Why is Invisalign So Expensive Considering the Cost of the Trays?

In order for a dentist to run his/her office properly, pay the staff, pay the state, local and federal taxes, administer the benefits, vacation pay, pay the rent/mortgage, buy equipment, pay all insurances (liability, disability, workers compensation, unemployment, overhead, health, etc.) Continuing education courses, not to mention that it costs way more than $250,000 to become a dentist... When you add all the expenses up, laboratory fees are typically only one seventh to one fifth of the price of the procedure to the patient. If you are paying only 6k for a full treatment, you are actually getting a bargain. Running any business is a very costly and risky proposition. If the price of the procedure is to low, business will not be able to make a profit, grow, and survive. If the price of the procedure is too high, the customers, in this case the patients will not come back for more. By the way... most dentists graduate dental school after the age of 26. At which time, most are over $250,000 in debt, and to set up a new dental office can cost up to a million dollars, depending on location and size. If dentistry did not promise a decent, steady income, why would anyone go through all this trouble? I hope that's my answer clarifies things a bit... Best of luck with your Invisalign treatment.

Why do cell phones cost so much??  They are just plastic, some rare elements and glass.  Probably about $15-20 on the raw market.  Melt down a car....what do you have?  We love what we do and how it can improve our patients' life but it isn't a hobby.  It is a struggle to manage overhead, pay our bills, etc.  But the real question is ..... Do you find the value in having your teeth in the best positions for their long-term health?  Yes, you do!!  Otherwise you would not be looking into orthodontics.  But you may not value it enough to justify the expense.  Your choice.  If something does not offer adequate benefit....why invest in it?  Secondarily, invest wisely!  Do your homework and select your provider not only on cost of the treatment.  A couple hundred bucks spent to gain a superior result will be $$$ well spent in the end. 

you have correct information on the lab fees, and clearly in the above answers you have had the cost of running a practice fully explained to you.

I'd like to emphasize to you that anyone doing it for less is likely using you case to educate themselves. there are always ways to find things cheaper. it comes down to what risks you are willing to take.

Invisalign is a paint brush, everyone that holds one does not get the same finish result.