How Much Does Invisalign Cost, With and Without Insurance?

The average cost of Invisalign is $5,100, according to 1,065 reviews on RealSelf. This type of orthodontic treatment usually takes about a year, so that works out to just over $415 per month, on average.

Invisalign costs range from $2,800 with insurance to over $6,700 without insurance, according to recent patient reviews. Average costs for Invisalign in U.S. states also vary widely.

These popular clear aligners can straighten teeth while correcting gaps, crowding, and mild bite issues, including underbites, overbites, and crossbites. 

Read on to find out what will impact your Invisalign cost, how the price compares to traditional braces, what to look for in a cost quote, and whether dental insurance plans cover it.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Invisalign

The Ultimate Guide to Plastic Surgery Costs

SEE THE GUIDE

Are braces cheaper than Invisalign?

Conventional braces cost $4,366, on average—a few hundred dollars less than the average cost of Invisalign, according to RealSelf data. 

That said, these are customized procedures, priced on a case-by-case basis, and in some scenarios, traditional braces may be the more expensive option. In consulting with an orthodontist on what braces vs Invisalign cost, one RealSelf staffer was surprised to learn that braces would actually cost roughly $1,000 more than Invisalign, given the specifics of her case.

Both teeth straightening methods have similarly high Worth It Ratings from reviewers on RealSelf, so if you don’t mind a mouth full of metal brackets, going the traditional route could give you comparable results while possibly saving you money.

Braces can also treat complex cases that Invisalign clear aligners can’t effectively fix. Bear in mind, however, that if your situation requires a longer treatment time or special dental appliances, your cost could be thousands more than the average.

An experienced orthodontist will be able to assess whether you’re a good candidate for either option and give you a personalized quote for your Invisalign price compared to braces. They should also be able to predict whether one option would take longer to achieve your desired result. 

RealSelf Tip: The cheapest way to get straight teeth is usually not the safest or most effective way. An array of alternatives, including copycat brands (like Smile Direct Club) and DIY options, have sprung up in recent years, promising similar results for less money. Many don’t come with the same expert involvement, treatment plan imaging, and tray technology.

Any reputable provider who advertises Invisalign should be giving you the real thing, but it’s still worth confirming during your initial consultation that they won’t be giving you knock-off plastic aligners or retainers. Some providers cut their own costs (and lure customers with lower prices) by not using Invisalign aligners or Vivera retainers. The Invisalign system has the highest Worth It Rating of any type of clear braces on RealSelf. If your provider suggests a cheaper option, find out how the competitor they’re offering compares in terms of patient satisfaction.

What does the cost include?

During your initial consultation, ask your dentist or orthodontist to give you an overall cost quote that includes: 

• A 3D digital iTero scan of your teeth, as well as any additional imaging, impressions, and scans needed to create your treatment plan
• Attachments—small tooth-colored buttons that are bonded onto teeth to give your aligner trays something to latch onto and facilitate movement
• All costs for the top and bottom arch aligners needed to carry you through the course of treatment (you’ll receive a new set every week or two)
• “Refinement” aligners, an additional series of trays to help fine-tune minor issues that aren’t fully corrected during the initial prescribed course of treatment
• Regular check-ins with your orthodontist or dentist, to monitor your progress
• Interproximal reduction, which removes a small amount of enamel from between teeth to allow space for teeth to shift in cases of overcrowding
• Invisalign Cleaning Crystals, to help keep your aligners clear and clean
• Vivera retainers, durable custom-fit retainers that keep teeth in place after treatment and are usually included in the total Invisalign braces cost

Some providers also include at-home teeth whitening gel (and refills) that you can use throughout your treatment. If yours doesn’t, you may want to purchase it yourself.

If your initial exam turns up any serious oral health or dental issues like cracked teeth, get an estimate from your dentist’s office for any repairs that will be necessary before you can start Invisalign treatment. Then find out how much of that cost will be covered by your dental insurance—and how much you’ll need to cover out-of-pocket.

What affects the cost of Invisalign treatment?

Beyond whether you have insurance coverage that will pick up a portion of the bill, these are the biggest factors that impact your Invisalign cost.

1. Your provider’s level of training and experience

Orthodontists can charge more than dentists for Invisalign, given their specialized training and unparalleled experience with moving teeth and manipulating bites. But it can be worth the added expense, especially if you have complex bite, misalignment, or crowding issues.

An orthodontist can also help you determine if Invisalign is right for you, or if your particular problems will be better solved by traditional metal braces.

2. Their practice location

Invisalign costs can vary by U.S. state and metro area. As you’d expect, dentists and orthodontists who practice in cities with higher rents and costs of living typically have to charge more.

