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The Truth about Invisalign Costs in Singapore
- How much does Invisalign cost in Singapore?
- How much do consults for Invisalign cost in Singapore?
- What contributes to the cost of Invisalign?
- The Type of Invisalign Aligner Needed
- What are the different types of Invisalign treatments?
- Invisalign Express is best for minor issues
- Invisalign Lite is best for mild crowding
- Invisalign Moderate is best for complex crowding
- Invisalign Comprehensive is best for severe crowding
- The Severity of Tooth Misalignment
- The Duration of the Invisalign Treatment
- How long does Invisalign treatment take?
- The Number of Refinement Aligners
- Other Dental Maintenance Procedures
- The Seniority of Dentists Overseeing the Treatment
- What are the Invisalign tiers?
- Are there price differences between orthodontists & general dentists for Invisalign?
- Why does my dentist pay for Invisalign lab fees?
- What are common payment options for Invisalign?
- Company Reimbursement
- Instalments
- Can my health insurance cover Invisalign costs in Singapore?
- What are the standard Invisalign packages available in Singapore?
- Invisalign vs Braces: Which is better?
- Invisalign is best for minor teeth correction
- Braces are best for severe overcrowding, and incorrect bites
- What are alternatives to Invisalign, and how much do they cost?
- Conclusion
Getting a perfect smile isn’t always easy, and many people who wish to achieve it use braces, which can be visually distracting. Thankfully, there’s Invisalign, a clear and bracket-free alternative.
It comes in different shapes, sizes, and, of course, price tags. If you’re after a more subtle smile transformation, you ought to learn how much it’ll cost you to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
We’ve narrowed down the details about Invisalign costs in Singapore to help you get started:
How much does Invisalign cost in Singapore?
Cost per aligner/balance per month | $400 to $1,000 |
Initial consultation fees | $60 to $150 |
Treatment planning fees | $300 to $500 |
Lab fees | $1,500 |
Downpayment | $1,500 to $3,000 |
Average cost for a 1-year treatment plan | $8,000 to $10,000 |
Average low | $4,000 |
Average high | $9,000 |
Invisalign costs in Singapore vary greatly, just as every smile is unique. But on overage, a year of Invisalign treatment can cost over $4,000 to $8,000.
Invisalign payments are usually completed by running a balance each month as you replace your aligners.
An initial downpayment may be paid upfront once you get your first set of aligners, which may or may not include the lab fees required to construct your sets.
If you have or know someone who’s had braces before, the price for correcting teeth with metal brackets is roughly the same as getting Invisalign.
The main difference lies within aesthetic preference. Invisalign involves using clear aligners that look virtually invisible to the naked eye.
Each of these aligners is replaced with newer ones every month. The fewer aligners you’ll need throughout the whole treatment, the less expensive it will be.
Most patients are willing to pay a premium for the removable and invisible option of metal braces, and we don’t blame them.
How much do consults for Invisalign cost in Singapore?
On average, consultations for Invisalign cost between $60 and $150. Many clinics may charge extra fees for X-rays and other assessments on top of the consultation fee.
Dental clinics often charge higher rates for initial consultations, and succeeding sessions may become cheaper over time.
It’s possible to get in touch with your chosen dental clinic before booking an appointment.
This is where you can ask about consult fees and other charges prior to getting the Invisalign treatment.
What contributes to the cost of Invisalign?
The type of aligners, duration, refinements, maintenance, and even the seniority of your chosen dentist all factor into Invisalign costs in Singapore.
Since all smiles are unique, there is no single quote for Invisalign treatments for all types of teeth and jaw conditions.
The main determiner of your Invisalign expenses is the condition of your teeth. Complex misalignments and bite issues may require more aligners and refinements.
It’s always best practice to consult several clinics about how much they charge for their Invisalign packages.
This may give you a better idea of how much you should at least spend to start the treatment based on your condition.
