Invisalign is a new-age dental procedure that can give you a perfect smile without the embarrassment that is a part and parcel of regular braces. The invisible aligners have a series of advantages. From being almost invisible to being easy to maintain and clean, and significantly less painful, they are even more convenient in day-to-day life.
No matter what medical procedure you are planning to get done, the cost is an important factor that affects the decision. Especially when it is a cosmetic procedure, the final yes or no call is often based on “how much does it cost?”
How much does Invisalign cost in the UK?
Let’s break that question into multiple questions and answer all of them one by one.
1. How much is Invisalign UK?
Invisalign is a bespoke procedure. It is not a one-size-fits-all kind of treatment. You might have to pay up to £5000 for the treatment or you may even get it done within £1500. Those two figures can be thought of as the extremes. But again, depending on your particular case you might have to pay a little more or less.
Consider normal circumstances, like if you have no other dental ailments and your case is intermediate, neither too basic nor too complex, somewhere around £2500 – £3500 would be what the procedure will cost.
This estimate may or may not include the aftercare and retainer charges.
2. Is Invisalign cheaper than braces UK?
Traditional metal braces cost somewhere around £1500 – £2500.
Depending on what kind of preparations you need before the treatment and how much straightening your teeth need, Invisalign either costs as much as the regular braces or a little more in specific cases. So, why is it more preferred?
While Invisalign might cost a couple of bucks more than the regular metal braces, you are saved from the complexities and hassles of braces. Invisalign offers a silent treatment and you don’t have to get your dental treatments broadcasted to the world.
3. What is the cheapest price for Invisalign?
There are different types of Invisalign treatments that you can choose with apt consultation from your clinician. Invisalign Comprehensive, for complex tooth alignments and positioning, Invisalign Express for moderate teeth alignment for up to 20 teeth, Invisalign Lite for mild cases, and Invisalign Teen for growing teens with a changing dental structure. You can read more about types of Invisalign here.
No matter what kind of treatment you prefer, the minimum cost is expected to be somewhere between £2500 to £2900. Also, if your dental care provider has finance options, you might just have to shell out somewhere between £30 and £50 a month for zero-interest payments.
4. Is Invisalign covered in insurance?
You need to carefully read your insurance policy to be able to determine if cosmetic dental treatments are covered or not. Nowadays more and more policy providers are starting to cover treatments like regular braces and Invisalign in their plans. Having an insurance policy that covers such private treatments would significantly ease your cost burden for getting a pretty smile.
5. What are the financing plans for an Invisalign treatment?
When you visit a dentist/orthodontist for your free initial consultation, don’t shy away from asking if they offer any packages or financing plans. Most clinics will have a 12/24 month payment plan where you are required to pay weekly or monthly payments.
Certain practitioners also claim to offer 12 months, interest-free payment options with a monthly payment as low as £28. Before you begin your treatment, enquire if the plan covers teeth whitening charges, aftercare visits, and the cost of fixed or removable retainers.
6. Can I get Invisalign under the NHS?
No. NHS does not include Invisalign treatment. Teenagers might still be able to get the regular metal braces under NHS but for private treatments, you need to shell out around £2000 – £3000 from your own pocket.
7. What are the after costs of Invisalign?
Invisalign is not a one-time treatment. Transparent trays are used to straighten your teeth, and without retainers, the teeth might move back to their original position, ruining all the treatment. To keep the teeth intact in the new position, you would need retainers, and a series of post-treatment visits to check the progress.
These after costs might or might not be covered in your treatment plan, but you still might be able to get that covered under the finance. Talking to your clinician during a free consultation session would help.
8. How much does the cost vary across different cities?
Just like general dentistry, the cost of Invisalign also varies depending on the city you are in. With London (average cost £2,770.9) being the most expensive to Birmingham (average cost £2,004.5) being the cheapest place for dental procedures like Invisalign, your location can also affect the cost of your treatment.
The experience, qualification, and reputation of the dentist that you select might also cause a variation in the price that you might have to pay at different clinics within the same city.
9. Is Invisalign worth the money?
No matter what kind of treatment plan you choose and how much it costs, you will get the inherent benefits of ease, no social awkwardness, and a little more comfort with Invisalign. If this matters to you, having to spend a little more might not be an issue.
If you are looking for the most cost-effective option, metal braces might be your go-to option.
Invisalign no doubt costs more and takes more time than metal braces, but it has its own advantages too that are worth the extra cost that you might have to bear.
Bottom Line
Invisalign can cost anywhere between £2500 and £5000 or even more, depending on your particular case, but the procedure is value for money, considering the advantages that it offers. If your insurance policy covers the treatment or your orthodontist offers flexible zero-interest payment plans spread over 12 to 24 months, you can spread out the cost and still get straight teeth and a perfect smile for as little as around £30 – £50 a month.
