Invisalign is the biggest name in orthodontic treatment today, and when you dig into the details, it is easy to see why. The system is convenient, comfortable, and pretty much invisible. You might be wondering if there is a catch, and to a degree, there is: the price.
Invisalign is many things, but affordable isn’t always one of them. This high cost has led many people to seek out alternatives, such as mail-order clear aligners from Byte and SmileDirectClub.
So, what can you expect to pay for Invisalign treatment in Australia? And which factors can raise or lower your bill? Let’s dive into everything you need to know.
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Average Price
When you hop on Google, you won’t find a set price for Invisalign, but rather an average range. To get an exact cost, you’ll need to have a consultation with the doctor of your choice. But if you’re looking at the original system, the price of Invisalign in Australia typically falls between $6,000 and $8,500.
Of course, your treatment could fall outside this range, depending on your condition and your doctor’s rates. Before you write off the possibility of Invisalign treatment, sit down with a dentist or orthodontist to determine how much it would cost to treat your specific condition.
Worried About the Cost of Invisalign?
If the high cost of Invisalign has you feeling overwhelmed, know that there are other options. Before you decide not to pursue treatment, look into at-home clear aligner alternatives. They allow you to straighten your teeth for a fraction of the cost without sacrificing quality.
5 Factors That Impact Your Treatment Cost
Invisalign doesn’t fully determine the cost of your treatment. While the company charges dentists a particular fee per aligner, the final price includes a lot of other items — like SmartForce attachments to your doctor’s overhead costs.
Here are the five biggest factors that contribute to your bill.
#1: The Complexity of Your Condition
Unlike at-home clear aligners, Invisalign can treat nearly the entire spectrum of orthodontic conditions. This is because it can employ SmartForce attachments and other add-ons and because in-person oversight allows for more nuanced treatment.
However, more complex cases also come with a bigger bill. They require more aligners to reach the finish line, special additions to treatment, more visits, and in many cases, more time spent in the chair per visit. All of this translates to a higher overall cost.
#2: Doctor Expertise
Dentists and orthodontists are like all other medical professionals: their rates are often based on their experience level. However, this isn’t always the case with Invisalign.
To understand why this is, you need to learn about the Invisalign Advantage program. This is a system Invisalign uses to recognize the doctors who are most experienced with their treatments. There are eight tiers, starting with Bronze and ending with Diamond II.
Doctors earn points for each Invisalign treatment they complete (a comprehensive package nets them 100 points). To reach the highest tier, they need 20,000 points. So a Diamond II doctor has a ton of experience with Invisalign and will likely charge more as a result.
However, this elevated rate is often offset by the discounts Invisalign offers their higher-tiered doctors. For example, Diamond II providers get a large discount on lab fees, and they can pass those savings on to their customers.
While you still should expect to pay a bit more for an experienced doctor, it might not be as much as you’d anticipate.
#3: Aftercare Retainers
Once you finish your Invisalign treatment, you will need to wear retainers for life. This isn’t unique to Invisalign; all forms of orthodontic treatment require retainers to stop teeth from migrating back to their original locations.
Most dentists and orthodontists who offer Invisalign use Vivera retainers for their patients. These are high-quality products, but this quality comes with a high price tag. There are alternatives, and some doctors might provide you with options rather than requiring you to use Vivera. Be sure to speak with your doctor about retainer fees before starting treatment.
#4: Refinements
Patients are generally happy with their final Invisalign results. This makes sense, given you get to see a preview of your new smile before you even begin treatment. However, there are cases where patients see their results in real life and realize they want to make a small change.
If this happens to you, your doctor can order more aligners to make those final movements. The catch is that each new aligner, plus the necessary diagnostics, will increase your cost.
#5: Office Location
If you are in a high-cost-of-living area, you can expect to pay more for Invisalign than if you live somewhere with lower rent, utilities, etc. Larger cities are often the most expensive, while rural locations are the cheapest. If you don’t mind travelling every few weeks for your appointments, it might be more economical to find a doctor outside of your area.
Financing Options
When you are taking on an expense that costs thousands of dollars, knowing you don’t have to pay everything up front can be comforting.
The issue is that Invisalign itself does not offer financing. The terms for payment plans are set either by your doctor or the third-party financing service. So, if paying for everything up front isn’t an option for you, you’ll want to research which financing plans are available.
Keep in mind that there can be a few issues with financing. First, you might need to pass a credit check to qualify. If your credit is poor, financing may not be an option, or you might have to pay a larger down payment.
The other issue is that financing plans have interest. While it may be easier to pay in monthly installments than to cover it all at the start, you end up paying more in the end — potentially a lot more.
