How Much Does Invisalign Cost? Part 1 of a 3 Part Series

The perfect smile. As the science of cosmetic surgery progresses, a straighter and whiter smile is top priority for an individual interested in improving their appearance. Until recently, the only options for straightening crooked teeth were uncomfortable, unattractive metal braces. Invisalign significantly changed how some orthodontic professionals approach mild to average tooth misalignment (malocclusion) in teenagers and adults. 

The simple fact that an individual wearing Invisalign is nearly impossible to pick out made the product extremely popular. But short of a consultation with a dentist, it is difficult to get a straight answer as to how much Invisalign costs. There are several reasons for this, one simply being that everybody’s teeth are different. Let’s take a look at them and try to find, at least, an estimate of how much Invisalign costs.

First, you need to know how Invisalign works to understand how much it costs. Through a series of aligners called trays that are made from a thermoplastic material, Invisalign slowly straightens specific teeth. The aligners resemble teeth-whitening trays and are nearly invisible to detect which contributes vastly to their popularity. According to the treatment plan created by your doctor, you will be supplied with a series of these tray aligners (sometimes more than 20 depending on the severity of the case) that will slowly reposition your teeth. You’ll wear each tray for 2-3 weeks and then switch to the next one in line. During each of these stages, the trays supply force to certain teeth, gradually adjusting them for proper alignment. Each instance of aligners only works on a particular part of the mouth, so if you have a severe malocclusion you may need as many as 20 aligners or more and that means higher costs. Many of the more difficult cases require a combination of Invisalign and orthopedic facial devices or even metal braces. This can also contribute to how much Invisalign costs, with some extensive treatments soaring beyond $10,000 dollars.

In the next article in this series about Invisalign, we’ll delve deeper into lab fees, material and product costs and why location is the leading contributor to how much Invisalign costs.

How Much Does Invisalign Cost? The Finale

In the previous two articles covering how much Invisalign costs we learned how Invisalign gradually straightens your teeth through the use of a series of aligners and how that can lead to higher costs depending on the severity of the malocclusion. We also saw an example of an Express Invisalign procedure and all the associated fees and costs. In this article we’re going to examine how to save money on an Invisalign treatment and how much Invisalign costs after any possible insurance benefits.

When looking to save money on an Invisalign treatment, one thing that you should never compromise is the skill and experience of the dentist. Although, you may pay higher dentist’s fees for a more talented orthodontic professional, you will also get better results from your Invisalign treatment. But many dentists offer regular discounts reducing how much Invisalign costs by a significant amount. Look in your local newspaper for special offers on Invisalign.

Another factor contributing to how much Invisalign costs is the quality of material that the dentist uses when preparing the plastic aligners. Brackets are used to attach the plastic trays to the backs of the teeth and are made of different material. Gilt, sapphire, metal and even ‘wild’ types that produce glowing effects are available. Be sure to speak with your dentist about which type they plan to use on your Invisalign treatment.

Some orthodontic professionals offer special interest free payment plans. They may also offer discounts if the procedure is paid in full or on a credit card. To find out about these special offers ask your dentist during the consultation regarding your Invisalign procedure.

Insurance, as with any medical procedure, is always different depending on the type and amount of coverage. But there are a number of dental insurance packages on the market that cover orthodontic treatments and will help lower how much Invisalign costs. And there are even braces specific insurance, under which Invisalign is covered, that have been reported to pay for up to half of an Invisalign procedure.

If we have learned anything throughout this series it is that short of a consultation with a dentist it is hard to get an exact figure on how much Invisalign will cost. The best an individual interested in Invisalign can hope for is to get a ballpark estimate of the price before going to see the actual dentist. But also remember to speak with your insurance provider and look for any office related discounts before you start your Invisalign treatment routine.

How Much Does Invisalign Cost? Part 2 of a 3 Part Series

In the previous article about how much Invisalign costs we examined exactly how Invisalign works and why that, combined with additional procedures for extremely severe malocclusions (crooked teeth), can lead to the soaring price of Invisalign products. Here we’ll examine some less-than-visible fees, how location affects pricing and why the severity of the malocclusion can have an extreme effect on how much Invisalign costs.

When you begin researching Invisalign as a viable substitute to braces or to help perfect a smile, you must understand that it is not a commodity but a professional service provided by a dentist or orthodontic professional and thus, take into account the out-of-pocket costs for the Invisalign material, the dentists (and their teams) price per hour, lab fees and records fees. These fees can add up to a considerable amount, usually $2,000 to $3,000 of the overall cost of the procedure.

There are also two different types of treatments available depending on the severity of the case, the Express and the Full or Complete. The Express usually consists of 10 trays or less and lasts for 6 – 8 months, while the Complete can involve up to 20 or more trays and ranges from 12 – 18 months long. Needless to say this can affect how much Invisalign costs by a huge amount, with the Express, in certain states, being as low as $2,800 dollars while the Complete in the same state being as much as $8,000 dollars or more. On the national level, the average of how much Invisalign costs is more than $5,000 dollars. 

