Clinical Summary
In Australia, Invisalign treatment typically costs between $4,500 and $9,000, and the final fee depends on case complexity, treatment tier, and provider experience. Simple cases with minor crowding or small gaps usually sit around $4,500 to $6,000. Moderate cases commonly fall between $6,000 and $7,500. Complex cases that involve significant bite correction often reach $7,500 to $9,000 or more.
What’s included in the total Invisalign cost varies by clinic. Many providers bundle consultation, digital scanning, aligners, refinement aligners, and retainers, but others price some of these separately. This matters because two clinics can quote the same headline figure while offering very different inclusions.
Most Invisalign providers offer interest-free payment plans, which can reduce the monthly cost to around $150 to $350, depending on the deposit and term. Private health insurance with orthodontic extras may contribute $1,000 to $3,000, depending on waiting periods and annual or lifetime limits.
The honest answer to “how much does Invisalign cost?” is that it depends on your teeth. The more useful answer is that predictable pricing follows a few clear drivers, and the sections below break those down in practical terms.
What Is the Average Total Cost of Invisalign for Adults with Mild to Moderate Crowding?
Invisalign cost is primarily determined by which Align Technology product tier your case requires. This is the most important framework for understanding the price you will be quoted, and most general articles fail to explain it clearly enough to be useful.
| Case Type | Typical Complexity | Number of Aligners | Treatment Duration | Cost Range (AUD) |
| Invisalign Go / Express | Minor crowding, small gaps, slight relapse | 7–20 aligners | 3–6 months | $4,500–$6,000 |
| Invisalign Moderate / Lite | Moderate crowding, mild bite discrepancy | 20–30 aligners | 6–12 months | $6,000–$7,500 |
| Invisalign Comprehensive | Significant crowding, overbite, crossbite, open bite | 30–50+ aligners | 12–24 months | $7,500–$9,000+ |
| Invisalign Teen | Variable moderate to complex adolescent cases | Variable | 12–24 months | $6,500–$9,000 |
Invisalign Go and Express ($4,500 to $6,000) is designed for adults with mild alignment issues, typically limited to the front 10 teeth. This is the most affordable Invisalign price tier and suits patients whose cosmetic concern is minor crowding or a slight relapse from previous orthodontic treatment. Fewer aligners, fewer appointments, faster finish.
Invisalign Moderate and Lite ($6,000 to $7,500) is the most common tier for Australian adult patients. It addresses moderate crowding, spacing, and minor bite issues. Most patients wear aligners for 9 to 12 months with appointments every 6 to 8 weeks. This is the tier where Invisalign treatment costs and clinical outcomes tend to balance best.
Invisalign Comprehensive ($7,500 to $9,000+) is reserved for complex cases requiring significant tooth movement, bite correction, or arch coordination. It includes unlimited refinement aligners within the treatment window, providing a clinical safety net if teeth do not track as predicted. Treatment typically runs 12 to 24 months.
Invisalign Teen ($6,500 to $9,000) is built for adolescents, with compliance indicator dots on the aligners and up to 6 free replacement trays for lost or damaged sets. Invisalign price for teenagers is comparable to adult Comprehensive treatment.
The single biggest factor in your Invisalign cost is how much your teeth need to move. Two patients sitting in the same clinic on the same day can receive quotes that differ by $4,000, and both are accurate. The difference is their teeth, not the provider’s pricing.
What Price Range Should You Expect from Initial Consultation to Final Retainers?
Understanding the full Invisalign treatment cost means knowing every component in the financial journey, not just the per-case headline figure. Patients are frequently surprised by charges they did not anticipate, particularly retainers and diagnostic records.
- Initial Consultation ($0 to $250). Many Invisalign providers in Australia offer complimentary initial consultations. Others charge $100 to $250, sometimes credited toward treatment if the patient proceeds. The appointment should include a clinical examination, preliminary suitability assessment, and discussion of expected costs and timelines.
- Diagnostic Records and Digital Scanning ($0 to $500, usually included). iTero digital scanning, clinical photographs, OPG X-ray, and lateral cephalometric X-ray for complex cases. The ClinCheck 3D treatment simulation is generated from these records, showing predicted tooth movement from start to finish. Most established clinics include diagnostics in the treatment fee.
