How Much Does Invisalign Cost, With and Without Insurance?

The average cost of Invisalign is $4,856, according to 29 patient reviews on RealSelf. This type of orthodontic treatment usually takes about a year, so that works out to just over $400 per month, on average.

Invisalign costs range from $2,999 with insurance to over $6,737 without insurance. Average costs for Invisalign in U.S. states also vary widely.

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

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

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Invisalign

Are braces cheaper than Invisalign?

Conventional braces cost $4,625, on average (according to patient reviews), so in general, they are a few hundred dollars cheaper than Invisalign.

However, orthodontic treatment is customized to each patients needs and priced on a case-by-case basis. In some scenarios, traditional braces may actually be the more expensive option.

One RealSelf staffer asked her orthodontist about the cost of braces vs Invisalign and was surprised to learn that braces would actually cost $1,000 more, given the specifics of her case.

Both teeth straightening methods have similarly high Worth It Ratings from reviewers, 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, so for some patients, they’re really the best (or only) option.

An experienced orthodontist will be able to assess whether you’re a good candidate for either teeth straightening treatment option and give you a personalized quote. 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. They promise similar results for less money, but many don’t come with the same expert involvement, treatment plan imaging, and tray technology.

Any reputable provider who advertises Invisalign should give you the real thing, but 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, so it’s well worth confirming during your initial consultation that they won’t be giving you knock-offs. 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 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 and assess 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
• 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 office visits to monitor your progress
• Invisalign Cleaning Crystals, to help keep your aligners clear and clean
• Vivera retainers, durable custom-fit retainers that keep teeth in place after treatment

Some providers also provide 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 what you’ll need to cover out-of-pocket.

Does insurance cover Invisalign?

Dental insurance plans do cover Invisalign, but only if the plan includes orthodontic care. Often that means purchasing orthodontic insurance on top of your basic dental plan, for the duration of your treatment.

“Dental insurance policies that have an orthodontic benefit provide coverage without limiting it to a specific type of braces,” says R. William McNeill, DDS, 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. You’ll still have out-of-pocket expenses, but insurance coverage can make getting a new smile much more affordable.

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

Why Invisalign treatment costs vary

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

1. Your provider’s level of training and experience

Orthodontists can charge more for their time than dentists do, given their specialized training and unparalleled experience with moving teeth and manipulating bites. But this expertise may be worth the added expense, especially if you have complex bite, misalignment, or severe 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 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 office visits 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, which engage the teeth and help them move. These are typically included in your total 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 partial treatment can give you a beautiful smile, there likely won’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 Michael Ayzin, DDS, 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.

Invisalign payment options

Some dental offices offer a discount (usually about 5%) if you pay the total cost of treatment up-front, which is a nice incentive if you can swing it. Some offer an even larger discount for patients who can pay in cash.

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.

• 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.
• 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 specifically for covering elective dental and healthcare costs Check with your provider to confirm which financing options they accept.
• 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