Does Invisalign Cost More than Dental Implants?

Dental professionals are trained to treat a variety of issues. Two of the most common ones are malocclusions and misaligned teeth. Both of these are easily treated.

At Cambridge Dental in Brick, NJ, we offer a wide variety of dental treatments. Two of our most popular options are Invisalign clear aligners and dental implants. Invisalign is used to treat mild to severe dental malocclusion, while dental implants are used to replace one or more missing teeth.

In this article, we’ll explain the differences between the two treatments, including which one costs more.

Invisalign

For many years, patients with dental malocclusions had only one option: traditional metal braces. However, in the late 1990s, that changed with the introduction of Invisalign- a system of clear aligners (similar to a retainer) that gradually shifted teeth into their appropriate position within the jaw.

We start with a consultation visit to determine if you qualify for treatment with Invisalign clear aligners. This visit includes making impressions of your mouth. We can use these to create a digital model of what you can expect with treatment. If you agree that you want to move forward with treatment, we will send the impressions to the lab for the fabrication of your aligners.

When we receive the aligners, we will schedule your appointment to have the first set fitted. We will then send you home with the rest of your aligners, with instructions to wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day and switch to the next set every 1 to 3 weeks, based on your malocclusion. At the conclusion of your treatment, you will be given a retainer to keep the teeth in their new position.

At first, the retainer will be worn just like the aligners, for 20 to 22 hours a day. You will eventually wean down to where you are only wearing it at night.

Invisalign takes 12 to 24 months to resolve most cases of mild to moderate cases of malocclusion. Patients with very mild cases may see results within the first 6 months of treatment, while patients with more severe cases may need up to 24 months and may require attachments to hold the aligners in place.

Treatment with Invisalign is based on the type and severity of your malocclusion. The cost of Invisalign clear aligners is comparable to traditional metal braces, with a price tag of $3,000 to $8000. Unfortunately, many dental plans consider Invisalign to be cosmetic, not medically necessary. Therefore, they often don’t cover this treatment option. The good news is that we offer several financing options for patients who need it.

Dental Implants

Many of our patients at Cambridge Dental come to us because they are missing one or more teeth. There are several reasons for missing teeth, ranging from genetics to bad habits. However, no matter what the reason for it, we have several solutions: dentures, bridges, and dental implants.

One of the most popular options is dental implants. This tooth restoration solution looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth. Dental implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth or can be used as a support for several missing teeth.

The process takes several months to a year or more, depending on how long it takes you to heal between stages. The first step is the consultation to determine your condition and your needs/expectations for treatment. At this time, we will take x-rays and other imaging to determine the placement of the dental implants.

The first step is to make an incision in the gum and then drill a hole in the jawbone where the implant will be placed. Once we place the implant, the site will be closed, and you will be sent home to heal. This typically takes around 6 months because the jawbone is healing around and fusing with the implants.

Once the implant is secured, we will open the incision back up and place the abutment, which is the piece that will connect the prosthesis to the implant. A healing cap will be placed over it to keep the gum from healing over it. During this time, the lab will be fabricating your custom false teeth- whether a single crown or a full set of dentures- which usually takes about 2 weeks.

When your false teeth are returned to the office, we will schedule an appointment to have you come in and have it placed. Once we are sure that it fits properly, it will be secured based on your treatment plan- permanent or removable.

On average, a single dental implant costs between $3,000 to $4,500, while a full-mouth restoration can cost around $50,000+. While this tooth restoration solution does restore functionality, many dental plans also consider this to be cosmetic, and therefore elective, and will not cover this procedure.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you are missing one or more teeth or you have a dental malocclusion, schedule your consultation today with the team at Cambridge Dental in Brick, NJ. Dental implants are the gold standard of tooth replacement and Invisalign is a more aesthetically pleasing alternative to metal braces.

Unfortunately, many dental insurance providers consider both of these cosmetics and may not cover them. However, there are some that will cover a portion of the treatment. Our office staff will work with your provider to determine coverage.

If you do not have coverage or your coverage is inadequate, we do offer financing options, including CareCredit.