- Aligner Sets and Refinements (included in treatment fee). Custom-manufactured by Align Technology. Each aligner is worn for 1 to 2 weeks before progressing to the next. Comprehensive cases include unlimited refinement aligners. Express and Lite cases include a fixed number of refinement rounds.
- Clinical Appointments (included in most treatment fees). Typically, every 6 to 8 weeks for progress monitoring, attachment placement and removal, IPR (interproximal reduction) if required, and aligner fit checks. Some clinics now offer Dental Monitoring (app-based remote tracking), reducing the number of in-clinic visits required.
- Retainers ($0 to $800, varies by clinic). This is the most commonly overlooked cost of Invisalign braces. Retainers are non-negotiable after any orthodontic treatment. Some clinics include Vivera retainers, Invisalign’s proprietary retainer, and 30% stronger than standard clear retainers, in the quoted price. Others charge $300 to $800 for a set of four. Bonded wire retainers are an alternative at $200 to $400 per arch. Always ask: “Are retainers included in your quoted price?”
- Replacement Aligners ($0 to $100 per tray). Comprehensive plans typically include replacements. Express and Lite plans may charge per lost or damaged tray.
6 Questions to Ask Before Accepting an Invisalign Quote
- Is the consultation fee credited toward treatment if I proceed?
- Are retainers included in the quoted price or charged separately?
- How many refinement rounds are included in this treatment tier?
- What happens financially if I need additional aligners beyond the initial set?
- Is there a per-tray charge for lost or damaged aligners?
- Does the quote include all clinical appointments, or are some billed separately?
How Much Does Invisalign Typically Cost Compared with Traditional Metal Braces?
The Invisalign price versus traditional metal braces comparison surprises many Australian patients. The assumption that Invisalign clear aligners cost significantly more than braces is mostly outdated.
| Factor | Invisalign | Traditional Metal Braces |
| Cost Range (AUD) | $4,500–$9,000 | $5,000–$9,000 |
| Average Cost (moderate case) | ~$6,500 | ~$6,500 |
| Treatment Duration | 6–24 months | 12–30 months |
| Visibility | Nearly invisible clear aligners | Visible metal brackets and wires |
| Removability | Removable for eating, drinking, and cleaning | Fixed for the entire treatment duration |
| Appointment Frequency | Every 6–8 weeks | Every 4–6 weeks |
| Comfort | Smooth plastic; minimal soft tissue irritation | Brackets and wires can irritate cheeks, lips, and tongue |
| Dietary Restrictions | None (aligners removed to eat) | Avoid hard, sticky, chewy foods |
| Oral Hygiene | Normal brushing and flossing | Requires special tools; higher plaque risk |
| Suitability | Mild to complex cases (expanding capabilities) | All case types including severe malocclusion |
| Retainers After Treatment | Required | Required |
The pricing gap between Invisalign and traditional braces in Australia has closed substantially. For moderate cases, the Invisalign cost is now effectively equivalent at most clinics. The era where Invisalign teeth straightening costs a $2,000 to $3,000 premium over braces is largely over.
Invisalign tends to be slightly cheaper for simple cases, where Express and Lite tiers start at $4,500, and slightly more expensive for very complex cases, where comprehensive braces may still be more clinically efficient. For severe skeletal malocclusion or cases requiring tooth extraction and significant root movement, traditional braces or a combination approach may still be the superior clinical choice regardless of cost.
If cost is your primary deciding factor between Invisalign and braces, you may be surprised to find they are closer than you assumed. The decision then shifts to aesthetics, convenience, compliance requirements, and clinical suitability.
For independent orthodontic treatment information, visit the Australian Society of Orthodontists.
Is Invisalign More Expensive Than Braces, and Is the Higher Cost Worth It for Discreet Treatment?
For most moderate Australian cases, Invisalign costs the same as or $500 to $1,000 more than traditional braces. For complex cases, the gap can widen to $1,000 to $2,000. The marginal premium, where it exists, buys near-invisibility, removability, fewer clinical appointments, zero dietary restrictions, easier hygiene, and generally greater comfort.
