Why Are Clear Aligners So Expensive?

If you have pondered going on a teeth straightening journey, you might have considered using clear aligners because of their aesthetic appeal. After a bit of research and price shopping, your first reaction might have been: Why are clear aligners so expensive? They are just a piece of plastic! My dentist must be ripping me off! 

Many patients who visit me for clear aligner treatment share the same sentiments. Some of them share that they have held off orthodontic treatment till they are working adults because of the rather prohibitive cost of treatment.

This article has been written to help address questions about cost of clear aligners, why they are sometimes prohibitively expensive and whether it is a good idea to choose the cheapest clear aligner provider in the market. 

How Expensive Are Clear Aligners in Singapore? 

The cost of clear aligners are usually based on the following factors: 

• The orthodontic complexity, 
• How many clear aligner trays you would require based on your orthodontic condition,
• The total duration of your treatment, 
• The cost of the lab fees imposed based on the number of clear aligner trays you require, 
• The brand of clear aligners you have chosen, 
• Whether you are seeking treatment with a general dentist or an orthodontist, 
• How many years of experience your dentist or dental specialist has, 
• Whether the dental clinic is an exclusive partner with the clear aligner brand, and
• Whether the cost of treatment includes treatment planning, attachments, IPR, elastics, 
• Whether you require further refinements and if they are included in your clear aligner package,
• Whether the dental clinic has a policy of charging per review or follow-up, 
• If your dental clinic or clear aligner brand includes a pair of retainers post-treatment.

At kohe™ Dental, our clear aligner treatment starts from $1,700 for simple relapse cases or minor adjustments, and goes up to $9,000 for braces or alignment work after jaw surgery. 

What is the average cost of Invisalign in Singapore? 

The average cost of Invisalign in Singapore is $3,800 – $9,800. This might not include other ancillary services such as: 

• Treatment planning 
• Extractions (if necessary) 
• Derotation of a tooth (if necessary) 
• Bonding of the attachments 
• InterProximal Reduction (IPR) (if necessary) 
• Dental cleaning before the clear aligner fitting procedure 
• Clear retainers or metal retainers post treatment to maintain the position of the newly aligned teeth
• Review and follow-ups with the dentist or orthodontist. 
• Refinements 

The cost of your Invisalign treatment increases depending on the complexity of your teeth and the number of trays you require to treat it. 

If you are intending to take up Invisalign treatment in Singapore, it might be wise to ask your preferred Invisalign dental clinic or dentist/orthodontist about what is included in their Invisalign package and what is not. 

What is the average cost of Angel Aligner in Singapore?

The average cost of Angel Aligner in Singapore is $2,000 – $6,000. Similar to Invisalign treatment, the cost of treatment might not include the following: 

• Treatment planning 
• Extractions (if necessary) to create space and reduce overcrowding 
• Derotation of a tooth (if necessary)
• Bonding of the attachments 
• InterProximal Reduction (IPR) (if necessary) 
• Dental cleaning before the clear aligner fitting procedure 
• Retainers post treatment to maintain the position of the newly aligned teeth
• Review and follow-ups with the dentist or orthodontist. 
• Refinements 

At kohe™ Dental, the cost of Angel Aligner treatment includes the following: 

• Treatment planning 
• Bonding of attachments 
• Elastics (if necessary) 
• InterProximal Reduction (IPR) (if necessary) 
• 1 Set of retainers post-treatment 
• Reviews and follow-ups with our dentist 
• Refinements (duration based on Angel Aligner package) 

To view how much your orthodontic treatment would cost at kohe™ Dental, you can refer to our treatment fees. 

If you would like a quick cost estimate based on your current orthodontic condition but are not ready to book a consultation with us, I invite you to reach out to me for a preliminary consultation. 

What are the cheapest clear aligners available in Singapore?

The cheapest and most common clear aligners available in Singapore are usually Zenyum and Dr Clear Aligner. This is based on their listed and marketed rates (last reviewed in October 2024), but might not be entirely representative of their actual costs. The total cost also does not include GST or any ancillary services.

