How much does Invisalign cost?
How much does Invisalign cost?
$5,000 – $7,000 average cost without dental insurance
$2,500 – $5,500 out-of-pocket cost with dental insurance
Invisalign cost
Invisalign costs $5,000 to $7,000 without insurance for patients with moderate crowding, spacing, or bite issues. Invisalign costs with dental insurance average $2,500 to $5,500 out-of-pocket. Invisalign prices can be as low as $1,500 for an Express treatment when there are minimal orthodontic issues to correct.
| Payment type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Invisalign cost without dental insurance | $5,000 – $7,000 |
| Invisalign costs with dental insurance | $2,500 – $5,500* |
*Varies by insurance provider and plan.
Average cost of Invisalign
Invisalign is a clear aligner system used to straighten teeth. Invisalign treatment costs $3,000 to $4,500 for simple cases and $5,000 to $7,000 for more moderate cases. Treatment includes a progressive series of invisible plastic aligners worn over the teeth. The trays apply gentle pressure to straighten the teeth over 6 to 12 months on average.
Invisalign costs are based on how many sets of trays you’ll need to straighten your teeth. Patients with mild crowding or spacing issues need less time and fewer aligners, which reduces the cost. Patients with moderate to severe crowding or complex bite issues take longer and cost more to treat.
| Package | Average cost | Number of aligners | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Invisalign Express | $1,500 – $3,000 | 5 – 10 | Teens and adults with very mild to mild crowding or spacing and no overbite or underbite issues |
| Invisalign Lite | $3,000 – $4,500 | 14 | Teens and adults with mild crowding, spacing, and no overbite or underbite issues |
| Invisalign Moderate | $5,000 – $7,000 | 20 – 26 | Teens and adults with mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and minor overbite or underbite issues |
| Invisalign Comprehensive | $7,000 – $8,000+ | 30 – 45 | Teens and adults with moderate to severe malocclusion, including major alignment issues between the teeth and jaws |
| Invisalign Teen | $3,500 – $7,000 | 14 – 26+ | Teens aged 12 to 18 |
| Invisalign First | $3,000 – $4,500 | Varies by case | Phase 1 treatment for kids aged 6 to 10 with mixed dentition |
All Invisalign patients should wear their alignment trays 20 to 22 hours a day to avoid a longer treatment timeline.
Invisalign Express
Invisalign Express is a faster and cheaper treatment costing $1,500 to $3,000 on average. This limited treatment consists of a series of 5, 7, or 10 aligner sets that are switched out every two weeks. Total treatment time is usually 10 to 20 weeks.
Since you cannot move roots in the shortened timeframe, this treatment has limited applications. Invisalign Express works best on front teeth or for patients with very minor crowding or a tiny gap to close.
Orthodontists most commonly recommend Invisalign Express for patients who wore braces in the past, but whose teeth shifted due to not wearing their retainers.
Invisalign Lite
An Invisalign Lite package costs $3,000 to $4,500 on average, depending on the provider and location. This treatment is suitable for patients with very minor orthodontic issues who don’t require extractions to create space.
The treatment package includes a series of 14 aligner sets that patients replace every 1 to 2 weeks, with total treatment taking about 6 months.
Invisalign Moderate
Most Invisalign patients require moderate adjustments costing $5,000 to $7,000 on average. This package includes an average of 20 to 26 sets of aligner trays that patients replace every 1 to 2 weeks. The total treatment takes 6 to 12 months in most cases.
The Invisalign Moderate package is suitable for teens and adults with mild to moderate crowding, spacing, or bite issues. Some moderate cases can take up to 18 months to complete, especially if the patient is not entirely compliant with wearing their trays.
Invisalign Comprehensive
Invisalign Comprehensive, formerly called Invisalign Full, has the highest treatment costs averaging $7,000 to $8,000+. Recommended for the most complex cases, the treatment uses a series of 30 to 45 aligners. Most orthodontists diagnose this package when the patient has moderate to severe crowding, spacing, and bite issues.
Comprehensive cases can take 15 to 24 months or more to correct and may involve pulling teeth from each quadrant to make extra space in the mouth. Most orthodontists refer the patient back to their general dentist or an oral surgeon for the necessary extractions.
Invisalign Teen
Invisalign Teen is a specialized version of the Invisalign orthodontic treatment system designed for teenagers. The treatment costs from $3,500 to $7,000 and takes 12 to 18 months, depending on the severity of the case.
Moving teeth in teens is usually faster than in adults because it’s easier to move roots in a jawbone that is still growing. However, teens are more likely to forget or lose their trays, which increases costs as this slows treatment down.
Invisalign Teen is the same treatment as regular Invisalign, except the aligners have a tiny blue dot on the back to monitor patient compliance.
Invisalign First
Invisalign First costs $3,000 to $4,500 and is designed for children who still have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, typically between the ages of 6 and 10. This is the first phase of a two-phase treatment, with Invisalign Teen being the second phase once they’ve lost all of their baby teeth.
A major benefit of this two-phase treatment approach is that this treatment holds space for permanent teeth to grow before they’ve erupted through the gums. Holding space can prevent teeth from crowding or overlapping, making the Phase 2 treatment more affordable since early treatment can prevent major issues.
Invisalign cost with insurance
The average Invisalign price is $5,000 to $7,000 without insurance. If you have a dental plan that covers orthodontic services you will pay around $2,500 to $5,500, but the rules can be confusing and differ with every provider and plan.
Most dental policies include orthodontic treatment once in your lifetime and cover up to 50% of the treatment costs. However, there is usually a Lifetime Maximum (LTM) benefit of $1,500 to $3,000, which often falls short of that 50% coverage.
