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Invisalign sounds just about perfect: an alternative to braces that allows you to straighten your teeth without anyone noticing. So, what’s the catch? It’s expensive.
Invisalign’s high prices have led many people to opt for more affordable mail-order clear aligners like SmileDirectClub in recent years. However, Invisalign remains a popular option for people seeking hands-on care.
If you’re looking into Invisalign treatment while trying to stick to a budget, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll discuss various factors that can impact treatment costs and how to keep your Invisalign bill as small as possible.
5 Factors That Impact Cost
There’s no flat rate for Invisalign treatment because the cost depends entirely on how many office visits and aligners your condition requires. The only way to get a specific estimate for your customized treatment plan is to consult your dentist or orthodontist.
That said, average costs for Invisalign are generally between $3,000 and $8,000 (most often falling somewhere around the $4,000-5,000 mark). Certain cases can fall outside this range, but chances are you’ll end up paying something close to the average.
You can ask your friend how much they paid for their Invisalign aligners, but it could be completely different from what you pay because your teeth are unique! Again, you’ll want to schedule an examination and consultation to get an accurate, personalized estimate.
Worried About The Price of Invisalign?
If you’re worried about Invisalign’s high price tag, you’re not alone. Fortunately, Invisalign isn’t the only clear aligner brand out there, and many of its competitors are more affordable. If you’re interested in straightening your teeth without breaking the bank, visit our review of the best Invisalign alternatives below.
Five Factors That Impact Your Treatment Cost
Your Invisalign price is based on several factors, each of which can have a significant influence on the bottom line.
Invisalign can treat almost the entire spectrum of dental and jaw misalignments. This is because regular office visits allow your dentist or orthodontist to modify your treatment and supplement your aligners with attachments that can facilitate more drastic or complex teeth movements.
However, more acute conditions take more time and supplies to correct, and your dentist’s time and supplies cost money. Therefore, a severe condition might end up with higher overall costs.
Like many other professions, more experienced, in-demand dental professionals can charge higher prices. But this isn’t always the case with Invisalign providers.
Invisalign places each of its providers on a scale called “Invisalign Advantage,” which consists of eight tiers, ranging from Bronze to Diamond II. Dentists and orthodontists earn points for each Invisalign treatment they complete, allowing them to advance to higher tiers. A comprehensive Invisalign package, for example, is worth 100 points. To reach the highest tier (Diamond II), a provider needs 20,000 points, so Diamond-ranked providers are highly experienced.
In some cases, more experienced providers charge higher prices for orthodontic treatment, while inexperienced ones lower their prices to attract new customers. However, Invisalign gives lab fee discounts to their ranked providers — the higher your tier, the bigger the discount. For example, a Silver-tier provider receives a 10% discount, while a Diamond II provider receives a 46% discount. Some providers will pass on these savings to customers by lowering their Invisalign fees.
After you complete all of your aligners, your teeth will be nice and straight: a sparkling new smile. And you want to keep it that way.
Teeth have a natural tendency to shift back after they’ve moved. To prevent this from happening, you’ll need to wear retainers, all day at first and then just overnight.
Invisalign works with Vivera to produce these retainers, which look much like your aligners but are even more durable. As a reputable high-quality company, Vivera’s retainers will cost a few hundred dollars, but the exact price varies between providers.
Most of the time, your Invisalign treatment will deliver the exact results you expect. Regular office visits allow your doctor to continuously evaluate your progress and make adjustments when necessary to keep you on track.
But occasionally, there can be a hitch in the plan. Maybe your teeth move more slowly than initially expected, or they just don’t look like the original treatment plan showed. In cases like these, your dentist can issue a refinement: new custom aligners that will fine-tune your smile. If you’re on Invisalign’s full treatment plan, refinements won’t often cost extra, but you should ask your dentist or orthodontist to confirm.
Certain places are simply more expensive to do business. In the United States, individuals living in the Northeast or along the West Coast will tend to pay more. In addition, if your doctor’s office is in a city or another expensive area, their rent, utilities, etc. will cost more. Ultimately, this can mean higher costs for patients.
Below, we have estimated the typical price you can expect to pay for Invisalign treatment based on where you live within the United States. These ranges are estimates based on what we know about Invisalign costs, national survey data, and some information from a few local orthodontists.
When you’re looking at treatments that can cost a few thousand dollars, payment plans can be comforting. These financing options break down that intimidating price tag into manageable monthly chunks.
Invisalign doesn’t have one overarching financing option. Instead, they leave that up to specific dentists and orthodontists. Most dentist offices provide financing, so it’s just a matter of finding out which ones are available to you. There are also third-party financing providers out there, but they can potentially come with higher interest rates.
