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Is Invisalign Worth It? Cost, Effectiveness, and Value Comparison

Natalie Asmussen
Contributor:
Natalie Asmussen
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Invisalign can straighten 90% of cases, and discreetly on top of that. But is Invisalign worth it?

If you've got crooked teeth and you want to straighten your teeth discreetly, Invisalign is an effective way to do that.

However, Invisalign also comes with a hefty price tag. So many are left wondering if it's really worth it to straighten your teeth with Invisalign when perhaps there are other orthodontics options out there, that might cost less.

In this article we'll talk about:

  • How Invisalign works
  • The cost of Invisalign
  • Who Invisalign can treat
  • Alternative options

We hope that this helps you decide if, indeed, Invisalign is worth it to you.

How Invisalign works

Invisalign is a type of invisible braces or clear aligner. Some types of clear aligners can be ordered from home and monitored remotely, while others require in-office visits just like regular braces.

Invisalign is the latter — your treatment begins, middles, and ends with in-office monitoring from your Invisalign dentist.

That means that first you'll have a consultation in-person with a dentist who offers Invisalign. They will take scans of your teeth and decide whether or not you are a good candidate for this type of braces treatment — 90% of cases are.

is invisalign worth it?
Which should you choose?

Only the most severe cases, where bites are drastically misaligned, or teeth extremely crooked, might require traditional braces treatment, and additional types of treatment as well, including jaw alignment surgery and headgear.

With Invisalign, you will visit your dentist every 4 to 6 weeks, at which point they will exchange your old aligner trays for your new aligner trays until you've finished treatment and both you and your dentist are satisfied with your results.

How long does Invisalign take?

Invisalign treatment can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years — it all depends on the severity of your dental malocclusion. The price depends on the length of your treatment as well.

In cases where only slight corrections are needed, Invisalign offers Express and Lite treatments, which are less expensive than the Invisalign Comprehensive treatment (formally known as Full).

That being said, the average treatment time for Invisalign is 12 to 18 months.

What's included with Invisalign treatment?

Included in Invisalign treatment is your:

  • Consultation with your dentist
  • Treatment plan
  • Aligner trays
  • In-person monitoring
  • Adjustments if necessary

Invisalign price breakdown

Invisalign can cost anywhere from $3,500 to $8,500 for the Comprehensive treatment. So why does it cost so much, and what goes into that cost?

Invisalign costs a lot because not only are you paying for (in most cases) comprehensive braces treatment — you're also paying for newer technologies and the services of your dentist.

Most dentists will offer financing options like an Invisalign payment plan. These plans will vary in how much coverage they offer from clinic to clinic.

Please do keep in mind that individual quotes will vary — you can call 866-383-0748 to find an Invisalign dentist near you who can give you a detailed price quote.

In the video below, Dr. Nate helps break down the costs of Invisalign a bit more:

It seems as though most of our adult patients have recently been asking about Invisalign. People are mainly concerned about the costs because they have done their research before coming in on the process. First off, let me say the cost is almost always way more expensive than braces. The down payment is also a lot more, but you are getting Invisalign for the look and the ability to move your teeth without braces. Check out the video to learn more about the cost. In case you are in the DFW area, we are running a special on Invisalign, so check out our site for more information. ———————————————————————————————————- Make sure to subscribe for new videos weekly, or else you are doomed to never get Invisalign😋 https://www.facebook.com/ThriveDentist​​ https://www.instagram.com/thrivedentist https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.natecoughlin ———————————————————————————————————– More information at https://www.thrivedentist.com #invisalign #orthodontist #invisalignsmile

With insurance

Your orthodontic insurance might also offer coverage for Invisalign treatment, at least a percentage. With some orthodontic insurance plans, it's not a percentage, but a predetermined amount.

If you do have ortho insurance that covers Invisalign treatment, you might get anywhere from 25% to 50% coverage.

