Is Invisalign Express Right For You?

Invisalign Express is an expedited clear aligner program that straightens your teeth using a shorter treatment with fewer sets of aligners than full Invisalign.

Is it right for you? This guide is designed to help you understand Invisalign Express and determine whether you might be a candidate for this innovative treatment method.

Invisalign Express

What Is Invisalign Express?

Invisalign Express is an expedited clear aligner treatment for milder cases of dental misalignment. It uses fewer sets of aligners to correct the case in a shorter time frame – but it only works if the case is on the milder side. It offers the same comprehensive treatment with effective results as a full Invisalign program, just faster!

Invisalign Express uses a maximum of 10 sets of aligners (some may require fewer), and the treatment takes about 6 months.

Is Invisalign Express right for you? Your orthodontist is an experienced professional, so they will be in the best position to determine whether your case can be treated with Invisalign Express or a full Invisalign program.

Invisalign Express tends to work best for cases with mild spacing or crowding issues; the condition must be mild enough that it can be concluded with the 10 sets of aligners used in the Express program.

There are specific parameters for the severity of the case; your doctor will carefully measure the level of misalignment (such as the size of the gap between teeth or the rotation of a twisted tooth) to determine whether it can be corrected in the Express timeline.

If you’re interested in Invisalign Express, visit your local orthodontist for a consultation. They will do a thorough examination, including x-rays and/or 3D digital imaging, to determine whether Invisalign Express will work for your smile.

Invisalign Treatment vs Invisalign Express

The difference between Invisalign treatment and Invisalign Express is the number of aligners and the length of treatment.

Invisalign Express uses a maximum of 10 sets of aligners to complete a case. A full Invisalign case offers an unlimited number of aligners, with most cases using 20-30 sets of aligners.

Invisalign Express treatment takes about 6 months to correct the issue. Full Invisalign treatment takes anywhere from 6 months to 36 months.

But not all cases can be completed using Invisalign Express: fewer aligners and a shorter timeframe can only correct the mildest cases of misalignment. Your orthodontist will do a thorough examination to determine whether your case can be corrected with this shorter program.

If you do qualify for Invisalign Express, you can expect lower costs than traditional Invisalign, since the program requires fewer aligners and fewer visits to the orthodontist.

How Much Does Invisalign Express Cost?

Invisalign Express costs less than full Invisalign treatment because it uses fewer aligners and a shorter treatment program: Express treatments range from $1,800 to $3,500. The average is about $2,500. Full Invisalign treatment plans cost between $2,500 and $9,000.

Invisalign Express uses the same comprehensive treatment program, so your price includes these features:

Costs may increase, however, if your case cannot be fully completed using only the number of aligners provided in Invisalign Express. In that case, you will have to purchase extra aligners, which will add to your overall costs.

invisalign aligner with case

Does Invisalign Express Work?

Invisalign Express works! If you qualify for Invisalign Express, you can expect the same reliable and effective treatment results as full Invisalign.

Invisalign Express treatment uses the same patented technology as traditional Invisalign treatment, with your treatment carefully designed by your orthodontist to determine the precise movement of each tooth. Your aligners are made of state-of-the-art SmartTrack™ material, which is clinically proven to move teeth faster and with better predictability.

If the Express program cannot fully complete your case with the number of aligners provided, your orthodontist will use extra aligners to achieve the optimal results.

Remember, not every case is approved for Invisalign Express. This treatment program is built for mild cases, usually a mild degree of spacing or crowding. There should be less than 2 mm of space between the gaps in your teeth, or 2 mm of crowding overlap.

Invisalign Express is a useful treatment option for patients who had orthodontia earlier in their lives, but whose teeth have drifted due to poor retainer use.

If your orthodontist approves you for Invisalign Express, you can expect effective, reliable, long-lasting results.

Who Qualifies for Invisalign Express?

Invisalign Express is suitable for mild cases of dental misalignment:

  • Minimal rotation of the teeth
  • Less than 2 mm of spacing/crowding per arch
  • Less than 2 mm of midline correction needed
  • Less than 1.5 mm of dental expansion needed

Invisalign Express is a popular option for prior orthodontic cases, for those whose teeth have drifted years after their treatment.

During your consultation, your orthodontist will do a thorough examination to determine whether your case qualifies for Invisalign Express. This involves a discussion of your dental history, in-person examination, and digital x-rays, and/or 3D-digital imaging.

Your doctor will determine whether your case qualifies for Invisalign Express; if your dental condition is too severe for Express, you should be able to be treated with full Invisalign treatment.

Some cases may require supplemental care, such as tooth extractions or cosmetic dentistry, or may require an interval of metal braces before switching to Invisalign Express.