Check with your dental insurance provider to confirm your orthodontic coverage and any annual or lifetime benefit maximums that may apply.
Invisalign cost factors
Invisalign and other types of invisible braces cost $2,000 to $8,000 and may be worth it for self-conscious teens or adults who want to avoid metal brackets and wires. Many factors affect the cost of Invisalign treatment, including:
Case difficulty – Severely misaligned teeth and complex bite issues take longer and cost more to complete than simple cases requiring minor adjustments.
General dentist vs. orthodontist – Many general dentists offer Invisalign services, but they often charge similar fees as an orthodontist. An orthodontist has far more experience straightening teeth and usually offers monthly payment plans while general dentists may not.
Geographic location – Dental services, including orthodontic treatments, are more expensive in urban areas with a higher cost of living.
Patient compliance – Invisalign patients need to wear their trays 20 to 22 per day, every day. Any non-compliance can lead to treatment delays and potentially added costs.
Dental insurance – Most dental insurance plans cover some portion of the cost of orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign. The amount of coverage varies depending on your plan.
Financing – Most orthodontists offer in-house financing plans with little or no interest. This allows patients to make monthly payments directly to the orthodontic practice.
Discounts may be available for cash or full upfront payments.
Family discounts may be available for additional family members seeking treatment.
Late fees may apply for missed payments.
Retainers – The final set of aligners becomes a removable retainer that holds the teeth in place after treatment, unlike in traditional braces where permanent or removable retainers cost extra.
Invisalign vs. traditional braces
Traditional braces cost $3,000 to $7,000, or about the same as Invisalign and other clear aligners. However, unlike traditional braces, you can take the discrete Invisalign trays out to eat, drink, and brush your teeth. The trays are virtually invisible and more comfortable than traditional braces.
| Treatment | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Invisalign |
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| Traditional braces |
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Invisalign FAQs
How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth and correct bite issues. At your consultation, the orthodontist will examine your teeth, take impressions or digital scans, and discuss your orthodontic goals. Then, using specialized software, the orthodontist will create a custom treatment plan.
This plan maps the movement of your teeth from their current position to the final position. A series of clear aligners, each slightly different than the last, will shift your teeth using gentle pressure. Aligners are worn 20 to 22 hours per day and replaced every 1 to 2 weeks.
Does insurance cover Invisalign?
Yes, most dental insurance plans cover orthodontic services, including Invisalign. Most plans include orthodontic coverage only once in your lifetime with a Lifetime Maximum (LTM) benefit of 50% of treatment costs up to $1,500 to $3,000, depending on your plan.
How long does Invisalign take?
Invisalign treatment typically takes between 12 and 18 months but can be shorter or longer in some cases. The severity of your orthodontic issues plays a significant role in how long your treatment will take.
However, non-compliance can extend the treatment time. You should wear your aligners for the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day, change them as instructed every 1 to 2 weeks, and attend regular check-up appointments.
Does Invisalign hurt?
Invisalign is considered to be far more comfortable and less painful than traditional braces but is not completely free of discomfort. When you first start wearing a new set of aligners, you may experience some pressure as the aligners begin to move your teeth. The discomfort is usually mild and temporary, lasting for a day or two.
Are there food restrictions while wearing Invisalign?
You should not chew food or gum while wearing the aligners. Fortunately, it is easy to remove the trays for snacks and meals. Just remember to rinse well after snacks and brush after each meal before reinserting your aligners to prevent food particles and plaque buildup.
Am I a candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign is suitable for treating mild to moderate orthodontic issues such as crooked teeth, overcrowding, gaps between teeth, and some bite problems. Severe cases may require traditional braces.
Consulting with an Invisalign provider
The first step in seeking straighter teeth with Invisalign is to schedule a consultation with an orthodontist or general dentist near you. Many Invisalign providers offer a free consultation, while some charge a separate fee for the appointment and diagnostic tests.
At your initial visit, you can expect the following:
Your appointment begins with preliminary photographs and full mouth x-rays.
Next, the orthodontist will discuss your concerns and goals.
Then, they will complete a brief exam to assess your oral health and determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign treatment.
Finally, they will present your treatment options, including the estimated treatment length and costs.
If you decide to move forward with Invisalign, the orthodontist will discuss the next steps, which may include taking impressions or 3-D scans of your teeth, creating a custom treatment plan, working out a payment plan, and scheduling your fitting appointment.
Questions to ask your orthodontist about Invisalign
The Invisalign consultation is your opportunity to build a relationship with your orthodontist and ask any questions you may have before proceeding with treatment. Here are some questions to ask:
Am I a good candidate for Invisalign tooth straightening?
How much will my Invisalign treatment cost?
How long will my Invisalign treatment take?
Do you accept my insurance?
What monthly payment options do you offer?
How long have you been offering Invisalign treatment?
Are you an Invisalign Diamond Plus provider able to treat more complex cases?
Will I need any additional dental work before starting my Invisalign treatment?
Are there any dietary restrictions or habits I should be aware of while using Invisalign trays?
How often do I need to wear my aligners? What happens if I don’t wear them as recommended?
How often should I change to a new set of Invisalign aligners?
Is the process painful?
How should I clean my aligners?
Will I need retainers to hold my teeth in place after my treatment, and for how long?
Are retainers an extra charge?
We use our proprietary database of project costs, personally contact industry experts to compile up-to-date pricing and insights, and conduct in-depth research to ensure accuracy in all our guides.