Different types of treatment

And then of course the cost of your treatment will vary depending on the type of Invisalign treatment you get:

  • Invisalign Teen: The cost of Teen is comparable to that of Comprehensive Invisalign treatment. The main differences are that these aligners come with compliance indicators to help keep teens more responsible in terms of wearing their aligners according to their treatment plan.
  • Invisalign Express: This type of treatment can take as little as 3 months and is for cases where only slight aesthetic corrections are needed.
  • Invisalign Lite: Invisalign Lite is another treatment option for those who don't need severe corrections in alignment. Again, it will take less time than Comprehensive treatment, and will cost quite a bit less.

Vivera retainers

Invisalign has its own brand of retainers that you can purchase once you've finished treatment. These are called Vivera retainers and they cost from $400 to $1,000, depending on the package you choose and your treatment needs.

Is Invisalign worth it?

Invisalign worth it for adults
Consider the pros and cons

The short answer? It depends.

Does Invisalign work? Yes, in most cases, it is very successful in straightening teeth. In fact, there are a lot of pros to using Invisalign treatment:

  • Invisible: This treatment makes it very difficult for others to know you are wearing aligners
  • Convenient: You can take them out for photos or special events
  • Diet: You don't have to stop eating certain foods as you do with normal braces
  • Comfortable: Aligners are often more comfortable than having metal brackets and wires and rubber bands all over your mouth

The cons?

  • Expensive: Invisalign is one of the more expensive options for teeth straightening
  • Accountability: Your treatment will only work if you wear your aligners at least 22 hours per day, following your personalized treatment plan. If you suspect that you will have trouble remembering to wear your aligners, or complying with your treatment plan, then you should consider traditional braces instead. You don't necessarily have to have metal brackets, there are clear options that are also less noticeable

To sum it up, if your teeth are pretty crooked, and you have the money to pay for Invisalign, then yes, it's worth it. Otherwise, we'll now talk about some alternatives you can consider.

Cheaper alternatives that are worth it too

If you only need mild to moderate corrections in the alignment of your teeth, you may want to consider cheaper options like at-home clear aligners. These are more affordable because they aren't meant to treat severe cases, so you can complete treatment by doing remote monitoring. This reduces the costs that come with in-office professional services.

Have a look at the table below which sums up our top picks for clear aligner treatment:

Find the right clear aligners for you
There are so many companies offering remote teeth straightening with aligners! Take a look at our top picks and discover why we recommend these over any others.
  • Hybrid in-office and remote treatment
  • In-person visits with your orthodontist for safe, effective treatment
  • Treats even complex cases of misalignment
  • Various pricing options
Schedule your appointment!
Show Less Show More

Discover the flexibility and effectiveness of Impress Invisible Braces, the hybrid orthodontic solution that blends in-person care with the convenience of remote appointments. Suitable for both kids and adults, Impress offers a range of treatment options designed to cater to various needs, from mild to severe cases of misalignment. With the initial consultation happening in person, you're assured of a tailored treatment plan that can address even the most complex orthodontic issues.

Impress Treatment Plans:

  • Impress Super Light ($6,999): Perfect for mild cases, this plan promises results in up to 3 months, making it the quickest route to a better smile.
  • Impress ($4,599): Designed for moderate cases, this option aims to perfect your smile within 4-10 months.
  • Impress Plus ($5,599): Tailored for moderate cases requiring a bit more time, this plan spans 11-14 months.
  • Impress Advanced ($6,999): The go-to choice for complex cases, offering comprehensive treatment over 11-24 months.
  • Teens ($4,599): Specifically designed for teenagers, this plan addresses mild cases within 4-10 months, ensuring a confident smile during those crucial years.
  • Impress Kids ($4,599): Offering orthodontic treatment for children, this plan covers a period between 8-18 months, setting the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

With flexible payment plans available, starting your journey to a perfect smile has never been easier or more accessible. Whether you're looking for a quick fix or need extensive treatment, Impress Invisible Braces provide a tailored solution that meets your needs and budget. Click below to get started!

