How Much Does Invisalign Cost? Part 1 of a 3 Part Series

The perfect smile. As the science of cosmetic surgery progresses, a straighter and whiter smile is top priority for an individual interested in improving their appearance. Until recently, the only options for straightening crooked teeth were uncomfortable, unattractive metal braces. Invisalign significantly changed how some orthodontic professionals approach mild to average tooth misalignment (malocclusion) in teenagers and adults. 

The simple fact that an individual wearing Invisalign is nearly impossible to pick out made the product extremely popular. But short of a consultation with a dentist, it is difficult to get a straight answer as to how much Invisalign costs. There are several reasons for this, one simply being that everybody’s teeth are different. Let’s take a look at them and try to find, at least, an estimate of how much Invisalign costs.

First, you need to know how Invisalign works to understand how much it costs. Through a series of aligners called trays that are made from a thermoplastic material, Invisalign slowly straightens specific teeth. The aligners resemble teeth-whitening trays and are nearly invisible to detect which contributes vastly to their popularity. According to the treatment plan created by your doctor, you will be supplied with a series of these tray aligners (sometimes more than 20 depending on the severity of the case) that will slowly reposition your teeth. You’ll wear each tray for 2-3 weeks and then switch to the next one in line. During each of these stages, the trays supply force to certain teeth, gradually adjusting them for proper alignment. Each instance of aligners only works on a particular part of the mouth, so if you have a severe malocclusion you may need as many as 20 aligners or more and that means higher costs. Many of the more difficult cases require a combination of Invisalign and orthopedic facial devices or even metal braces. This can also contribute to how much Invisalign costs, with some extensive treatments soaring beyond $10,000 dollars.

In the next article in this series about Invisalign, we’ll delve deeper into lab fees, material and product costs and why location is the leading contributor to how much Invisalign costs.