Are you looking for real information about the true Invisalign cost North Carolina?
The process of moving and straightening teeth to improve the look and function is a highly specialized field that requires special intensive training – that’s orthodontics in a nutshell. So if you’re wondering why orthodontic treatments are expensive, whether it’s old-fashioned traditional metal braces or new and innovative methods like Invisalign aligners that should easily answer your question. But, as with other dental care procedures, there are ways to get cheaper Invisalign treatment, especially when you reside in the Mid-Atlantic like North Carolina.
So, how much does Invisalign cost in North Carolina?
Cost of Invisalign Treatment in North Carolina
- Invisalign cost in New York: $3,000 $6,000
- Median average price for Invisalign in North Carolina: $5,000
- Invisalign cost in urban areas in North Carolina: $4,500 to $6,000
- Invisalign cost in suburban areas in North Carolina: $4,500 to $6,500
- Invisalign cost in rural areas in North Carolina: $4,000 – $5,500
The complexity and severity of the malocclusion dictate the Invisalign price
Not two Invisalign patients have exactly the same dental health condition and specifics in their malocclusion issues. This is why there is no set price for all Invisalign treatments; as different factors affect their total cost. One of the biggest factors that dictate the cost of Invisalign is the complexity and severity of the patient’s malocclusion (how bad is the “bad bite”). This is because Invisalign doctors have to factor in the amount of movement needed to get all the teeth straight and fix the bite, the amount of time the whole treatment could take, and the number of aligner trays needed.
Other factors that affect Invisalign cost
Other different factors that affect Invisalign’s cost are the geographical location of the dental office, the local competition of the dentist or orthodontist, the dental professional’s experience in providing delivering Invisalign treatment, and the patient’s dental insurance plan, etc.
In the case of North Carolina State, the average price for full Invisalign treatment ranges between $3,000 and $6,500. This is on par with the national average, which is unsurprising since dental care and dental fees in the state and its neighboring states are close to the national average.
Invisalign doctors can set their own pricing models
Also, note that each Invisalign provider can set their own fees. They have the authority to set their own fees based on their chair time, experience, the complexity and severity of the patient’s malocclusion, their overhead and operational costs, etc. Moreover, orthodontists usually charge higher than regular dentists, due to their specialized skills in the field and experience.
The quotes provided by Invisalign providers are usually all-inclusive. This means you can expect the initial quotes given to you during the initial consultation to be as close to the overall cost at the end of the treatment. The cost includes everything in the treatment procedure; from the initial consultation, an inspection of your teeth, and making digital scans, sending the scans to the lab where the custom-made aligners are manufactured, refining the aligners for a comfortable fit, follow-up check-ups every six weeks, and the post-treatment retainers.
The nice thing about Invisalign doctors (most, if not all), is they are pretty transparent in their pricing models for Invisalign treatment. Depending on the specifics of your case, you may find that while Invisalign cost may be comparable to traditional braces cost, the former can be cheaper in the long run when you factor in the re-adjustments (tightening) needed for braces and repairs should braces get broken and falls off (metal braces’ brackets and wires are prone to damage). Additionally, clear aligners are generally cheaper than other types of braces such as ceramic braces, lingual, and self-ligating braces.
Understanding Invisalign Cost in North Carolina
Generally, dental and orthodontic care in states located in the middle of the country is cheaper compared to states along the coasts. The northeast states have expensive dental care, while southern states such as Mississippi and Alabama have the lowest dental cost in the country.
Taxes also play a huge role in how Invisalign prices differ from one place to another. In the Mid-Atlantic States like North Carolina, taxes for dental and orthodontic treatments are lower than the national average. Sales tax in North Carolina is only at 4.75%, while corporate tax is at 2.5% to 7.5% (depending on their annual income). Combine that with the cost of living which is also close to the national average and you get an Invisalign treatment cost that is similar to the national average, if not cheaper.
Differences in Invisalign cost in urban, suburban, and rural North Carolina
Not only do Invisalign costs vary between states, but they also differ depending on exactly where you get them within the state. This is because the cost of living (rent, utility fees, etc.), and local competition can influence the pricing models for orthodontic treatments.
Invisalign cost in urban areas in North Carolina
The cost of living in Charlotte and Raleigh is considered expensive compared to the state’s average, but still fairly affordable compared to the national average. Both cities have more than 200 local Invisalign providers. This is great news for anyone looking to get the treatment; you can definitely find the best deal for your budget by simply shopping around. Not only that, these providers will have to compete to get clients, this means they will most likely set competitive prices, apart from special discounts, deals, and seasonal promos to entice people.
Aside from Charlotte and Raleigh, smaller cities like Durham, Fayetteville, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem are bustling urban hubs. While they may not have a lot of Invisalign providers, the cost of living is cheaper in these cities, which means there may be slightly more affordable options in these places.
China Grove and Lowell have affordable rates for orthodontic treatments, while Eastover and Meyers Park are often more expensive.
For the most part, the rural communities in the state are more affordable than their populous counterparts. This, of course, leads to more affordable Invisalign prices. Resort towns like Highlands and Blowing Rock, however, are the exception, since these places are expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much is Invisalign in North Carolina?
A. While it differs from one city to another, the average cost of Invisalign treatment in North Carolina is $3,000 to $6,000.
Q. How to make Invisalign Affordable in North Carolina?
A. Review your insurance coverage – if you have a dental plan, there’s a good chance it comes with orthodontic coverage. Not all dental insurance plans have it though, so review your dental plan or call your insurance provider to clarify.
Payment options – Most Invisalign providers offer affordable payment plans and financing options where you only have to pay for a small down payment and pay the rest of the treatment cost on monthly payments basis.
Q. How much does insurance cover for Invisalign treatment?
A. This differs from one dental insurance provider to another and the type of insurance coverage you have. But generally, they usually cover 20% to 50% of the overall cost of the treatment.
Q. How many trays are there in a full Invisalign treatment?
A. The number of trays needed differs based on the needs of the patient. On average, 14 trays are used to treat mild to moderate cases of malocclusions. That is approximately 6 to 7 months. More complex and severe cases will need more trays and a longer treatment period.
Q. Are there any good Invisalign alternatives out there?
A. Yes! While Invisalign is considered the best of its class, there are some viable options out there that are just as good when it comes to effectiveness and value for money. AlignerCo, Byte, Candid, and ClearCorrect are just a few of the many good Invisalign alternatives in the market.
You can read our guide to the best Invisalign alternatives right here.
Q. Are Invisalign faster than braces?
A. Generally, yes! Invisalign braces move the entire arch of the teeth by applying pressure on both the roots and the edge of the teeth. This allows Invisalign to fix most types of mild to moderate malocclusions faster (6 to 12 months) than braces (12 to 24 months).
Q. Can I use my HSA or FSA to pay for my Invisalign aligners?
A. Yes! Most dental clinics accept Health Savings Account (HAS) Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSA) as payment for Invisalign treatments.
Summary: Cost of Invisalign in North Carolina
Invisalign clear aligners aren’t only discreet and comfortable; they can also give you straighter teeth faster, minus all the inconveniences that come with wearing brackets and wires on your teeth. Find an Invisalign doctor in North Carolina today and get that perfect smile you deserve!