How much Invisalign costs

Updated October 12, 2026.

Invisalign and other clear aligners usually cost $4,000 to $7,000 for a full course of treatment before insurance. CareCredit's newer figures put the average for clear aligners at $5,108 in 2024.

Invisalign price ranges compared

Align Technology, which makes Invisalign, says that in most cases the cost of Invisalign treatment is comparable to the cost of braces (Align). The published figures agree: aligners start a little higher than metal braces but top out at the same price.

See the full comparison of comfort, visibility and effort on Invisalign vs braces, or estimate your own price with the calculator set to clear aligners.

What changes the price of Invisalign

• How complex your case is and how many aligners you need. Align says your doctor sets the price on these two things (Align).
• Where you live. Our estimates for clear aligners range from about $4,800 in Arkansas to $6,100 in California, scaled by each state's price level. See cost by state.
• What the quote includes. Ask whether retainers after treatment are included. A separate retainer can cost $200 to $1,000 (retainer costs).

What an Invisalign fee usually includes

Treatment starts with records. Cleveland Clinic describes the process: the orthodontist takes digital pictures and scans or molds of your teeth, maps how each tooth will move, sends that to a lab that makes each set of aligners, and bonds small tooth-colored attachments to some teeth to help the aligners grip (Cleveland Clinic). You then switch to a new set about every 2 weeks and return for check-ups (Cleveland Clinic).

Ask the practice whether its fee covers all of this, plus:

• Any extra aligners if your teeth need more time; Cleveland Clinic notes aligners may need more time and device updates than braces to reach the same result (Cleveland Clinic).
• Replacement trays if one is lost or damaged, which the AAO says happens easily with removable appliances (AAO).
• Retainers after treatment: everyone needs them, and the first set is often included while replacements may cost extra (AAO).

How long Invisalign takes

It depends on what needs fixing. For a few slightly crooked teeth, Cleveland Clinic says you may wear aligners for up to 9 months; more serious problems take several months longer (Cleveland Clinic). Clear aligners treat crowded or crooked teeth and some mild to moderate bite problems, and aren't an option for everyone (Cleveland Clinic). A longer, more complex case usually means a higher fee, because the AAO says complexity and duration drive the price of any orthodontic treatment (AAO).

Wearing them right protects what you paid

Aligners only move teeth while they're in your mouth. The AAO says to wear them at least 22 hours a day, in the right order, taking them out only to eat, brush and floss, or briefly for special occasions (AAO). Missed hours can mean slower progress and extra trays. The AAO also warns against drinking anything but water with aligners in, because soft drinks, flavored water and sports drinks seep under the trays and can quickly cause staining and decay (AAO).

Does insurance cover Invisalign?

If your dental plan includes orthodontic benefits, it may cover aligners too. Delta Dental of Virginia says all of its plans that cover orthodontic services cover Invisalign (Delta Dental of Virginia). Other plans pay only what metal braces would cost and leave you the difference (Healthline).

Orthodontic benefits are capped by a lifetime maximum. In OrthoFi data for 2021 on 112,243 insured US patients, the benefit averaged $1,772, and 92% qualified for up to $3,000 (Align, citing OrthoFi). As a rough illustration, an average benefit against the 2024 average aligner cost of $5,108 would leave about $3,336 to pay. More on how orthodontic insurance pays.

Invisalign cost per month

Many doctors offer monthly payment plans, and Align notes that some financing needs little or no money down (Align). Check the interest rate and the total before you sign.

Invisalign and other aligner brands

Invisalign is the best-known brand of clear aligners, but not the only one: Cleveland Clinic names ClearCorrect as another example (Cleveland Clinic). Our price figures cover clear aligners in general; CareCredit's 2022 range is labeled Invisalign and its 2024 average is for clear aligners. We haven't found reliable published prices that compare brands, so if a practice offers more than one, ask for a written quote for each and compare what's included: records, attachments, extra aligners, replacement trays and retainers.

Invisalign for teens and adults

Adults often prefer discreet options such as clear aligners (AAO), and adults are more likely to pay without insurance help, so the price comparison with braces matters most for them. For teens, the main question is whether they will wear the trays at least 22 hours a day; if not, fixed braces may be the safer use of the money. Either way, an orthodontist decides whether your case suits aligners.

Ways to pay less for Invisalign

• Get quotes from two or three practices; most AAO orthodontists offer low-cost or free first consultations (AAO).
• Ask about discounts for paying upfront or for family members (AAO), and about an interest-free in-house plan (AAO).
• Compare the aligner quote with a metal braces quote for the same case; the price difference may be small, or there may be none.
• Check whether your dental plan covers orthodontics and how it pays for aligners before you sign (AAO).
• Avoid deferred-interest cards unless you can clear the balance in time; the typical medical credit card APR is 26.99% (CFPB).

Paying with an HSA or FSA

The IRS counts braces as a dental expense when they treat a dental problem (IRS Publication 502), and Align says you may be able to use HSA or FSA money for Invisalign treatment (Align). For 2025 you can put up to $3,300 into a health FSA, and if your plan allows a carryover, up to $660 of unused money can roll into the next year (IRS Publication 969). Ask your plan administrator before you pay, and keep the itemized receipts from the practice.