Private health and protection insurance expert and editor
Invisalign is a clear aligner system used to straighten teeth and correct a range of other dental problems. As the aligners are near-invisible, they’re often the preferred option for anyone who wants a more discreet alternative to traditional metal braces, but with that discretion comes cost. Here, we explore how much Invisalign might set you back if it’s an option you’re considering.
Invisalign is typically used to straighten teeth, but it can also be used to correct a wide range of dental issues, including:
If your dentist thinks you’re a good candidate for Invisalign, they’ll create a bespoke treatment plan which will determine the number of Invisalign aligners you’ll need.
There are different Invisalign aligner ranges designed to treat differing levels of need. For minor corrections such as straightening a couple of teeth or slight overcrowding, your dentist may recommend the Invisalign i7 or Invisalign Go range. These ranges use a limited number of aligners, which can help keep costs down.
The Invisalign i7 range, in particular, is aimed predominately at wearers looking for minor cosmetic changes that can be treated with just seven aligners (hence the name). For moderate to complex cases, your dentist may prefer to use the Invisalign Lite or Full ranges.
Whichever treatment you have, you’ll need regular appointments with your dentist to check progress and to collect each new aligner according to your treatment plan.
Treatment length will depend on the corrections you need. You may only need to wear aligners for three or four months for minor cases. If you need extensive work carried out, it could take up to 12 months, but in some cases, it could be even longer.
Invisalign costs will vary depending on the work you need and the type of Invisalign aligner your dentist chooses to use.
As you’d expect, the more complex your needs, the more it will cost. Broadly, you can expect treatment to range between £2,000 - £6,000.
However, to give you a clearer view of just how much Invisalign treatment costs, we gathered quotes from 210 dental practices from around the UK. We then calculated the overall average cost across all types of Invisalign treatment.
We also looked at average costs based on specific treatments and locations to see if there were any variations and trends.
Remember that while our research will give you a good idea of Invisalign treatment costs, they only indicate prices. For an accurate quote based on the dental work you need, you must make an appointment with an Invisalign-trained dentist or orthodontist.
Across all the dental practices we contacted, the average cost for any Invisalign treatment was £3,244.
The most expensive location was Birmingham, where the average cost for Invisalign treatment came to £3,670 – more than £400 over the overall average. The next most expensive area was Exeter at £3,653, followed by Glasgow, Liverpool and Bristol.
In contrast, in the five cheapest regions for Invisalign, average treatment costs were less than or just over £3,000. The most affordable location for any Invisalign procedure was Middlesbrough at £2,917, followed by Leeds, London, Cardiff, and Edinburgh.
Although our research found significant differences in average Invisalign treatment costs up and down the UK, they weren’t necessarily localised trends. For example, treatment wasn’t more expensive in the south than in the north.
There was also little correlation between the size of the town or city and cost. So, larger or more built-up areas were only sometimes the most expensive (and in fact, London was surprisingly in the top five cheapest places for Invisalign treatment overall).
While there are variations in cost between dental practices and across the country, the most critical factor in determining Invisalign cost is the amount of work you need to be done.
Our research found the average cost of Invisalign was £3,244, but treatments for minor corrections using the Invisalign Express and Lite ranges were considerably less (£1,833 and £2,885 respectively).
More extensive dental work needing moderate or comprehensive levels of treatment cost on average £3,599 and £4,260 respectively.
As with any cosmetic procedure, it’s important to do some research before choosing an Invisalign provider based on price alone.
Although Invisalign cost will influence your decision, it’s also worth considering:
Invisalign is considered a cosmetic treatment, and private dental practices can set their own prices. Each dentist’s experience, local competition, and popularity will influence much of that.
Areas with more practices offering Invisalign are more likely to price treatment competitively compared to areas where it’s less popular. Similarly, dental practices with a good reputation for Invisalign can reflect their expertise and success in their prices.
Some dental practices will offer payment plans to cover the cost of Invisalign treatment, but it will be at their discretion. If this is an option, you can spread the total cost over several months.
Payment plans offer convenience and enable you to pay for treatment in manageable chunks. That said, think about:
Invisalign is generally not provided by the NHS as it’s considered a cosmetic treatment. If you qualify for free orthodontic treatment under the NHS, you’ll usually be offered traditional braces, which are considered more cost-effective.
If you’re keen on Invisalign treatment, it’s usually a procedure you’ll need to pay for privately.
Broadly, dental insurance plans only cover preventative and restorative treatment. This includes your check-ups and hygiene appointments (preventive) and procedures such as fillings and crowns (restorative). With that in mind, most dental insurance plans don’t cover the cost of Invisalign. The few providers that do will usually only cover part of the cost (typically up to the cost of traditional braces). It’s then up to you to pay the difference.
You’ll also need to consider that providers usually offer dental plans with differing levels of cover. Plans that include cosmetic treatments (like Invisalign) are often more expensive as a result.
If you want more information about how dental insurance plans work and how they can help you cover the cost of healthy teeth and gums, contact us. We’ll put you in touch with a regulated broker who can explain your options and take you through what’s available based on your needs and budget.
Disclaimer: This information is general and what is best for you will depend on your personal circumstances. Please speak with a financial adviser or do your own research before making a decision.
Chris Steele is myTribe’s resident expert in private health insurance and healthcare, with over a decade of experience in the field. As a Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) qualified professional, he has helped countless consumers navigate private medical insurance. Regularly quoted by national media, Chris is a trusted voice in the UK insurance industry, with his insights featured in leading consumer finance publications.
