Article written by Diamond Braces Clinical Staff
Article medically reviewed by Dr. Oleg Drut
Invisalign usually costs between $1,800 and $9,500 for a full course of treatment in the U.S., according to GoodRx, and the main thing that sets the price is how much your teeth need to move. At Diamond Braces, the listed fee is $4,400 for simple cases treated in up to 12 months and $6,000 for complex cases treated in up to 24 months. If your dental plan has an orthodontic benefit, it may pay part of that: Invisalign says insurance may help cover up to $3,000.
What Sets the Price of Invisalign
- How complex your case is. Mild crowding or spacing needs fewer aligners and fewer visits than a bite problem. GoodRx names case complexity as the main reason prices vary so widely.
- How long treatment takes. Longer plans use more aligners and more check-ups. See how long Invisalign takes.
- Where you live. NewMouth notes that orthodontic offices in cities usually charge more than rural ones, and that the Northeast and the West Coast tend to cost the most. That matters if you live in New York or New Jersey.
- Your insurance benefits. An orthodontic benefit lowers what you pay out of pocket (see below).
- What the fee includes. Ask whether the quote covers records and scans, extra aligners if your teeth need a correction partway through, and retainers after treatment.
Invisalign Cost at Diamond Braces
These are the fees listed on our pricing page:
- Smilify, Invisalign treatment for simple cases (up to 12 months): $4,400
- Invisalign for complex cases (up to 24 months): $6,000
- Retainers after treatment: $250 for an Essix (clear removable) retainer and $350 for a fixed retainer. Exclusions and restrictions may apply.
Insurance is accepted on these treatment plans. Your final fee may depend on the complexity of your case, the estimated length of treatment, your insurance benefits, current promotions and your final treatment plan. Your exact fee is confirmed after your orthodontic evaluation. See our pricing conditions.
Is Invisalign More Expensive Than Braces?
Often only slightly. In a survey of more than 300 U.S. orthodontists and general dentists reported by Invisalign, 53.5% said their Invisalign cases cost the same as or less than braces. At Diamond Braces, braces are listed at $3,200 for simple cases (up to 12 months) and $4,800 for complex cases (up to 24 months), so Invisalign costs $1,200 more at each level. That is the same amount as the $1,200 Invisalign upgrade fee on our pricing page, which covers the aligner lab costs. Your orthodontist will tell you which option fits your bite. You can also read whether Invisalign is faster than braces.
Does Insurance Cover Invisalign?
Many dental plans cover Invisalign the same way they cover braces, as long as the plan includes orthodontic benefits. Invisalign says insurance may help cover up to $3,000 of orthodontic treatment, and in Align Technology's own data the average coverage amount was $1,772. Check these points with your plan:
- Lifetime orthodontic maximum. Many plans pay orthodontic benefits once, up to a set amount, typically $1,000 to $3,000.
- Age limits and waiting periods. Some plans only cover orthodontics for children and teens, or make you wait before benefits start.
- Medicaid. Medicaid generally covers braces for children and teens when they are medically necessary, but it rarely covers Invisalign. See whether you can get braces with Medicaid.
- FSA and HSA. IRS Publication 502 lists braces as dental treatment you can count as a medical expense, so flexible spending and health savings accounts can generally be used for orthodontic treatment. Confirm the rules with your plan administrator.
For plan-by-plan details, see insurance plans for Invisalign in New York and New Jersey.
How Much Is Invisalign per Month?
It depends on your total fee, what your insurance pays, your down payment and how many months you spread the balance over. Flexible payment plans are available at Diamond Braces, and your monthly amount is set once your fee and benefits are confirmed.
How to Lower What You Pay
- Ask the office to check your orthodontic benefits before treatment starts, so you know what insurance will pay.
- Use pre-tax money from an FSA or HSA for the part insurance does not cover.
- Ask whether your case qualifies as a simple case, which has a lower fee and a shorter plan.
- Compare with braces. If a discreet look matters less to you, metal braces cost less.
Are At-Home Aligners a Cheaper Alternative?
Mail-order aligners can cost less up front, but the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) advises starting with an in-person exam and X-rays, which it calls critical for an accurate diagnosis and a safe treatment plan. In an AAO member survey, 77% of orthodontists said they had treated patients who needed retreatment after using mail-order aligners without an in-person exam. SmileDirectClub closed in December 2023. Read more in Invisalign vs. SmileDirectClub.
FAQ
How much does Invisalign cost without insurance?
Most people pay between $1,800 and $9,500, according to GoodRx. At Diamond Braces, the listed fee is $4,400 for simple cases and $6,000 for complex cases before insurance.
What is the cheapest way to get Invisalign?
Use your orthodontic insurance benefit and FSA or HSA funds, and ask whether your case can be treated as a simple case. A payment plan lowers the monthly amount, though not the total fee.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Invisalign?
Metal braces usually cost less. At Diamond Braces they are listed at $1,200 less than Invisalign for the same type of case. See more orthodontic options for straighter teeth.
Does Medicaid cover Invisalign?
Rarely. Medicaid generally covers braces for children and teens when they are medically necessary. Learn more about Invisalign insurance in New York and New Jersey.
Want an exact number? Find the office nearest you to book an evaluation, and ask us to check your insurance benefits.
Sources
- GoodRx. How Much Does Invisalign Cost Without Insurance? Reviewed by Shari L. Grigsby-Young, DDS. Updated February 13, 2024.
- Invisalign (Align Technology). Invisalign aligners cost; Does insurance cover Invisalign aligners?
- Invisalign (Align Technology). How Much Does Invisalign Treatment Cost? Your Quick Affordability Guide.
- NewMouth. Why Is Invisalign Expensive and How to Cut Costs.
- Internal Revenue Service. Publication 502, Medical and Dental Expenses.
- American Association of Orthodontists. Guidance to SmileDirectClub patients following abrupt closure, December 14, 2023.
- American Association of Orthodontists member survey on mail-order aligners, as reported by Becker's Dental Review.