Some financing options require a credit check to qualify while others don’t. If you’re not confident in your credit score, you’ll want to seek out one with no credit check. And while monthly payments are nice, they also allow interest to accrue, increasing your final cost. For this reason, it’s better to pay up front if you have the financial flexibility.
If your dental insurance includes orthodontic benefits, they’ll likely cover part of your Invisalign treatment. Of course, insurance coverage varies on a case-by-case basis. Sometimes an insurer will consider clear aligner treatment cosmetic and refuse to cover it. In other words, you shouldn’t assume that Invisalign will be covered just because your dentist recommends it — check with your insurance provider first to make sure.
Alternatively, if you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), your dentist’s office may accept payments from either. These tax-free funds – which may receive contributions from your employer – could be more convenient than paying out of pocket.
How Does the Cost Compare to Other Clear Aligners?
As we’ve already mentioned, Invisalign is one of the more expensive options out there, especially when compared to at-home aligner options like SmileDirectClub, Byte, and AlignerCo which cost $1,200-$2,300. But there’s a good reason for this.
With Invisalign, you’re paying for the personalized care and expertise of your dentist or orthodontist throughout your entire treatment, as well as the ability to treat more severe conditions. This consistent in-person care ensures treatment quality, safety, and effectiveness.
For some people, the peace of mind that they’re getting facetime with a highly skilled professional every 4-6 weeks is enough to justify the higher prices. We think that it’s well worth the cost if you have a severe condition like a bite misalignment, or prefer traditional one-on-one dental care. But if your condition is minor and you’re looking for the most affordable, convenient option, at-home teeth aligners are worth considering as well.
Interested in At-Home Clear Aligners?
At-home clear aligners offer many benefits, including a lower price tag and a shorter treatment timeline than Invisalign. If you like the idea of straightening your teeth without paying a premium for in-person care, we encourage you to compare your options. Read our review of the 5 best at-home clear aligners to learn more.
All of this comes down to one question: does it work with your budget? Your personal financial circumstances are the most important consideration. But as you measure various options against your finances, it’s important to consider all the factors that can influence costs. Even if a sticker price looks appealing, that might not end up being what you pay.
But don’t focus so much on price that you neglect other aspects of clear aligner treatment, like effectiveness, convenience, appearance, and customer support. While you probably have specific priorities, you don’t want to make a decision on just one thing. Be well-rounded in your research and honest in your priorities and it will empower you to make a confident, well-informed decision.
Will insurance help pay for Invisalign?
Will insurance help pay for Invisalign?
If your insurance covers orthodontic treatment, Invisalign treatment could be covered in part or in full. To learn more, visit our guide on insurance coverage for Invisalign.
Are there discounts that make Invisalign more affordable?
Are there discounts that make Invisalign more affordable?
Invisalign itself does not offer discounts. However, some dentists, orthodontists, dental schools, and clinics run their own discounts.
Can I get financing to pay for Invisalign?
Can I get financing to pay for Invisalign?
This depends on the doctor you work with. Many do offer financing. If they don’t, you might be able to work with a third-party financing company.
Why does Invisalign cost more than other clear aligners?
Why does Invisalign cost more than other clear aligners?
When compared to at-home clear aligners, Invisalign costs more because it is administered in a clinical setting. Looking at other traditional in-office aligners (like ClearCorrect), the difference in price mostly comes down to the fact that Invisalign has the name-brand recognition that others do not, giving them the room to charge a bit more.
Do at-home clear aligners work as well as Invisalign?
Do at-home clear aligners work as well as Invisalign?
Yes, as long as your condition isn’t too severe. If you have a severe case of spacing, crowding, or complex bite issue, Invisalign (or braces) will be a better fit for you.
Can I do things to reduce the cost of Invisalign treatment?
Can I do things to reduce the cost of Invisalign treatment?
To a degree. We suggest:
Contacting providers in more affordable areas that are still close to your home.
Following treatment directions to end treatment sooner.
Asking about Invisalign Express, a shortened version of Invisalign treatment.
Talking to your dentist or orthodontist about discounts.
Are there any hidden costs in Invisalign treatment?
Are there any hidden costs in Invisalign treatment?
Not really. It is possible a dentist or orthodontist won’t be upfront about all the costs that factor into treatment, but this isn’t so much a hidden cost of Invisalign as it is not being transparent as a practice. You should also consider that retainers cost money and will be needed after you complete treatment!
Should I trust Groupon Invisalign deals?
Should I trust Groupon Invisalign deals?
There is nothing inherently dangerous about discounts through Groupon or similar sites. Just be sure to research the doctor offering the discount before buying!
How Much Does Invisalign Cost and How Can I Pay for It? - Healthline
WHAT IS THE TRUE COST OF INVISALIGN? - McDermott Orthodontics
What Is the Cost of Invisalign and Do the Results Justify It? - Garland K. Davis DDS
COST COMPARISON: INVISALIGN VERSUS BRACES - Robison Orthodontics
Pursuing orthodontic treatment as an adult can feel stressful and overwhelming. At Smile Prep, we strive to make the process as easy as possible for our readers. Our guides and reviews cut the fluff and give you the information necessary to take a confident step toward your smile goals.