For working professionals, people in client-facing or public-speaking roles, or anyone who values discretion during treatment, these benefits typically justify the difference in Invisalign treatment cost. The experience of spending 12 to 18 months with visible metal brackets versus near-invisible clear aligners is not a minor distinction, particularly in professional or social environments.
For teenagers, the compliance factor is the critical variable regardless of how much Invisalign costs relative to braces. Invisalign requires 20 to 22 hours of daily self-managed wear. If a teenager is unlikely to wear aligners consistently, fixed braces deliver a more predictable outcome, irrespective of pricing.
For adults returning to orthodontics after teenage braces, Invisalign Express or Lite at $4,500 to $6,000 is often the most cost-effective option, because the required tooth movement is typically minor.
Book a free Invisalign consultation at Aesthetik to find out which option suits your case and receive a personalised cost estimate.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Invisalign, Including Case Complexity and Treatment Length?
Understanding what drives Invisalign cost allows patients to interpret their own quote accurately and make meaningful comparisons between providers. This is a pre-consultation briefing in written form.
Complexity
More movement and bite correction require more aligners and closer clinical control, which increases the fee. Complex cases also tend to need more refinement stages, which can add cost.
Duration
Longer treatment usually means more review visits and a higher chance of additional aligners. A 4–6 month plan is priced differently from a 12–18 month plan because the scope is larger.
Tier
Invisalign is priced by product tier (for example, Express, Lite, Comprehensive), and the tier sets how much movement is allowed and how many aligners are included. Higher tiers cost more because they cover broader treatment and typically allow more refinements.
Provider
Clinician experience affects predictability, which influences how often refinements are needed and how smoothly treatment runs. High-volume providers may also price more competitively due to scale, but inclusions still vary.
Location
CBD clinics in major cities often charge more because overheads are higher, not because the Invisalign product is different. Suburban or regional clinics may quote lower for the same aligner system.
Inclusions
Quotes differ most in what’s bundled, such as scans, all review appointments, refinements, and retainers. A lower headline price can end up higher once excluded items are added.
Refinements
Refinements are extra aligner sets used to improve tracking or final tooth positioning. Comprehensive plans usually allow more refinements, while lower tiers may cap them or charge per round.
Do Most Orthodontists Offer Payment Plans for Invisalign, and What Do Monthly Payments Look Like?
The vast majority of Australian Invisalign providers offer payment plans, and the monthly figures make the Invisalign price far more approachable than the lump-sum total.
| Invisalign Treatment Cost | 12-Month Plan | 18-Month Plan | 24-Month Plan |
| $4,500 (Express) | ~$375/month | ~$250/month | ~$188/month |
| $6,500 (Moderate) | ~$542/month | ~$361/month | ~$271/month |
| $8,500 (Comprehensive) | ~$708/month | ~$472/month | ~$354/month |
Common third-party providers include Afterpay, Zip, Humm, DentiCare, National Dental Plan, and TLC (Total Lifestyle Credit). Many clinics also offer in-house payment plans that split the total across the treatment duration with no interest and no third-party fees. A typical structure is a 20 to 30% deposit at treatment start, with the remainder spread over 12 to 24 monthly instalments.
Interest-free periods generally cap at 24 months. Extended terms of up to 60 months are available through some providers at low interest rates, typically 5 to 10% per annum.
At $250 to $350 per month, Invisalign sits alongside a gym membership or streaming subscriptions in the monthly budget. Most patients find the monthly figure far more approachable than the lump-sum total, and the framing genuinely changes how accessible Invisalign treatment cost feels.
Book a consultation at Aesthetik to discuss financing alongside your treatment plan.
How Can You Find an Affordable Invisalign Provider Without Compromising Treatment Quality?
Finding genuine value in Invisalign cost requires knowing what to ask, not simply identifying the lowest advertised price.
Verify the provider’s Invisalign tier.
Use the Invisalign Doctor Locator to confirm whether the clinic is a higher-volume provider (often shown as Platinum or Diamond). Higher case volume usually means more experience, and it can also translate to sharper pricing if lab-fee discounts are passed on.
Get an all-inclusive quote.
Ask for a single figure that includes consultation, diagnostics, aligners, refinements, retainers, and all review appointments. This matters because a low headline price can climb quickly once retainers and per-visit fees are added.
