The Importance of A Realistic Budget for Clear Aligners

While the cost of clear aligners have reduced significantly in the last decade, clear aligners continue to cost more than traditional metal braces. A large part of the cost can be attributed to brand lab fees.

If you are considering to take up clear aligner treatment, whether it is Invisalign, Angel Aligner or another clear aligner brand, this quick guide will help you understand the pricing mechanisms of clear aligners and how much it would actually cost you. 

How Much Are Clear Aligners For Me?

Clear aligners are entirely dependent on how many clear aligner trays you require. Each clear aligner tray can move your teeth up to 0.25mm per tray. 

The more complex your orthodontic condition, the longer your treatment duration, and the more clear aligner trays you require. 

Without seeing your teeth (at least via photos or through a video consultation), it is not possible for me to gauge the estimated cost of clear aligners for you. However, what I can do is provide you with a rough guide. 

Cost of mild misalignment with clear aligners

Treatment duration: 3 to 5 months 

Treatment cost: $2,000 (Angel Aligner Select 10) or $2,800 (Invisalign Express) 

If you have previously done orthodontic treatment like braces or clear aligners and have not been wearing your retainers, there might be some mild teeth relapse. 

For cases where treatment duration is 3 to 5 months, it usually falls within the $2,000 (Angel Aligner Select 10) and $2,800 (Invisalign Express) cost. Other conditions that fall this range include: 

• Single-tooth with mild misalignment of up to 10 degrees; 
• Mild diastema between two teeth; 
• Slight adjustments of teeth that have little misalignment. 

Cost of moderate misalignment with clear aligners 

Treatment duration: 5 to 7 months

Treatment cost: $3,488 (Angel Aligner Select 20) or $4,300 (Invisalign Lite)

Moderate misalignment usually indicates a treatment duration of about 5 to 7 months. The moderate misalignment category is the most misunderstood category as a majority of moderate cases can look on first glance like mild cases. 

The cost for moderate cases falls within $3,488 (Angel Aligner Select 20) or $4,300 (Invisalign Lite). 

Some examples of moderate misalignment are: 

• Wider gaps between teeth; 
• Diastema 
• Single-tooth misalignment with a slight rotation of slightly more than 10 degrees. 

Cost of moderate-complex misalignment with clear aligners 

Treatment duration: 7 to 9 months

Treatment cost: $4,800 (Angel Aligner Select 30) or $5,800 (Invisalign Moderate)

Moderate-complex misalignment usually indicates a treatment duration of around 7 to 9 months. The treatment duration for moderate-complex can sometimes extend to up to 12 months. In some cases, moderate-complex cases can be concentrated on a single arch (upper or lower) instead of two arches (upper and lower). 

While it may be concentrated on a single arch, it is usually not possible to simply correct a single arch as we will need to correct both arches at the same time to ensure proper occlusion. An experienced orthodontic-dentist will not encourage single-arch treatment only. 

The cost for moderate-complex cases falls within $4,800 (Angel Aligner Select 30) or $5,800 (Invisalign Moderate). 

Some examples of moderate misalignment are: 

• Multiple tooth misalignment because of crowding (not severe crowding) 
• Single or two/three rotated teeth  
• Simple crossbite misalignment that can be managed with buttons and elastics with clear aligners  
• Molar tooth/teeth that are out of alignment 

Cost of complex misalignment with clear aligners 

Treatment duration: 12 to 15 months

Treatment cost: $5,800 (Angel Aligner Unlimited) or $6,800 (Invisalign Comprehensive under Comprehensive Plan of 2 Years)

Complex teeth alignment usually requires a more prolonged treatment duration of 12 – 15 months. 

Cost of severe misalignment with clear aligners 

Treatment duration: 15 to 24 months

Treatment cost: $6,800 (Angel Aligner Pro) or $7,800 (Invisalign Complex under Comprehensive Plan of 3 Years)

For severe misalignment cases, there is usually a combination of Class 2/Class 3 bite relationship with multiple severe orthodontic conditions. 