Here is an example of an Express Invisalign treatment routine, meant for mild malocclusions, and its related fees and costs from the state of Indiana:

• ·         Total amount per Express routine (10 trays/ 3 weeks apiece): $3,500  to $4,000
• ·         Consultation fee (some dentists are free): $25 to $75
• ·         Various X-rays: $200 to $400
• ·         Records fee: $500 to $800
• ·         Computerized analysis of procedure and results: $400 to $600

As you can see, there are nearly $2,000 dollars in fees alone, adding up to almost half of the overall cost of an Invisalign procedure. Complete Invisalign treatments have been reported at nearly double the price of the Express listed above and some as high as $10,000. Be sure to catch the next article on how much Invisalign costs and learn how insurance and a little research can help you save money on an Invisalign procedure.

If only there were more hours in the day...

Sometimes I wish there were six or seven extra hours in a day. It is so hard to get everything done that I have planned. Especially with this new business that I am working to build. It makes working on my book a lot harder.

Internet Article Broker is what I have dubbed myself. I suppose Websters Dictionary would describe it as a person whom buys inferior articles at a low price, edits and rewrites them to sound and flow better and then sells them to clients who need unique content in bulk.

So what I am trying to say to the 0 people who actually read this thing. Landon and Casstus will be on hiatus for awhile unfortunately, because I love them and want to develop them further. But if there is anyone out there and you can hear me please come back because I will have other thoughts and stuff posted here.

Later

Read This Or I Will Send Casstus Raye The Invincible To Assasinate You

"Most of those stories are exaggerations, young man." Casstus replied simply. "How is Kagen? With his Harem I hope."

"Yes Lord Casstus, he is and getting fat since the end of the war." Horib ended with a soft laugh. He was obviously the eldest and most dominate of the brothers.

Casstus didn't particularly care about the two in front of him or their father. He was focused on the twenty tense warriors that he sensed hidden around the massive and mostly pitch black hall.

      The Dark Disciple of the Wicked Flame could pick out five to his right with crossbows at-the-ready, 10 scattered behind him - assorted weapons in hand. The other five crouched aggressively, on the balls of their feet like Ridge Tigers waiting to strike.

      He stared crystal blue daggers at the two brothers eyes until uneasiness field them and they stepped behind the throne.

"Shall we, Master?" Casstus smirked briefly. Drakath chuckled in amusement, "We shall, my Disciple" And waved his massive hand.

      Casstus stayed seated but turned his chair to the left as crossbow twangs echoed through the strangely silent hall followed instantly by dull thuds as the quarrels impacted the teak wood and red-velvet chair. Now, directly in front of him, the five Deathguards poised to leap from the shadows met a hail of tiny balls of fire spewing from the outstretched fingers of the Dark Disciples hands. Each marble-sized globe of flame scorched and seared themselves through bone and flesh, leather and metal with equal intensity; burning vital organs and killing instantly anyone caught in the fiery spray. He rolled head-over-heels into the darkness and disappeared.

      Casstus, using his late father's teachings, melded into the shadows as he stooped to retrieve a sabre and knives from the nearly incinerated body of a foolish Deathguard. He pressed himself against a pillar breathing heavily as he slipped a dozen throwing-stars and daggers into various slits and slots in his heavy leather armor. Calling on the chaotic and barely controllable ball of strength and will, what he had begun to call Mani, allowed him to do amazing things but at a cost.

      Every time he forced strength into his limbs to achieve unbelievable speed and power or channeled the inherent heat of his body to throw flaming balls of fire, he weakened and needed a moment to recover. The Disciple had to be especially careful of drawing to greatly upon his Mani for it could utterly destroy him, burning his body from the inside and leaving nothing but ash and melted jewelry.

      The Dark Disciple took a deep breath, steadying the raging inferno of power threatening to burst through the mental barrier encompassing it, then leaped dozens of feet over his toppled chair and landed in the middle of five startled crossbowmen trying desperately to crank their bow winches. With a flurry of slashes and cuts, dodges and parries - all blazingly fast and lightening quick - eviscerated bodies began crumpling to the ground without so much as a muffled moan.

      Again Casstus flattened himself against a pillar and channeled Mani to enhance his senses, sending them out across the great hall. He could smell the fear and anxiety of the ten remaining Deathguards. He heard the faintest sounds of sabers, swords and pikes lightly brushing leather or metal and the hushed whispers of the remaining Deathguards.

"Fal protect us where is this monster?" One croaked quietly.

"Fal protects the brave not cowards, Dratith. Undercap'n, Raldamnit what …" Casstus pulled his senses back not interested in their plan, he had his own,

      Stepping from the darkness, saber held loosely in his hand as he drug the tip across the rock floor, Casstus Raye the Invincible strolled nonchalantly into the center of the big hall. "Undercaptain,, order your troops if you must but I would rather not kill such a distinguished and recognized unit of Drakarr'Kan's finest." He said that last word with an indignant snort attached to the end. Through his Mani enhanced senses he could hear growls and curses and snarls. And then the patter of leather soled feet moving swiftly over the granite floor.

