When Invisalign first came out, it cost a lot more than traditional metal braces. However, as time went by and resources became more readily available for dentists and labs to work with, the price tag fell closer to what you can expect from regular orthodontic treatment.
The average cost of Invisalign can depend on several factors, including how long you want your treatment to be, the severity of your teeth misalignment, and where you live. For example, a short-term treatment plan that only targets mild crowding or spacing issues will usually only require 5-7 aligners and be much cheaper. However, a more complicated case with more severe tooth misalignment will likely necessitate more aligners and a longer treatment duration, raising the overall costs.
The Average Cost of Invisalign: What to Expect
Depending on the insurance coverage you have, dental or orthodontic plans may cover a portion of your Invisalign costs. Typically, the percentage will be up to 50% of the total costs, says Dr. Chen, but there will be a lifetime maximum amount that your insurance company will pay for orthodontics, such as Invisalign, so make sure you understand the limits of your coverage before deciding to proceed with treatment.
Most orthodontists offer monthly payment plans that eliminate the need to take out a loan and allow you to spread out your Invisalign costs over time, says Dr. Gorlovsky. These flexible plans are often interest-free and can be adjusted if your financial situation changes. Some patients can also use money from their flexible spending or health savings accounts to cover the cost of Invisalign, as well as applying for low-interest or no-interest credit cards.