Invisalign in Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular orthodontic treatments available. A clear alternative to traditional metal braces, these flexible aligners make it possible to straighten your teeth or realign your bite in less time. But with traditional braces being more affordable, how do you make Invisalign fit within your budget? Let a dental professional explain.
The Invisalign Process
The entire process for receiving and wearing your Invisalign aligners is fairly easy. These clear plastic aligners are customized so that your smile will move accordingly until desired results are achieved. The first step is to have your dentist evaluate your smile and determine a treatment plan. Next, you’ll have digital impressions taken of your smile, which will be sent to a dental lab where the aligners you’ll wear throughout your treatment will be custom made.
Finally, your trays will be ready for you to pick up and begin wearing. Depending on your case, you’ll most likely wear your trays 20-22 hours each day for 2 weeks. At the end of the 2 weeks, you’ll trade them out for the next set in the series. This will continue until you’ve finished all of the aligner sets and treatment is complete.
Factors That Contribute to the Cost
While Invisalign can cost thousands of dollars, it’s important to remember that forgoing treatment for your improper bite or crooked teeth can lead to thousands of more dollars being spent trying to not only fix the problem but other issues that can occur as a result, such as gum disease, tooth decay, or TMJ.
When meeting with your dentist to discuss the cost of Invisalign in Myrtle Beach, he will go over the various factors that will play a role in the overall cost of your orthodontic care. Some of these factors might include:
- The severity of your individual case (i.e. overcrowding, spaces between teeth, bite alignment, crooked teeth)
- How many Invisalign aligners you’ll need to wear throughout your treatment
It will also be important to factor in your age and commitment to wearing your trays for the designated timeframe each day. If you don’t think 20-22 hours each day is feasible, it might be necessary to consider an alternative option.
Insurance and Financing Options
As you begin to prepare for Invisalign, you should start by reviewing your insurance plan to find out if any or all of your treatment will be covered. More and more insurance companies are looking at Invisalign as a viable option for orthodontics, which means they are more likely to cover at least a portion of your treatment. But what about the rest?
Fortunately, most dentists offer financing options that can make paying for your dental treatment feasible. With programs like CareCredit, you can have a low-to-no interest payment plan that allows you to make monthly payments that fit within your budget.
Dental work shouldn’t have you emptying your wallet, but you shouldn’t forgo treatment because of a high dollar amount that you’re afraid you’ll never be able to afford. If you’re interested in Invisalign but need help making it an affordable option, talk to your dentist about what you can do today.
About the Author
Dr. Jack Markusen served in the United States Air Force in 1968, as an airborne electronics technician. Honorably discharged in 1971, he enrolled at Baptist College of Charlestown and received his Bachelor of Science degree two years later. He then went on to the Medical University of South Carolina, School of Dentistry, and graduated in 1976. Dr. Markusen understands dental work of any kind can be expensive. Although your oral health should be a priority, finding a way to make treatment fit within your budget isn’t always easy. Fortunately, he and his team accept various forms of insurance and can help by offering financing through CareCredit. To find out how we can help you, visit our website or call (843) 314-4877.