How Much Do Invisalign Braces Cost & Are They Worth It?

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a modern form of braces which uses clear trays to straighten the teeth. The trays are made from Invisalign’s custom plastic blend, and are manufactured in their facilities from you specific mouth molds. The aligners are a solid piece of plastic which are strong enough to place pressure on strategic parts of your teeth and slowly adjust them into the desired position resulting in straighter teeth.

Prior to starting Invisalign treatment, patients must have a consultation with their dentist. The dentist will evaluate your smile, your complete oral health and obtain impressions of your mouth. Once these details are obtained, Invisalign will create custom aligners which are unique to your mouth. Your dentist will create the complete treatment plan and will partner with you to help achieve your desired results.

The Invisalign process uses numerous aligner trays which are replaced every one to two weeks. The replacement trays feel slightly different, as they are designed to progressively shift and move your teeth in a safe and effective manner.

To achieve the desired results, your Invisalign trays must be worn for a majority of your day (20–22 hours). Fortunately, the trays are easy to remove for eating, brushing, flossing and as needed for special occasions.

While the Invisalign aligners are a solid piece of plastic, they are considered to be braces and not retainers. The aligners actively move your teeth to strategically shape your mouth and jaw. In comparison, retainers only hold your teeth in place and maintain their current shape.

Invisalign is considered an orthodontic treatment which straightens your teeth without using typical metal braces. Due to the effectiveness, Invisalign has quickly revolutionized the world of orthodontics. Patients now have an alternate option from the old, ugly and uncomfortable metal brackets. Patients who wouldn’t previously consider braces, are now giving Invisalign a chance. For many patients, the decision is based on the cost. Patients often want to know how much Invisalign braces cost and if they are worth the cost when compared to traditional metal braces.

The cost for Invisalign braces is typically more than regular braces. According to the manufacturer, the average cost ranges from $3,500 to $8,000. Your dentist or orthodontist is able to provide you with a more accurate price estimate based on your treatment plan. The factors which effect the price are the extent of the alignment required and how many aligners are needed during the treatment process. The typical cost of regular braces also varies. Traditional metal braces typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000. The cost still varies drastically for each patient and a dentist or orthodontist can provide a more accurate estimate. Many dental insurance plans cover the cost of Invisalign just as they would regular braces. Be sure to review your insurance plan in order to determine what is covered.

It is ultimately up to you and your dentist or orthodontist to determine which method is the best solution to meet your needs. The average price of Invisalign is not drastically higher than regular braces. In addition, the advantages of Invisalign such as convenient removal and lower visibility, often outweigh the slightly higher cost. If cost is a major concern for you, it is important to discuss the payment options with your dentist. Many providers offer payment plans which help spread out the cost over a longer period of time.