By now you’ve probably heard of clear aligners, the invisible option for orthodontic treatment. Clear aligners allow you to straighten your teeth and align your bite without wearing braces. Patients of all ages from children to adults are opting for clear aligner treatment over traditional methods.
If clear aligner therapy sounds good to you or your child, you may be wondering how much it costs and how it compares to the cost of other orthodontic treatments. Here’s what you can expect to pay for the latest technology in orthodontics.
What Are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligner therapy is an orthodontic treatment designed to straighten the teeth and align the bite. Clear aligners are made of plastic, similar to retainers, that you wear over your teeth. Each aligner is slightly different to gradually shift your teeth into the desired position. You wear each aligner for about two weeks, then switch to the next. After you have worn all of the aligners, your treatment is complete and your teeth and bite should be properly aligned.
Average Cost of Clear Aligner Treatment
The average cost of a single course of clear aligner treatment may be anywhere from $4,500 to $7,200. Why is there such a wide range in the possible cost? There are many factors that affect the cost of clear aligner treatment for an individual.
Factors That May Affect the Cost of Clear Aligners
There are a number of factors that contribute to the exact cost of clear aligners for a patient:
- Your unique orthodontic needs. The biggest factor in the cost of clear aligner treatment is the extent of your personal orthodontic needs. In other words, the further your teeth will need to be shifted and the larger the movements required to achieve proper teeth and bite alignment, the more your treatment will cost.
- The number of aligners you need. Your orthodontic needs will determine how many aligners you’ll need to achieve the desired results. The more aligners you need, the more your treatment will cost.
- The length of your treatment. Another factor that plays a part in the cost of clear aligners is the length of your treatment. The more aligners you need, the longer your treatment will take, and the more it will cost. More monitoring appointments over a longer treatment time will also be taken into account when calculating the cost.
- Your age. Clear aligner treatment for adults tends to cost more than it does for children and teens. This is because the teeth are easier to move and shift when kids are still growing. Adult teeth are more set in place and typically take longer to shift into alignment.
- The location of your provider. Geographic location factors into the cost of clear aligners as well. You may get a higher quote in areas with a higher cost of living.
- Insurance. If your dental insurance includes coverage for orthodontics, clear aligners may qualify. In this case your insurance will pay for part of your treatment, bringing down the total cost.
Do Clear Aligners Cost More or Less Than Braces?
These days the cost of clear aligners and traditional metal braces is comparable. It used to be that clear aligners were more expensive, but over time the cost has been reduced to make it more equal to braces.
Why Choose Attleboro Family Dental Care?
Attleboro Family Dental Care provides comprehensive dental services as well as orthodontic services under one roof. Not only is this convenient for our patients, but it allows us to provide the best possible care. We monitor each patient’s orthodontic health as well as their dental health from a young age, which allows us to provide orthodontic treatment at the optimal time for successful growth and development.
Call 508-222-2510 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.