In the last 6 months, I have also encountered other emerging brands that promote low-cost clear aligners such as Poeme Align and ODONTO aligners. Both brands offer lower rates than brands like Invisalign or Straumann ClearCorrect. 

For comparison purposes, please view the following table to see the cost range of the most affordable clear aligners in Singapore: 

Table of price comparisons was last reviewed and updated on the 25th of October 2024. Please refer to the individual clear aligner sites for updated cost information. 

If budget is a priority in your orthodontic alignment journey, I highly recommend having a clear idea of your orthodontic condition first before setting a budget. You can have a better idea of the complexity of your dental condition by visiting a dentist or orthodontist for a consultation or getting a preliminary assessment (pre-consultation). 

Understanding the amount of orthodontic alignment you require can help you better understand the cost range of your clear aligner treatment, regardless of the clear aligner brand you choose. 

This is important as your orthodontic condition and general oral health commensurates with the total clear aligner treatment you will be expected to pay. 

While dedicated dental clinics like kohe™ Dental have reduced orthodontic treatment fees to make treatment more accessible, we acknowledge that getting orthodontic treatment continues to be a rather substantial investment. 

Setting a realistic budget based on your personal oral and orthodontic health can help avoid unrealistic budget expectations and help you have a more informed decision on what steps you can take. 

Ensure that you budget for other ancillary services before clear aligner treatment as well (if necessary). This will help you keep track of how much you are actually spending for your clear aligner treatment. 

It is important to note that ultimately, your priority should be on the expertise rendered by both your dentist or orthodontist and the clear aligner company, the quality of treatment and the final results. It should not be entirely focused on cost – whether most affordable or most expensive. Neither lowest or highest cost of treatment are good benchmarks of orthodontic success. 

The most important part of orthodontic treatment is not just cosmetic-related but to maintain good bite alignment. Without good bite alignment, issues like Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders can arise. This can result in long-term pain and discomfort. 

Why Are Clear Aligners So Expensive? 

Clear aligners can get prohibitively expensive because of how customised and personalised the entire treatment journey is. Every set of teeth is unique. Because of their uniqueness, each set of clear aligners is printed in stages to gradually shift your teeth into the right positions. 

Clear aligner companies charge a lab fee per patient to produce customised clear aligner trays that will meet the needs of your teeth. 

While traditional braces use standardised parts, your clear aligners are completely customised. The laboratory costs, professional expertise, regular monitoring appointments, and potential refinements all contribute to the overall investment. 

Remember, you are not just paying for the physical aligners, but for an entire transformative process.

What contributes to the cost of clear aligners?

The most significant portion comes from the laboratory fees for manufacturing your custom aligners. 

Each set is precisely crafted using advanced 3D printing technology based on detailed digital scans of your teeth. These scans themselves require sophisticated equipment and expertise to capture accurately. The planning software we use to map out your treatment is another substantial investment that factors into the overall cost.

Professional expertise is another key component. Your treatment plan requires careful analysis and monitoring by experienced dental professionals. We spend considerable time planning your tooth movements, adjusting your treatment as needed, and ensuring you are progressing as planned. Regular monitoring appointments throughout your treatment are essential for optimal results.

Additional elements include any necessary attachments or buttons that help guide tooth movement, interproximal reduction procedures if needed, and your final retainers. We also factor in potential refinements that might be needed to perfect your smile, ensuring you achieve the results you desire.

Why are clear aligners more expensive than braces?

Clear aligners are often more expensive than braces because of the sophisticated digital technology and customised manufacturing processes for each set of trays in your treatment plan. We begin by creating precise 3D scans of your teeth, then use advanced software to map out every small movement needed to achieve your ideal smile. Each aligner is custom-manufactured specifically for your teeth, unlike braces which use standardised brackets and wires.

Think of it like ordering a custom-tailored suit versus buying one off the rack. With braces, we use pre-made components that we adjust to fit your needs. Clear aligners, however, are like having multiple suits individually tailored to your changing measurements throughout your treatment journey. The laboratory fees for manufacturing these custom aligners represent a significant portion of your treatment cost.

However, many patients find the benefits justify the investment. Clear aligners offer discretion, comfort, and the convenience of removal for eating and cleaning. They also require fewer in-office adjustments than traditional braces, potentially saving you time and comfort in the long run.