Find out if you're a candidate!
  • Complete treatment 100% remotely
  • Amazing customer service
  • Nighttime-only option
  • $1,495 or $55/month
Get NewSmile aligners
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NewSmile aligners are made from the clearest Essix plastic and come with a daytime or nighttime-only option to suit you. For just $1,495 you'll receive everything you need to straighten and whiten your teeth – and maintain your new smile:

  • Home impression kit
  • Full aligner treatment
  • Free whitening
  • First set of retainers
  • A full refund if you're not a good fit

NewSmile goes above and beyond to provide a great experience to all their customers, beginning with a live video call to help you with your teeth impressions. Mail these back, and they'll send a 3D Treatment Preview for you to approve before going ahead.

Alternatively, click here for an extra $20 off an impression kit!
  • Complete treatment 100% remotely
  • 4-6 month average treatment time
  • Nighttime-only option
  • $949 or $77/month
Get this deal
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If you're looking for the best value aligner package, here it is! For just $895 you'll get:

  • Impression kit
  • Full aligner treatment course
  • Free teeth whitening kit
  • Your first set of retainers

In short, everything needed to straighten your teeth remotely and keep them looking great, with a full money-back guarantee if you're not a suitable candidate.

This low price doesn't mean you're compromising on quality of care, though. ALIGNERCO just choose not to put so much into marketing, and they pass on the savings to their customers. They are also known for their responsive and helpful customer care, which is important when you're doing things from home.

Plus, if you're in New York, you can visit their SmileStudio for a free consultation and help taking your impressions.

Nighttime-only aligners are also available for anyone who doesn't want to wear aligners during the day.

  • 3-4 month average treatment time
  • Assessed and planned by orthodontists
  • Includes whitening and first retainers
  • $1,999 or $70/month
Get faster treatment
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Byte's HyperByte technology uses High Frequency Vibration to help your teeth move faster and with minimal discomfort. Their average treatment time is just 3-4 months, compared to 6 months for most others.

Treatment includes your first set of retainers. You'll also get their BrightByte 3-in-1 foam to whiten your teeth, clean your aligners and freshen your breath. And their Byte-for-life guarantee means you'll get free adjustments if your teeth start to move again.

Begin by ordering an impression kit so their orthodontists can assess whether you're a good match.

Get 80% off with code SMILEBRYTE
  • Single-arch treatment option
  • Nighttime aligners available
  • Free refinements & 2 sets of retainers
  • $699 (single-arch) or $999 (dual-arch)
Check Smileie's offers
Show Less Show More

Smileie's aligner treatment is not only affordable, but flexible too. You have the option of single-arch treatment for just your top or bottom teeth, as well as nighttime-only treatment. And whichever package you choose, monthly payments are available.

On top of this, Smileie offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee which includes free refinements if needed. Their aligners are made in the US and treatment takes 4-6 months on average.

Get the best discount when you purchase your aligner package up-front, including:

  • Home impression kit
  • Teeth whitening kit
  • Two sets of retainers
  • A full refund if you're not a good candidate

Packages start at $699 for single-arch treatment. Click below to check for current discounts!

Conclusion

Invisalign is one of the best invisible braces brands out there. It's also known for being one of the most expensive. So given the hefty price tag – is Invisalign worth it?

Invisalign is an effective way to treat 90% of cases. That means that it can straighten teeth that are pretty severely crooked, and even helps realign bites. It's also invisible, convenient, and comfortable.

So if you have the money to pay for Invisalign, and your Invisalign dentist says you are a good candidate, then yes, Invisalign is worth it.

But, if you don't have the money to pay for Invisalign, and you only need minor aesthetic changes, then at-home aligners are definitely worth considering. You can read more about Invisalign alternatives in our full guide here.

FAQs

Is Invisalign worth the cost?

Invisalign is worth the cost because it is an effective teeth straightening method. But only if it's a cost you can afford without stressing your wallet too much.

Is Invisalign worth it for adults?

For many adults, Invisalign is worth it, even though it's expensive. Adults may be willing to pay more to have discreet treatment that others don't necessarily notice.

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