Compare inclusions, not headline numbers.
Quotes that look close on paper can represent very different total costs. A simple side-by-side checklist of what’s included makes it easier to compare like-for-like.
Confirm the Invisalign tier being quoted for your case.
Mild cases may be suitable for Express or Lite rather than Comprehensive. If a clinic quotes Comprehensive automatically, it can inflate costs without adding real value for straightforward alignment.
Consider university dental clinics for supervised lower-cost treatment.
Some Australian university dental hospitals occasionally offer reduced-cost Invisalign under specialist supervision. Savings can be meaningful, but wait times are often longer and appointment schedules can be less flexible.
Be cautious with direct-to-consumer aligners in anything beyond mild cases.
Remote aligner models typically can’t manage attachments, IPR, complex bite correction, or detailed refinements. They may suit minor cosmetic alignment, but they are not equivalent to supervised Invisalign for more complex movement.
For consumer guidance on orthodontic treatment in Australia, visit the Australian Dental Association. Discover why patients choose Aesthetik for their Invisalign treatment.
Does Insurance Cover Invisalign in Australia?
Private health insurance policies with orthodontic extras may contribute toward the Invisalign cost. Typical annual orthodontic benefits range from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the insurer and policy tier.
Invisalign is classified as orthodontic treatment, not general dental, and not cosmetic. The patient must hold a policy that specifically includes orthodontic cover, which is generally found only in top-tier or comprehensive extras packages. Standard and mid-level extras policies almost always exclude orthodontics entirely.
Waiting periods for orthodontic benefits range from 12 to 36 months. Patients should confirm their waiting period has been fully served before starting Invisalign treatment, as claims made during a waiting period will not be reimbursed.
Benefit structures vary significantly between insurers. Some pay a lump-sum lifetime orthodontic benefit, for example, $1,500 total. Others pay an annual benefit that can be claimed across multiple years of treatment. The annual structure is more advantageous for spreading claims across a longer Invisalign treatment cost period.
The Australian Government’s Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) does not cover orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign. Medicare does not cover Invisalign for adults or children under any circumstances.
Maximising Your Insurance Benefit for Invisalign
- Confirm your policy includes orthodontic extras, not just general dental.
- Verify your waiting period has been fully served.
- Request the exact benefit amount and whether it is annual or lifetime.
- Ask your provider for ADA item numbers to submit for pre-approval.
- If possible, time treatment to span two benefit years, for example, starting in November and claiming again in January.
Compare orthodontic insurance coverage across Australian funds at PrivateHealth.gov.au, the Australian Government’s independent health insurance comparison service.
Why Is Invisalign So Expensive?
Invisalign costs more than many people expect because you’re paying for a custom-made orthodontic system that’s planned digitally and supervised over months, not just a set of plastic trays. A large portion of the fee is fixed before treatment even starts because clinics pay Align Technology substantial lab fees per case, then layer in clinical time across multiple appointments. The factors below explain where the money actually goes and why quotes can vary between providers.
Lab fees
Align Technology charges providers roughly $1,500 to $3,000+ per case, depending on the treatment tier. This covers custom aligner manufacturing, ClinCheck planning access, and the SmartTrack material used to produce the trays.
Technology
The fee includes proprietary systems that sit behind the trays, such as ClinCheck digital planning, iTero integration, and SmartForce attachment protocols. Those tools improve precision and predictability, and their cost is built into every case.
Clinical time
Most treatments involve around 6 to 12+ review appointments over 6 to 24 months. Clinician time is used for monitoring, tracking, managing attachments, performing IPR when needed, and adjusting the plan if teeth aren’t moving as expected.
Training
Providers invest in Invisalign-specific training and continuing education to plan cases and manage refinements properly. That ongoing training overhead is reflected in treatment fees.
Refinements and retainers
Many clinics bundle refinements and retainers into the quoted price, especially for comprehensive treatment. That means the upfront figure often includes additional aligners and finishing work that may be required near the end of treatment.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost for Teenagers Compared with Adults?
Invisalign Teen typically costs $6,500 to $9,000 in Australia, comparable to adult Comprehensive treatment and broadly equivalent to traditional teenage braces at $5,500 to $8,500.
