Do you want a straighter, more attractive smile but dread the cost of braces? Have you considered clear aligners but worry they may still be too pricey?
In this article, we’ll explore some of the common promotions and savings opportunities available when shopping for clear aligner treatment. We’ll look at orthodontist coupons and explain how they work, where to find them, and how much money they could save you. We’ll also overview other cost-cutting strategies beyond coupons, like loyalty and referral programs, military/student discounts, free consultations, and exams, payment plans, insurance coverage, and more. With the right approach and some savvy shopping, you may be surprised how accessible teeth straightening treatment can be, even without an unlimited budget. Read on to learn how to keep more money in your wallet while getting your dream smile!
Are Orthodontist Prices Negotiable?
Orthodontic treatment is a specialized field within dentistry that necessitates extensive training and expertise. Orthodontists invest significant amounts of time and resources into their education and continual professional development to ensure they can provide high-quality care to their patients. Consequently, the costs associated with orthodontic services are often reflective of the specialized nature of the care provided, including the use of advanced technology and materials, as well as the personalized treatment plans devised for each patient.
Due to the specialized nature of orthodontic care and the resources involved, prices for these services are generally set to reflect the value of the treatment. This means that there is often limited room for negotiation on the overall cost of orthodontic treatment. The fees charged are not just for the physical appliances, like braces or aligners, but also encompass the professional services provided by the orthodontist, including the initial assessment, treatment planning, and ongoing adjustments throughout the treatment process.
However, it is worth noting that many orthodontic practices are aware of the financial burden that treatment can pose for some patients. As a result, they may offer various options to help make treatment more affordable. Payment plans, for example, are commonly available, allowing patients to spread the cost of treatment over a period of time. Additionally, some practices may accept dental insurance or offer discounts for upfront payments or for treating multiple family members.
See our article: Are Regular Braces Cheaper Than Invisalign?
Worth Knowing
According to research published in Angle Orthodontist, conventional braces typically require more visits and longer treatment time, averaging 5.5 months longer than clear aligner therapy.
Ways to Save Money on Aligners
While the cost of orthodontic treatment may not be negotiable, patients do have options when it comes to the type of treatment they choose. One such option is clear aligners, which can be a more cost-effective alternative to traditional braces. While they may offer greater convenience and aesthetic appeal, clear aligners can still be a significant investment. Fortunately, there are several ways to save money on clear aligners without compromising on the quality of care.
Full Payment in Advance
Choosing to pay the full cost of aligner treatment upfront is a financial strategy that can be appealing to patients. By settling the entire amount before treatment begins, patients not only secure their commitment to the treatment plan but also often benefit from discounts or a reduced overall cost offered by many aligner providers. This upfront payment is advantageous for the providers as well, as it reduces their administrative expenses associated with billing and financing plans, while also ensuring immediate funding for the practice.
Newsletter Offers
Subscribing to newsletters from aligner companies is another way to save money on aligner treatments. These newsletters often contain exclusive offers, promotions, and discounts that are not widely advertised elsewhere. By staying informed through these email communications, patients can gain early access to special deals, seasonal promotions, or limited-time discounts that can significantly reduce the cost of their aligner treatment. Through newsletters, you can also receive tips on how to optimize your treatments and stay informed on the latest developments in orthodontics.
Social Media Discounts
Leveraging social media discounts is another strategy for patients looking to save on aligner treatments. Orthodontic practices and aligner companies frequently use their social media platforms to engage with their audience, and one method of engagement includes offering exclusive discounts and promotions to their followers. These social media discounts can range from percentage reductions on treatment plans to special packages that include additional benefits at a lower cost.
Third-Party Coupons
Turning to third-party coupons can be a smart move for those looking to save on aligner treatments. Available on various discount websites, coupon platforms, or promotional partnerships, these coupons can unlock significant savings on a range of orthodontic services. Whether it’s a set amount of the total cost, a percentage discount, or enticing deals such as complimentary initial consultations or reduced prices on extra services, third-party coupons offer diverse ways to make aligner treatments more affordable.
Groupon
Groupon works closely with clear aligner providers around the country, offering exclusive discounts and deals on teeth straightening solutions such as Invisalign or other clear braces. There are a variety of price points and package options available, making sure that everyone gets exactly what they need at a budget-friendly rate. Furthermore, these offers often come with other perks such as discounts on retainers or whitening treatments, allowing patients to get extra services for less.
Holiday Discounts (Memorial Day, New Year, etc.)
The holiday season is a great time to buy clear aligners as many providers offer discounts during this festive season. It’s always worth taking the time to research different providers and their holiday deals, especially if you have the potential to find savings around the holidays.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals
Leveraging Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals is a savvy approach to achieving significant savings on aligner treatments. These shopping holidays are famous for offering deep discounts on a wide range of products and services, and this generosity extends to the orthodontic field as well. During these events, many orthodontic practices and aligner companies unveil their most compelling promotions of the year, featuring considerable price reductions, package deals at lower rates, and special perks like complimentary consultations or teeth whitening services.
Discounts Offered by Clear Aligner Providers
Clear aligner providers offer a range of promotions to help make their products more affordable for patients. Some providers offer a discount on the initial consultation fee or the entire treatment plan, while others offer free teeth whitening kits or complementary retainers. You can learn about the specific promotions offered by individual providers below.
