The Pros & Cons of Invisalign Express

Invisalign introduced their Express treatment as a quicker alternative for people who have a very minor misalignment. Teeth shifting after orthodontic treatment is a common issue among adults, and failing to wear your retainer can cause your teeth to relapse after any treatment. Fortunately, Invisalign Express provides an easy solution.

Invisalign introduced their Express treatment in 2005, and it’s given them an edge in the industry, especially against new home aligner brands. Invisalign Express boasts the same well-established Invisalign brand, without the lengthy treatment time. And, since it’s used to treat more mild misalignments, Invisalign Express is typically much cheaper.

Still, there are drawbacks to every treatment, and Invisalign is no exception. Invisalign Express can be a great alternative in the right circumstances, but it’s not suitable for everyone.

In this guide, we’ll discuss some of the major pros and cons of Invisalign Express and help you decide whether it’s the best treatment for your teeth.

What Is Invisalign Express?

Invisalign Express is very similar to the standard Invisalign treatment that most people know and love. However, unlike the original, Invisalign Express is limited in the conditions it can treat. The treatment has very strict requirements, and your dentist will need to confirm your candidacy. Specifically, Invisalign Express can only be used to move the teeth a few millimeters — think closing a small gap or correcting a mild overlap between two teeth. As a result, most dentists recommend the standard Invisalign treatment, which offers more versatility.

Still, one of Invisalign’s biggest drawbacks is its price. The average treatment costs $3,000–$8,000, and it’s usually not covered by insurance. Invisalign Express requires fewer aligners, so the treatment is much cheaper.

Express treatments often cost between $1,500 and $4,000, depending on how many aligners you need. However, you can expect to pay about $2,500.

If your dentist approves you for Invisalign Express, he or she will take X-rays and impressions of your teeth to send to Invisalign’s lab. Then, within 2–3 weeks, the lab will create your custom aligners and treatment plan. Depending on the severity of your case, you’ll either have the Invisalign Express 5 or Invisalign Express 10 treatment plan. The plans come with 5 or 10 sets of aligners, respectively. So, they’re much faster than the original Invisalign treatment, which typically requires about 25 sets total.

To put things into perspective, Invisalign’s average treatment time is 12–18 months. However, the average treatment time for Invisalign Express is just six months.

Once your dentist receives your aligners, you can schedule an appointment to try them on and pick them up. Your instructions for Express treatment will be the same as the original. Most importantly, you should wear your aligners 22 hours per day, only removing them to eat, drink, or brush your teeth. You’ll also still need to schedule monthly appointments with your dentist and switch to a new set of aligners about once every two weeks. Then, your teeth will slowly shift until they’ve reached the desired position.

Major Pros & Cons of Invisalign Express

Invisalign Express is a quicker and often cheaper version of Invisalign, and it’s an excellent option for people with minor issues. However, like any other treatment, Invisalign Express has some downsides. So, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding if it’s the right option for you. Luckily, we’ve done the work for you and compiled a list of the major pros and cons:

Pros

Cost: Express 10 and Express 5 are both much cheaper than Invisalign’s standard treatment. So, you don’t have to pay for more aligners if you don’t need them.
Treatment Time: The average treatment time for Invisalign Express is around six months. It’s perfect for people who want the fastest treatment available, while still seeing a dentist in-person.
Customer Support: Like Invisalign’s standard treatment, Invisalign Express requires regular, in-person office visits to monitor your progress. You’ll choose the dentist who oversees your treatment, so customer service is typically excellent.

Cons

Limited Treatment: Invisalign Express is only suitable for very minor cases. Most people will be a better fit for the standard Invisalign treatment, which doesn’t limit the number of aligners your dentist can use to straighten your teeth.
Monthly Appointments: Invisalign Express is a much shorter treatment, but you’ll still need to schedule regular office visits until it’s complete. Visiting your dentist every month can be inconvenient, especially if you have a busy schedule.

Do The Pros Outweigh The Cons? Our Perspective.

Invisalign Express is best for people with minor misalignments who want a quicker option than the standard Invisalign treatment. Invisalign is the #1 clear aligner brand among both in-office and at-home options. Their aligner treatment is safe and powerful, but it can be pricey and time-consuming. Invisalign Express was introduced for patients who only want to make minor changes to their smile. So, you won’t have to pay for more aligners than you need.

Still, you won’t necessarily be able to decide whether you receive the standard treatment or Invisalign Express. One of the biggest downsides to Express treatment is its lack of versatility. Because your dentist will be limited to just five or ten sets of aligners, most patients are better suited for a full course of Invisalign treatment.

If you’re mostly happy with your smile and only want to make small tweaks, Invisalign Express will probably be well worth the cost — especially if you’d prefer an in-office treatment. Of course, most people who are interested in straightening their teeth are seeking more drastic results. So, keep that in mind if you’re still weighing your options. Invisalign Express isn’t meant for extreme smile makeovers. And, there are more versatile treatments available at a lower price (more on that later).

So, is Invisalign Express a good treatment option for you? Basically, it depends. Get started by visiting your dentist to find out if you’re a suitable candidate. They can give you an estimated treatment cost and walk you through other options if you’re not a good fit.

Other “Express” Treatment Options

Invisalign Express offers an expedited treatment time compared to the original treatment. However, depending on your preferences, several other “express” options might be a better fit. Some competing Invisalign brands offer lower costs.

And, if you’d rather not visit a dentist throughout treatment, newly introduced home aligners offer way more convenience. These are our top picks for the best alternative “express” treatments:

At-Home Express Options:

Byte ($2,199): Byte claims an average treatment plan length of 4–5 months, and with every aligner package, they include a high-frequency vibration device called HyperByte. This device uses gentle, high-frequency vibrations which, according to Byte, help provide a more comfortable aligner fit. Plus, after you wrap up treatment, they help you maintain that smile for life with their Byte for Life Guarantee. For a more detailed look at Byte, check out our comprehensive review.
SmileDirectClub ($2,250): SmileDirectClub is the largest and most experienced home aligner brand. They’ve treated more than 1.8 million people, and they currently have over 100 SmileShop locations nationwide, where you can get started with a free teeth scan. Plus, they have more extensive refund policies than many other brands. For a more detailed look at SmileDirectClub, check out our comprehensive review.
NewSmile ($1,595): NewSmile is one of the youngest companies on the market, but also one of the most intriguing. They made their debut in Canada in early 2020, then expanded to the U.S. shortly after. In those few short years, NewSmile’s low price, remote oversight, interest-free financing, and satisfaction guarantee have already made waves. For a more detailed look at NewSmile, check out our comprehensive review.

In-Office Express Options:

Candid ($3,500+): Candid began as an at-home clear aligner service like the companies above. However, they’ve since evolved into a hybrid at-home and in-person treatment model that requires an initial consultation with a local dentist. Most of Candid treatment still takes place remotely thanks to their “CandidMonitoring” system, which allows you to submit biweekly scans of your teeth to your dentist and the Candid team from the comfort of your home. For a more detailed look at Candid, check out our comprehensive review.
Six Month Smiles ($3,500–5,000): Six Month Smiles offers treatment with both clear braces and clear aligners. It’s best for mild-to-moderate cases of misalignment. And, as the name suggests, most patients complete treatment in about six months.

Final Thoughts

Invisalign Express is a great choice for minor cases, but, like all treatments, it has some drawbacks. So, it’s best to review the pros and cons for yourself before making a final decision.

If you’ve been considering Invisalign Express, visit your dentist to find out if you’re a good candidate for treatment. They can walk you through the pros and cons of Invisalign Express and help you decide whether it’s the right choice for your teeth.