Updated on October 2, 2024
Less than a minute.

Invisalign Review (2024)

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Key Takeaways

  • Invisalign aligners have been around since 1998
  • They correct mild to complex teeth misalignments
  • Most Invisalign treatments last 6 to 18 months
  • Invisalign usually costs $3,000 to $8,000 in the US

Invisalign may not be the most affordable clear aligner, but it’s one of the most trusted brands. We think it’s worth the splurge if you want straighter teeth, especially if you have a complex case that can’t be easily treated.

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A dental professional will oversee your entire treatment to ensure everything goes as planned. They’ll adjust it as needed—making it a safe and effective alternative to at-home clear aligners and traditional braces.

If you’re unsure about choosing Invisalign, our team is here to help! We evaluated it based on our experience and customer reviews, so we could give you a rundown of everything there is to know about Invisalign.

Straighten your teeth at a fraction of the cost. Learn about clear aligners.

Invisalign Pros & Cons

Here are the advantages and disadvantages of using Invisalign:

Invisalign Pros

  • Dental visits ensure safe and accurate teeth straightening
  • Virtually invisible when worn and won’t attract attention
  • More comfortable than traditional metal braces
  • Makes it easy to brush and floss since you can remove it
  • Easier to clean since it doesn’t have wires or brackets
  • Made with an FDA-approved medical-grade plastic
  • Fewer appointments than other orthodontic treatments

Invisalign Cons

  • You need to wear it for 20 to 22 hours a day for it to work
  • While less painful than braces, it still causes discomfort
  • Some people don’t like that it requires in-person visits
  • It’s more expensive than at-home clear aligners
  • Prescription attachments make it more visible

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a leading brand of invisible aligners that are designed to correct mild, moderate, and complex teeth alignment issues. These include:

Different treatments are available for children, teenagers, and adults. Your Invisalign doctor will decide which option is best for your condition.

Invisalign Full

  • What’s included: 20 to 50 aligners
  • Average treatment time: 12 to 24 months

This treatment addresses complex orthodontic issues in teenagers and adults. It helps with severe crowding, spacing issues, and bite problems.

Invisalign Lite

  • What’s included: Up to 14 aligners
  • Average treatment time: 6 to 8 months

It’s best for teens and adults with mild to moderate orthodontic cases that can be corrected with fewer aligners and a shorter treatment time.

Invisalign Express (i7)

  • What’s included: Up to 7 aligners
  • Average treatment time: 3 to 6 months

Teenagers and adults requiring minor corrections (like slight crowding or small gaps) may opt for this quick and affordable option.

Invisalign Teen

  • What’s included: 20 to 50 aligners
  • Average treatment time: 12 to 24 months

These Invisalign aligners are designed for teenagers aged 13 to 19. It has features that ensure they’re being worn as prescribed.

Invisalign First

  • The number of aligners included may vary
  • Average treatment time: 6 to 18 months

It addresses early orthodontic problems in children as young as 6 to 10, ensuring a good foundation for their permanent teeth.

Find the best at-home clear aligners for mild misalignment. See our expert recommendations.

What Makes Invisalign Different?

  • SmartTrack® ⁠— Its aligners are made of this patented thermoplastic material, making them more comfortable, easier to remove, and less visible
  • Accuracy and precision  Invisalign uses advanced tools to ensure better-fitting aligners and accurate teeth movement during the treatment
  • SmartForce® Attachments — Small tooth-colored buttons that can be attached to your aligners to fix more complex issues

Comprehensive treatment — You’ll only receive one aligner at a time so your doctor can adjust your treatment based on your progress

What Do People Say About Invisalign?

We reviewed hundreds of Invisalign reviews. Here’s what people think of it:

Things People Like

The aligners are unnoticeable, and they haven’t changed the way I talk or move. While I found them a bit uncomfortable at the start, I eventually got used to them.

The app is very helpful. It makes it easier to monitor my tooth movement and see whether Invisalign works.

Compared to traditional braces, Invisalign treatment can be completed in a shorter amount of time. I’m impressed with the results.

Things People Don’t Like

They have poor customer service. I can’t reach out to anyone from the team, so I don’t know the next steps.

Invisalign cost is very expensive. I don’t recommend this treatment to someone who’s trying to save money on straightening teeth.

They’re very delayed in sending my next set of aligners. It makes my treatment less effective.

Straighten your teeth conveniently at home. Compare the best clear aligner brands.

How Much Does Invisalign Cost?

According to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry, the average cost of Invisalign is around $2,500 to $5,500, though it can cost up to $9,000. 

