Dental care is an expensive endeavor when you have four kids and all four of them have needed extensive dental work. The most expensive dental work they’ve needed is braces, of course. Even with dental insurance it’s still a pricey endeavor but well worth it to have them get their smiles on straight.
I never needed braces so it was a bit shocking to me how pricey they were and how long the process was. Especially for our oldest who had a mouth full of teeth that came in at odd angles. He’s been through his braces treatment (it took over two years) and now wears a retainer. If I could back in time though I would do one thing differently-I would look into Invisalign as a treatment option for him.
Now that I have another one who is due for braces (thankfully the need skipped my 12 year old!) we are seriously investigating Invisalign Teen which is available to pre-teens and teens.
I’ve learned a lot about Invisalign from friends who have used it and I think it’s a great idea for everyone to consider since it helps eliminate some of the annoying issues that come with traditional braces. (no emergency visits, no need to avoid foods, and no need for frequent visits to the orthodontist)
There are some myths about Invisalign that they shared with me as I was preparing this post, and this one was the one that I wondered about the most and I know readers would, too.
Myth: We can’t afford Invisalign.
Setting it Straight: Invisalign Teen is covered by many dental insurance policies just like traditional braces. Even if dental insurance doesn’t apply, many doctors will help parents find options to make straightening their child’s teeth more affordable. Many offer flexible and affordable monthly finance plans that can be as low as $99 per month.
Why are we considering Invisalign?
The cost of Invisalign braces is the nearly same, but there are a host of time saving and money saving additions that don’t come with traditional braces.
The Cost of Straight Teeth: Invisalign versus Braces
Food Restrictions:
Invisalign is removable so brushing and flossing is easy. There are no food restrictions to worry about either. Braces require you to avoid things like popcorn, gum, and other foods that may damage braces.
Emergency Orthodontist Care:
There’s no need for emergency visits to the orthodontist with Invisalign. With my oldest this happened several times with traditional braces. Not only was he in a lot of pain, but it also was hard to get him in for a visit on an emergency visit.
Covered by Insurance:
Invisalign Teen is covered by most dental insurance policies just like traditional braces up to 50% of the cost may be covered by insurance. Traditional braces are covered as well.
FSA can be used:
Flexible Spending Accounts can be used for Invisalign or braces, making money go farther with pre-tax dollars.
Effective:
Invisalign Teen is just as effective as traditional wire and bracket braces. It can correct the most common teeth straitening issues from severe cases to more minor, cosmetic adjustments.
Replacement Issues:
Invisalign Teen includes up to six free replacement aligners. With traditional braces you don’t need to replace them though your child will typically wear a retainer post-braces. This is HUGE considering how expensive our son’s retainer was to replace when he left it behind in a hotel room.
Compliance:
Though it’s not a concern with braces there are compliance indicators to help monitor your tween or teen’s use for Invisalign. These small blue dots, officially called compliance indicators, gradually fade as aligners are worn.
Which wins? Braces or Invisalign?
Invisalign by a long shot. We’ll be opting for Invisalign for the younger two children who need to have their teeth straightened for sure (and hopefully the oldest won’t be too mad we didn’t choose it for him!) While I have to make an appointment to investigate the cost still I think it’s a winner even if it’s slightly more expensive due to time savings (less appointments), less pain (no tightening their braces or emergency visits when a wire comes loose), and less hassle (easier to maintain, eat, and clean their teeth.).
To Find out More about Invisalign:
- Find an Invisalign Orthodontist.
- Take a smile assessment.
- Investigate the cost of Invisalign with the Cost Calculator.
- Follow Invisalign on Facebook or @Invisalign on twitter.
Enter to Win
Kelly
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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