How much does Invisalign cost in Australia?

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment used to straighten and re-align teeth. It uses a clear aligner that:

• is customised to your teeth
• you wear 20 to 22 hours a day
• you take out for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing
• needs to be swapped for a new set every one to two weeks, or as directed by your dentist
• gradually shifts your teeth into place, with results potentially becoming noticeable after about six months.

How much does an Invisalign treatment plan cost?

The cost of Invisalign will depend on the complexity of your treatment plan, how long the treatment takes, and your choice of orthodontist. As a guide, dental network Smile.com.au says the Invisalign cost can be anywhere up to around $9000. By comparison, Smile.com.au estimates ceramic braces to cost between $5000 and $8500, and traditional metal braces to be about $4500 to $8000.

How can you pay for Invisalign?

The Invisalign cost definitely requires consideration as clear braces like Invisalign are typically more expensive than other types of braces. Some orthodontic practices may offer payment plans, so you can spread the cost of your Invisalign treatment over several months or even years if this suits you. It may be a good idea to check directly with your practice as to whether they provide these plans before beginning treatment and whether a plan will incur any additional costs. If you have private health insurance, there may be cover for some of the costs involved.

Is Invisalign covered by health insurance?

Your Invisalign cover may depend on what type of health insurance policy you have. When considering your health insurance cover, it’s a good idea to check out:

Extras

If you have private health insurance with extras cover that includes dental, you may be able to claim a rebate towards the cost of your Invisalign treatment. Before you agree to a treatment plan and associated costs, you can ask your health insurer how much they might cover. You may have to provide item numbers and other details to your fund, which your dental practitioner can provide. This could give you a better idea of your out-of-pocket expenses.

Waiting periods

You may also need to serve a waiting period of up to 12 months before you can claim for Invisalign treatments. A waiting period is a length of time you need to serve with your health insurance provider before they will pay a claim on a particular service, such as orthodontics. However, there are some funds that waive waiting periods, perhaps as a promotional deal to attract new members. Check the terms and conditions, as well as associated costs, before signing up.

Lifetime limits

Invisalign generally falls under orthodontics, a sub-section of your dental cover which is usually subject to a per-person lifetime limit. A lifetime limit is the maximum amount you can claim, for life, for orthodontic treatment. Even if you switch funds down the track, you won’t be able to claim for orthodontics if you’ve already used your lifetime limit. This is especially relevant with a treatment such as Invisalign, which requires your commitment to using the aligners correctly and regularly for the treatment to work effectively. If you’re unhappy with the result, you could end up having to self-fund the entire amount for any future orthodontic treatment. Lifetime limits for orthodontics can vary widely depending on your fund and level of cover.

To get a better understanding of what a health insurance policy may offer before you sign up, read the fund’s Private Health Information Statement. You can also compare private health insurance that includes extras cover for dental with Canstar.

Compare health insurance

How is Invisalign different to braces?

Unlike braces, which can be visible against teeth, Invisalign aligners are clear and transparent. While patients with braces may be advised to avoid certain foods or sports, Invisalign patients generally don’t have the same restrictions as the aligners can be easily removed for eating. Aligners aren’t permanently attached to your teeth, so you can also take them out to brush your teeth or participate in sports, as long as you wear them for at least 20 to 22 hours per day.

Braces vs Invisalign – key differences

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Sources: Invisalign, Smile.com.au and Orthodontics Australia.

→ Explore further: Invisalign vs Dental Braces

Is Invisalign suitable for everyone?

No. Orthodontics Australia says clear aligners like Invisalign are one of the most popular courses of orthodontic treatment for adults in Australia. However, it adds that these aligners work best for adults who require minor corrections to problems such as mildly crooked or protruding teeth. For more complex problems, the results can be less predictable.

Dental network Smile.com.au notes that clear braces may have slower results than traditional braces, and are only suitable for teenagers and adults. According to Orthodontics Australia, traditional braces are more likely to be a better option for major corrections, as they apply more predictable and consistent force to your teeth to achieve the desired end result.

Is Invisalign suitable for children?

