Invisalign vs Braces: What is the Cheapest Way to Straighten Teeth?

Invisalign vs Braces: What is the Cheapest Way to Straighten Teeth?

August 01, 2018

It might seem like getting your teeth straightened is only for teenagers or pre-teens, but the fact of the matter is, more and more adults are getting their smiles fixed, too. From 1994 to 2010 the number of adults who got braces increased by 58% and it has kept increasing since then. That means more and more adults are choosing to straighten their teeth and get the best smile possible.


This is wonderful news because it is one of the main missions of Smilelove. We want everyone to have the best smile that they can. And with the increasing number of adults getting braces and choosing to straighten their smiles we want you to find the best cost possible for braces, clear braces, or invisible teeth aligners. In this post, we will examine the average cost of braces and invisible teeth aligners and then look at ways to help you pay for them. At Smilelove, we want you to find the cheapest way to straighten teeth.

Important Questions

When answering the question how much do braces cost, this article on Angie’s List gives an important list of the different factors that may determine how much straightening your teeth will actually cost:

  • The type of braces
    • Be they traditional braces or Invisalign/Teeth Aligners
  • Any pre-existing dental issues
    • You may need teeth extracted, or special procedures to straighten your teeth
  • How long the procedure lasts
    • The average for braces is just under two years, but depending on the work you need it could be longer or shorter
  • The orthodontist or dentist
    • Because it is their personal business, different orthodontists charge different prices for the same service

As all of these are important to know and to keep in mind when deciding to straighten your teeth, we will do our best to be fair to offer you all of the information you need to make a decision. There can be a lot of decision making that goes into correcting your teeth, and you might find yourself asking the following questions:

  • How much do braces cost?
  • How much do clear braces cost?
  • What types of braces are available to me?
  • What’s the difference when it comes to Invisalign vs. braces costs?
  • Which is better, Invisalign or braces?
  • What’s the average cost of braces?

We will seek to answer all of these questions and concerns as well as take into consideration the different factors listed above that determine cost. However, you will not completely know the exact amount it will take to straighten your teeth until you contact a dentist who will be able to help you determine what you’ll need. As you make your decision and look over all of the prices listed here, use them as the average cost of braces to help you determine what is best for you and to get a sense of what to expect.

Price Comparison

How much do braces cost? Here we have compiled some of the average cost of braces and clear braces to help you see what to expect from the industry and to help you make an informed decision.

Invisible Teeth Aligners

According to the manufacturer of Invisalign brand teeth aligners, the average cost is anywhere from $3,500 to $8,000.

Traditional Braces

This number can vary widely depending on the orthodontist and the other factors listed above, but the average cost lands anywhere between $2,500 to $6,000 with another source saying that the average can be as high as $5,000 to $6,000, with some patients paying only $3,000 and others $10,000.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces, another option for traditional bracket braces can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $8,000.

Smilelove Invisible Teeth Aligners

At Smilelove we charge $79 for an Impression Kit (this is a DIY mold-making kit that helps us to make custom aligners that will best benefit you) and then $1,699 for your aligners starting at $78 per month.


Smilelove requires that you do an Impression Kit first because it helps us determine exactly what you will need and it is a good way for our doctors to see if our invisible teeth aligners are the right procedure for you. Remember how we talked about those other factors that determine cost? Well, Smilelove’s Impression Kit help determine that, and if we can’t help you we will refund the money you paid for the Impression Kit.


Compared to the other ways to ways to straighten your smile, Smilelove is by far the cheapest way to straighten your teeth. Click here to learn more about how Smilelove works.


When determining the cost of braces and the cost of clear braces it is important to do your due diligence and look at all of your options. Our list determines that we, Smilelove, are the cheapest way to straighten teeth, but you need to take the time to check with local orthodontists and see what they offer. Don’t forget there are several factors that determine how much braces cost.


It is important to note again that the price is still determined by the individual’s specific need, but these are good numbers to help you answer the question how much do braces cost and to help you get a sense of what is out there for you to make a decision.

Ways to Help Pay for Straightening

One of the most important things to consider when determining the average cost of braces and clear braces is insurance and different government savings accounts. Your insurance may be able to help pay some of the cost of your braces, even if you are unable to get the type of braces you want, for some reason. Also, orthodontist offices and teeth aligner providers (like Smilelove) often offer special payment plans to help you afford your braces. Be sure to check with each of the orthodontists or invisible teeth aligner providers for their list of insurance companies they accept.


You can also use an HSA (Health Savings Account) or an FSA (Flexible Spending Account) to help pay for dental expenses including braces and teeth aligners. The average cost of braces, even if it is high, can be subsidized by these methods. These programs are a great way to provide you or a family member with the smile that they deserve.


Smilelove really does want you to have the best smile that you possibly can. We know that there is a lot to decide and a lot to answer when you are trying to find the cheapest way to straighten your teeth and to find the cheapest cost for clear braces (or any other type of braces, for that matter) that are out there. Use what we’ve compiled to be a source on your journey to find the cheapest way to straighten teeth.