      With the same blazing speed of his sword-work, the Dark Disciple hurled throwing stars and knives with his free hand into the rushing Deathguards. Nine bodies fell, leaving the Undercaptain - recognizable by the crossed swords embroidered on his collars - charging straight for Casstus.

      The Dark Disciple and soon to be Ta'Fain of the Wicked Flame, sidestepped and crouched at the very last instant using all his might and the tiniest bit of Mani to drive the saber through the officer, cutting him in two at the waist.  The momentum of the running man carried his bottom half several paces while his torso toppled forward, spilling organs and intestines in a sickening plop.

      Casstus stepped over the still gurgling and sputtering Undercaptain sticking the blade into his chest and continued toward Drakath and the applauding brothers.

Casstus'Raye Gets Tested

The banebow chronicles

by

Michael J. Davis

Casstus’Raye

      On the night Drakath named his Disciple Ta’Fain – an old tongue word meaning “master” – Casstus found out how true the old High-Chiefs words had really been.

      Drakath’Mal ordered him to the Keep throne room, a rare occurrence considering they usually met on the practice field or the conditioning area. When he arrived, the darklord lounged on his large iron throne languidly eating raw strips of meat, blood trickling down his chin. Casstus approached slowly, studying the strange etchings on the black granite floor and puzzling over the pulsing throb of the vein like lines covering the walls. The sparse torchlight revealed but a fraction of what he assumed to be thousands of glyphs and pictograms, some large and some small, carved into the ground. As to their purpose he couldn’t even speculate.

“Ancient things of magic, Casstus, far beyond your understanding.” Drakath said, as though he had read his disciples mind. Perhaps he had. “I said nothing, Master.” Casstus responded and saluted in the Drakarr’kan fashion, fist placed sharply to forehead. “You summoned me?” Drakath ate another strip of meat, flecks of blood and bits of some pulverized beast flying from his mouth as he spoke. “Yes, Disciple. Sit.” Casstus glanced around for a chair then began to sit on the ground when a man dashed from the shadows carrying a cushioned, high-back chair, set it behind him and then disappeared just as quickly.

“You have mastered the Wicked Flame sooner than I expected. Very impressive.”

“Thank you, Master.” Casstus said making himself comfortable in the chair.

“But I think I would enjoy seeing one final test of your skills before I name you Ta’Fain.” A devious smile creased the darklords lips.

“What did you have in mind?” Casstus asked nonchalantly.

“Ah, just a demonstration for some interested parties. But before I introduce our spectators allow me to explain what it is I would have you do. I have 20 of my Deathguards hidden within the hall, prepared to attack and kill you at my command.” He waved a hand and a man rushed out, retrieved the empty bowl from the arm of the throne and then scurried into the shadows. Casstus never flinched.

“You will be given no weapons and granted no mercy. My Deathguards will use all their considerable might and every instrument available to them to destroy you. I advise you to do everything in your power to prevent them.”

“And these spectators?” Casstus asked as he crossed his legs at the knees and shifted his weight, leaning further back in the chair.

      Even before he had learned the Wicked Flame, Casstus had been practically fearless. Now, with his Mana safely locked within him and ready for use whenever he should call upon it, dying had become a forgotten word in his vocabulary. He was so confident in his abilities that even the threat of Drakath’s highly trained and heavily armed Deathguard – any one easily capable of dispatching a dozen or more berserking Scale heathens without even breaking a sweet – gave him no anxiety or nervousness. All that he felt was the pulsing and surging of his Mana preparing for the inevitable. And eagerness.

“Horib, Terib, Come forth.” The Darklord boomed as though he needed to be heard but two young men appeared immediately from the gloomy, blackness behind the iron throne. Casstus knew them. “Kagen’s boys?”

“Indeed. They are to be my next disciples. I will teach them the Wicked Flame as I taught you.” The two stepped forward and each clasped forearms with Casstus. Horib, dark-haired and eyed like his father, introduced himself last.

“And I am Horib’Kaet, Lord Casstus. Our father has spoken of your exploits many times. It is an honor to finally meet Casstus’Raye the Ghost.

Really busy...

Wow! I have been really busy over the last week. It's busy in a good way, however. I landed several writing projects over the weekend. One is, of course, the usual SEO article rewriting project that I have been seeing a lot of lately.

However, the second project is for a local business owner. This gentleman has hundreds maybe even thousands of used car parts, some from antiques, that he wants me to write ads for and place on E-Bay. I have never done any E-Bay marketing but it can't be that hard. As with any well written ad the importance lies within the title. If you can catch a potential consumers interest with a catchy title, it becomes easier to close the sale with the body of ad.

I will return shortly with more of The Banebow Chronicles. I have a bit written down but I have yet to reach a decent stopping point so that is what I am trying to do.