Although braces are usually the first option that comes to mind when considering orthodontic treatment, Invisalign is another excellent choice. Invisalign’s clear aligners have the advantage of having a more appealing visual profile, increased comfort, and more ease with basic dental hygiene. On the other hand, metal braces can potentially irritate the mouth and gums, are quite apparent to the eye, and can make tasks like brushing and flossing your teeth more difficult. For these reasons, among others, patients seeking orthodontic treatment are turning to Invisalign more often than ever. The main caveat for Invisalign, however, is the price. Invisalign tends to be more expensive than alternative orthodontic treatment options, and this trend holds true in the state of Oregon. To learn more about Invisalign treatment in Oregon and what factors play into the cost, read on!
What is the cost of Invisalign in Oregon?
The overall cost of living tends to be higher in areas on the coasts of the United States, which is reflected in the price of goods and services like Invisalign. In Oregon specifically, Invisalign tends to cost slightly more than the national average, with the price falling within the range of about $4,500 to $7,000.
Average cost of Invisalign Portland
Portland is one of Oregon’s most well-known and popular cities, and as a major urban center the price of Invisalign Portland will again tend to be slightly higher, coming in around $5,000 to $6,500. Like the state of Oregon as a whole, this places Portland on the higher end of prices for Invisalign nationally.
Is Invisalign Oregon worth the investment?
Each prospective Invisalign patient will have to make their own determination about whether or not the higher cost of Invisalign is worth it to them. The cost of Invisalign is not exactly the same for everyone, with various factors playing a role in every patient’s specific case. Nobody but the patients themselves (or those helping to cover the cost of Invisalign treatment) can truly make the decision for them.
Factors affecting cost
The cost of Invisalign is not uniform but instead tailored to each individual patient’s case. One of several factors that can influence the Invisalign price is where you live. As briefly discussed above, areas with a higher cost of living also tend to have higher fees for most goods and services. Invisalign dentists or orthodontists in these areas will likely charge patients more for their services. Therefore, more expensive places in Oregon, such as Ashland, Corvallis, and Bend will likely also have higher prices for Invisalign treatment. More affordable areas, on the other hand, including Hermiston, North Bend, and Umatilla. At these locations, you may be able to find Invisalign offered at a lower price compared to the state average in Oregon.
Another major factor in the cost of Invisalign is the complexity of the orthodontic problems that are being treated. More straightforward orthodontic issues include gap teeth, crowding, and some forms of overbite, crossbite, and underbite. Some forms of bite problems could be considered “complex,” as well as some other problems that involve more of the jaw. More complex issues usually require more time to treat successfully, leading to an increase in the cost of treatment. Furthermore, more complex cases being treated with Invisalign require a greater number of aligners for the duration of the treatment plan, which further drives up the cost of Invisalign.
Some cases might not be entirely resolved via Invisalign treatment. For these cases, the patient would likely be recommended to pursue alternative options by their orthodontist prior to beginning Invisalign treatment. These alternative options could be metal braces, oral surgery, or other types of orthodontic appliances that can accomplish shifts in the teeth and jaw that are not currently possible with Invisalign alone.
Reading a review on Invisalign could also be a beneficial step when deciding whether or not the treatment is worth the high cost. A comprehensive review of the process gives you more insight into what the day-to-day aspects of treatment would actually look like, and individual reviews by patients give you a glimpse into the experiences of others who have already completed or are currently undergoing Invisalign treatment.
A huge piece of deciding whether or not Invisalign treatment is considered to be worth it or not is patient satisfaction. If the patient is happy with the results of their Invisalign treatment and what their smile looks like, they are more likely to report that it was worth the investment than those who either not like the final appearance of their smile.
How to make Invisalign Oregon affordable?
Although Invisalign is more expensive than the typical orthodontic treatment, this does not mean it can never be made affordable. Read on to find out some of the ways the cost of Invisalign can potentially be reduced and made into a more affordable option.
The first thing to check out when looking for ways to reduce the cost of Invisalign is to see if it is covered by insurance. When doing so, be sure to read the fine print, as not all forms of dental insurance will cover Invisalign as a form of orthodontic treatment. Some companies exclude Invisalign and will only help pay for metal braces since they are the less expensive of the two options and can treat the same issues.
More affordable forms of dental and orthodontic treatment can sometimes be found through low-cost Oregon dental clinics, such as the dental clinic offered by the University of Oregon. However, these clinics tend only to help cover the cost of routine dental procedures and check-ups, and unfortunately, they do not cover the cost of orthodontic treatment like Invisalign.
The Oregon Health Plan (OHP) beneficiaries also do not receive coverage for Invisalign regardless of age, as this plan covers emergency dental needs, basic routine care, oral surgery, and some forms of restorative or prosthodontic care. This is because many insurance companies do not cover the cost of Invisalign: while it is an effective treatment option for orthodontic problems, it is not the only option, nor the cheapest option, available.
There are also several different payment options available that can make Invisalign a more affordable option. These include insurance coverage, specific payment plans offered by orthodontic clinics themselves, third-party financing options, and savings accounts from which you can draw money for orthodontic expenses.
Many orthodontic clinics allow their patients to pay for their treatments, including Invisalign, with no down payment and low monthly payment fees. A monthly payment plan is an excellent option for those looking to make Invisalign treatment more affordable, as it allows the cost of the treatment to be spread out more over time as opposed to being paid for all at once.
There are also two specific types of accounts from which patients may choose to draw money for their treatment. The first of these accounts is a Flexible Savings Account (FSA), which is a tax-advantaged account managed by your employer that can be used to cover a variety of health-related expenses. The other type of account is a Health Savings Account (HSA), which is self-managed and can also be used to pay for health-related expenses, including Invisalign.
Invisalign Alternatives in Oregon
If Invisalign doesn’t seem like the best choice for your personal circumstances, other great options are available aside from metal braces. These include lingual braces, which are placed on the inside of the teeth, and Damon braces, which utilize a self-ligating system instead of the small rubber bands that are typically used with metal braces. There are also telehealth companies that offer clear aligners similar to Invisalign, with the added advantage of not having to travel back and forth to an orthodontist’s office.
Best Invisalign Providers in Oregon
If you are looking for a quality Invisalign provider in the state of Oregon, you should be sure to check out Thornton Orthodontics. With locations in Creswell and Eugene, Thornton Orthodontics seeks to provide affordable orthodontic treatment for all of its patients. They offer 0% financing to most of their patients and accept most major credit cards and insurance plans. Additionally, they offer Lending Point as a third-party financing option that allows patients to pre-qualify their treatment cost. If you would like to look into more alternative options, like “orthodontist Medford Oregon” or “Invisalign Portland Oregon,” Invisalign offers a convenient search function on their website that allows patients to look for orthodontists within their zip code.
While Invisalign in the state of Oregon might be more expensive than Invisalign in other areas and more expensive than metal braces, it can be made into an affordable treatment option. With a combination of insurance coverage and different payment plans, patients can manage their finances in a manner that allows them to select Invisalign as their orthodontic treatment if they would like to do so.