For example, a patient might have severe cross bite, jaw asymmetry and severe overcrowding at the same time. This might require a combination of clear aligners, TADs, elastics and sometimes even orthodontic expansion appliances to completely resolve orthodontic issues. 

Most of the patients that we treat at kohe™ Dental fall under this category of complexity.

For patients with severe crowding or complex bite problems, treatment may take around 15 to 24 months to fully correct the alignment and bite relationship.

For cases within this treatment duration, costs typically fall in the $6,800 (Angel Aligner Pro) or $7,800 (Invisalign Complex under Comprehensive Plan of 3 years). 

Other conditions that may fall within this range include:

• Severe crowding where multiple teeth overlap significantly
• Complex bite problems such as crossbite, open bite, or severe overjet
• Teeth that are severely rotated or positioned outside the dental arch
• Cases requiring large tooth movements across the entire arch
• Long-term orthodontic relapse where both alignment and bite stability must be rebuilt.

These cases usually involve full orthodontic correction, where both the alignment of the teeth and the overall bite relationship must be treated.

What kinds of orthodontic conditions cost more to treat with clear aligners? 

If you have an orthodontic condition that requires any of the following: 

• Uprighting molars without extracting them; 
• Expansion of palate before closing the gaps and alignment with clear aligners;
• Rotating teeth;
• Correcting bite position in the case of cross bite or jaw asymmetry, or 
• Severe overcrowding that requires removal of 4 teeth; 
• Retracting teeth to reduce severe overjet; 
• Retracting your jaw to improve underbite; 
• Multiple different movements because of a combination of orthodontic conditions;

It might cost more to treat with clear aligners than with braces. 

Generally the cost of clear aligners is higher if the treatment duration exceeds 6 months. This is because the cost of clear aligners increases in relation to treatment duration and thus, the number of clear aligner trays you have during your treatment. 

If you are looking for cheap clear aligners with a complex orthodontic condition, it might be more realistic to seek for metal braces or ceramic braces instead. 

Why would I want to pick clear aligners over braces if clear aligners cost more?  

If you are wondering why patients pick clear aligners over braces, these are some of the common reasons why patients at kohe™ Dental pick aligners: 

• Clear aligners can be safer for athletes or active sportsmen who participate frequently in training and sports tournaments. There is reduced risk of accidental dental trauma or oral abrasion. If you participate in sports like touch rugby, rugby, polo, wrestling or any contact sports, it might be safer for you to choose clear aligners over braces.
  
• Clear aligners enable foreign students who are currently in international school, and who might fly off for prolonged holidays during Summer break to continue their clear aligner treatment without interference. 
  
• Expats living in Singapore or busy professionals who are required to travel for work can remotely monitor the progress of their clear aligners instead of heading in to a dentist on their busy schedule.
  
• For professionals who are required to be in the public eye often, clear aligners can be a discreet way of correcting teeth. An alternative would be lingual braces (Brava by Brius).
  
• Clear aligners are generally more hygienic than braces as you are able to brush your teeth as per usual after removing the aligner trays. Food does not get trapped between your teeth and brackets.
  
• There is less time spent at the dental clinic as you are only required to return every 6-8 weeks for reviews and checks or whenever interproximal reduction (IPR) needs to be done.
  
• Clear aligners use attachments that are etched onto your teeth and aligner trays to shift your teeth. There are no brackets or wires that may fall off when you are eating or if there is pressure exerted. This reduces the number of emergency visits needed during your treatment.
  
• Clear aligners generally do not cause ulcers because of the smooth surface material. There is no initial adjustment period where you have to get used to brackets in your mouth. You also do not need to apply orthodontic wax to reduce abrasions.
  
• For some patients, clear aligners have post-treatment aesthetic advantages. Aligners have a cleaner and “softer” finish than braces. It looks almost natural, as if you have not had any orthodontic treatment. This can be a plus for some patients. 

What Is The Average Cost of Clear Aligners? 

The average cost of clear aligners ranges from $2,000 – $3,000 (for mild cases), $4,300 – $5,500 (for moderate cases), and goes up to $7,800 – $9,800 (for complex cases) in Singapore.

