If you are looking to straighten your teeth without resorting to traditional metal braces, Invisalign is a popular alternative. This modern procedure will generally cost from $4000 to $9000 depending on the number of aligners needed and the length of treatment. In this article, we will explore the benefits and inner workings of Invisalign, how your treatment plan price is determined and what you can expect to pay for your clear aligners.
What Is Invisalign?
As the name suggests, Invisalign is an invisible aligner that is used in the treatment of straightening teeth. Invisalign are trays made of flexible, clear plastic that are placed on the top and bottom rows of teeth. Unlike metal or ceramic braces, Invisalign braces are virtually invisible on the teeth. The trays are custom-fitted to fit flush against your teeth and the ridgeline of your gums. Every aligner is customised to exactly fit your teeth and slowly shift them into place. Unlike braces, Invisalign trays can be removed at any time.
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign has grown in popularity over the last couple of decades as a method for straightening teeth because it has so many benefits. Apart from avoiding the brackets and wires of traditional braces, the many advantages of Invisalign include:
- More comfortable: Invisalign are more comfortable than traditional braces that may have metal and sharp edges from the wire. Removable aligners are custom made of smooth resin that perfectly aligns with your teeth. Aligners have smooth edges that will sit flush with your teeth and not dig into your mouth or gums.
- Aesthetically pleasing: Invisalign is made of clear plastic which is virtually invisible to see. This makes the teeth straightening process more aesthetically pleasing than the metal or ceramic brace alternative. Your confidence is boosted rather than feeling self conscious about having braces.
- Better dental hygiene: Removable aligners are better for dental hygiene for two reasons. Firstly, the gentle plastic material of Invisalign will not irritate your mouth or gums which may lead to infection. Secondly, since the aligners can be removed, wearers can take them out to brush teeth and floss which means less likelihood of food getting trapped in your teeth. You can also brush the inside of the aligner.
- Prevent other dental problems: Not only will aligners straighten your teeth, they may fix a whole host of other potential dental problems. Crowded teeth or overly spaced teeth can increase the risk of gum disease as your gums do not fit properly around your teeth. Gum disease can lead to bad breath, tooth sensitivity and even tooth loss that will all be preventable.
- Non invasive scanning: Invisalign does not use the invasive scanning that traditional braces require. In most Invisalign diagnoses and treatment, the dentist will use 3D scanning without an x-ray, impressions or other invasive methods. The 3D scan is translated into a 3D print and the aligner is created from that mould.
- Eat any food or drink: Because aligners are removable, there are no restrictions on what you can eat or drink. Traditional braces on the other hand have nooks and crannies where food particles can get caught so there is a list of foods to avoid.
- Fewer dental visits: Invisalign requires fewer dental visits than traditional braces. Once Invisalign is fitted, the average is 3 to 5 appointments during your treatment.
- Shorter treatment plan: Invisalign has a shorter treatment period compared to traditional braces. On average Invisalign treatment takes between 12 and 18 months, depending on the individual situation.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign aligners work by applying gentle, controlled pressure to the teeth to encourage them to move in a specific direction. Each aligner is custom designed for the individual to fit snugly over the teeth so it can apply the exact amount of pressure needed for the desired movement. Because Invisalign is a progressive procedure, a new set of aligners is given to the patient every 6 to 8 weeks. Each new set gradually moves the teeth into the correct position.
To design the customised Invisalign aligner, the dentist begins by taking a digital scan of the teeth. This is then used to create a 3D model of the mouth so the aligners will be a perfect fit. When designing the aligner, the dentist takes into account teeth shape, the patient’s bite, and surrounding tissues. The aligners are then made from thermoplastic polyurethane, a durable and flexible plastic that is lightweight and comfortable.
Patients wear the aligners for about 20 to 22 hours a day, removing them to eat, drink, floss and brush. Every 6 to 8 weeks, the dentist will organise a checkup to monitor your progress and provide the next set of aligners. This treatment will continue for 12 to 18 months once your teeth have shifted to the desired position.
Image: Invisalign
Average Cost of Invisalign in Australia
Invisalign costs anything from $3500 to $9000, depending on a range of factors including location, and the patient’s alignment requirements. We look at the contributing factors.
Location: In Australia, the average cost of Invisalign is similar within the states. The following table displays the average price for the treatment per state.
| State | Average cost for Invisalign |
| Victoria | $5000-$6500 |
| NSW | $3500-$8000 |
| South Australia | $4300-$9000 |
| Queensland | $4000-$8000 |
| Western Australia | $3900-$5000 |
The complexity of the case: If you require a complex treatment, such as bite correction or a major realignment, that will impact the overall cost of the treatment. More complex cases take longer and require more planning. Conversely, if the case is uncomplicated, treatment will take less time and cost less. Understanding dental issues which might make treatment complex is the first step towards estimating your treatment cost.
The number of aligners needed: For Invisalign to work, aligners need to be replaced on a regular basis until treatment is completed. The number of aligners you need to achieve the desired result will affect the overall cost.
The length of treatment: How long you wear the aligners will also be factored into the cost. Longer timelines will mean more aligners, dental checkups and should be factored into cost.
Additional dental work required: Sometimes dental work needs to be carried out before the Invisalign process begins. Factor in extra dental procedures like fillings or extractions which will add to the cost.
The amount covered by insurance: If you have private health insurance you may be able to claim part of the Invisalign costs which will reduce the total price.
Payment plans offered by the dentist: Most dentists offer flexible payment plans to help with the cost of procedures like Invisalign. Hawthorn Road Family Dental offers Afterpay.
Is Invisalign More Expensive Than Braces?
The cost of Invisalign is usually equal to or slightly higher than braces. Braces tend to cost around $6500 to $8500, while Invisalign is about $4000 to $9000. Both of these are just approximations and depend heavily on a range of factors.
When looking for a solution to crooked or misaligned teeth, Invisalign is an attractive option. Not only is it a pain-free treatment, the aligners are invisible and barely noticeable. The question of cost is understandable as dental treatments can be pricey. Our article explains the average cost of Invisalign and what factors affect the total price. Hawthorn Road Family Dental can explain further details on Invisalign and if it is the right course of action for you.
