Invisalign vs Braces: Price Comparison in Switzerland 2026

Invisalign vs Braces: Price Comparison in Switzerland 2026

Thinking about finally sorting your teeth out in 2026 but not sure whether to go for Invisalign or classic braces? You’re definitely not the only one. In Switzerland, orthodontic treatment isn’t exactly cheap, and the choice between almost-invisible aligners and metal brackets often comes down to one thing: money. Of course, comfort, looks, and treatment time matter too—but the bill at the end of it all is what most people really worry about.

Let’s break down what Invisalign actually is, how it compares to traditional braces, and what you can realistically expect to pay at a Swiss practice in 2026. We’ll also look at insurance, age, and some sneaky extra costs people don’t always talk about.

Invisalign vs Braces: What’s the Basic Difference?

Before we dive into Swiss francs, it helps to understand what you’re actually paying for.

Invisalign (and other clear aligners)

A series of clear plastic trays (aligners) that gently move your teeth.
Custom-made using 3D scans and computer planning.
You wear them around 20–22 hours a day, switching to a new set every 1–2 weeks.
You take them out to eat, drink anything but water, and to brush/floss.

Traditional braces

Brackets glued to your teeth, connected by a wire.
Can be metal, ceramic (tooth-coloured), or lingual (fixed behind the teeth).
Your orthodontist tightens or adjusts them every few weeks.
You can’t remove them. They’re working 24/7 whether you like it or not.

In short: Invisalign is more discreet and flexible, braces are more visible but often better at handling very complex cases. Both can straighten your teeth beautifully when done properly.

How Orthodontic Pricing Usually Works in Switzerland

Switzerland has its own way of doing things precise, organised, and… not cheap. Orthodontic treatment is usually calculated using:

The difficulty of your case (mild crowding vs major bite problems).
Length of treatment (12 months vs 36 months).
Type of appliance (metal, ceramic, lingual, Invisalign).
The number of check-ups and adjustments.

Most orthodontists will give you a cost estimate after a full assessment, which often includes:

First consultation (sometimes free, sometimes CHF 100–200).
X-rays and photos.
Digital scan or impressions of your teeth.
Treatment planning meeting.

Prices in big cities tend to be higher than in smaller towns. On average, though, both Invisalign and braces for a full adult treatment sit somewhere in the CHF 6,000–12,000 range, depending on complexity.

Price Comparison Table: Invisalign vs Braces in Switzerland 2026

Here’s a realistic overview of what Swiss patients might pay in 2026 at a reputable orthodontic practice. These are typical ranges, not rock-bottom deals.

Treatment Type	Case Complexity	Typical Total Cost (CHF)	Average Treatment Time	Visibility / Aesthetics
Metal braces (outside, standard)	Mild–Moderate	6,000–9,000	18–24 months	Very visible
Metal braces (complex cases)	Complex	8,000–12,000	24–36+ months	Very visible
Ceramic (tooth-coloured) braces	Mild–Moderate	7,500–11,000	18–24 months	Less visible
Lingual braces (behind the teeth)	Mild–Complex	10,000–18,000	24–36+ months	Hidden from view
Invisalign (mild cosmetic tweaks)	Mild	4,500–7,000	6–12 months	Almost invisible
Invisalign (full adult treatment)	Moderate	7,000–11,000	12–24 months	Almost invisible
Invisalign (complex / refinements)	Complex	9,000–14,000	18–30+ months	Almost invisible

All prices are approximate ranges for 2026 and include consultations, aligners/brackets, and routine visits, but may not include every extra (breakages, retainers, etc.).

Invisalign Costs in Switzerland: What You’re Paying For

Invisalign isn’t just “expensive plastic.” The price reflects:

Digital scanning and 3D planning of your smile.
A series of custom-made aligners (often 20–40 sets or more).
Regular check-ups every 6–10 weeks.
Refinement aligners if things need tweaking mid-treatment.

For mild cases (small gaps, slight crowding):

Expect around CHF 4,500–7,000.

For moderate to complex adult cases:

More realistically CHF 7,000–11,000, and in some tricky cases up to CHF 14,000.

You’re paying extra for comfort, looks, and convenience. Whether that’s worth it depends how much you value being able to remove your “braces” and smile in photos without metal showing.

Braces Costs in Switzerland: Still the “Standard” Option

Traditional braces are often cheaper at the lower end and more predictable for very complex issues.

Metal braces (outside)

Typical: CHF 6,000–9,000 for most teens and adults.
Complex bite corrections: CHF 8,000–12,000+.

Ceramic braces

More discreet but slightly bulkier and pricier.
Add roughly CHF 1,000–2,000 on top of metal prices.

Lingual braces

Fixed behind the teeth, completely hidden.
Technically demanding and time-consuming.
Often CHF 10,000–18,000 or more.

So yes, Invisalign is usually more expensive than basic metal braces, but often similar or cheaper than lingual braces.

Upfront Costs vs Monthly Payments

Most orthodontists in Switzerland won’t expect you to drop CHF 10,000 in one go (thankfully). It’s common to:

Pay a deposit at the start (for planning and initial appliances).
Then pay monthly instalments over the course of treatment.

For example, a CHF 8,000 braces treatment might look like:

CHF 1,500–2,000 upfront.
Around CHF 250–350 per month for 18–24 months.

