A perfect set of teeth can improve a person’s appearance, boosting confidence and improving other people’s perceptions.
However, not all are lucky enough to be born with a perfect smile. For these individuals, orthodontic treatments are the best option.
Braces and aligners are dental appliances that come in different materials, including metal, ceramic, and clear plastic—better known by its proprietary name, Invisalign. These types of treatment are provided by orthodontists, who undergo an additional two years of advanced dental education and training.
Invisalign is the least obvious and disruptive corrective orthodontic treatment, although it may not be for everyone. That said, seeking an appointment with reputable dental practitioners is crucial to understanding the treatment and exploring your options.
Below, you’ll find more information about Invisalign, including what it is, the factors that affect the prices, and how you may save on treatment costs.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a tradename for the most widely used transparent teeth aligner. As an orthodontic treatment, it aims to eliminate cosmetic issues, including crooked, crowded teeth, and malocclusions or over and underbite.
Like its metal counterpart, Invisalign is a dental appliance that exerts pressure to correct certain tooth positions. Unlike metal, ceramic, and lingual braces, this clear plastic can be removed and thus can be a great alternative to those who prefer less visible dental appliances.
Invisalign treatment cost
The price for Invisalign treatment varies from patient to patient and depends on various factors. An initial discussion with your chosen orthodontist helps you determine your individualized Invisalign cost, which could run from NZD$3,000 (USD$1,848) to NZD$11,000 (USD$6,779), according to an NZ-based dental clinic website.
Despite the costs involved, the global demand for clear aligners, including Invisalign, is seen to increase. From USD$3.3 billion in 2022, the global market value for clear aligners is expected to reach USD$3.86 billion this year—indicating an increasing demand for this costly treatment.
Cost comparison: Invisalign vs. metal, ceramic, and lingual braces
Information from an aggregator site indicates that metal braces cost from NZD$4,000 (USD$2,465) to NZD$12,000 (USD$7,395). They’re the most common option, even if they can cause oral pain and irritation to most patients, especially during the first few days.
Ceramic braces are pricier than metal, running from NZD$5,000 (USD$3,081) to NZD$13,000 (USD$8,011). Unlike metal, though, ceramic braces are less noticeable yet less durable than traditional brackets.
Lingual braces are the priciest dental appliance solution at NZD$13,000 (USD$8,011) to NZD$20,000 (USD$12,325). Placed at the back of the teeth, they’re invisible and often serve cosmetic rather than functional purposes. As such, the treatment period lasts longer than metal appliances.
Note that the prices above aren’t conclusive, as orthodontic treatments are customized and impacted by several factors.
Invisalign cost factors
Now that you know the price ranges for different dental appliances, it’s time to focus on the factors impacting Invisalign prices.
Like other treatment types, clear dental aligners are priced depending on the severity of crowding or misalignment, the scope of work needed to complete the treatment, the patient’s age, the orthodontist’s location, and the treatment period.
- Invisalign pre-treatment costs
The orthodontist will examine a patient’s teeth and request an x-ray, creating a 3D impression of the mouth. These tests will help the dental specialist identify the appropriate treatment and associated costs.
According to consumer.org.nz, the median cost for a dental exam with an x-ray is NZD$98 (USD$60), although these services in Otago could reach NZD$123 (USD$76). Sometimes, a patient may require a tooth extraction before the treatment, which adds an average of NZD$242 (USD$149) to your tab.
- The patient’s dental condition
Every person has a unique oral structure and responds differently to treatments, thus requiring individualized treatment. A patient’s dental misalignment condition is the main cost consideration for all orthodontic treatment costs, including Invisalign use. Severe and complex crowding, spacing, and crossbite cases are more expensive to treat than minor and common malocclusions.
Conversely, minor misalignment issues typically require shorter treatment periods, fewer dental visits, and no dental appliance other than the Invisalign teeth straightener.
- The length of the Invisalign treatment
Invisalign treatments typically last anywhere from 6 to 18 months, depending on the individual’s alignment needs. For instance, the lowest possible cost for Invisalign, pegged at NZD$3,000 (USD$1,848), is for short-term and minor orthodontic treatment. That said, longer corrective periods increase prices, so expect to pay higher for more significant work.
- The type of Invisalign correction required
Invisalign transparent aligners come in a few variations to address different patient needs. For instance, there’s one for young children, teens, and adults with moderate misalignment:
- Invisalign First is meant for little children who need interceptive orthodontics. As with adults, this appliance can address common issues like spacing, narrow dental arches, and crowding.
- Invisalign Teen is recommended for teenagers with class II malocclusions but can improve bite and chin appearance.
- Invisalign i7 is intended for minor esthetic enhancements or partial treatments. The treatment includes seven aligner trays, with the corrective treatment involving the front teeth.
- Invisalign Express is typically a six-month treatment aimed at correcting minor issues. Patients usually use up to 10 sets of aligners for the entire treatment period.
- Invisalign Lite is for patients who require more work or those under Class 1 malocclusions. The treatment plan takes at least six months, with 14 aligners needed.
- Invisalign Full is recommended for moderate to severe cases. The treatment period lasts 1 year to 18 months. The number of aligners will depend on the patient’s requirements, with more complex issues requiring more.
Sometimes, patients would need more than their aligners to fix their malocclusion.
- Additional treatments required
Besides longer treatment periods and more aligner trays, individuals with complicated cases would need additional appliances or aligner attachments. These include rubber bands and Interproximal Reduction (IPR).
IPRs are button-like attachments added to a patient’s tooth before an Invisalign treatment. These additions are necessary for creating tiny spaces between crowded teeth. Aligners can grip onto them as your problematic teeth are repositioned. Extra attachments like these cost a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on how many you need.
- Patient’s age
Invisalign treatment for adults lasts longer than for younger patients because mature teeth respond longer to orthodontic treatments. Sometimes, repositioning teeth or correcting misalignment in older patients need more complex appliances or unique treatment methods, leading to costlier prices.
- Orthodontist’s expertise and location
The cost of living in each state can affect dental procedures and treatment prices. Service fees and material charges are generally higher in major cities. So, Invisalign treatments are typically costlier in such locations.
Additionally, more experienced orthodontic dentists ask for higher costs, especially without competition or in places with few Invisalign providers.
How to save on the costs of Invisalign
Brackets and aligners are generally costly, and deals may be few and far between when it comes to these treatments. But you can save a few dollars through the following:
- Visit at least three providers and compare the costs: Newly trained orthodontists may keep their prices low to attract more clients and gain experience.
- Keep your eyes peeled for clinic promotions: Experienced dental specialists may snag lucrative deals with Invisalign, and they can pass on these savings by offering patient discounts.
- Check your private dental insurance coverage: New Zealand’s dental care insurance plan only covers basic dental procedures for indigents and children under 18. Check for orthodontic treatment coverage if you have private dental insurance.
- Determine if the clinic offers financing options: Invisalign treatments require frequent dental visits. Ask if your dentist provides flexible payment terms that let you pay the costs while undergoing treatment.
- Follow instructions diligently: Invisalign patients must wear their aligners for up to 22 hours daily for optimal results. Failure to follow this can drag the treatment period longer, costing more.
Additionally, you may ask for treatment cost inclusions. Most dentists include examination fees, 3D model creation, and dental x-rays in the treatment package, so you don’t have to pay for your subsequent visits.
Final thoughts
Invisalign treatments are dental appliances that boost your oral health and overall appearance. Like other treatment modalities, they’re customized and vary from patient to patient. That said, their prices likewise wildly differ, as influenced by the abovementioned factors. Schedule an appointment with your preferred orthodontist to determine your treatment price.
