How Much Does Invisalign Cost?

Last updated November 4, 2021

A young woman holding an Invisalign aligner in her hand smiling

Tired of hearing, “it all depends” when you ask how much does Invisalign cost?

We get it. But unfortunately, it’s the truth.

The cost of your Invisalign treatment… This text opens the Invisalign page in a new tab … will depend on various factors. But lucky for you, we cover it all in this guide!

How much does Invisalign cost?

If you Google, “How much is Invisalign?” you won’t find one straightforward answer.

Some sources claim the average Invisalign cost is between $3,000 to $5,000… This text opens a new tab to the Your Dentistry Guide website…, while others say $3,000 to $7,000… This text opens a new tab to the Healthline website… or $8,000… This text opens a new tab to the Colgate website….

So let’s play it safe and assume the price of Invisalign varies somewhere between $3,000 to $7,000.

The reason for this price range is because your cost all depends on factors like:

The severity of your case
How many clear aligners are needed
How many appointments are needed
The dentist’s time for labor
The location and average price in your city

The only way to find out how much Invisalign costs is to schedule a consultation.

During the consultation, your Invisalign provider will take a digital scan of your teeth, which will then populate a treatment plan and an estimated cost.

Bonus: You can even preview a digital 3D model of what your completed smile will look like!

Double bonus: Many dentists offer Invisalign consultations for FREE, so there’s no risk.

Which is cheaper: braces or Invisalign?

There isn’t an agreed-upon cost for braces. Sources claim the price can vary anywhere between $2,000 and $6,000. And specialty braces like lingual can range up to $10,000!

Most of the time, you’ll find the cost between Invisalign and braces is similar.

Keep reading to learn about the pros and cons of Invisalign.

How to save money on Invisalign

If cost is holding you back, don’t worry. Here are four ways to help you save money.

And don’t forget:

Invisalign is a permanent solution. Your one-time investment will pay dividends throughout your life. Straightening your teeth prevents future dental problems, which are often costly, both on the wallet and your health and confidence.

1. Dental insurance

If your dental insurance covers traditional orthodontics, it should also cover Invisalign.

Many insurance policies cover up to $3,500 for orthodontics.

Depending on the cost of your treatment, that could mean your insurance covers Invisalign for free!

2. Dental savings plans

Don’t have insurance? Find a dentist who offers an in-house dental membership plan.

For example:

At Joyner Dental Arts, our dental savings plan includes a 20% discount on services like Invisalign, which could save you hundreds of dollars!

Plus, our plan covers all your preventative care (cleanings, exams, and x-rays) at no additional cost.

3. Payment plans

Many dentists offer monthly payment plans, so you don’t have to pay your dental bill upfront. Ask your dentist about their payment options during your consultation.

4. Flexible spending accounts (FSA) or health savings accounts (HSA)

Does your employer offer an FSA or HSA?

These accounts allow you to set aside pretax dollars toward healthcare costs, which include Invisalign.

Invisalign: pros vs. cons

Is Invisalign worth the money?

Let’s compare the pros and cons to find out.

Pros

The aligners are virtually invisible. This is probably the #1 reason why millions of people across the world prefer Invisalign. Hardly anyone will notice your treatment!
You can remove the aligners to eat, drink, brush, and floss. Whereas braces are permanently adhered to your teeth and can only be removed by a professional, and often gets food stuck between them.
Treatment time may be quicker than braces! The average Invisalign treatment is 12 to 18 months.
Aligners are more comfortable than braces because they gradually move your teeth. Plus, you don’t have to deal with pokey wires or brackets.
Invisalign is the only clear aligner system that uses SmartTrack® material, which makes the aligners fit snugly around your teeth, easy to take off, speed up treatment time, and straighten your teeth with more predictability.
You’ll save time and money by visiting the dentist less. Adjustments are made by switching to the next set of aligners. With braces, you must visit the dentist frequently for manual adjustments to keep your treatment progressing.
A dentist monitors your treatment, so you get the most effective treatment and results. Other aligners, like SmileDirectClub, don’t offer face-to-face doctor care.

Cons

You can loose or break the aligners since they are removable. This may delay your treatment and cost an additional fee to replace.
If you don’t wear your aligners as directed, your treatment may take longer or be less effective. Typically, you need to wear your aligners for 22 hours per day.
Invisalign is typically not suitable for complex cases. In this instance, braces may be your best option.

Request an Invisalign quote today!

Want to find out how much your Invisalign treatment will cost? And what are your options to afford it?

Contact your nearest Invisalign provider for a consultation to get started.

If you’re located near Cedar Rapids, IA, contact Joyner Dental Arts! Our Invisalign dentist, Dr. Deb Joyner, is accepting new patients and offers FREE consultations.

Our office is proud to serve patients from all over the Cedar Rapids area, including Marion, Hiawatha, Robins, Springville, Anamosa, Central City, and Center Point.