The idea of a how much is Invisalign smile is one that’s hard to resist, but the cost of Invisalign may be what holds some patients back. While Invisalign can be more affordable than traditional braces, it’s not cheap – and the overall cost of treatment varies depending on your specific needs.

One of the biggest factors is your level of alignment complexity. Shorter plans (up to 6 months) for minor adjustments are typically less costly than longer treatments (12-24 months).

Other considerations are the need for pretreatment procedures and whether your insurance will cover part of your Invisalign costs, says Dr. Eckhardt. For example, he notes, “Some patients require additional work done to their teeth before they can be treated with Invisalign.” This could include fixing periodontal issues, or fixing large cavities.

Understanding the Science Behind Accelerated Orthodontics

Some dental insurers do cover orthodontics, including Invisalign, but they usually only pay a percentage of the total cost and may only offer coverage for certain treatments. Others, like the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Medicaid, only provide coverage if it’s necessary for daily living or health and safety.

If you’re not covered by insurance, the good news is that many orthodontists offer affordable monthly payment plans. You can also use money from your Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account to offset the cost of Invisalign, or take advantage of financing companies such as CareCredit. And don’t forget to ask about special pricing and introductory offers, which can help make your Invisalign even more affordable.