AlignerCo Discounts
AlignerCo makes its clear aligners more affordable through a variety of discount and coupon initiatives. They extend a special $50 discount to both active and retired military personnel. Similarly, students can benefit from a $50 reduction on promotional offers.
The company also encourages its customers to participate in a referral program, rewarding them with a $50 cash bonus for each successful referral, while the referred friends enjoy a $25 discount on their AlignerCo purchases.
For those in need of multiple retainers, AlignerCo provides a bulk purchase discount. Moreover, AlignerCo periodically releases voucher codes that offer a $25 discount on purchases, accessible through the coupons section of their website. These vouchers, along with special holiday promotions including Black Friday deals, present additional opportunities for savings throughout the year.
See our review of AlignerCo.
AlignerCo
The cheapest at-home aligners, with monthly plans, no down payment, and considerable discounts.
Check out AlignerCo AlignersByte Discounts
Byte provides seasonal discounts on occasions such as Black Friday and Memorial Day, allowing customers to get their desired orthodontic treatment at a reduced price. These discounts can be as much as 25% off the regular price, making it an ideal option for people who want to save some money while still getting high-quality treatment.
Additionally, they also have regular discount coupons available on Groupon. These coupons can provide customers with up to $200 off their Byte products, including invisible aligners and other orthodontic treatments.
In recognition of the sacrifices made by military personnel, Byte offers a special discount to active or retired military personnel. These individuals can enjoy a $150 discount on all of Byte’s invisible aligner products. However, this offer is only valid for a one-time payment and is not available to customers using a monthly payment plan.
Finally, Byte also offers some discounts to students, although they may vary over time. If you are a student interested in Byte’s orthodontic treatment options, you can email the company directly to confirm the current student discount.
See our review of Byte.
Byte
An affordable option with refundable impression kits, free HyperByte, and a Byte for Life guarantee.
Check out Byte AlignersNewSmile Discounts
NewSmile offers a special discount of $100 off the lowest advertised price for their products to all active and retired military personnel. Apart from the military discount, NewSmile also offers various ad-hoc offers and coupons that change frequently. These coupons and promotions can be found on the NewSmile website, as well as on their social media channels, so it’s important to keep an eye out for them.
In addition to NewSmile’s promotions, like other aligner brands, they also have seasonal promotions around Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, and Black Friday. Moreover, several coupon websites offer discount codes for NewSmile products. These promotional codes can be applied to NewSmile’s clear aligners, starters, and more.
See our review of NewSmile.
NewSmile
Affordable at-home treatment with positive reviews offering superior look and comfort.
Check out NewSmile AlignersCandid Discounts
Candid is available through a widespread network of dental professionals with whom they’ve partnered. Although direct discounts on Candid’s aligners or services are not common, they sometimes provide promotional offers on additional products such as teeth whitening and retainers.
Moreover, individual dental partners associated with Candid might offer exclusive promotions in collaboration with the brand. For information on these special deals, it’s best to inquire with your dental professional during your consultation.
See our review of Candid.
Candid
A hybrid of in-office and at-home treatment that provides 1-on-1 orthodontist support.
Check out Candid AlignersInvisalign Discounts
This well-known clear aligner brand does not offer any direct discounts but you can find reductions directly through orthodontists that may run promotions through their Invisalign product agreements both in person and on their websites.
Many orthodontists also promote offers on Invisalign via third-party coupon websites and there is always a large number of promotions on Groupon, some stating up to 90% off, so it is worth doing online research before committing to purchasing Invisalign.
See our review of Invisalign.
Invisalign
One of the most well-known brands of clear aligners, catering to both children and adults.
Check out Invisalign AlignersSmileDirectClub Discounts
Update: On December 8, 2023, SmileDirectClub shut down after filing for bankruptcy protection.
This clear aligner brand has many ongoing discounts and coupons for various products that run with third-party coupon code websites and in newspapers such as the Los Angeles Times and other local press publications.
They have a referral program that rewards customers who refer their friends and family to their clear aligner products. By sharing a unique referral code with friends and family, customers can receive a $100 gift card for each person who uses the code to purchase clear aligners directly from the SmileDirectClub website. Additionally, the friend who uses the referral code to purchase clear aligners will receive a discount of $100 off the purchase price.
SmileDirectClub regularly offers promotions and discounts throughout the year, especially during major holidays such as New Year’s and Black Friday. These seasonal promotions can offer significant savings of up to $200 on their clear aligner products.
Once you become a SmileDirectClub customer, you will receive monthly email communications that often contain exclusive discounts on impression kits, teeth whitening products, and even incentives that include Amazon vouchers. These discounts can help existing customers save money on additional products and services.
It’s worth noting that SmileDirectClub does not allow customers to use multiple promo codes at the same time. Therefore, it’s important to choose the most significant discount available to ensure that you get the best possible deal on their clear aligner products.
Sources
Buschang, P.H., Shaw S.G., Ross M., Crosby D., Campbell P.M., Comparative time efficiency of aligner therapy and conventional edgewise braces. Angle Orthod (2014). DOI: 10.2319/062113-466. Available online at: https://meridian.allenpress.com/angle-orthodontist/article/84/3/391/58505/