Reviewed by Dr. Will Church on September 22, 2026
Cost is usually the first question people ask when researching clear aligners. Between exam fees, monthly aligner costs, and financing terms, it can feel hard to figure out what a straighter smile costs before you even sit down for a consultation.
At Church Family Dentistry and Cosmetics, we walk you through clear aligner treatment pricing before any appointment is scheduled, so you know what to expect from your first visit through your last retainer check. We also compare payment routes with you so the cost fits your budget instead of catching you off guard partway through treatment.
What Goes Into the Price of Clear Aligners
Clear aligner pricing depends on several factors that vary from patient to patient. The complexity of your bite and the amount of movement your teeth need play a large role, because more involved cases require additional aligner trays and a longer treatment timeline.
The technology used for planning also affects cost. We use smile design technology and a cone beam imaging unit to map out your treatment before your first aligner is ever made, so the plan is built around your mouth instead of a generic template.
We use Candid Pro for our clear aligner cases, which pairs our clinical review of your scans with a U.S.-based orthodontist who checks the plan alongside us. Every case also includes at-home monitoring, so you can scan your progress from your phone and confirm your treatment is moving the way it should. That extra layer of oversight is part of what you are paying for, even if it does not appear as a separate line item on your invoice.
Payment Options Available in Durham
Once you know the estimated cost of your treatment, the next step is figuring out how to pay for it. We offer several ways to spread out the cost of clear aligners, so a full payment upfront is not the only option.
Here are a few of the payment routes our Durham patients use most often:
- Financing through Cherry, Sunbit, or Proceed, which lets you break your total cost into monthly payments
- Dental insurance benefits, which may cover a portion of orthodontic treatment depending on your plan
- Health savings account or flexible spending account funds, if your employer offers one
- A combination of insurance and financing to lower your monthly payment further
Our team can walk you through which combination makes sense for your situation before you commit to a plan. You can review our full financing options or check which insurance plans we accept before your visit.
Making Financing Work for Your Budget
Clear aligners are considered a cosmetic and orthodontic investment, and most dental insurance plans only cover part of the cost, if any. Research on clear aligner therapy notes that cost is one of the more common factors patients weigh before starting treatment, which is part of why financing has become such a common part of the conversation.
Financing through Cherry, Sunbit, or Proceed allows you to spread the cost over months instead of paying everything before treatment starts. Monthly payments are often set up to match the full treatment cost over your timeline, so the overall amount does not usually change, only how it is distributed across time. This makes it easier to fit clear aligners into a monthly budget without postponing treatment.
If you are also considering other cosmetic dentistry options alongside clear aligners, we can discuss how those costs and timelines fit together during your consultation.
Choose Church Family Dentistry and Cosmetics for Your Clear Aligner Treatment
Dr. Church combines his training at UNC with a genuinely personalized approach to treatment planning, from the initial exam through your last day in aligners. We take time to walk through pricing and payment options together so you feel confident in the plan before you commit.
If you are ready to find out what clear aligners might cost for your smile and which payment option fits your budget, reach out to our team today to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clear Aligner Costs and Financing
How much do clear aligners typically cost in Durham, NC?
The cost of clear aligner treatment varies based on the complexity of your case, the number of aligners needed, and the technology used in treatment planning. We walk you through a personalized cost estimate during your consultation before any treatment begins, so there are no surprises. We do not publish a flat rate because honest pricing depends on your individual case, not a generic number.
Does dental insurance cover clear aligner treatment?
Some dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits that may apply to clear aligner treatment. The coverage amount varies significantly depending on your specific plan. Our team can review your insurance benefits with you before your first appointment and help you understand exactly how much your plan may contribute toward the total cost.
What financing options are available for clear aligners at Church Family Dentistry?
We offer financing through Cherry, Sunbit, and Proceed, all of which allow you to break your treatment cost into monthly payments. These programs work regardless of whether you have dental insurance, and the application process is typically straightforward. Our team can help you compare options and find the payment structure that fits your monthly budget before you commit.
Can I use my HSA or FSA for clear aligner treatment?
Yes, health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts can generally be used toward clear aligner treatment costs. We can confirm compatibility with your specific account during your consultation and help you plan the timing of payments to make the most of your annual FSA balance if applicable.
Are there any hidden costs with Candid Pro treatment?
No. Every Candid Pro case at our practice includes at-home monitoring and free refinements for up to three years following treatment at no additional charge. We review all costs with you upfront so you understand exactly what your investment covers before treatment begins. The refinement coverage in particular means that minor post-treatment adjustments do not require a separate financial commitment.
About the Author
Dr. Will Church
Church Family Dentistry & Cosmetics, Durham, NC
Dr. Will Church is the dentist and founder of Church Family Dentistry & Cosmetics in Durham, North Carolina. Trained at UNC School of Dentistry, Dr. Church focuses on clear aligner therapy, cosmetic dentistry, and technology-forward care for patients throughout the Triangle area. He is the only authorized Candid Pro provider in Durham, offering built-in at-home monitoring and free refinements with every case.