Why are clear aligners not covered by insurance in Singapore? 

Most insurances in Singapore do not cover elective treatments like clear aligners. However, your personal or corporate insurance might cover accidents that have resulted in some form of dental trauma. 

If you are unsure as to whether your dental insurance covers clear aligners or orthodontic treatments, you can drop your insurance representative a call to find out more about their claim policies. 

Why are clear aligners not covered by Medisave? 

Clear aligners are not covered by Medisave because clear aligners or orthodontic treatment is considered an elective treatment. Medisave only covers non-elective dental surgeries such as dental implant surgery or wisdom tooth surgery. 

Do Only Expensive Clear Aligner Brands Work?

The success of your clear aligner treatment does not directly correlate with the price tag. What truly determines the effectiveness of your treatment is a combination of factors that go beyond the brand name. 

The most crucial elements are the expertise of your dental provider in planning your treatment, the precision of the manufacturing process, and most importantly, your compliance with wearing the aligners as prescribed.

Consider this like medication – while there might be expensive brand names, many equally effective generic options exist. Companies like Angel Aligner can offer more competitive pricing because they have reduced their laboratory fees through efficient manufacturing processes and economies of scale, not by compromising on quality. Their system has successfully treated over a million cases worldwide with documented results.

The key to success lies in choosing a clear aligner system that has proven clinical research, reliable manufacturing standards, and most importantly, a skilled dental provider who can properly plan and monitor your treatment to ensure that the clear aligners are tracking. Price alone should not be the determining factor in your decision.

Will cheaper clear aligner brands be as effective?

The effectiveness of your clear aligner treatment is not determined by its price point but rather by several key factors. Think of it like purchasing a phone – while some brands command premium prices, other manufacturers can produce equally reliable devices at lower costs through efficient production methods. Companies like Angel Aligner achieve cost savings through reduced laboratory fees and economies of scale, not by compromising on treatment quality.

The true drivers of successful treatment include the precision of your treatment planning, the manufacturing standards of the aligners, and most importantly, your commitment to following the prescribed wear schedule. A more affordable clear aligner system used properly under professional supervision can achieve the same excellent results as a more expensive brand.

What matters most is selecting a clear aligner system that has solid research backing, consistent manufacturing quality, and most importantly, supervision by an experienced dental professional who can properly plan and monitor your progress. Some brands might cost less simply because they spend less on marketing or have more efficient production processes.

Are all clear aligners the same? 

Truth be told, all clear aligners are pretty much the same. As I often tell my patients, clear aligners are customised pieces of plastic that fit your teeth and gradually adjust them to the ideal positions. However, the big difference between each clear aligner brand is whether the clear aligner brand has a reputation of delivering precise treatment plans directed by experienced dentists or orthodontists. 

Clear aligners can be a huge investment because of how personalised it is but costs aside, the main thing you should look out for is the dentist or orthodontist directing the treatment.

Clear aligner treatment represents a significant investment primarily due to its highly personalised nature. The cost encompasses sophisticated 3D scanning technology, customised manufacturing processes, professional expertise, and ongoing monitoring. While prices vary significantly among brands in Singapore, ranging from $1,688 to $9,800, the effectiveness of treatment is not directly tied to its cost.

The success of clear aligner treatment depends more on three critical factors: The expertise of your dental provider, the precision of treatment planning, and most importantly, your commitment to wearing the aligners as prescribed. More affordable brands like Angel Aligner can offer competitive pricing through efficient manufacturing and reduced marketing costs, not by compromising quality.
When selecting a clear aligner system, focus on proven clinical research, reliable manufacturing standards, and professional supervision rather than price alone. While most clear aligners are fundamentally similar in function, the key differentiator is the reputation and expertise behind the treatment planning and implementation.

Dr Amanda Koh Founder and Managing Director

Dr Amanda Koh is the Founder and Managing Director of kohe™ Dental. She is also known as The Invisalign Dentist.She has a special interest in helping patients achieve their ideal smile outcomes with clear aligners like Invisalign and Angel Aligner and braces.

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