Invisalign: Braces Cost Less from Dentists

Typically, treatment with Invisalign costs about $5,500, but there is significant variation. In a poll of general dentists and orthodontists, dental management resource The Wealthy Dentist found that general dentists have an average Invisalign cost of $5,200, while getting the clear braces from an orthodontist runs about $5,800.

Invisalign braces are a set of clear aligners that progressively move slightly crooked teeth into place over time. As an invisible braces option, many patients prefer the look and feel of removable Invisalign aligners.

The cost of braces varies by region. On average, Invisalign treatment costs the most in the Northeast, the Pacific states, and the Midwest (about $5,500). More affordable Invisalign dentists can be found in the Western mountain states ($5,100) and the South ($5,300).

City dentists charge slightly more for Invisalign than do rural and suburban dentists. In fact, urban dentists charge about $5,700, while country docs average $5,500. Though that is a significant difference, it's much less dramatic than other dental treatments. Teen braces, for example, cost about $600 more in cities.

Invisalign is a popular cosmetic dentistry alternative to adult braces. In fact, Invisalign is used almost exclusively with adult orthodontics patients. Some doctors don't even offer traditional braces. "I only offer Invisalign and I only treat adults with Invisalign," said a Virginia dentist.

More crooked teeth will demand more treatment, which of course costs more. "The fee for Invisalign depends on if the patient is having Express Invisalign or Full Invisalign," explained an Ohio prosthodontist. "The average fee my office charges for Full Invisalign is approximately $5,000, and it's $3,500 for Express Invisalign."

Invisalign is a proprietary technology: not just the aligners themselves, but the computer system that designs them. However, it's not the only option when it comes to removable clear braces. One Kentucky orthodontist explained, "I don't use Invisalign - I make my own and adjust the aligners with Hilliard Thermopliers."

"Of course patients love Invisalign!" said Jim Du Molin, dental management consultant and founder of dental marketing resource The Wealthy Dentist. "Everyone wants straighter teeth, but few adults are eager for a mouth full of metal. Invisalign lets them have the best of both worlds."