You’ll need to discuss it with your Invisalign provider, as numerous factors can affect the cost of your treatment, such as:

  • Treatment length
  • The severity of dental issues
  • The dental or orthodontic office

Does Insurance Cover Invisalign?

Dental insurance can partially cover the cost of your Invisalign treatment if orthodontics is included in your plan. It’s best to check with your insurer.

You can also use your Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for your treatment. Alternatively, you can discuss alternative payment options with your Invisalign provider.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign treatment consists of the following steps:

Schedule a Consultation

To begin treatment, you’ll need to set up a consultation with an Invisalign provider. During your initial consultation, they will:

  • Assess your eligibility
  • Get a full scan of your teeth
  • Suggest a treatment plan
  • Explain the treatment process
  • Discuss your payment options

Take Impressions

If you qualify, your Invisalign doctor will create a digital plan that shows what your teeth will look like before and after the treatment. Once you approve it, they’ll take impressions and send them to a dental technician. 

Wear Your Aligners

The first set of aligners will be sent to your Invisalign provider. They will ask you to come by their office for the fitting, and then you can take them home. You’ll need to wear your Invisalign aligners daily for at least 22 hours.

Dental Visits

You have to visit your provider every 4 to 6 weeks. They’ll monitor your teeth and adjust your treatment as necessary. Depending on your progress, they might ask you to switch to your next aligner or prescribe attachments.

Maintain Your Smile

Invisalign treatments can take up to 24 months. When you’re done, you need to start wearing Vivera® retainers to keep your teeth straight

Is Invisalign Worth It?

invisalign logo 1x
Overall user experience
4
Treatment process
4.5
Pricing and financing
3.9
Customer service and aftersales support
3
Brand reputation
4.1

Invisalign is a great alternative to traditional metal braces. The treatment has various benefits, such as convenience and comfort. However, it can also be expensive if insurance doesn’t cover it. If Invisalign cost is a concern, several affordable alternatives to Invisalign are available.

Why Trust Our Invisalign Review?

We have a dedicated team of medical writers, expert researchers, licensed dental professionals, and medical reviewers who curate and approve content for NewMouth. Before publishing this article, our team:

  • Spent 80+ hours researching the Invisalign treatment process
  • Scanned over 100+ customer reviews on Invisalign
  • Consulted dental professionals and industry experts
  • Reviewed 20+ studies on the safety and effectiveness of invisible aligners
  • Had our writers try Invisalign treatment from start to finish
  • Compared Invisalign to other at-home and in-office treatments we tried
  • Asked in-house dentists to fact-check our review for accuracy

How We Evaluated Invisalign

We had in-house writers undergo Invisalign treatment. While testing its clear aligners, our team assessed and scored them based on five traits:

Customer Experience
30%
Treatment
30%
Pricing and Financing
20%
Customer Service and After-Sales Support
15%
Brand Reputation
5%

Each trait was assigned a “weight” so we could calculate their individual rating and weighted average scores on a scale of five.

What’s Next?

Discover the best fit for your smile.

Explore top at-home clear aligner brands.

Last updated on October 2, 2024
11 Sources Cited
Last updated on October 2, 2024
All NewMouth content is medically reviewed and fact-checked by a licensed dentist or orthodontist to ensure the information is factual, current, and relevant.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only cite from current scientific research, such as scholarly articles, dentistry textbooks, government agencies, and medical journals. This also includes information provided by the American Dental Association (ADA), the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
  1. The Invisalign® Difference for:” Braces for Teens | Invisalign Clear Aligners.
  2. How Does Invisalign® Treatment Work?” How Does Invisalign Work | Invisalign Braces.
  3. SmartTrack® Material.” Invisalign.
  4. How Your Aligners Are Made.” Invisalign.
  5. Wexler, A. et al. “Direct-to-Consumer Orthodontics: Surveying the User Experience.” The Journal of the American Dental Association, 2020.
  6. Living With Invisalign Clear Aligners.” Invisalign.
  7. How to Pay for Invisalign.” Invisalign.
  8. How Much Does Invisalign & Reg Treatment Cost?” The Invisalign Cost | How Much Is Invisalign Treatment?
  9. Invisalign Phase 1 Treatment.” Invisalign.
  10. Proffit et al. “Contemporary Orthodontics.” Elsevier/Mosby, 2019.
  11. Cardoso, P.C. “Pain level between clear aligners and fixed appliances: a systematic review.” Progress in Orthodontics, 2020.
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