What Makes Up the Cost of Aligners

Aligners are clear trays for correcting the bite that in recent years have become a full alternative to braces. The first question patients ask is how much they cost. There is no single figure: the cost of a course of treatment depends on several factors, and the doctor states the exact amount only after diagnostics. In this article we explain what makes up the price so that you understand what you are paying for.

What aligners are and how treatment works

Aligners are a set of individually manufactured clear trays. Each tray is worn for 1–2 weeks and moves the teeth by fractions of a millimetre, then is replaced by the next one. The trays are almost invisible, are removed for eating and brushing, do not injure the soft tissues and require no dietary restrictions.

Treatment consists of several stages:

1. a consultation and examination by the orthodontist;
2. a 3D scan of the dental arches, a photo protocol and, if necessary, computed tomography;
3. a virtual setup, a digital plan of tooth movement that you see in advance;
4. preparation of the mouth: treatment of decay and professional cleaning;
5. manufacture of the full set of trays and bonding of attachments, small composite bumps on the teeth that the tray "grips";
6. scheduled check-up visits every 6–10 weeks;
7. a retention period with retainers after active treatment is complete.

What makes up the cost

Complexity of the case

The main factor. Mild crowding or spacing requires a short set of trays, while correcting a distal or mesial bite, rotated teeth or a deep overbite requires a long course with additional stages. The more movements, the more trays and visits.

Duration of treatment

A course can take from a few months to two years. The duration determines the number of trays, the number of check-up visits and the amount of the doctor's work. Sometimes additional (refinement) trays are needed during treatment; their cost and conditions are usually agreed in advance.

The system manufacturer

There are several systems on the market: Invisalign, Angel Aligner, Spark and others. They differ in tray material, planning software, manufacturing speed and the brand's experience with complex cases. The iOrtho orthodontist selects the system for the task: for some cases a simpler solution is enough, for others a premium system is justified.

Scope of treatment: one or both jaws

In some cases trays for only one jaw are enough, which noticeably reduces the cost. But more often both jaws must be treated to achieve a correct bite.

Diagnostics and related procedures

The following may be included in the course price or paid separately: tomography, scanning, professional cleaning, dental treatment before the start, extractions if needed, and placement of mini-screws.

Retention

After aligners, retainers are essential: fixed wire retainers or removable trays. This is a separate but necessary part of treatment; without it the result will not last.

Aligners or braces: which is more economical

It is commonly believed that aligners are always more expensive. In practice the difference is not so large: treatment with braces involves regular adjustments, archwire changes, debonded brackets and more demanding hygiene. When the full course is compared, complex cases with braces are sometimes no cheaper. In addition, aligners save time: there are fewer visits to the clinic, and they are shorter.

What not to economise on

• Diagnostics. Without tomography and a setup, the plan is built on guesswork.
• The doctor's experience. Trays are only a tool; the result is determined by the person who drew up the plan and monitors it.
• Retention. Skipping the retention stage undoes the whole course.

How to find out the exact cost

Approximate figures given by phone or in messages will always be tentative. The exact cost of the course becomes known after the consultation and diagnostics: the iOrtho orthodontist in Yerevan will assess the complexity, determine the system and number of trays, and present a plan with the full cost so that there are no surprises during treatment.