The American Association of Orthodontists reports that a record number of patients over the age of 18 are seeking orthodontic treatment. For these adults, Invisalign treatment — sometimes known as “invisible braces” — has become one of the most popular ways to straighten teeth discreetly.

As a modern alternative to traditional metal braces, Invisalign clear aligners offer greater comfort, convenience, and confidence. But for many patients, the cost of Invisalign is a concern, which is why having flexible, affordable Invisalign payment plans is so important.

Whether you're a patient exploring payment options or a dental practice aiming to increase case acceptance, Invisalign financing is a must-have for anyone trying to make treatment more affordable.

The Importance of Invisalign Financing

Invisalign appeals to patients looking for an alternative to traditional metal braces. Many adults and teens prefer aligner therapy over metal brackets, particularly when addressing orthodontic needs for crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, and other visible issues.

However, the average cost of treatment with Invisalign ranges from $2,500 to $8,000, depending on the complexity of your case, the length of treatment, and location. More complex cases — including those requiring refinements, retainers, or longer treatment timelines — can push the overall cost even higher. Compared to traditional braces, clear braces like Invisalign offer a more discreet and comfortable experience, but that convenience can come with a higher upfront cost.

Even with dental insurance plans, many patients face significant out-of-pocket costs. That’s why offering monthly payment plans and flexible financing options is critical. These allow patients to say yes to a confident smile without sacrificing financial stability.

From a dental practice perspective, offering Invisalign financing means:

• More patients can start treatment for teeth alignment without delay
• Practices enjoy more predictable cash flow
• Providers help patients avoid financial stress while improving their oral health

For many patients, the combination of comfort, aesthetics, and flexibility makes Invisalign worth it — especially when supported by affordable payment options.

How Much Does Invisalign Cost?

The average cost of braces from Invisalign varies based on the type of plan you need:

• Invisalign Express (minor cases) – $2,500 to $3,500
• Standard Invisalign Clear Aligners – $3,000 to $6,500
• Complex Clear Aligner Treatment – $6,500 to $8,000+

Additional factors that influence how much clear braces cost include:

• The number of office visits
• Whether you're seeing a general dentist or a specialist like an orthodontist
• The inclusion of retainers and follow-up care
• Whether you've previously worn other types of braces, like lingual braces, ceramic braces, or traditional metal braces

Between deductibles, treatment add-ons, and other associated medical expenses, even if insurance covers Invisalign partially, it’s generally not enough. That’s why many turn to monthly payment plans, dental financing, or buy now, pay later (BNPL) services to get treatment without stressing over how much their aligners cost.

Types of Invisalign Payment Plans Patients Can Access

In-House Payment Plans

Some dental practices offer in-house financing with options like interest-free payments over 6 to 12 months, or equal monthly installments after a down payment. These plans are often informal and easy to understand, making them attractive to patients who prefer working directly with their provider. However, they can create cash flow risks for practices if patients fall behind.

Third-Party Lenders

For patients seeking an affordable way to pay for Invisalign, third-party financing through banks, credit unions, or online lenders is a popular option. Many dental practices and orthodontic offices refer patients to these external lenders so they can spread their costs over time — while the practice receives full payment upfront.

Most of these lenders offer personal installment loans that can be used for orthodontic treatment. However, loan approval often depends on the patient’s credit score, and lower scores may result in higher interest rates. Still, this approach can be a flexible, long-term solution for those who don’t want to rely on in-office financing alone.

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) Services

BNPL platforms are rapidly becoming the go-to choice for Invisalign patients — and for good reason. These services split the cost of Invisalign treatment into smaller, manageable payments, often with 0% interest and no hard credit check. Approval is typically fast, and patients can apply right in the dental office, making the experience seamless.

For patients, BNPL generally offers:

• Low monthly payment schedules ranging from 3 to 24 months (Up to 60 months with Cherry)
• Manageable interest rates and interest-free periods (true 0% APR for qualified borrowers with Cherry)
• High approval rates, even for those with limited credit history (80%+ with Cherry)
• A transparent, hassle-free alternative to traditional loans (No hidden fees, deferred interest, or prepayment penalties with Cherry)

For practices, BNPL reduces friction, increases case acceptance, and integrates easily into the treatment plan discussion.

Unlike most BNPL platforms, financing providers like Cherry are tailored for healthcare and dental care providers, making them especially useful for procedures like Invisalign, refinements, or full clear aligner treatment plans.

Healthcare Credit Lines

These are revolving credit accounts (similar to a credit card) designed for medical expenses. Patients can use them for orthodontic issues, retainers, whitening, or other dental services. While some offer interest-free promotional periods (typically 6–12 months), they usually require higher credit scores and charge high interest rates if balances aren’t paid off on time.

CareCredit is the most widely known option in this category. It may work well for patients who already have the card or those with a good credit history and a plan to pay off the balance quickly to avoid deferred interest.

Medical Installment Loans

Installment loans are fixed-term personal loans designed for specific treatment costs. These loans are repaid over 24 – 96 months and may offer higher borrowing limits than other options. They’re well-suited for complex cases or patients needing extended treatment time.

However, they typically involve hard credit checks that hurt patients’ credit scores, interest rates that vary by creditworthiness, and a longer application process.

Examples of providers in this category include Proceed Finance, LendingPoint, and Alpheon.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

HSAs are tax-advantaged accounts that can help patients manage the cost of Invisalign and other orthodontic procedures. Whether funded by your employer or self-funded, HSAs can be used to pay for removable aligners, retainers, and aligner trays.