The Type of Invisalign Aligner Needed
Invisalign costs in Singapore will be affected by the type of aligners you may need for the treatment. Each aligner type corrects specific alignment conditions from mild to severe.
Invisalign aligners also come in a specific number of trays. The more sets you’ll need to correct your teeth, the more expensive the treatment will be.
What are the different types of Invisalign treatments?
Express | Lite | Moderate | Comprehensive | |
Number of aligners | At least 7 clear aligners for the whole treatment plan | At least 14 aligners for the whole treatment plan | At least 26 to 30 clear aligners for the whole treatment plan | Unlimited. The exact number of aligners is subject to the dentist’s assessment of the case’s complexity. |
Cases | Best for healthy teeth with little to no misalignment or bite issues. Suitable for maintenance and aesthetic purposes. | Best for healthy teeth with mild spacing or crowding issues. Younger patients with wider gaps due to milk tooth extraction may need the supervision of a pediatric dentist. | Best for patients with moderate to complex crowding and spacing issues. | Best for patients with severely crowded teeth. Wider spacing issues may be treated for other supplementary plans other than Invisalign. |
Refinements | 1 set of retainers/refinements | 2 sets of retainers/refinements | Unlimited sets of retainers/refinements based on the advice of your dentist | Unlimited sets of retainers/refinements based on the advice of your dentist |
There are four main types of Invisalign treatment options that all have varying costs: Express, Lite, Moderate, and Comprehensive.
Each of these types caters to specific misalignment or spacing conditions, affecting the duration and number of aligners used for the treatment.
Invisalign Express is best for minor issues
The Invisalign Express aligners are the best option for patients who need a little fixing. Minor issues with little to no crowding are often fixed within a six-month treatment plan (six to seven aligners).
Express aligners are also best for patients who’ve had braces in the past but have started seeing misalignment issues come back.
Invisalign Lite is best for mild crowding
The Invisalign Lite aligners are made for patients with mild crowding and spacing issues. These types of aligners deliver results within a similar timeframe as the Express, albeit slightly slower.
On average, a patient prescribed with Invisalign Lite aligners gets 14 sets, and treatment runs for a minimum of 8 to 10 months.
Invisalign Moderate is best for complex crowding
The Invisalign Moderate aligners are best for treating moderate to mildly complex crowding. Patients get a minimum of 26 aligners and undergo the treatment for at least a year.
Invisalign Comprehensive is best for severe crowding
The Invisalign Comprehensive aligners take the longest to complete and are designed to treat severely crowded teeth.
Your chosen orthodontist will assess your condition and prescribe an unlimited amount of aligners until your teeth are corrected.
The Severity of Tooth Misalignment
The complexity of your teeth’ condition will determine the type of Invisalign aligners you should get and how much the lab fees will be to construct them.
If your case is moderate to severe, your dentist may prescribe Comprehensive aligners. The more complex your condition is, the more expensive the lab fees may be.
The Duration of the Invisalign Treatment
The longer you have to undergo Invisalign treatment, the higher the expenses will be until your teeth are corrected.
This is due to the number of monthly payments you’ll have to make until your balance runs out.
Patients using Express or Lite aligners won’t have to pay extra fees for an unlimited number of refinement trays that could extend the treatment for a few extra months.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Invisalign Type | Duration |
Express | 6 months |
Lite | 8 months to 1 year |
Moderate | 2 to 3 years |
Comprehensive | 3 to 5 years |
The Number of Refinement Aligners
Refinement aligners are custom-made trays that are designed to supplement the adjustment process throughout the Invisalign treatment.
Patients using Moderate or Comprehensive aligners are given an unlimited amount of refinements, making base fees slightly higher in the long run.
For Express and Lite aligners, on the other hand, patients usually only get one or two sets throughout the whole Invisalign treatment.
Other Dental Maintenance Procedures
Invisalign costs in Singapore don’t generally include tooth extraction, cleaning, filing, and other maintenance procedures to supplement the treatment plan.