Prices can also vary by ZIP code or neighborhood. If you’re looking for ways to save, finding a qualified provider with a modest practice in a more affordable area of town may be worthwhile. Just keep in mind that you’ll have to return for check-ins every few weeks, so you may want to pay for convenience. 

3. The complexity of your treatment

Some providers charge a flat fee for all their Invisalign patients. Others factor the complexity of your case, length of treatment, and number of aligners you need into the total fee. 

You’ll need to wear a new set of Invisalign trays every one to two weeks for 6 to 18 months, depending on how dramatically your teeth need to shift. Most Invisalign treatment plans are complete within a year.

Usually, patients also need attachments, called buttons, to better engage the teeth and help them move. These are typically included in your overall Invisalign braces price, but some providers charge extra.

Your provider may also offer AcceleDent or Propel, devices that stimulate the bone and roots, to accelerate your treatment time by up to 70%—and make the whole process more comfortable. AcceleDent is expensive, and it’s not covered by insurance. 

Many patients hope to save money by correcting just one arch, and so they commonly ask how much Invisalign costs for top or bottom teeth only. According to providers on RealSelf, single-aligner treatment is possible, but it’s rarely recommended. Very few problems can be solved this way, and addressing only one arch tends to create bite and alignment issues. 

Even if you were to qualify for partial treatment, there likely wouldn’t be a cost savings. The “doctor who will be doing your treatment will have the same overhead cost and will need to spend the same amount of time, whether he treats one arch or both,” explains Dr. Michael Ayzin, a dentist in Costa Mesa, California. “Besides, the best results can be achieved treating both arches at the same time.” 

4. Special offers or seasonal discounts

Invisalign providers occasionally offer limited-time promotional pricing to attract new patients. 

Deep discounts can be a tempting opportunity to save, but they can also be a red flag about the quality of care you’ll receive. Before springing for a deal, be sure to thoroughly research your provider’s credentials, reviews, and before and after gallery. 

You’ll want to make sure that they have the training and experience to evaluate whether you’re actually a good candidate for Invisalign, and that they’ve successfully treated other patients with dental issues similar to your own.

Does insurance cover Invisalign?

Dental insurance plans can cover a significant portion of your Invisalign cost, but only if your plan includes orthodontic care. 

“Dental insurance policies that have an orthodontic benefit provide coverage without limiting it to a specific type of braces,” says Dr. R. William McNeill, an orthodontist in Mercer Island, Washington. “Traditional braces, Invisalign, retainers, and all other tools that orthodontists use are treated the same, for insurance purposes.”

If you have orthodontic care, ask your insurance company how much they’ll cover, factoring in your deductible. In the U.S., orthodontic insurance providers often cover about $1,500 of the total cost. So while you’ll still have out-of-pocket expenses, insurance coverage can make your monthly payments much more affordable.

Invisalign is also an eligible expense for a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA).

Can you finance Invisalign?

Financing can make the cost of Invisalign more manageable, particularly if you’re paying for Invisalign out of pocket. 

Most dental offices offer financing options or monthly payment plans, and companies like CareCredit provide loans or credit cards for medical purposes. Before you apply for financing, check with your provider to confirm which methods they accept.

Other Invisalign payment options

Some practices offer a slight discount (usually about 5%) for paying the total cost of treatment up-front, which is a nice incentive if you can swing it.

If you’re not able to fork over the full price at once, one of these options (or a combination) can cover your out-of-pocket expenses.

1. Monthly payment plans, with or without a down payment, can break up the cost over several months or even years. Providers commonly offer no-interest plans and work with patients on an amount that works for their budget, which can make this the most cost-effective route.
2. Financing options can make the cost of Invisalign more manageable, particularly if you’re paying for Invisalign entirely out of pocket. Companies like CareCredit provide loans or credit cards for medical purposes. Check with your provider to confirm which financing options they accept, or to see if they offer interest-free monthly payment options.
3. Low-interest credit cards are another option. If you’re taking advantage of a low interest rate offer, just be sure to pay attention to when the interest rate will increase, so you don’t end up paying far more than you intended.

HSAs and FSAs. A health savings account (HSA) or flexible savings account (FSA) allow you to set aside untaxed dollars for eligible medical expenses, including orthodontic procedures like this one. An FSA is managed by your employer and funded via paycheck deductions (up to $3,050 annually). HSAs are made for those who have insurance plans with high deductibles. You can contribute up to $3,850 (for an individual) or $7,750 (for a family) each year. You pay for your Invisalign treatment out-of-pocket and then get reimbursed from the account.

Invisalign costs in U.S. states

Browse average Invisalign costs in U.S. states, according to recent RealSelf member reviews (as of July 2023). States not currently listed did not have enough data to include.

Invisalign costs in major U.S. metros