The slight premium over adult Moderate-tier cases reflects three specific product inclusions: compliance indicator dots that fade with wear to confirm the aligner is being used as prescribed, up to 6 free replacement aligners for lost or damaged trays, and the clinical complexity of treating still-developing dentitions that include erupting teeth.
The compliance question is central to the value assessment. Invisalign requires 20 to 22 hours of daily self-managed wear. Honest assessment of the teenager’s maturity and responsibility is essential before committing to how much Invisalign is for their case. If compliance is genuinely doubtful, fixed braces deliver a more predictable result at a similar total cost.
For parents weighing both options, the lifestyle advantages of Invisalign, including easier sports participation, no food restrictions, better oral hygiene access, and aesthetic discretion, are often the deciding factor when the Invisalign cost is comparable to braces. These are not trivial distinctions over 12 to 18 months of an active teenager’s life.
Are Retainers Included in the Invisalign Cost, or Do You Pay Extra at the End?
Retainers are sometimes included in the Invisalign fee, but you can also be billed for them at the end. Because they’re essential and not cheap, they’re one of the easiest ways a “good” quote turns into a higher total cost.
Inclusions vary a lot between Australian clinics. Some providers include a set of Vivera retainers (often four) in the package, while others charge separately, usually around $300 to $800. Bonded wire retainers are another option, and they’re often priced at about $200 to $400 per arch.
Retainers aren’t optional if you want the result to last. Most clinics recommend full-time wear for 3 to 6 months, then nighttime wear long term, whether you had Invisalign or braces. If retainers aren’t included in your quote, budget an extra $500 to $800 so you’re comparing like-for-like.
View Aesthetik’s pricing for transparent, all-inclusive Invisalign treatment costs.
What Is the Cheapest Way to Get Genuine Invisalign from a Certified Provider?
Reducing Invisalign cost without compromising treatment quality comes down to a few high-impact decisions. The cheapest safe pathway is usually the one that lowers the treatment tier where appropriate, maximises legitimate rebates, and avoids surprise add-ons that inflate the final bill.
Match the tier to your case.
Ask whether Express or Lite is clinically appropriate before accepting a Comprehensive quote. The tier choice is one of the biggest price drivers, and it can shift the total cost by $1,500 to $3,000 without changing provider quality.
Use your insurance timing strategically.
If you have orthodontic extras, your out-of-pocket cost depends on annual limits, lifetime limits, and waiting periods. Starting treatment late in the year can let some patients claim across two benefit years, which can materially reduce the final total.
Insist on an all-inclusive quote.
The cheapest headline number can become the most expensive plan once retainers, scans, refinements, or per-visit fees are added. Get a written quote that confirms what’s included so you’re comparing like-for-like.
Ask about package pricing and seasonal offers.
Some clinics run Invisalign promotions or bundle pricing at certain times of the year. A discount only matters if it doesn’t reduce inclusions, shorten refinement allowances, or push you into the wrong tier.
Use payment plans to access better supervision.
Interest-free plans don’t reduce the fee, but they can let you choose a stronger provider without dropping to a lower-support option just to meet a budget. That’s often the difference between a smooth course of treatment and a drawn-out one with extra costs.
Avoid direct-to-consumer aligners for anything beyond minor movement.
Remote aligner models are cheaper because they reduce in-person care and limit what can be done clinically. If attachments, IPR, bite correction, or refinements are likely, those limits can create extra costs later when you need in-chair correction.
Considering combining Invisalign with veneers or whitening? Explore Aesthetik’s smile makeover options for a complete approach. Browse Aesthetik’s cosmetic treatments to support your treatment journey.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost for Top Teeth Only or Bottom Teeth Only?
Single-arch Invisalign (upper or lower only) typically costs $3,500 to $5,500 in Australia, depending on case complexity. The savings over dual-arch treatment are typically 25 to 40%, not 50%. Fixed costs, including consultation, scanning, treatment planning, appointments, and retainer fees, remain largely constant whether one or two arches are treated. The primary saving comes from the reduced lab fee for a single arch.
