How Much Does Invisalign Cost and Is It Worth It?

Thinking about getting invisible braces? You have more options than ever before to improve your teeth. Invisalign treatment costs between $3,000 and $7,000, although most people spend $5,000 or less, according to The Consumer Guide to Dentistry.

That's in line with the cost of traditional metal braces, which ranges between $3,000 and $10,000. The cost of invisible braces at home, however, is typically between $1,200 and $2,400.

If you're ready to upgrade your smile, here's what you need to know about the cost of Invisalign as compared with at-home clear braces, how to pay for treatment, and whether it's the right choice for you.

Invisalign Pros:

• The aligners are nearly invisible, so they don't affect your appearance.
• You can take them off to eat and brush your teeth.
• Treatment is usually quicker than with traditional metal braces and requires fewer dentist visits.
• Invisalign is generally more comfortable than traditional metal or lingual braces.
• Invisalign can be used to treat more severe or complex orthodontic problems.
• Treatment may be covered by insurance.
• Most people are happy with their results.

Invisalign Cons:

• It costs more than other types of clear aligners.
• Invisalign requires regular dentist visits.
• No set fees; Invisalign costs depend on the dentist and treatment plan.
• Fees and treatment time may change depending on progress and results.
• Invisalign treatment doesn't include the cost of retainers and aftercare.

Invisible Braces	Price
Invisalign	$3,000 - $7,000
Byte	$1,895
SmileDirectClub	$1,950
Candid	$3,000 - $7,000
AlignerCo	$1,145

Factors That Affect Invisalign Cost

Although most people spend between $3,000 and $7,000 on Invisalign braces, your costs could be higher or lower depending on your treatment plan.

In general, four main factors determine how much Invisalign costs:

Complexity of Treatment

Most invisible braces are designed for mild cosmetic misalignment issues of the teeth. Invisalign can treat more severe teeth and jaw misalignments, but it requires more dentist visits and aligner trays.

Because you work closely with your dentist, your treatment can be tweaked and refined if you're not getting the results you expect. These refinements and custom aligners may be included in your original treatment cost, but some dentists charge extra for those services.

Dentist Experience

Invisalign awards points to dentists who perform Invisalign treatment. As they complete more treatments, the dentists advance into higher provider tiers.

Dentists in the highest provider tiers get significant discounts (as much as 40% or more) on Invisalign lab fees. Some dentists pass these savings on to their patients.

On the other hand, these highly experienced providers can also charge more for their services than dentists who haven't completed very many treatments.

It's worth checking your dentist's provider tier and comparing costs if there are several providers in your area that offer Invisalign.

Where You Live

Invisalign costs vary based on where you live. In general, you'll pay more for Invisalign in urban and suburban areas than you will in rural areas.

Not surprisingly, California and New York have some of the highest Invisalign treatment costs. The lowest Invisalign costs are in rural midwestern and southern states.

Retainers and Aftercare

Most dentists recommend that you wear a retainer after your Invisalign treatment to keep your teeth from shifting. Retainers aren't included in Invisalign costs. The price will vary by dentist, but you can expect to pay between $400 and $1,000 for a full set.

Does Insurance Cover Invisalign Treatment?

Most insurance plans cover Invisalign the same way they cover traditional braces. If your insurance pays for orthodontia, it should pay for treatment with Invisalign.

Keep in mind most plans don't pay the full cost of braces. It's common for plans to pay a percentage of the bill or a fixed amount toward orthodontic treatment. You'll most likely have a balance even after your insurance company pays.

Some states require insurers to cover orthodontic care for children, but that requirement doesn't apply to adults. If your plan pays for adult orthodontic care, it may only do so to correct a medical or functional issue with your teeth or jaw.

It's rare for insurance plans to pay for braces for cosmetic reasons. You'll probably have to pay the full cost of treatment if you only want braces to improve your appearance.

If you're not sure about your insurance benefits, you can download the Invisalign app and check your coverage. The Invisalign app has coverage information for most major insurance plans so you can see exactly what your plan will pay.

Other Ways to Pay for Invisalign

Invisalign Monthly Payment Plans

Most Invisalign providers offer monthly payment plans, but they aren't standardized by the Invisalign company. Some dentists work with health care financing companies like Denefit and Care Credit. The finance company pays the cost of your Invisalign treatment, and you make monthly payments to the finance company.

Other providers finance Invisalign treatment themselves. You usually make a down payment before treatment begins and pay the balance in installments over the course of your treatment.

Because Invisalign providers choose which type of payment plans to offer, it's important to ask what's available before you agree to treatment. Be sure to check interest rates and other applicable fees so you get the best deal.

No-interest credit cards

Some people use credit cards to pay for Invisalign. You can avoid finance charges if you open an account with a 0% introductory rate and pay off the balance during the introductory period.

Ways to Save on Invisalign Costs

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

If you have a flexible savings account (FSA) through your employer, you can use those funds to pay for Invisalign treatment. Since FSA contributions are made with pretax dollars, it's like getting a discount on your braces. Many employers issue an FSA debit card so you can pay with FSA funds at the time of service.

Health Savings Accounts (HSA)

You can also use money in your health savings account (HSA) to pay for Invisalign. HSA funds are also tax-advantaged. Unlike flex spending accounts, however, you usually have to pay your health costs upfront with an HSA and request reimbursement from your plan.

How Invisalign Treatment Works

Unlike SmileDirectClub and other at-home aligner services, Invisalign is an in-person treatment. It starts with a visit to an Invisalign provider for a 3D scan of your teeth and a custom treatment plan.

You'll have follow-up visits with your dentist every six to eight weeks to chart your progress, make any adjustments to your treatment plan, and pick up your next set of aligners.

This in-person element means that Invisalign can help people with more complicated dental needs. It also adds to the cost of Invisalign treatment.

Alternatives to Invisalign Treatment

At-home aligners

If you have mild teeth misalignment, you may be able to use invisible braces at home with brands such as Byte or SmileDirectClub. These clear aligner trays are typically much less expensive than Invisalign. You can complete the treatment entirely at home without an in-person dentist visit. See our in-depth review of the best at-home aligners to help you decide whether this is a good option for your dental needs.

While most companies that offer at-home aligners offer payment plans, your insurance plan may not cover the treatment in the same manner as Invisalign is covered. Check with your plan for details. At-home aligner companies frequently offer monthly payment plans, and you may be able to use your FSA or HSA.