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Smile Prep is not affiliated with or sponsored by Invisalign in any way. In the interest of transparancy, we maintain a disclosure page that outlines our affiliate policies and practices. Views and opinions expressed in this article are ours alone.
Concerned About the Cost of Orthodontic Treatment?
Online teeth alignment services now make it possible to straighten your teeth for a fraction of the cost of braces or Invisalign. We've reviewed and ranked the top providers.
July 17, 2022 at 6:33 pm
I just started my treatment and I only have 8 aligners to achieve straightening. Why was my cost of $4400 charged at the beginning of treatment before knowing how long (number of aligners) it would be?
July 7, 2022 at 2:47 pm
I was wondering does the current inflation calculate into your estimates? I live in Maine and have had several consultations for Invisalign and for a orthodontist to do the treatment ( which I have had a dentist say that it is necessary for my case) is at least 7000. I did get a consult in late 2020 and was quoted 6000 for total treatment but that number has gone up 1000 since. I would be willing to travel if I could get the treatment for 6k. To be honest, 7k is difficult to justify at this time.
July 12, 2022 at 2:11 pm
The price levels presented in this article are based on research we conducted in 2020, so indeed it wouldn’t surprise me if costs have generally gone up a bit higher given high levels of inflation. One thing to consider is that Invisalign is often a bit pricier than some of the other in-office clear aligner treatment platforms (e.g. ClearCorrect, SureSmile, Spark Clear Aligners), as the company behind Invisalign (Align Tech) tends to charge orthodontists a relatively high lab fee, which gets passed along to the patient. In addition, if you’re willing to get treated by a general dentist as opposed to an orthodontist, you may also be able to realize some cost savings. Finally, you might also consider at-home treatment with a direct-to-consumer provider like Byte or NewSmile.
August 20, 2021 at 11:54 am
My son needs braces or Invisalign but we have a tough situation. He will be going to study dance in Monte Carlo for the school year, only home for Christmas break and summer. So, is there anyway to do this without the monthly office visits?
August 25, 2021 at 6:18 pm
Traditional braces would probably be out of the question, since they generally require regular, in-person adjustments. In addition, you’ll want an orthodontist to be physically accessible to repair broken bracket (pretty common with braces).
Invisalign, on the hand, may be an option for your son (especially if his condition is fairly mild). Dentists typically check in with their Invisalign patients at least once monthly. However, most of these visits don’t require any physical adjustments or procedures, and can be completed remotely. In fact, many Invisalign providers have integrated video technology to facilitate virtual/remote check-ins.
You can also look into “at-home” aligner treatment, which doesn’t involve any office visits.
May 21, 2021 at 10:15 am
The District of Columbia is not on your list of average pricing. While not officially a state, we do have a larger population than several of those listed. #dobetter
June 21, 2021 at 2:12 am
Hi Theresa – thanks for the suggestion! We’ll plan to add a District of Colombia Invisalign Cost Guide.
March 19, 2021 at 3:27 pm
I am a 82 female, I live in WOODLAND HILLS CA. With some hesitation I agreed to have INVISALIGN to correct shifting teeth and jaw pain. I paid my dentist $2,149.00 for the initial down payment. When it came time to have the INVISALIGN’s attached to my teeth, I knew that I would not be able to have the work done. I admitted it was my fault in not considering all aspects of the procedure. I did not do my homework and that is my fault. My question is why don’t my dentist return my calls and do I owe him the balance of $2,159.00
March 19, 2021 at 4:40 pm
Hi Betty – I’m sorry to hear about your experience. Before starting a new patient with Invisalign, dentists typically pay a “lab fee” to Align Tech (the makers of Invisalign). This fee covers the production of your clear aligners, and is often as high as $1,000 to $1,500. Part of the reason many dentists charge a down payment for Invisalign is to help cover this fee. Because of this, the dentist may push back on returning your down payment if their office has already paid this fee. On the other hand, while I can’t say for certain, I don’t think it’s very likely your dentist would expect you to pay the remaining balance of $2,159 if you are no longer planning to get treated. Did you sign any sort of contract before paying the down payment? If so, that document may help clarify whether (a) you may be entitled to a full/partial refund on the down payment, and (b) whether or not you have any ongoing obligation to pay the remaining balance (which I think is very unlikely).
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5 Factors That Impact Cost
How Does It Compare?
Concerned About the Cost of Orthodontic Treatment?
Online teeth alignment services now make it possible to align your teeth for a fraction of the cost of braces or Invisalign. We've reviewed and ranked the top providers.