Using an HSA not only lowers your taxable income but also allows you to use tax-free dollars to reduce the out-of-pocket cost of teeth straightening with Invisalign, making it an ideal tool for affordably correcting misalignment.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Similar to HSAs, FSA accounts let you use pre-tax income to pay for eligible dental procedures, including Invisalign aligners and follow-up care. Funds in FSAs typically expire at the end of your plan year, so they’re perfect for patients looking to reduce their Invisalign down payment or pay for their monthly Invisalign payments. FSAs also pair well with interest-free financing plans, giving patients more flexibility when correcting issues like gaps, crowded teeth, and malocclusion.

Orthodontic Discount Plans or Membership Clubs

Many dental practices and third-party providers offer dental membership plans or orthodontic discount programs that help lower braces’ cost or provide discounts on Invisalign. These are especially helpful for patients who are paying out of pocket. While they’re not full insurance, these plans can significantly reduce Invisalign costs for an annual fee, and may include other cosmetic dental procedures.

Employer-Sponsored Reimbursement or Wellness Stipends

Some employers now offer reimbursement programs or wellness stipends that apply to orthodontic care, including Invisalign clear aligners. If you’re exploring how to pay for Invisalign without insurance, check with your HR department to see if your medical or dental expenses are covered. These programs can be a great way to fund Invisalign treatment with no interest financing or combine employer funds with HSA/FSA contributions.

Dental School Programs

Dental schools that offer low-cost Invisalign treatment with supervision are also a great option for patients with little or no insurance coverage. These programs are a budget-friendly way to achieve a straighter smile using Invisalign, though the treatment timeline may be longer.

Despite the longer duration, patients can still benefit from high-quality care with materials like SmartTrack align technology — Invisalign’s patented aligner material designed for controlled and comfortable tooth movement, allowing them to manage much of their treatment at home using removable trays, progress tracking apps, and virtual check-ins when available.

Credit Cards with 0% APR Promotions

Another popular option is to use a credit card that offers a 0% APR promotional period. This method allows you to start Invisalign treatment immediately and spread out the cost over several months with no interest.

Many patients use this strategy in combination with HSAs, FSAs, or even buy now, pay later dental financing solutions to cover the total cost of Invisalign efficiently. Keep in mind, using this financing method successfully hinges on your patients paying off their balance before the promotional period ends. If they don’t, they could face sky-high APR and even deferred interest fees charged retroactively.

What Patients Want in an Invisalign Payment Plan

Today’s patients expect more than just financing — they want ease and flexibility. Popular features include:

• Low or no interest rates
• Predictable monthly payments
• No hidden fees
• Compatibility with HSA, FSA, or insurance plans
• Quick, mobile-friendly applications
• Options tailored to their financial situation

Patients often research the average cost of Invisalign, explore financing plans before booking treatment, and read reviews to find a trusted Invisalign provider. Highlighting flexible payment plans can make your dentistry practice stand out.

Best Practices for Offering Invisalign Financing

Start the Conversation Early

Always introduce Invisalign payment plans during the free consultation. Patients are more likely to say yes when they understand their monthly installment options and see how affordable the average price of Invisalign can be with the right financing plan.

Set Your Team Up for Success

Train your staff to explain:

• How Invisalign monthly payments work
• Credit score factors that affect approval
• Which insurance companies cover Invisalign
• The difference between braces vs Invisalign cost

Your team — including your orthodontist or DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) — should be able to confidently walk patients through application steps, whether in person or online.

Promote Your Financing Options Everywhere

Use your website, social media, email campaigns, and office materials to display marketing messages like:

• “Invisalign financing available with no down payment”
• “Apply today — low monthly payments for Invisalign”
• “Use your FSA or HSA for Invisalign treatment”
• “Get approved instantly — no hard credit check”

These phrases target search intent and reassure patients you offer financing for dental procedures and Invisalign to people from various backgrounds.

Streamline the Process

If you partner with a third-party financing provider like Cherry, you’ll immediately be able to offer instant approval decisions, mobile applications, and buy now, pay later functionality. Integrating these tools into your daily workflow makes it easier for patients to commit and simplifies the process for your staff.

Make an FAQ available for patients who want the answers to questions about their payment plan, as well as how to maintain good dental health with brushing, flossing, rinsing, and other relevant techniques throughout treatment.

Track and Adjust

Review patient financing data regularly — track approval rates, case acceptance, and follow-through. This insight helps you improve your offerings, increase revenue, and help more patients access clear aligner financing with confidence.

Offer More Invisalign Treatment With Cherry

Whether you're correcting a simple misalignment or tackling a complex case, offering the right Invisalign payment plan is key to helping more patients get straighter teeth no matter their insurance provider. From HSAs and FSAs to BNPL programs and cost-effective membership plans, your practice can expand treatment options with the right financing partner.

Want to help your patients achieve their new smile — and grow your practice at the same time?

Cherry helps dental practices offer more Invisalign treatment with…

• Instant approval decisions with soft credit checks that don’t impact credit score
• Flexible payment plans ranging from 3 to 60 months
• 0% APR options available for qualified patients
• High approval rates (80%+) — even for patients with limited credit history
• No hidden fees or prepayment penalties
• Mobile-friendly application process that patients can complete in seconds
• Direct integration into your treatment workflow for a seamless front desk experience
• Increased case acceptance and greater access to Invisalign for more patients

Book a demo with Cherry to explore how flexible payment options can boost case acceptance and elevate your patient experience.