The technology behind Invisalign is less than 30 years old, but this clear orthodontic solution has quickly gained popularity with teens and adults alike. In 2025, the company announced that they had reached 20 million Invisalign patients, a massive milestone for a relatively young company.1
Though the cost of Invisalign treatment is comparable to traditional braces, patients often have questions about how to pay for treatment. This article covers common questions like “Does insurance cover Invisalign?” and “How can I budget for Invisalign?” by explaining how this teeth straightening treatment works and ways to pay for it.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a type of treatment that addresses orthodontic issues by having the patient wear clear, plastic dental aligners. These aligners are virtually undetectable when worn, but they help gradually shift your teeth into place over the course of your treatment plan. Patients typically wear multiple aligners throughout the treatment time, switching trays every few weeks or as instructed by their dental care provider. Many patients love Invisalign for several reasons:2
- Clear braces are less painful than traditional metal braces
- Invisalign trays can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing
- Invisalign aligners are discreet
- Invisalign may straighten crooked teeth faster than traditional braces
How much does Invisalign cost?
The exact cost of Invisalign treatment varies based on the orthodontist and their specialization, treatment complexity, treatment period, and more. Invisalign can cost between $1,800 and $9,500 per treatment course, and the average cost is $3,000 for a teenager.3
How to pay for Invisalign
There are a few different ways that may help you pay for Invisalign, including the following:
- Dental insurance: Many dental insurance plans that cover traditional braces also cover Invisalign treatment. Insurance may partially cover the costs of treatment (either a percentage of your total treatment cost or a dollar amount). You may be covered for up to $3,000 of orthodontic treatment, depending on your plan and insurer.4
- Financing plans: Some dental care centers may offer alternative payment options, such as monthly payment plans. These enable you to make small monthly payments over the course of your treatment period, so the cost is more manageable.
- FSA or HSA: If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you may be able to pay for parts of your treatment with tax-free dollars. You’ll need to work with your dental care team to identify which costs can be accommodated using funds from these accounts.
- Dental discount plans: Dental discount plans or orthodontic discount plans operate as a subscription service. You can pay a membership fee that grants you access to discounts, which may substantially lower the cost of Invisalign treatment at your dental care clinic.
Budgeting tips for Invisalign
While the cost of orthodontic treatments can be daunting at times, our tips may help you better anticipate and manage payments:
- Review your coverage carefully: If you already have dental insurance, review the terms of your coverage or talk to your insurer about Invisalign coverage.
- Compare dental insurance plans: If you don’t already have dental insurance and don’t require treatment urgently, you can consider getting an affordable dental insurance policy that offers Invisalign coverage. Compare different insurers and their terms, waiting periods, and coverage limitations before choosing a policy.
- Get cost estimates early on: Your dental care provider will most likely share a treatment plan and cost estimate early during your Invisalign journey. It’s a good idea to ask about financing options, insurance coverage, payment alternatives, discounts, offers, and more. Understanding the overall treatment cost can help you plan your finances effectively.
- Consider using a combination of payment options: If you’re eligible for partial coverage, consider seeking financing to manage out-of-pocket expenses. Talk to your dental care provider about the possibilities.
- Divert funds if you can: Orthodontic treatments can be life-changing for some patients. Not only do they improve your smile and boost your confidence, but they can also have a positive impact on your oral health and overall well-being. If you’ve been saving up for another big purchase, such as a home renovation or vacation, diverting the funds to Invisalign treatment may be well worth the results.
By planning ahead and exploring all your financial options, you can make Invisalign treatment more affordable and less stressful. With the right strategy, improving your smile can be a worthwhile investment in both your appearance and your long-term health.
Sources:
1 Align – Align Technology Announces First Quarter 2025 Financial Results. Updated April 30, 2025. https://investor.aligntech.com/news-releases/news-release-details/align-technology-announces-first-quarter-2025-financial-results. Accessed June 5, 2025.
2 Invisalign – Why Invisalign®. https://www.invisalign.com/why-invisalign. Accessed July 2, 2025.
3 GoodRx Health – How Much Does Invisalign Cost Without Insurance? Updated February 13, 2024. https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/dental-care/invisalign-cost-without-insurance. Accessed June 5, 2025.
4 Invisalign – Comparing the Cost of Invisalign® Treatment vs Braces. Updated July 2024. https://www.invisalign.com/resources/braces/invisalign-vs-braces-cost. Accessed June 5, 2025.
Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.
Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
Dental: In Delaware, Policies A82100R–A82400R. In Idaho, Policies A82100RID–A82400RID. In Oklahoma, Policies A82100ROK–A82400ROK. In Virginia, Policies A82100RVA–A82400RVA.
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