The final cost is largely dependent on: 

• Brand of clear aligners used;
• Whether you are a student or an adult (some practices offer student rates); 
• How complex your orthodontic alignment case is;
• Experience of the dentist in clinical practice (their caseload); 
• Experience of the dentist in general; 
• Whether they have postgrad qualifications in orthodontics;
• Whether they have advanced certifications in tooth biomechanics. 

What Is A Realistic Budget for Clear Aligners? 

For simple cases, it can be okay to go with the most affordable option as there is minimal movement required. There is less room for error when treatment planning is not done comprehensively in simple cases. 

However, if your case falls under a complex case, it will not be wise to base your decision entirely on whether or not the clinic is the cheapest or most budget-friendly. 

While some orthodontic clinics like kohe™ Dental offer accessible pricing, we ensure that we have the necessary clinical support to support patients from simple to complex/severe orthodontic conditions. Our clinic works only with “Super-GPs.” These are experienced orthodontic-focused dentists with post-graduate qualifications in orthodontics who work with clear aligners and other orthodontic treatments on a daily basis. 

When treatment planning clear aligner cases, it is not a matter of just clicking buttons to process a plan. There needs to be a sound thought process on the biomechanics of tooth movement as well as the possibilities and improbabilities of certain kinds of movement. 

Different teeth move differently and at different speeds. Different orthodontic conditions warrant different forms of movement. 

Unlike braces where each movement can be corrected and fine-tuned mid-way, clear aligners require forethought on predicted movement. 

A realistic budget would be based on your immediate orthodontic condition, whether you are seeking for an experienced clinician and which brand you are looking to take up. 

What is usually included in a clear aligner package? 

A typical clear aligners package might include:

• Treatment planning 
• Clear aligner production 
• Bonding of attachments 
• Reviews and follow up visits 
• Interproximal reduction (IPR) (if necessary)
• Debonding of attachments 
• Refinements (if necessary) 

Some clinics like kohe™ Dental offer a comprehensive clear aligner package that can be value-for-money: 

• Consultation and assessment 
• X-rays (OPG and Latceph) 
• 3D intraoral scans 
• 3D facial scans 
• 3D CBCT scans (in the case of complex movement)
• Treatment planning 
• Clear aligner production 
• Bonding of attachments 
• Reviews and follow up visits 
• Interproximal reduction (IPR) (if necessary) 
• Debonding of attachments 
• Refinements (if necessary) 
• Retainers

What is not included in a clear aligner package? 

It is not common to include general dentistry procedures like: 

• Scaling and polishing 
• Tooth extractions 
• Root canal treatment 
• Tooth surgery 
• Wisdom tooth removal,
  

in your clear aligner package. These procedures, while synergistic, are not part of the orthodontic treatment package. 

When buying a house, while renovations are synergistic services, you would not buy a house and receive free renovations, fixtures and furniture. The same applies for orthodontic treatment. 

“Dentists Are Just Trying to Scam Us For Clear Aligners Because It Is So Expensive”

The cost of clear aligners can be costly because of the lab fees that each dental clinic pays to the clear aligner brands. In some instances, dental clinics are able to offer more preferential rates because of exclusive arrangements with the clear aligner brands based on the volume of cases done. 

Dental clinics do not profit off any of the lab fees as these are paid directly to clear aligner brands when the treatment plan is approved. 

At kohe™ Dental, we are able to offer reduced rates for our one-time payment plans because of these exclusive arrangements. We are not able to do the same for instalment payment plans because the promotion rates do not extend to us for instalment payments. 

If you are looking to save some money on clear aligner treatment, you will generally be able to get across-the-border rates on our promo rates for one-time payments. 

Here are the actual lab costs for both Angel Aligner and Invisalign that dental clinics pay to the individual clear aligner brands. 

Angel Aligner Actual Lab Fees (Updated 10th of March 2026)

Invisalign Actual Lab Fees (Updated 10th of March 2026)

Why Is Invisalign Comprehensive Cheaper in Malaysia But So Expensive in Singapore? 

Besides the economics of the Singapore dollar against the Malaysian ringgit, the cost of operating a dental clinic and hiring manpower in Malaysia can be cheaper than in Singapore. This means less operating costs. 

