Invisalign affordability for patients with periodontal disease in South Lamar

The monthly out-of-pocket cost for Invisalign for patients with periodontal disease in Austin ranges from $150 to $250 on average. Quarterly periodontal maintenance costs an additional $100 to $200. Studies suggest that three-month maintenance intervals are important in long-term oral health in patients treated for periodontal disease [1] (Ganji et al., 2024). Specialized periodontal cleaning is necessary to remove trapped plaque from the Invisalign attachments. When not removed every three months, plaque in the aligner tray increases the risk of bone loss. Our team at Enamel Dentistry South Lamar has provided you with an affordability guide to calculate the cost for Invisalign while managing periodontal disease.

female patient sitting in the dental smileing with straight teeth and health gums

For patients with periodontal disease in South Lamar, the total cost of ownership is the combination of professional aligner trays as well as specialized periodontal cleanings, such as scaling and root planing.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/periodontitis”>American Dental Association suggests that scaling and root planing are ideal for patients with periodontitis [2] (ADA, 2022). Specialized cleanings are required to remove plaque  – the small tooth-colored pieces of resin bonded to the enamel – from your Invisalign attachments.

These attachments have microscopic edges that trap food from your meal at the Bouldin Creek Cafe, resulting in plaque formation. Six-month cleanings are standard care for healthy patients. However, patients with a history of gum disease need to factor in 3-month cleanings for D4910 (insurance billing code) periodontal maintenance., 2023). When factoring cost, you are not only paying for a straighter smile; you are paying for a periodontal safety net to ensure your teeth are healthy when your tooth alignment treatment is complete.

At Enamel Dentistry South Lamar, our team utilizes a low-force method to slowly move the teeth and protect your alveolar bone. Medical literature provides evidence that light force application should be used for patients with periodontitis for a better healing process [4] (Huang et al., 2018). Standard orthodontic treatments move teeth more quickly to provide results more quickly; however, for those with a history of periodontal disease, moving the teeth too quickly can cause destruction of the alveolar tissue. Here is an example of how our team prepares treatment for Invisalign patients: 

  • Initially, our team utilizes iTero 5D digital scans of the mouth to ensure only 1-2 teeth move at a time, reducing the risk of inflammation and making each appointment predictable.
  • Before the first tray is made, our team performs an examination of the gums to ensure they are stable for treatment. This could involve an initial deep cleaning, which can be factored into your financial plan, ensuring there are no large, upfront surprises.
  • Whether you are a wellness enthusiast going to Zilker Park or a career-climber hitting downtown Austin, our team coordinates your periodontal maintenance with Invisalign check-ups.

Feature

Invisalign (Standard)

Invisalign (Periodontal Safe)

Monthly Fee for Aligners

$150 to $250

$150 to $250

Cleaning Frequency

Bi-Annual

Quarterly

Additional Quarterly Cost

$0

$100 to $180

Attachment Care

Brushing Teeth

Professional Cleaning

Risk of Bone Loss

Low

High (No maintenance)

Our team knows that you are already managing a high cost of living in South Lamar. Choosing between a straighter smile or a weekend at ACL does not need to be a source of stress. At Enamel Dentistry South Lamar, our goal is to make a straight smile accessible. Insurance coverage for treatment is optimized to lower your monthly out of pocket cost. SunBit and Cherry are two flexible financing options that we provide to manage the remaining out of pocket cost for treatment.

1. Are periodontal cleanings covered by local Austin dental insurances?

Most dental insurances in Texas cover periodontal maintenance. Although, there is often a limitation for the number of visits that are covered in a year. At Enamel Dentistry South Lamar, our team optimizes your insurance coverage, ensuring that you receive the most from your insurance for your quarterly appointments.

2. Should I skip my periodontal maintenance visit to save money this month?

No, skipping a periodontal maintenance visit allows the bacteria on your invisalign attachments to penetrate deep into the gums and can lead to bone loss.

3. Are there additional fees for removing stains from Invisalign attachments?

No, at Enamel Dentistry South Lamar, stain removal is included in your periodontal maintenance cleanings. Our professional cleanings remove stains from your attachments without damaging your enamel or the resin.

Dr. Hardik Chodavadia, DDS, provides comprehensive general and cosmetic dentistry at Enamel Dentistry in Austin, TX. With extensive clinical experience, he specializes in preventive care, gum health, restorative dentistry, and minimally invasive aesthetic treatments. He is committed to delivering safe, evidence-based solutions that keep patients comfortable and informed at every step.

[1] Ganji, K. K., Alam, M. K., Alkhwaitm, M. A., Al-Hammad, K. A. S., & Sultan, S. (2024). Comparing the Efficacy of Different Maintenance Intervals on Preventing Disease Recurrence in Patients with A History of Periodontal Treatment. Journal of pharmacy & bioallied sciences, 16(Suppl 1), S768–S770. https://doi.org/10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_1002_23

[2] ADA. “Periodontitis.” Www.ada.org, 9 June 2022, www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/periodontitis.

[3] Rouzi, M., Zhang, X., Jiang, Q., Long, H., Lai, W., & Li, X. (2023). Impact of Clear Aligners on Oral Health and Oral Microbiome During Orthodontic Treatment. International dental journal, 73(5), 603–611. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.identj.2023.03.012

[4]Huang, H., Yang, R., & Zhou, Y. H. (2018). Mechanobiology of Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells in Orthodontic Tooth Movement. Stem cells international, 2018, 6531216. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/6531216

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