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Hi again Angela. Maybe you can help me. My teenage daughter needs her teeth straightened
and is begging me for Invisalign instead than traditional braces. I understand all Orthodontic
treatment can be expensive so I am wondering what you know about the cost. Well Gerry,
firstly, I can give you the good news. Most dental practitioners allow you to pay off
the bill over the course of treatment. Some even don't expect an initial deposit. So,
if you are going o pay for the treatment over, say 18-24 months, you should plan to spend
around $300-$350 per month to pay it off. That is really good news. It certainly makes
the payments more manageable. What else do I need to know? The most important consideration
is whether to take your daughter to a specialist or a general dentist. Specialists in the field
of braces are called Orthodontists, they have done on average three-four years of formal
post-graduate training in order to register as a specialist orthodontist. As a rule, you
would expect to pay more to receive their expert care. Thats fair enough. How do I found
out if any dental practitioner whether general or specialist is experienced specifically
in Invisalign treatment as distinct from conventional braces. Invisalign Australia has its own website
(invisalign.com.au), you will find two groups of providers listed on the site. Platinum
providers refers to all practitioners with experience in Invisalign treatment. The second
category, Platinum Elite providers, details those practitioners who are the most experienced
in the field. OK now, if I am limited by my budget can I trust an experienced general
dentist to treat my daughter with Invisalign? Absolutely. General dentists, especially experienced
ones, can provide Invisalign, but remember the more challenging the case the more strongly
advised to consult a specialist Orthodontist before embarking on such a course of treatment.
For example, a patient might have over crowded teeth or have complications with their bite
or their own particularly high expectations of the treatment. Do I need a referral to
see a Orthodontist and will it cost a lot to get their opinion? No, a referral isn't
necessary and your daughter scans, x-rays and dental records can be transferred from
your existing dentist so their is no doubling up of costs. Some orthodontists will also
give you a consultation that's free or charge just a nominal fee. It's worth asking how
much when you call to make an appointment. O, and don't forget if you have any doubts
about the specialists registration of an orthodontist, check them up on the APRA website. That's
great advice Angela, thank you.