Therefore, the fees for each of these procedures are charged separately. The more maintenance procedures you’ll need to undergo, the more expensive your overall expenses may be.
The Seniority of Dentists Overseeing the Treatment
Invisalign costs in Singapore also depend on the seniority of your dentist. There is a ranking system in place for dentists where each specialist is listed under tiers.
Each tier is based on how many Invisalign treatments they’ve successfully prescribed to patients.
What are the Invisalign tiers?
Dentists conducting Invisalign treatments are ranked as follows:
- Bronze
- Silver
- Gold I
- Gold II
- Platinum
- Platinum Elite
- Diamond
- Black Diamond
- Blue Diamond
- Red Diamond
Bronze-tiered dentists perform the least number of Invisalign treatments in a year, while Red Diamond-tiered dentists perform the most cases.
When a dentist performs more cases, discounts will be given on lab fees. Higher tiers lead to higher discounts, making Invisalign treatments more attractive to both the dentist and the patient.
It’s worth noting that even with the discounted lab fees, the overall price tags for Invisalign still vary between private clinics. Dentists from different clinics but with the same tier ranking may offer different treatment costs.
Are there price differences between orthodontists & general dentists for Invisalign?
The prices for seeing a general dentist and an orthodontist for Invisalign treatment may vary.
Generally, price fluctuations between dentist clinics are based on the specialist’s seniority and ranking. Private clinics offer different price ranges that echo their reputation.
General dentists visually inspect and evaluate your overall oral health. They can diagnose, prescribe, and do various treatments to fix or correct dental issues.
Meanwhile, orthodontists are specially trained to treat misaligned teeth and incorrect bites. Many patients prefer seeing an orthodontist over a general dentist for Invisalign.
Why does my dentist pay for Invisalign lab fees?
Your dentist pays lab fees to Align Tech, the creators of Invisalign, each time a patient confirms a treatment plan. These fees generally cover the production costs of making your aligner trays and can go as high as $1,500.
This is partly the reason why many dental clinics ask for a downpayment prior to the beginning of your Invisalign treatment.
These lab fees also greatly contribute to the overall Invisalign costs in Singapore. Once your dentist has settled the lab fees, the amount is then accounted for within your remaining balance or downpayment.
As mentioned earlier, the higher the tier of your dentists, the bigger the discounts will be on the lab fees. Thus, your Invisalign costs in Singapore may lessen.
What are common payment options for Invisalign?
Patients can pay for Invisalign using cash or traditional methods of banking like a credit card or a debit card. For better financing, Invisalign may be paid through your company’s insurance or through instalments.
Since Invisalign treatments are paid through a balance, it’s a lot easier to manage your finances in the long run, granted that you can cover the downpayment.
Company Reimbursement
Invisalign costs in Singapore may be reimbursed by your company if your current issuance policy indicates any coverage for the treatment.
Some companies may agree to cover a partial amount, leading you to pay for the remaining balances out of pocket.
Instalments
Some private clinics allow for monthly instalment options to help aid patients with financing their treatment.
Since Invisalign is often paid through a balance, patients can pay off the treatment on a monthly basis until the treatment is completed.
To avoid unnecessary inconveniences when paying for Invisalign costs in Singapore, it is best to weigh your options by comparing clinic prices and consulting your financial planner about the dental coverage in your insurance.
Can my health insurance cover Invisalign costs in Singapore?
Invisalign isn’t usually covered in the usual health insurance packages in Singapore.
Most insurance policies cover teeth alignment procedures up to a certain amount. However, unlike braces, Invisalign treatments are often considered cosmetic rather than medically necessary.
Thus, Invisalign treatments may not be eligible for insurance coverage with most clinics that offer it.
It’s best to consult your dentist about your condition to determine whether your Invisalign treatment plan may be eligible for insurance coverage.
What are the standard Invisalign packages available in Singapore?
