How much is invisalign?

How much of a difference does the actual orthodontist make for Invisalign?

• My case in terms of teeth straightening is not very complicated. I am trying to decide between two options: 1. A very good dentist, who is also Invisalign certified, and will end up costing around 5000 dollars. It doesn't seem like he does that many Invisalign cases, but he genuinely knows teeth, if that makes sense 2. A fancy orthodontist, with one of those new-agey fancy offices who has been doing Invisalign since it existed and genuinely seems like a great orthodontist, but will cost about 7000 dollars. Given that my case is straightforward, how much of a difference would it make how experienced the orthodontist is. Does the Invisalign company make most of the decisions on how your teeth will move, etc or is it very dependent on the dentist's expertise? I mean, if my teeth will just revert to baseline in 3 years with the cheaper option, I can justify the extra 2000 dollars. If not, why spend it? Any advice appreciated!

• Answer:

  If the first is a dentist and the second is an orthodontist, I would go with the orthodontist. That is what they specialize in. I use the comparison that a radiologist can deliver a baby, but I'd rather have an Ob/Gyn. I would, however, get a price from an orthodontist who isn't paying for the fancy-schmantzy office. The $2000 difference is most likely going to pay for his zen fountains, mood lighting, and juice bar. I believe the process with Invisalign is mostly computer-driven, with the orthodontist determining what the final look should be. The price is determined by both the number of trays in the treatment and the length of treatment (number of expected visits). Keep in mind that you will need to wear a retainer (the last tray) at least part of the time after the treatment. I wear mine every night, and I can feel it still pushing when I first put it on. If you don't wear the retainer, they will move back.