Insurance Coverage
Generally speaking, the national insurance does not offer coverage for dental expenses. However, there are certain exceptions when oral health problems impact your overall health.
Because Invisalign can be used to correct severe orthodontic irregularities, it might qualify for coverage, depending on your condition. If it’s a detriment to your overall health, you could be eligible. If it’s more of a cosmetic change, you won’t qualify.
If you are like many Australians, you have a supplemental private dental policy. You can use this to pay for Invisalign, depending on the terms set by your provider. Just keep in mind that in most cases, this will only be partial coverage. While it will make treatment more affordable, it will probably leave you with a decent amount to pay out of pocket. Additionally, you might be able to use the Medicare rebate, depending on your circumstances.
How Does the Cost Compare to Other Clear Aligners?
Invisalign is the oldest and most well-known clear aligner company in Australia. As a result, it tends to be the most expensive, though there can be exceptions with other in-office aligner treatments.
One alternative to the original Invisalign system is Invisalign Express. This specialized system is strictly meant to correct mild to moderate misalignments and is limited to 10 sets of aligners or fewer. On average, it costs $1,500–$4,500. Just keep in mind that the same factors that impact the cost of the complete system also apply to Invisalign Express.
If you are looking to make cosmetic changes, you might be better off looking into at-home clear aligners. These systems can address most of the same conditions as Invisalign Express, but they are often cheaper — sometimes by thousands of dollars.
Byte, EZ Smile, SmileDirectClub, and SmilePath all offer flat-rate prices for their treatments, so no matter how many aligners you need, you pay the same price. These range from $1,899 (SmilePath) to $2,965 (SmileDirectClub). They often include bonus items in the cost of treatment, such as teeth whitening kits and aftercare retainers. This means they often represent a better value than in-office treatments even when the price is similar.
Final Thoughts
Invisalign is an excellent treatment, especially if you need to make major corrections to your tooth and jaw alignment while using a discreet appliance. However, for many people, the balance between results and price isn’t right for them.
If you are looking to correct minor cases of crowding and spacing, take time to investigate at-home clear aligners. These can save you thousands of dollars while also delivering superior convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my insurance coverage to pay for Invisalign?
This depends on which insurance policy you are looking to use and which orthodontic concerns you wish to treat. Your doctor will help you determine if Medicare will help. For private policies, speak with the insurance company.
Are there discounts that can lower my Invisalign bill?
As a company, Invisalign does not offer discounts to patients. Doctors can qualify for discounts by becoming higher-tier providers. They then get to decide if they will pass these savings on to their patients. Additionally, individual doctors may run specials or offer discounts that make the cost of treatment more affordable.
Why does Invisalign cost more than other clear aligners?
The exact reasons depend on the system. For example, at-home aligners are cheaper because they don’t require office visits and use fewer aligners, while other in-office clear aligners can be cheaper because they use different manufacturing processes.
However, the biggest reason other companies are cheaper is that they have to be; Invisalign is the originator and the most well-known system, so everyone else prices their treatments lower to compete.
Are at-home aligners as effective as Invisalign?
At-home aligners are limited to treating mild and moderate cases of crowding and spacing. Invisalign has a much wider scope of treatment. However, if you are strictly looking at milder conditions, there isn’t a notable difference between Invisalign’s results and those of at-home clear aligners.
Are there hidden costs related to Invisalign treatment?
Hidden sounds deceptive, and we don’t feel that Invisalign and its providers try to deceive patients. However, there are some things you might not realize you’ll need, such as cases for your aligners, softer toothbrushes, and aftercare retainers.
How many people have straightened their smiles with Invisalign?
Since it first launched in the U.S. in 1998, Invisalign has helped over 13 million patients worldwide. As a result, it has the most extensive track record of any aligner system.
What are the benefits of choosing in-office treatment over remote dentistry?
The two benefits of choosing an in-office system like Invisalign over remote treatments like Byte are the ability to treat a wider range of conditions and the in-person oversight you receive from a doctor. However, for many people, these appointments are more of a disruption than a benefit.
How do I get started with Invisalign treatment?
You just need to find a doctor that offers it and schedule an appointment. We suggest that you talk to 2–3 doctors to get a feel for the pricing structure and to find the one you are most comfortable with.
How long does treatment take with Invisalign?
This varies depending on how severe your condition is, how easily your teeth move, and how well you follow your treatment plan. In most cases, it takes 12–18 months.
What other companies should I consider?
Byte, EZ Smile, SmileDirectClub, and SmilePath are our top four choices for at-home aligners in Australia. Each of them will deliver quality results, but they all have unique features and advantages. Be sure to research them before you settle on a specific company for treatment.
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