The Invisalign packages available in Singapore are Express, Lite, Moderate, and Comprehensive. All four types treat different levels of tooth misalignment severity.
Once an aligner type is prescribed, your dentist may discuss treatment packages with you to supplement the correction process.
Typical packages from private clinics include scanning, follow-up sessions, and retainer sets.
Package inclusions vary, and private clinics have the prerogative to offer discounts or promos on one or several of the assessment procedures for Invisalign.
Choosing to undergo treatment with a package is a great option to manage your budget for Invisalign costs in Singapore.
We highly recommend getting in touch with your chosen clinic and comparing package prices.
Invisalign vs Braces: Which is better?
Invisalign | Braces | |
Cost | $4,000 to $9,500 | $2,000 to $3,500 |
Duration | Ranges from 6 months to 3 years for optimum results | A minimum of 1 year to see desired results and can last for up to 5 years |
Maintenance | Aligners should be replaced once or twice a month; refinements are necessary | Brackets and wires should be adjusted once per month; retainers are subject to the dentist’s advice |
If you have serious misalignment and want a steady but gradual treatment at a lower price, then braces may be the best option for you.
Meanwhile, you’re better off with Invisalign if you want to correct minor misalignment without needing to see a dentist for monthly adjustments.
Invisalign is best for minor teeth correction
Since Invisalign is removable, you might find it tempting to remove them to relieve any pain or discomfort while chewing.
Meanwhile, you can’t remove braces, but they keep your teeth aligned more consistently.
Since the treatment omits metal brackets, patients with Invisalign can achieve a perfect smile without visual distraction.
This makes Invisalign costs in Singapore generally more expensive than braces. The constant replacement of aligners also attributes to the raised price tag.
Invisalign offers the same corrective results as braces but with an added aesthetic benefit and less downtime.
If you’re deciding whether to choose Invisalign or braces, you must first consider how important the external appearance of your teeth is to you.
If you’re willing to pay a premium for invisible aligners, Invisalign may be the better option for you.
Braces are best for severe overcrowding, and incorrect bites
Braces are often used in conjunction with other dental treatments like tooth extraction and jaw correction since the brackets are multifunctional.
This makes the treatment highly suitable for patients who want to hit many birds with one stone when it comes to dental treatments.
Braces also provide more force, which keeps your teeth in place much better than Invisalign.
Braces take a lot longer to complete and are generally prescribed to patients for a minimum of one year.
On the other hand, Invisalign offers the same corrective results but with an added aesthetic benefit and less downtime.
What are alternatives to Invisalign, and how much do they cost?
Use | Cost | |
Mbrace | Non-extraction treatment; best for moderate crowding and spacing | $4,000 to $6,000 |
Zenyum | Non-extraction treatment; best used for front teeth correction only | $2,500 |
Ecligner | Simple extractions may be done; Best for mild to moderate crowding | $5,000 to $8,000 |
Mbrace, Zenyum, and Ecligner are all great alternatives to Invisalign, and each treatment’s costs are relatively competitive vis-a-vis Invisalign’s costs in Singapore.
Mbrace is best used for patients with moderate crowding, but the treatment may cost between $4,000 and $6,000.
Zentrum is another excellent alternative but only for front teeth correction. At $2,500, it’s not the best option to correct your whole bite or molars.
Ecligner offers the same results as Mbrace, but simple extractions may be required for desired results to show through. The price ranges between $5,000 and $8,000.
The prices of these alternatives are roughly within the same range as Invisalign. It’s still best to consult your clinic about alternatives and how much they offer them.
Conclusion
With the help of medical technology, getting the perfect smile is now possible without bulky metal.
The benefit of getting clear and thin aligners adds an extra boost of confidence and self-esteem. These qualities are what most patients may enjoy for choosing Invisalign.
Your desired pearly whites don’t always come cheap, but the journey is rewarding and definitely worth it in the end!