My wisdom teeth are coming in, and I have five teeth crowding on the bottom. I want Invisalign but wonder whether my wisdom teeth will interfere with it. Also, how much does Invisalign cost? Is it worth it, or are metal braces better? – Thank you. Naomi from NM
Naomi,
Thank you for your questions.
Dr. LeSage would need to examine your teeth and take x-rays before determining whether you are a candidate for Invisalign and how your wisdom teeth would affect treatment. Still, we will provide general information regarding wisdom teeth and orthodontic treatment with Invisalign and other braces.
How Will Wisdom Teeth Affect Invisalign Treatment?
Erupting wisdom teeth can affect the results of orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign and other braces. If you have impacted or misaligned wisdom teeth, your dentist will recommend removing them before orthodontic treatment. Reasons to remove wisdom teeth before orthodontic treatment include:
- Impaction
- Infection
- Poorly positioned
- Cysts at tooth roots or in the jawbone
- Crowded teeth
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
Invisalign can cost approximately $3500 to $8000, depending on the complexity and length of your case. The average cost in the U.S. is about $5000, but simple cases can cost less. It is best to have an Invisalign dentist examine your teeth and take x-rays to get an approximate cost for your case. If you have dental insurance, your plan may offer benefits for orthodontic treatment. Keep in mind these facts about dental coverage.
- You will have a lifetime maximum for orthodontic coverage.
- Plans only pay for a percentage of your care.
- Your out-of-pocket expenses will likely exceed what dental insurance covers.
Contact your dental insurance company to ask about plan benefits. After you get a treatment estimate from an Invisalign provider, your insurance company will explain how much they will cover and what you can expect to pay. See our post, Which Insurance Covers Invisalign?, for further details.
Getting the Best Results with Invisalign
Invisalign allows you to remove aligners to eat and brush and floss your teeth. It will be easier to maintain good oral hygiene than with metal braces. Depending on your case, Invisalign can be just as effective as traditional braces. After the treatment, you will need to wear a retainer to prevent your teeth from shifting to the original position.
Beverly Hills Fellow of cosmetic dentistry Dr. Brian LeSage sponsors this post.