You may need to talk to your orthodontist about whether Invisalign is a good alternative to fixed braces for children. According to Smile Team Orthodontics, children whose teeth are still growing may be ineligible for Invisalign. Baldivis Orthodontics adds that the success of Invisalign hinges on the aligners staying in place as often as possible. As Invisalign braces can be removed, children may forget to replace them after eating, or misplace or lose their aligners. There is even a chance of causing damage to the teeth from misuse.

Getting Invisalign: What’s the process?

An Invisalign treatment typically involves taking the following steps, though your practitioner may have a different process:

1. Consultation

• The first step in the process is a visit to the dentist or orthodontist, who will examine your teeth and jaw to see if Invisalign is suitable.
• You will likely discuss what you would like your treatment to fix or improve, and the dental practitioner will explain what Invisalign does and how it works.
• If it’s decided that Invisalign is a worthwhile course of treatment for you, you should be provided with an estimate of how much the entire process could cost.
• If you have health insurance, it could be worth contacting your fund to see if your policy covers all or part of this treatment, and if you are new to your health fund, what the waiting period might be.

2. 3D scans

• If you decide to go ahead, according to Invisalign.com.au, your dental practitioner will capture a 3D image of your teeth using a scanner.
• This scan could take place during your initial consultation, or later if you would like time to decide whether to go ahead.
• X-rays or other measurements may also be required.

3. Treatment Plan

• Once they have analysed the scans and your dental history, your dental practitioner will present you with a treatment plan, which generally includes a more detailed cost breakdown, how long the treatment will take, and how many Invisalign ‘trays’ (different aligners) you may need.
• Your doctor should be able to show you what your teeth will look like when the treatment is finished.
• The 3D images are then used to make your aligners and map the movement of your teeth over the course of your treatment.

4. Fitting

• When the aligners themselves are ready to be worn, they are trimmed to suit your gum line, and your orthodontist will check that they fit well and are comfortable.
• The manufacturers of Invisalign state that your dentist or orthodontist should give you enough sets of aligners to last you until your next appointment, and explain how long you should wear each set for.

5. Wear first aligner

• You’ll typically wear the first set, as directed, for one or two weeks and for 20 to 22 hours each day.
• The teenage versions optionally come with a blue compliance indicator so parents can monitor whether their kids are following these recommendations.
• At the end of each day, Invisalign recommends patients rinse their aligners out and give them a gentle brush with a toothbrush, before wearing them again to bed.

6. Change to next aligner

• If the treatment plan specifies it, you may need additional aligners, which are worn for a specific amount of time. This next set will be slightly different, to slowly move your teeth into place.
• This step will be repeated as per your treatment plan.

7. Check- up(s)

• You’ll be scheduled for regular check-ups, where the dental practitioner will monitor the movement of your teeth and troubleshoot any issues.
• They may take more scans and measurements.
• If needed, more aligners may be manufactured to help achieve the desired outcome. In this case, the process would repeat from step 4.

8. Post-Invisalign treatment plan

• After you’ve worn your first sets of aligners for the specified time, you’ll revisit the dental practitioner for a review.
• Here, you’ll find out what the next steps of treatment are (if any). This could include wearing a more traditional wire-reinforced retainer or something similar.

How long does Invisalign treatment take?

Invisalign.com.au states that some treatments can be completed in as little as six months, though you could start seeing results in a matter of weeks. Various dental practitioners estimate the average length of time for treatment with these aligners to be 12 to 18 months, depending on the patient. You’ll typically be advised to see your dentist or orthodontist every six to eight weeks to ensure your treatment is progressing well.

Does Invisalign hurt?

There may be some discomfort when you wear a new set of aligners, which patients often describe as a feeling of pressure rather than pain. Manufacturers suggest that pain generally only lasts a few days, then as your teeth start to shift, the aligners typically become more comfortable. If discomfort lasts or becomes painful, you should consult your dental practitioner.

Where can you get Invisalign?

The Invisalign website has a search function that allows you to find an Invisalign-trained dentist or orthodontist in your area. You can also call or email individual practices to ask if they offer aligners, and to get an idea of the cost of Invisalign.

Before you consult with your dentist or orthodontist about a potential treatment plan, it could be a good idea to check your level of orthodontic cover through your health provider. This could help you plan for Invisalign costs, and decide whether the treatment process will suit your needs.

Cover image source: SolStock/iStockphoto.com.