Even after deducting the Invisalign lab fees, the cost of Invisalign Comprehensive can cover dentist fees, manpower costs, rental costs and other expenses.

It is thus not uncommon for Invisalign Comprehensive to range from $6,000 – $8,000 in Singapore, while costing around $5,800 – $6,500 in Malaysia. 

If cost is a major concern for you but you are still keen to take up clear aligner treatment, you might want to consider Angel Aligner over Invisalign. 

While more affordable than Invisalign, this does not mean that Angel Aligner is any less superior. The clear aligner brand offers the same predictability as Invisalign and has been used by us to complete extremely complex teeth movements. 

I Just Want The Cheapest Clear Aligners, Which Brand Should I Go For? 

Wanting to go for the cheapest clear aligners possible can be a dangerous and unsafe mindset to begin your clear aligner treatment journey. 

If your intention is to commit to clear aligner treatment, it might be best to save up money for ideal clear aligner treatment rather than simply choosing the cheapest. In some cases, it can be an instance of, you get what you pay for. 

Compromising your treatment outcomes in favour of saving on pennies can have adverse effects. I have personally treated patients who have had to re-do clear aligner treatment because of poor experiences with now-defunct or no longer in the market clear aligner brands. Others have had prolonged treatment plans for moderate orthodontic conditions.

This is not to say that cheaper clear aligners do not work. For many simple cases, non-mainstream clear aligners can and do work. In some situations and clinical practices like ours, as part of the finishing of orthodontic treatment, dentists or orthodontists do treatment plan and print their own clear aligners via 3D printers to finish a mild aesthetic concern.

Complex to severe orthodontic alignment, however, requires a lot more technical expertise and treatment planning know-how. These are often missing from commercially budget-friendly brands who outsource their treatment planning to pay-for-hire treatment planners. 

Patients who choose clear aligners often prioritise aesthetics before function. This might be true about you as well. Done well, clear aligners can deliver beautiful final aesthetic finishes. The final results look completely natural. Patients often tell me that they feel like a different person and smile more post-aligner treatment. 

If you are truly serious about going on a clear aligner journey and prioritise aesthetics, it might be best to do thorough research before committing to the cheapest option available on the market. 

How Much Should I Budget for Clear Aligners?

If you are unsure as to how much you should be budgeting for clear aligners, these are a few questions that you should ask yourself first: 

• What clear aligner system do you prefer? The system that you choose will set a guideline on how much your final orthodontic bill is. If your main concern is to go for a clear aligner system that is reliable and consistent, but are on a smaller budget, Angel Aligner clear aligners will do the trick.
  
• How mild or complex is your current orthodontic condition? The more complex your orthodontic case, the more you will have to pay for treatment.
  
• Are you looking for an experienced clear aligner dentist or just a dentist who practices clear aligners on an infrequent basis?
  
• Are you intending to go for an orthodontist/orthodontic-focused dentist with post-graduate qualifications in orthodontics? Dental specialists (orthodontists) and orthodontic-focused dentists with post-graduate qualifications can sometimes price their services higher.
  
• Are you a student or an adult? In some practices, there is a cost distinction between students and adults. However, do take note that you would require a valid student pass that is within the expiry date.
  
• Are you prepared to spend more on orthodontic treatment (vs braces that are usually more affordable)? 

Setting a realistic budget for clear aligner treatment helps you avoid disappointment and treatment procrastination when visiting a dental clinic for clear aligners

The realistic cost/budget for clear aligner treatment is ultimately determined by the complexity of your teeth, the brand of aligners you intend to go for, and the experience of the clinician planning your treatment. 

While this guide provides a realistic overview of costs, the most accurate estimate can only be given after a proper clinical assessment and 3D scan. If you are hesitant on heading to an orthodontic clinic for a consultation, please feel free to contact us for a virtual assessment first.

When considering clear aligners, the goal should not simply be the cheapest option, but a treatment plan that delivers predictable, stable, and aesthetically pleasing results for the long term. 

Dr Kassandra Ong

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