Treatments & Appliances
6 min read • By Dr. Kevin Baharvand, Diplomate, American Board of Orthodontics
"Is it worth it?" is the question I get once patients hear the price. Fair question. Clear aligners cost about the same as braces, so what you're really asking is whether the convenience and the look are worth choosing over metal. For a lot of people they are. For some, braces are still the smarter call. Let me lay out both sides honestly so you can decide for your own case.
What makes clear aligners worth it
- Nearly invisible. Most people won't notice you're in treatment, which is the whole draw for working adults.
- Removable. You take them out to eat, so no food is off-limits, and you brush and floss normally. That's a real win for your gums.
- Comfortable. No brackets or wires to poke your cheeks, and no emergency visits for a snapped wire.
- Predictable. We map your whole plan digitally before you start, so you can see the finish line from day one.
The trade-offs to be honest about
None of that is a dealbreaker for a motivated patient. But I'd rather you hear it up front than be surprised three months in.
So, is Invisalign worth it for you?
| Worth it if you… | Reconsider if you… |
|---|---|
| Are a disciplined teen or adult | Won't commit to 22 hours a day |
| Have mild to moderate crowding or spacing | Have a very complex bite |
| Want a discreet look for work | Are a young child still growing |
| Value eating and brushing normally | Tend to lose small things easily |
If your case is complex, don't write off aligners entirely. Modern systems handle far more than they did five years ago, and we sometimes pair them with attachments or a short stint in braces. The right answer comes out of your exam, not a blog.
What clear aligners cost, and what insurance covers
In our area, clear aligner treatment usually runs $3,500 to $7,500, close to braces for a comparable case. If your dental plan includes orthodontic coverage, it typically pays a lifetime benefit of $1,000 to $3,500 per person toward either option, so aligners rarely cost you more out of pocket than braces. We're in-network with most PPO plans and break the balance into interest-free monthly payments. Our full cost breakdown of clear aligners vs. braces digs into the numbers.
Invisalign, Angel Aligners, and why the brand matters less than you think
Here's the thing patients rarely hear: Invisalign is a brand, not the treatment. Clear aligners are the category, and several companies make excellent ones. We use Angel Aligners for most cases because the material is comfortable, the results are predictable, and the fee is competitive. What actually determines whether your treatment is "worth it" isn't the logo on the tray. It's the orthodontist planning your movements. A board-certified specialist running the case matters far more than the brand name.
Find out if clear aligners fit your case
A free consultation gives you an honest recommendation and a clear price.
Frequently asked questions
You may also be interested in these
Why families trust Elate Orthodontics
With over 1,000 five-star reviews across three locations, Elate Orthodontics is led by Dr. Kevin Baharvand, DMD, MS, a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, whose clinical work was recently selected for the cover of the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, the most prestigious peer-reviewed journal in the field, and a national speaker on clear aligner treatment. Alongside Dr. Julia Kang, DMD, MS, both Boston University graduates and members of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon national honor society, our husband-and-wife team has been recognized as D Magazine Best Dentist 2026, Living Magazine Readers' Choice 2026 Best Orthodontist in Frisco & Plano, Readers' Choice Best Orthodontist in The Colony, Best New Business by the Chamber of Commerce, Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite, and featured in Orthotown and Authority Magazine.
We serve families through three convenient offices in West Frisco, North Frisco, and The Colony, each staffed by the same trusted team, equipped with advanced technology, and committed to the personalized approach that consistently helps patients finish treatment sooner than expected. From braces and clear braces to Angel Aligners, we offer treatment for every age and every stage of life. We stay in-network with most insurance plans and offer flexible financing to make exceptional orthodontic care accessible for every family we serve.
Need general and family dentistry too? Our sister practice, Tribute Family Dentistry, provides dental care for all ages.
