Are you considering braces for your child? Have you ever considered the benefits of Invisalign?
Believe it or not, Invisalign is becoming an increasingly popular choice with teens. And they may not cost as much as you think.
Here’s what you need to know about choosing a clinic in Brentwood TN for your child’s Invisalign needs.
Why Invisalign?
Many parents still opt for traditional metal braces for their teens for a variety of reasons. They’re inexpensive and many young people like to express themselves with different colored brackets and wires.
Invisalign, however, has gained popularity among youth in recent years. The series of clear aligners gets replaced every two weeks as teeth gradually shift into place.
Invisalign trays are clear, so they’re almost invisible when worn. They also enable people to eat almost anything because they get removed when someone is eating.
Invisalign aligners are easy to care for and allow for easy teeth cleaning. They’re comfortable, convenient, and easy to wear.
Invisalign can also be a shorter treatment, lasting only twelve to eighteen months. Your child will, however, begin seeing results within weeks.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
Invisalign can be a bit more expensive than traditional braces, at around $4,000-$7,400 per treatment. The actual cost of your Invisalign will depend upon a number of factors. These include the complexity of your child’s case, your geographical location, and the length of the treatment.
Before choosing an orthodontic clinic for your child’s Invisalign, you’ll want to find out if they take your dental insurance. You’ll also need to call your insurance company and find out about how much of the cost of braces they’ll cover.
Find out about the treatment plans offered by different practices before you make a final decision. Some orthodontists, for example, may allow you to make smaller payments each month in order to make the cost more manageable. Others can give you a discount for paying for the full treatment upfront.
Many families make their children’s braces affordable with a Health Savings Account (HSA). This is usually offered by your employer as part of your health insurance plan. It allows you to set aside a certain amount of money each month that is tax-sheltered and can be used to pay for things like cosmetic dentistry and vision needs.
If your company doesn’t offer HSAs, you might be interested in finding out about a Flexible Spending Account (FSA.) This will also give you the opportunity to keep some of your income from being taxed by putting it into a special health needs account.
The main difference between an HSA and an FSA is that an HSA is owned by you, while an FSA is owned by your employer. With an HSA, you can use any funds that don’t get spent during the course of a year during the next year.
How Can I Choose a Quality Clinic in Tenessee?
It’s important to choose a local clinic when searching for an orthodontist, as your child will need to return periodically for routine check-ups and maintenance.
Friends and family who have had their kids wear Invisalign or traditional braces are a great place to start. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Were they happy with the overall result of their treatment? Was the staff friendly and knowledgeable? Were there any unexpected complications along the way?
If you can’t get any personal recommendations, go online, and search for orthodontists in your area. Read online reviews and get an idea of what former patients are saying.
You may notice, for example, that several patients mention a particularly kind technician or orthodontist. Or some may mention that braces weren’t recommended until your child’s mouth was really ready. Reviews should give you confidence that you’re making a smart decision.
Once you’ve found some clinics that you’re happy with, call them up and ask for at least three references you can speak to.
You can also call prospective practices and ask about their prices for Invisalign, as well as the payment plans they offer. Going with the least expensive plan isn’t always the best move, since some orthodontists may make you feel more comfortable or have a payment plan that’s better suited to your needs. But you’ll want to know that the price you’re paying is reasonable for your child’s treatment type in the Brentwood area.
Your Child’s First Invisalign Appointment
It will take a more mature teen to keep up with Invisalign. While traditional braces stay on all the time, your child will need to be responsible for taking out their aligners when they eat and re-inserting them to make sure their treatment is effective. They’ll also need to take care of basic hygiene, such as brushing and flossing their teeth and cleaning their aligners.
For your child’s initial consultation, your orthodontist will examine their mouth and determine whether or not Invisalign is a good option for them. Once they’ve decided on the treatment, the orthodontist will take X-rays, molded impressions, and pictures of their teeth.
Finally, your child will return for their first set of custom aligners. These will get replaced every two weeks. Each set may be a bit uncomfortable at first, but they’ll fit better as your child’s teeth begin to adjust.
Smiling On!
Choosing Invisalign for your child is an important decision that involves a bit of care and research. Once you’ve found the right treatment and an excellent orthodontist, your child will be well on their way toward a healthy, beautiful smile that will last them a lifetime!
Don’t stop getting smart about your child’s oral health now. For quality orthodontic care in the Brentwood area, contact us today.