The cost of Invisalign® braces is about the same or higher than traditional orthodontic treatment, which ranges from $2,500 to $7,000. Your specific braces cost is determined by factors that include the type and duration of treatment, the dental professional, the location, your dental insurance and any other restorative work needed before or throughout treatment. Financing may be available through your dental insurance plan or your dentist’s office. Consult your dental insurance provider and dentist’s office to determine what orthodontic benefits you may qualify for.

Ceramic, or “clear,” braces are made of composite materials that are weaker and more brittle than their metal counterpart. Ceramic brackets are larger than metal brackets and require small rubber bands, or ligatures, (or built in spring clips on “self ligating” brackets) to hold them to the arch wire.

Inside braces (including such brands as 3M’s Incognito Orthodontic Braces) are attached to the back of the teeth so they are hidden from view. Current iBraces use scanned images of the insides of the teeth to create special, computer-designed custom brackets.

Clear aligners (including such brands as Align Technologies’ Invisalign® and ClearCorrect Inc.’s ClearCorrect) are a series of clear, removable aligners custom-fit to your teeth to provide virtually irritation-free treatment with minimal adjustment discomfort.

Are you considering Invisalign® braces? Invisalign® is a type of orthodontic treatment that helps to straighten teeth without the use of the typical metal braces.

The typical price of Invisalign® braces is usually a bit higher than regular braces. The average cost, according to the manufacturer, is between $3,500 and $8,000. Your dentist or orthodontist can give you a better estimate of the price. The factors that come into play are the extent of the alignment your teeth require and how many aligners you need throughout the treatment. The typical cost of regular braces varies widely, but is usually in the range of $2,500 to $6,000. Again, the cost varies on a case-by-case basis, depending on your individual needs, and should be discussed with your dentist. Most dental insurance plans cover Invisalign® just as they would regular braces, but check with the insurance company first to determine the extent of their coverage.

In the end, it is up to you and your orthodontist to decide which is the best treatment for your individual case. The average Invisalign® price is not that much higher than regular braces and the unique advantages Invisalign® offers – like being able to take the aligners out to eat and brush your teeth – often outweigh the slight difference in price. If cost is a big concern for you, talk to your dentist about payment options. Many providers will offer flexible monthly payment plans to spread out the Invisalign® braces cost over a longer period.