Single-arch treatment is only clinically appropriate when the opposing arch is already well-aligned, and the bite relationship does not require correction. Not every patient qualifies. Treating one arch in isolation can sometimes create bite imbalances if the relationship between arches is not carefully assessed beforehand.
A clinician may recommend dual-arch treatment even when only one arch appears problematic to the patient, because achieving a stable and functional bite often requires coordinating movement across both arches. This recommendation should be explained clearly, not accepted without understanding.
Expert Viewpoint: Getting the Best Value from Your Invisalign Investment
Invisalign in Australia is no longer the premium-priced option it was a decade ago. For most adults with mild to moderate crowding, the Invisalign cost is comparable to or less than traditional braces while delivering a meaningfully better patient experience across every dimension of daily life during treatment.
The key to genuine value isn’t hunting for the lowest Invisalign price. It’s choosing a provider who quotes for the right treatment tier, includes retainers in the fee, has solid Invisalign experience, and sets out pricing clearly so nothing gets added later.
The biggest financial risk in Invisalign treatment is not the cost of Invisalign itself. It’s a relapse when retainers aren’t worn, which shifts teeth back and wastes the entire investment. Make sure to budget for retainers, confirm what’s included, and commit to wearing them long-term so the outcome holds. A $7,000 orthodontic result that relapses because retainers were abandoned is $7,000 poorly spent.
When comparing quotes from multiple providers, compare what is included, not just the headline figure. A comprehensive, all-inclusive quote from an experienced provider is almost always a better value than a lower number that hides costs in the fine print.
Ready to find out what Invisalign would cost for your teeth specifically? Book a consultation at Aesthetik for a personalised assessment, view our pricing, or explore our smile makeover options for a complete result.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Invisalign cost on average in Australia?
For a moderate adult case, Invisalign treatment in Australia typically costs between $6,000 and $7,500. The final fee depends on complexity, treatment duration, and whether refinements are required.
How much does Invisalign cost per month?
With interest-free payment plans, Invisalign commonly works out to $250 to $400 per month over 18 to 24 months. The monthly figure depends on deposit amount, treatment tier, and payment provider terms.
How much is Invisalign without insurance?
Without private health insurance, Invisalign treatment generally ranges from $4,500 to $9,000 in Australia. Simpler cases fall at the lower end, while comprehensive or longer treatments sit at the higher end.
How much is Invisalign with insurance?
With orthodontic extras cover, out-of-pocket Invisalign costs are often reduced by $1,000 to $3,000. The exact rebate depends on annual limits, lifetime orthodontic caps, and waiting periods within the policy.
How much does Invisalign cost for top teeth only?
Single-arch Invisalign treatment for the upper teeth typically costs between $3,500 and $5,500 in Australia. This applies when only one arch requires alignment and the bite remains stable.
How much does Invisalign cost for the bottom teeth only?
Lower-arch-only Invisalign treatment generally falls within the same $3,500 to $5,500 range. Suitability depends on whether treating one arch alone will maintain functional bite balance.
How much does a full set of Invisalign cost?
Comprehensive Invisalign treatment correcting both arches usually costs between $7,500 and $9,000 or more. More complex movements or extended treatment time can increase the fee.
Is Invisalign more expensive than braces?
For most moderate cases, Invisalign and traditional braces now cost a similar amount in Australia, typically between $6,000 and $8,000. The difference often relates more to treatment style than price.
Why is Invisalign so expensive?
The cost includes custom aligner manufacturing by Align Technology, proprietary digital treatment planning, laboratory fees, and multiple supervised clinical appointments over the course of treatment. It reflects both technology and professional oversight.
Does insurance cover Invisalign in Australia?
Private health policies with orthodontic extras may contribute $1,000 to $3,000 after waiting periods. General dental cover alone does not include orthodontic treatment.
Is Invisalign worth the price?
For adults seeking discreet, removable orthodontic treatment with fewer in-chair adjustments and no food restrictions, Invisalign is often considered a strong value. Suitability depends on case complexity and compliance with wear time.
Are retainers included in the Invisalign cost?
Retainer inclusion varies by clinic. Some practices include Vivera retainers within the treatment fee, while others charge separately, typically between $300 and $800. Retention planning should always be clarified before treatment begins.