Same idea for Invisalign:

Sometimes a higher deposit (aligners are produced in one go).
Then monthly payments spread over 1–2 years.

Always ask:

Is there interest on instalments?
What happens if treatment takes longer than expected?
Are all visits included, or only a set number?

Hidden Extras People Forget to Ask About

This is where the bill can creep up if you’re not paying attention. A few things that might not be included in the headline price:

Initial consultation and records
- X-rays, photos, 3D scans: CHF 200–500.
Emergency/breakage appointments
- Broken brackets, lost aligners: sometimes charged separately.
Extra aligners or refinements
- Some Invisalign packages include unlimited refinements, others do not.
Retainers at the end
- Usually CHF 300–600 per jaw for removable retainers.
- Fixed wire retainers behind the teeth can cost more.
Whitening or polishing after braces
- Often offered as an optional extra.

When you get a quote, it’s absolutely fine to ask:

“Is this truly all-inclusive, and what extra costs could come up?”

Health Insurance and Invisalign/Braces in Switzerland

This is the part everyone hopes will magically solve everything. Sadly, for most adults, it doesn’t.

Basic mandatory health insurance rarely covers orthodontic treatment for adults, unless there is a severe congenital or jaw deformity.
For children and teens, there is sometimes partial coverage if the problem is classified as medically necessary and reaches a certain severity score.
Some supplementary dental or orthodontic insurance (often taken out when children are younger) will cover a percentage of treatment costs up to a certain limit.

For adults starting treatment in 2026:

If you don’t already have special supplemental coverage, expect to pay most or all of the cost yourself.
New supplemental insurance taken out right before treatment usually won’t cover pre-existing problems.

It’s worth checking:

Your existing policies (health, dental, supplementary).
Whether your child qualifies for any partial reimbursement.

Non-Price Differences That Still Matter

While this article is about cost, it’d be silly to ignore the practical differences in daily life.

Invisalign – Pros

Almost invisible.
Easy to brush and floss because you remove them.
Fewer emergencies (no broken wires).
Can be more comfortable once you get used to it.

Invisalign – Cons

You must be disciplined about wearing them 20–22 hours per day.
Take them out every time you eat or drink anything except water.
You can lose or damage trays. Replacement costs add up.

Braces – Pros

Always on your teeth,no discipline required.
Very effective for complex rotations, severe crowding, and tricky bites.
Often slightly cheaper than Invisalign for similar cases.

Braces – Cons

Visibility: metal smile, especially in photos.
More food restrictions (no hard or sticky stuff).
Harder oral hygiene: higher risk of plaque and staining if you’re not meticulous.

Which Option Is Better Value in Switzerland?

“Better value” isn’t always the cheapest up-front option. Think about:

Your lifestyle
- Are you likely to forget aligners or keep taking them out for snacks? Braces may be a better choice.
Your job and social life
- In a very public-facing role, the extra cost of Invisalign might be worth it.
Complexity of your teeth
- Really serious bite issues may simply respond better to braces, with or without Invisalign.
How long you’ve wanted this
- If this is a once-in-a-lifetime thing, it might be worth stretching for the option you actually want to live with.

Often, Swiss orthodontists offer both and can map out two separate plans: one with Invisalign, one with braces, each with a full cost breakdown. That’s the ideal situation.

Sample Cost Scenarios (Switzerland, 2026)

To make it feel more real, here are three simplified example scenarios:

1. Young adult, mild crowding (front teeth only)

Options:
- Short Invisalign Lite
- Limited upper braces
Likely cost:
- Invisalign: CHF 4,500–6,500
- Braces: CHF 5,500–7,000
Treatment time: 6–12 months

2. Adult, moderate crowding and overbite

Options:
- Full Invisalign
- Full metal or ceramic braces
Likely cost:
- Invisalign: CHF 7,500–10,500
- Braces (metal): CHF 6,500–9,500
- Braces (ceramic): CHF 7,500–11,000
Treatment time: 18–24 months

3. Teen with complex bite and crowding

Options:
- Full braces (possibly with elastics or jaw appliances)
- Invisalign for selected cases, or hybrid (braces then aligners)
Likely cost:
- Braces: CHF 8,000–12,000+
- Invisalign (if suitable): CHF 9,000–14,000
Treatment time: 24–36+ months
Possible partial insurance support depending on severity and policy

How to Keep Costs Under Control

Even in Switzerland, there are ways to avoid overpaying:

Get two or three quotes from different orthodontists.
Ask for an all-inclusive price where possible.
Clarify how many refinements are included with Invisalign.
Stick to appointments and wear aligners as directed delays mean extra visits.
Take great care of your braces or aligners to avoid breakage costs.

Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always cheaper in the long run if treatment fails or needs to be redone.

Final Thoughts: Invisalign or Braces for You?

In Switzerland in 2026, the price gap between Invisalign and traditional braces isn’t as massive as it used to be, especially once you look at everything bundled together—consults, check-ups, retainers, and refinements.

As a rough guide:

On a tighter budget? Metal braces often give you the most predictable results for the lowest price.
Hate the idea of visible braces? Invisalign costs more, but many adults consider it worth every franc.
Complex case? A good orthodontist will tell you honestly if braces will do a better job than aligners.

The smartest move is simple: book a consultation with a reputable orthodontist, ask them to explain both options clearly, and don’t be afraid to ask, “If this was your mouth, what would you pick?”