Clear aligner cost
What do clear aligners cost and how do they differ from each other? An overview of clear aligner pricing.
Treatment with clear aligners has become a very popular alternative to fixed braces. This modern form of therapy makes it possible to straighten the teeth quickly and discreetly. The various aligner systems differ not only in materials and in the kind of care they offer, but also in what they can actually do. Not every aligner can correct every tooth or every malocclusion: cosmetic aligners only fix mild misalignments of the six front teeth (e.g. Dr. Smile, Plus Dental, SmileDirectClub etc.), while orthodontic aligner systems can correct the entire arch and also handle severe misalignments (e.g. Invisalign).
The cost of the different aligners varies between providers. There can also be significant price differences between practices for the same aligner therapy. We have put together an overview of the main providers of clear aligners and their pricing in this article.
How clear aligners work
Removable trays used to correct misalignments are also known as aligners. Aligners are removable, ultra-thin, transparent plastic trays. They are made individually for each patient and move the teeth quickly and precisely into the desired position. To start, the teeth are scanned with a special 3D scanner and a digital impression is created.
Some providers, especially the companies with a home-kit approach, still work with a putty impression. They send the patient impression material and a bite tray so they can take an impression of their own teeth at home (the German Federation of Orthodontists warns against this approach).
With all providers, the trays are swapped at the latest every two weeks. Depending on the manufacturer and the severity of the misalignment, that interval can be shortened. Treatment with an aligner system lasts between 3 and 36 months.
How does an aligner work?
The clear aligners move the teeth gently in controlled steps. Each individual tray applies light pressure to the teeth and shifts them into the desired position. The trays should be worn 18 to 22 hours a day and only taken out for meals, when drinking anything other than water (especially colored drinks), and for brushing.
Differences between aligners and fixed braces
At first glance, the biggest difference is aesthetic — traditional braces stand out thanks to their metal wires and brackets, while aligners are barely visible with their clear plastic surface. The plastic tray offers a few more benefits, though: with no metal, the risk of injury is minimal. The aligners also protect the teeth themselves. The mechanics of the two methods are also different. Unlike braces, aligners have no adjustable elements. Instead, every new movement comes from a new tray.
Clear aligner cost
The cost of clear aligners varies from case to case — it depends on the provider and the severity of the misalignment. The more trays needed for the correction, the higher the total cost. We have put together an overview of the various providers and their pricing. To make it comparable, we compared the total cost of treatment, since monthly installments can be adjusted depending on the term. Most clear aligner providers offer their patients monthly installment plans, though not always interest-free.
Who are clear aligners suitable for?
Aligner therapy can be carried out on children, teenagers and adults. The decisive difference is the complexity of the treatment. Clear aligners and orthodontic aligners (e.g. Invisalign) differ in the kinds of corrections they can deliver. Moving molars or rotating incisors is considered a difficult movement in dentistry, and these complex movements can only be treated with something like Invisalign or traditional braces.
What are the risks?
The German Federation of Orthodontists warns against so-called do-it-yourself tooth corrections. Tooth straightening should always be supervised by a dentist or orthodontist and not handled solo from home. That way, complications can be spotted early by the treating provider.