in the series. The treatment requires frequent check-ups with a dentist to make sure the teeth are moving into place as intended.
Average Cost of Invisalign in NYC
The price of Invisalign varies widely based on several factors, including severity of the misalignment, location of the dental practice, and the experience of the dentist. Patients without dental insurance can expect to pay anywhere between $3,500 and $8,000 out of pocket for a complete Invisalign treatment here in New York City.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Invisalign
Several elements contribute to the total cost of Invisalign, including:
Number of Aligner Trays Needed
The more severe the misalignment of the teeth, the more Invisalign aligner trays will need to be made to fully straighten the smile. Mild misalignments may only require a few trays, while more severe misalignments may require 20 or more trays. More trays equals a higher cost, although many dentists offer a flat fee for the complete Invisalign treatment.
Provider's Experience
Using a dentist who is very experienced at treating patients with Invisalign may end up costing more than using a dentist that is new to the treatment, although this isn’t always the case.
Geographic Location
In a high-cost city like New York, you can expect Invisalign treatment to be priced higher than in rural areas. The cost of living and doing business in NYC directly affects the cost of dental treatments, including Invisalign. However, as mentioned above, many dentists offer a flat fee for Invisalign treatment, which helps to keep the overall cost down.
Patient Compliance
Sticking to the treatment plan is a must. By wearing the aligner trays as directed, patients can shorten their treatment time and get a better overall result. Patients who take the aligner trays out for too long at a time will likely require a longer treatment period, which leads to more dentist visits and a higher treatment cost.
Paying for Invisalign Without Insurance
While the cost of Invisalign may seem high at first glance, it is actually comparable to traditional metal braces. We offer several options for self-pay patients, including:
- Discounts for up-front payments
- Convenient payment plans
- Interest-free financing
Patients with approved credit may also qualify for CareCredit®, a third-party finance option designed for medical purposes. CareCredit often offers special financing promotions to make it even more affordable, and can be used at thousands of locations nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign
How long does it take to straighten your teeth with Invisalign?
The exact amount of time it takes to see full results with Invisalign varies from patient to patient, depending on the severity of their smile misalignment and how strictly they follow the dentist’s instructions. Most patients will achieve a straight, gorgeous smile in 12-18 months. However, patients with very mild misalignments may complete treatment in as little as six months, while more complex cases can take up to two years or more.
Is Invisalign really invisible?
Invisalign clear aligner trays are custom-molded to fit perfectly in the patient’s mouth with minimal visibility. Most people won’t be able to tell that you are wearing the innovative aligners at all. However, Invisalign trays aren’t completely invisible, so someone very close to you may be able to see them. They are much less noticeable than traditional metal braces.
Invisalign Treatment on the Upper Westside
Straight teeth are essential to achieve that picture-perfect smile you’re dreaming of, and Smiles on the Upper Westside is here to deliver it. We offer Invisalign, along with other restorative and cosmetic dental treatments, at our office here in NYC. If you’re living with misaligned teeth and want a discreet and convenient solution, contact us to schedule your Invisalign consultation today by calling 212-222-5225. You can also schedule your consultation online. Take the first step towards a new, stunning smile today at Smiles on the Upper Westside!