Invisalign cost vs braces: compare your two quotes

This calculator compares the Invisalign cost with the cost of fixed braces using your own quotes, including retainers, other costs and your health fund benefit.

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How it works

  1. Enter the aligner quoteUnder “Quote A: clear aligners (e.g. Invisalign)”, enter the “Treatment price”, “Retainers and aftercare”, “Other costs” and “Length in months” from the quote.
  2. Enter the braces quoteUnder “Quote B: fixed braces”, fill in the same fields from your braces quote, so both are compared on the same basis.
  3. Add your health fund benefitIf your fund has confirmed an orthodontic benefit, enter it for each quote in “Amount your dental plan or insurer pays (optional)”.
  4. CompareClick “Compare quotes” to see the cost of each option after the benefit, the difference between them and a cost per month.

Age 7 to 10Recommended age for a child's first orthodontic assessment (Australian Society of Orthodontists) Source

Not invisibleClear aligners are thin custom-made plastic trays; they are clear but not invisible Source

12 months or morePossible health fund waiting period for major items such as orthodontics Source

Not CDBSThe Child Dental Benefits Schedule does not cover orthodontic dental work Source

What the Invisalign cost and braces cost include

Invisalign is a brand of clear aligners. The Australian Dental Association describes clear aligners as custom-made thin plastic trays worn over the teeth to straighten them. They should be worn at all times except when eating and drinking anything other than water, and although they are clear, they are not invisible. Fixed braces are brackets attached to the teeth. The ADA mentions metal braces, tooth-coloured ceramic braces and lingual braces fixed to the inside surface of the teeth.

The Invisalign cost and the cost of braces are both more than the treatment price. Quotes may also include records and scans, retainers after treatment, review visits and replacements. This calculator puts two quotes side by side with the same fields, so you can see the total for each option, the cost per month and the difference. We do not publish average prices, because each practice sets its own fees and plans differ in length and complexity.

Assessment first: which method suits your teeth

The choice between aligners and braces is a clinical one. The ADA says your dentist or orthodontist will advise whether clear aligners are suitable for your situation. Orthodontists are dentists who specialise in this treatment, and many general dentists also provide orthodontic treatment. Orthodontics can correct crooked or crowded teeth, bite problems and misaligned jaws. For children, the Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic assessment between the ages of 7 and 10.

The ADA does not recommend do-it-yourself or direct-to-consumer orthodontic treatment, where trays are sent to you without an in-person assessment. It warns that this can lead to permanent damage to teeth, gums and jaw joints, and recommends treatment with a thorough assessment and ongoing supervision. Make sure both of your quotes come from an in-person examination, so you are comparing realistic plans for your own teeth. If the two quotes suggest different methods, ask why.

  • Is the quote based on an in-person examination?
  • How long is the planned treatment, and how many reviews are included?
  • Are retainers and replacement aligners in the price?
  • What happens if treatment takes longer than planned?

Health funds, the CDBS and paying over time

Most dental care is not covered by Medicare, and the Child Dental Benefits Schedule does not cover orthodontic work. If you have extras cover with orthodontics, your fund may pay part of the cost, and healthdirect notes there may be limits on how much you can claim each year. Privatehealth.gov.au says waiting periods for extras are set by each insurer and can be 12 months or more for major items such as orthodontics. Check before treatment starts, and enter only the confirmed benefit.

Orthodontic treatment runs over many months, and you may be offered a way to pay in instalments. Our dental payment plan calculator shows what instalments add up to. Moneysmart warns that buy now pay later services can charge fees even when they are advertised as interest free. Look at the full cost, including retainers, before you sign. Ask your dentist or orthodontist to explain what is included in each quote.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Invisalign cost?

There is no single price. The cost depends on how complex your treatment is, how long it takes, how many aligners and reviews are needed, and the practice. We do not publish averages. Ask for a written quote after an in-person assessment and enter it as Quote A to see your total, cost per month and the difference to braces.

Is Invisalign more expensive than braces?

It depends entirely on your quotes. Prices vary between practices and treatment plans. Enter an aligner quote and a braces quote with the same fields, including retainers and other costs, and the calculator shows which is lower for you and by how much.

How much do braces cost?

Braces costs vary with the type of braces, the length of treatment and the practice. Metal, ceramic and lingual braces are different options. Ask for a written quote that lists the treatment price, retainers and reviews, then enter it as Quote B in the calculator.

Does private health insurance cover Invisalign?

Some extras policies with orthodontic cover pay a benefit towards aligners or braces, usually up to a limit. Waiting periods for orthodontics can be 12 months or more. Ask your fund in writing what it pays for your planned treatment and enter the amount for each quote.

Does Medicare or the CDBS cover braces?

Generally not. Most dental care is not covered by Medicare, and the Child Dental Benefits Schedule does not cover orthodontic dental work. Some public dental services may refer to specialist orthodontics in hospital. Ask your state or territory health service what applies.

Are clear aligners invisible?

No. The ADA says clear aligners are custom-made clear plastic trays, but they are not invisible. They must be worn at all times except when eating and drinking anything other than water. Ask your dentist or orthodontist whether aligners suit your teeth.

When should my child have an orthodontic assessment?

The Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic assessment between the ages of 7 and 10, according to the ADA. Not all adult teeth need to be present. An early check can show whether any treatment is needed now, later or not at all.

Is DIY or online aligner treatment a good way to save?

The ADA does not recommend do-it-yourself or direct-to-consumer orthodontic treatment, where trays are supplied without a visit to a dentist or orthodontist. It warns of risks such as permanent damage to teeth, gums and jaw joints, and recommends in-person treatment with a thorough assessment and ongoing supervision.

Why are retainers on the quote?

Many quotes list retainers or aftercare for the period after active treatment. They may be included in the price or charged separately. Ask your dentist or orthodontist what they are for, how long you will need them and what a replacement costs. Enter them in “Retainers and aftercare” for both quotes, so the comparison is fair.

Sources

This tool provides general information and calculates only with the values you enter. It does not replace an examination or advice from a dentist, your health insurer or a financial adviser.

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