Best Invisalign places in South Bay? (+ Student & Invisalign Day & more questions)

[SFBayAreaDude]

After my consultation tomorrow morning, looking to get second/third opinions. In this economy, want to make sure I'm getting a good deal. The consultation is part of one of those Invisalign Day things (If I sign up, get $500 of treatment and free teeth whitening...the latter not essential for me)

QUESTIONS:

+ Now that Invisalign is 10 years old, I reason that prices tend to go down over time...any truth to that? (Guinea pig theory.) Or is it the real estate rule for price...location, location, location?

+ For those who live in the San Francisco Bay Area (South Bay) are there any recommended providers?

+ For the price estimate of full treatment, does that also include the price of the retainer once you're done with the plan...or is that extra?

+ From what I read in the forums, looking to push for Invisalign Teen (just a marketing name really) which is a good deal, even though I'm an adult. Having the Blue wear-indicator aligners and six free individual replacement aligners looks to be, again, a good deal...

+ Also, it should be known I'm a student at SJSU. Does Invisalign give discounts to students?

+ I'm also paying out-of-pocket dental insurance through Delta Dental, though I don't think they cover orthodontic procedures...

+ Of course, I will be consulting my dentist of 10 years before I go through anything rash...

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[Zoso]

Invisalign Teen is more than just a marketing name: there are changes both in the price plan and the product itself. In terms of pricing differences, the biggest is that the Invisalign Teen program includes up to six free replacement aligners. In terms of technical differences, the Teen product includes "compliance indicators" and ridges to help torque the upper front teeth if necessary, as well as being made so as to allow for the complete eruption of any teeth that may not be fully erupted at the start of treatment.

The price you pay for your treatment will be between you and the prescribing orthodontist - Invisalign does not work directly with the patient. And, as it happens, the Teen product costs the provider more, though some may choose not to pass the extra fee on to the patient. You should certainly clarify with the ortho you choose just exactly what is included in your contracted price, as this does differ from one provider to another. It is common for your first set of retainers to be included, and not uncommon also for some number of follow-up appointments also to be covered once you are into retainers. But by no means would I say that ALL orthodontists include these.

One possible option to try to pare back the cost might be to explore whether there might be a dental school nearby that offers this type of treatment.

[Teresuzza]

[QUOTE=SFBayAreaDude;8951]
QUESTIONS:

+ Now that Invisalign is 10 years old, I reason that prices tend to go down over time...any truth to that? (Guinea pig theory.) Or is it the real estate rule for price...location, location, location?


Hi,
It must be true that prices tend to go down over time. I went for a quote on Invisalign about 8 or 9 years ago and I was quoted $8500 Cdn. I just started treatment and I'm paying $5,500. I was actually presently surprised to find out that the prices had changed. I think back then the product was still relatively new and not many ortho's were using it so the prices were still quite high.