Invisalign is the clear aligner pioneer, the very first company to take them mainstream, and to monumental success. They first hit the Australian market in 2002, and since then, they have remained the biggest name in discreet orthodontic treatment.
Given their notoriety, you might think that they’d rest on their laurels, abandoning innovation and transformation. However, Invisalign has continuously worked to enhance their products and processes. One of their most notable innovations is their Invisalign Express treatment line, which offers faster and more affordable treatment to patients who qualify, giving them the benefits of traditional Invisalign, but at a fraction of the cost.
Just what is that cost? It varies between dental offices and patients. Here, we’ll cover the average cost of Invisalign Express and which factors might have you paying more or less.
Table of Contents
Average Price
You might like the idea of Invisalign treatment that is faster and more affordable than their traditional system. However, cheaper doesn’t always mean affordable. There is no flat rate for Invisalign Express, and numerous variables can drive the final cost up or down.
The average range for Invisalign Express is $1,500–$4,500. Where you fall within this range, or even outside it, will be unique to you — so don’t make assumptions based on what others have paid. Before you start setting your budget, get an accurate estimate from the doctor of your choice.
5 Factors That Impact Your Treatment Cost
As an in-office treatment, the cost of Invisalign Express isn’t set by the company itself, but by the doctor delivering the treatment. When they set their price, they factor in quite a few variables. Here are the top five that will impact your Invisalign Express bill.
#1: The Complexity of Your Case
Invisalign Express is limited to addressing mild and moderate cases of crowding and spacing in the front six teeth, similar to the limitations of at-home clear aligners. However, since it can incorporate SmartForce attachments, it does have a slightly wider scope.
That said, the more complex your case, the more aligners it will require. Invisalign Express has three different “tiers” of treatment: five aligners, seven aligners, and 10 aligners. The five-aligner tier is for the simplest of cases, while the 10-aligner tier is for slightly more complex ones.
Every aligner has an associated cost, so the more aligners in your treatment plan, the more you should expect to pay. Thus, someone on the 10-aligner tier will have a higher treatment cost than someone on the 5-aligner tier.
#2: Office Location
Different regions and cities have different costs of living. While we tend to think about how this impacts the cost of food and petrol, we often forget that it also affects the price of services.
As a general rule, dentists and orthodontists in large cities will charge more than those in the suburbs or rural areas simply to recoup their overhead costs, such as rent. Don’t be afraid to schedule consultations with dentists outside of your immediate area if you feel the commute will be worth the savings.
#3: Doctor Expertise
Highly experienced doctors tend to charge more for their services. Invisalign has a tier system for doctors who have become exceptionally proficient in their aligners, ranging from Bronze to Diamond Plus. If you want the best possible experience with Invisalign Express, look for a Diamond Plus provider. However, they might charge more to reflect their experience.
#4: Aftercare Retainers
No matter what type of orthodontic treatment you get, you will need aftercare retainers to prevent your teeth from migrating back to their original positions. However, not all retainers come with the same cost.
Usually, after Invisalign treatment, you’ll wear their Vivera retainers. They have the same appearance as your aligners but are made from thicker, more durable plastic. You will need to purchase retainers before you finish treatment and replace them about once a year.
Like Invisalign itself, the cost of your aftercare retainers will vary based on your doctor’s pricing. Be sure to ask before starting treatment.
#5: Refinements
A vast majority of patients are thrilled with the results of their Invisalign Express treatment. However, teeth don’t always move as planned. If your results aren’t what you’d expected, your doctor can order more aligners to finish the job. Assuming your doctor did not include refinements in their original price, you will need to pay extra for these aligners.
Financing Options
Affordability is a major part of Invisalign Express’ appeal. However, $1,500–$4,500 is still more than most people have lying around, and putting it all on a credit card might not be the best financial decision. Luckily, there are financing options.
