While conventional braces are still popular in the UK to straighten misaligned teeth, a new type of treatment has emerged recently, the Invisalign. It involves wearing clear aligners that fit onto the teeth surface tightly, without giving any discomfort.
This blog aims to discuss the Invisalign costs in the UK. Several factors like extent of crookedness, location and dentist expertise are responsible for this – we will cover them all below.
Continue to read until the end to make an informed choice and embark on to a straighter smile that lasts till a lifetime!
Average Invisalign Cost in the UK
Invisalign treatment is a bit expensive, ranging from $3500 to $4500 (on average). It is due to the procedure’s newness and implementation of advanced technology and materials.
Besides, the severity of your issue can also be responsible. Here is a simplified price list:
- For mild cases: £2,000-£3,000
- For moderate cases: £3,500-£5,500
- For extreme cases: £5,000-£7,000
All these mentioned prices are in general and may fluctuate. Typically, initial appointment, follow-ups and retainer treatment; everything is included within the package.
What factors affect Invisalign cost?
Number of aligners required: If you have severe crooked teeth, treatment plan will be extended. This means you will need greater number of aligner sets.
- Geographical location of the clinic: Clinics in metropolitan cities like London will charge premium price than those located in less-developed towns.
- Experience level of the orthodontist: A highly qualified dentist having special knowledge on Invisalign will charge more than a general dentist.
- Pre-treatment procedures: Before proceeding with Invisalign, the dentist diagnoses your current dental condition. Procedures like tooth extraction may be employed after that.
- Aftercare treatment: For maintaining Invisalign results, retainers are required. These are generally exclusive of the treatment price.
- Advanced technologies: Procedures like 3D scanning and digital modelling are implemented to create personalised aligners. This increases the material cost.
How to manage the Invisalign price?
In order to minimise the treatment costs, you must follow the tips below:
- Check the Insurance Coverage: Contact your dental insurance provider to understand the coverage details before the treatment starts. This will help to avert unexpected high prices.
- Ask for a Treatment Estimate: Feel free to discuss with your concerned dentist about the treatment estimates. It will help in understanding how much extra resources you may need in future.
- Review Your Dentists’ Network: If your plan comprises a network of dentists, make sure you go for an in-network provider. It will reduce your costs significantly.
- Reconsider Payment Plans: If you have greater out-of-pocket expenses, check out whether your dentist offers alternate payment plans or financing options. Such an approach will help in proper distribution of the final costs.
- Inquire if there are special offers on Invisalign: Some clinics provide discounts on appointments and treatment packages. Look for such opportunities, especially if it is your first time in getting Invisalign.
- Submit Claims: When you choose an out-of-network provider, make sure to maintain the receipts properly. Accordingly, you can submit them to the concerned insurance company for obtaining the reimbursement.
- Obtain multiple quotes from dental clinics: Before you decide on to get Invisalign treatment, compare a handful of locally available clinics. Consider obtaining multiple quotes; this will aid you find the best deal that does not compromise on service quality.
- Check out less complex Invisalign Plans: If your issue is small, you can entitle yourself to obtain Invisalign Express or Lite. The costs are comparatively less than the full treatment method.
Alternative ways to minimise Invisalign costs in the UK
Worry not if you lack a dental insurance – you can still straighten your teeth.
Here is a list of some reliable options to consider.
- Dental Schools
Certain dental schools in London provide discounts on their services. Here, the students are guided by certified professionals so that there is no compromise on quality. - Public Clinics
These are run by local government and can greatly reduce the overall treatment price. Sometimes, the services are given free, too. However, a thorough analysis is essential to learn about the quality of services. - Use the NHS
Although the National Healthcare System does not cater to cover Invisalign expenditure for adults, adolescents can avail the benefit (provided they do not exceed 18 years of age and have severe orthodontic problem). - Government Dental Coverage
If you fall under particular income criteria, chances are high that you will be entitled for government-catered health care programs. This includes special tooth treatments, too. - Dental Financing
Many tooth clinics offer affordable financing plans that help to break down the cost into small, manageable chunks (payable on a monthly basis).
Other budget-friendly teeth straightening options to consider
If the Invisalign is non-affordable to you, check out the below teeth straightening methods.
- Conventional fixed braces: Average costs are £1,500-£3,000, functioning similar to Invisalign. Consist of metal brackets and wires.
- Ceramic braces: These are made of porcelain; offering a better aesthetic solution to straighten teeth. Costs between £2,000-£4,500.
- Lingual braces: These are a more discreet and aesthetically beautiful teeth straightening alternative. The cost generally varies between £4,000 and £10,000.
Is Invisalign really worth the cost?
Invisalign may seem to be a huge investment, however, for many; the advantages exceed its costs. Not only the clear aligners are aesthetically pleasing, but they also free you from the hassle of periodically adjusting the metal brackets. And the best part is that you will not experience any kind of gum irritation by wearing those.
Conclusion
Although Average Invisalign cost in the UK varies widely, making an informed decision can save you. Try visiting your local orthodontic offices and obtain quotes from them to get a personalised cost estimate. This will help you get a clearer idea of the quality of services and know the dentists’ credentials in detail. Once you are done, quickly book an appointment in any of them and entitle yourself to a healthier, aligned set of teeth!
Read Also: Scaling and Polishing vs Regular Brushing: Why You Need Both