In many cases, you can get financing through your doctor’s office. If this isn’t an option, you can contact independent financing and loan companies that specialize in medical expenses. Just be careful about the interest rates. Certain providers may require a credit check, a down payment, or both.
Insurance Coverage
The national insurance, in general, does not cover dental expenses, though there are exceptions. If your oral health starts to impact your overall health, you might be eligible for some degree of coverage.
However, Invisalign Express doesn’t address major orthodontic issues. Most of its changes are cosmetic, so you aren’t likely to get assistance from Medicare.
Private dental policies are more likely to offer some degree of coverage, bringing down your final bill. Additionally, you might be able to use the Medicare rebate, depending on your circumstances.
How Does the Cost Compare to Other Clear Aligners?
The biggest competition for Invisalign Express is Invisalign itself. The full system typically falls somewhere in the range of $6,000–$8,500. This means that just by opting for the express version, you can save around $4,500.
But Invisalign has more competition than just its own product lines. If you qualify for Invisalign Express, you are likely also a candidate for at-home clear aligners.
At-home aligners are a form of remote dentistry and ideal for closing small gaps or straightening slightly crowded teeth. Since they don’t include office visits, these systems are available at a fraction of the cost of traditional treatments.
Companies like Byte, EZ Smile, SmileDirectClub, and SmilePath offer their treatment packages at flat rates that range from $1,899 (SmilePath) to $2,965 (SmileDirectClub). While it’s possible that you could find Invisalign Express for less than at-home aligners, in most cases, Invisalign Express treatment will be at least $1,000 more.
Final Thoughts
Invisalign Express is a great way to access the proven efficiency of Invisalign without the price of the complete system. Assuming your orthodontic concerns are minor, it is doubtful that you will be disappointed in the results.
However, if the price is what’s motivating you to consider Invisalign Express, know that there are other affordable options that could be cheaper while offering even more convenience. Take your time to research at-home aligner brands in Australia before you sign on for treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people have used Invisalign Express?
There are no numbers available on how many people have been treated specifically with Invisalign Express. However, Invisalign as a company has helped over 13 million patients achieve straighter, healthier smiles.
Should I choose Invisalign or Invisalign Express?
If Invisalign Express is an option for you, it is a good idea to go with this system over the original to save money and time. However, not everyone qualifies for treatment. Your doctor will let you know which option is best for your unique situation.
How do I get started with Invisalign or Invisalign Express?
To get started, schedule a consultation with your doctor. At this appointment, they will evaluate your alignment and take diagnostics. From there, they can determine which system is right for you and begin planning your treatment.
How long do Invisalign and Invisalign Express take?
This depends on the complexity of your case. Invisalign Express takes 4–6 months for most patients while the original Invisalign typically takes 12–18 months.
Is Invisalign Express more affordable than remote aligner systems?
Invisalign Express may be more or less affordable than at-home aligners, depending on how many aligners you need and which companies you’re considering. However, the value of a product encompasses more than its price tag. Most at-home aligner companies also offer important extras, such as whitening and post-treatment retainers.
Which other companies should I consider?
Byte, EZ Smile, SmileDirectClub, and SmilePath are our top four choices for at-home aligners in Australia. Each one has its upsides and downsides, but we feel that all of them offer good value and excellent results.
What is the fastest clear aligner company?
This distinction goes to Byte. They include the HyperByte device in all of their treatment plans. This helps speed up tooth movement by delivering micropulses to the tissues and bones holding the teeth in place.
Are at-home aligners safe?
Yes. Millions of people have used at-home clear aligners to correct their smiles and the results are comparable to those from in-office treatments for similar conditions.
Do clear aligners hurt?
All orthodontic treatment places pressure on the teeth to encourage them to move. This tends to cause some soreness and sensitivity to bite pressure, which is most noticeable when you first begin treatment and returns for a few hours when you switch to new aligners.
However, if you choose nighttime aligners, it actually may not fully disappear since you only wear them for 10 hours per day and the teeth do not fully adjust to their presence.
Join The Discussion: