What is Invisalign?
Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners to gently straighten your teeth - without the look and feel of traditional metal braces. Each set of aligners is worn for one to two weeks, gradually moving your teeth into their ideal position.
The aligners are virtually invisible, removable for eating and brushing, and designed using advanced 3D technology so you can preview your new smile before treatment even begins.
Invisalign is the world's most popular clear aligner system, trusted by over 14 million patients globally and available at Lumino practices across New Zealand.
Is Invisalign right for you?
Invisalign works best for mild to moderate alignment issues.
Conditions Invisalign can treat
Crowding
teeth too close together
Spacing / gaps
excess space between teeth
Overbite
upper teeth overlap the lower
Underbite
lower teeth sit in front of the upper
Crossbite
upper and lower teeth don't align
Open bite
teeth don't meet when you close
Rotated teeth
teeth turned out of position
Invisalign vs braces
| Invisalign | Traditional braces | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Virtually invisible | Visible metal or ceramic brackets |
| Comfort | Smooth plastic, no wires | Brackets and wires can irritate |
| Removable | Yes - for eating & brushing | No - fixed for duration |
| Treatment time | 3–24 months | 12–36 months |
| Food restrictions | None - remove to eat | Avoid hard, sticky foods |
| Cost (NZ) | $4,500 – $13,000+ | $5,000 – $10,000+ |
| Best for | Mild to moderate cases | All cases including complex |
Not sure which is right for you? Read our full Invisalign vs braces guide
When braces might be better
Traditional braces may be recommended if you have:
Your Lumino dentist will assess your case during a consultation and recommend the best option for you.
Good to know: Invisalign is suitable for teens and adults. There's no upper age limit - what matters is the health of your teeth and gums.
Why choose us?
We're the industry leaders
We're Diamond Invisalign Providers - we're proud to have more Diamond Invisalign providers than any other dentist group in New Zealand.
We have history - our Invisalign trained dentists have helped transform the smiles of thousands of Kiwis for almost 20 years.
We're experienced - a large number of our dentists and specialists across the country are Invisalign trained. We even have dentists that are Clinical Speakers for Invisalign.
Patients trust us - we're the New Zealand dentists trusted by more Kiwis than any other.
We give you options
We're affordable - our Lumino practices offer Invisalign at a competitive price.
Choose how you pay - we offer pay later options including 18 months interest free.
We understand your needs - our experienced and qualified dentists listen to your concerns.
Visit us when it suits you - some of our practices are open extended hours for your convenience.
Types of Invisalign
Your Lumino dentist will recommend the best option based on your age and the complexity of your case.
| Treatment | Best for | Aligners | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Invisalign Comprehensive
Most popular Full treatment with unlimited refinements for crowding, spacing, and bite correction. The go-to option for most adults. |
Moderate to complex cases | Unlimited | 12-18 months |
|
Invisalign Lite
Shorter treatment A shorter, more affordable option for less complex alignment. Ideal if your teeth only need minor adjustments. |
Mild crowding or small gaps | Up to 14 | 6-8 months |
|
Invisalign Go
Quick cosmetic fix Focuses on the front teeth visible when you smile. Can be offered by your general dentist without a specialist referral. |
Minor front-teeth adjustments | Up to 20 | 3-5 months |
|
Invisalign Teen
Ages 12-17 Built-in compliance indicators show whether aligners are being worn enough. Includes free replacement aligners if lost. |
Teenagers with most permanent teeth | Unlimited | 12-18 months |
|
Invisalign First
Ages 6-10 Early intervention (Phase 1) designed for growing jaws. Guides incoming permanent teeth into better positions before they fully emerge. |
Children with mixed dentition | Varies | 6-18 months |
Full treatment with unlimited refinements for crowding, spacing, and bite correction. The go-to option for most adults.
A shorter, more affordable option for less complex alignment. Ideal if your teeth only need minor adjustments.
Focuses on the front teeth visible when you smile. Can be offered by your general dentist without a specialist referral.
Built-in compliance indicators show whether aligners are being worn enough. Includes free replacement aligners if lost.
Early intervention (Phase 1) designed for growing jaws. Guides incoming permanent teeth into better positions before they fully emerge.
Not sure which is right for you? Your Lumino dentist will assess your teeth and recommend the best option at your consultation.
How much does Invisalign cost in New Zealand?
Invisalign treatment cost varies depending on the complexity of your case, the length of treatment, and your location. Here's a general guide:
| Case | Indicative price | What’s involved | Treatment length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild cases | From $4,500 | Minor crowding or spacing | 3–6 months treatment |
| Moderate cases | From $6,500 | Multiple alignment issues | 12–18 months treatment |
| Complex cases | From $10,000 | Severe alignment or bite correction | 18–24 months treatment |
Prices are indicative and vary between practices. Your Lumino dentist will provide an exact quote during your consultation.
What affects the cost?
Does health insurance cover Invisalign in NZ?
Some health insurance plans include orthodontic cover that can apply to Invisalign. Southern Cross members should check their plan details - some plans cover a portion of orthodontic treatment. Your Lumino practice can provide the documentation you need for your insurance claim.
Flexible payment options
- Q Card - 18 months interest-free
- Afterpay - 4 fortnightly payments
- Southern Cross - check your plan
At-home aligners vs Invisalign with a dentist
Mail-order clear aligner kits have become popular in New Zealand, but there are important differences between DIY aligners and professional Invisalign treatment.
Our recommendation: Orthodontic treatment moves your teeth and changes your bite. Having a qualified dentist oversee the process means potential issues can be caught early, your treatment plan is tailored to your specific case, and you have professional support throughout.
Before & after results
Real Invisalign transformations. Individual results may vary.
Crowding correction
Spacing correction
Alignment improvement
How Invisalign works - step by step
Consultation & 3D scan
Your dentist checks your teeth, takes a 3D digital scan, and shows you a preview of your new smile.
Custom treatment plan
A personalised plan is created with the anticipated number of aligners and estimated timeline for your case.
Wear your aligners
Wear each set of aligners for 1–2 weeks, 20–22 hours a day. Progress check-ups every 4–6 weeks.
Retainers
Once treatment is complete, you'll wear a retainer to keep your teeth in their new position.
The technology behind Invisalign
iTero® 3D scanner
A digital scanner captures a precise 3D map of your teeth in minutes - no messy moulds or impressions needed.
ClinCheck® treatment plan
Advanced 3D software lets you see a virtual preview of your smile transformation before you start treatment.
SmartTrack® material
Invisalign aligners are made from a proprietary flexible material designed for more predictable and comfortable tooth movement.
After your Invisalign treatment
Once your teeth have reached their final position, you'll need to wear a retainer to keep them in place. Without a retainer, teeth can gradually shift back.
What to expect:
- Retainer type: Your dentist may recommend a removable retainer (similar to an Invisalign tray) or a fixed wire retainer behind your teeth.
- Wear schedule: Typically full-time for the first few months, then nightly long-term.
- Duration: Most dentists recommend wearing a retainer indefinitely at night to maintain your results.
- Follow-up visits: Regular check-ups to ensure your teeth stay in position.
Get started with Invisalign
Book Online
Find a practice near you that offers Invisalign and book your consultation online.
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Send us your details and we'll get back to you by the next business day.
Send an EnquiryFrequently asked questions
Can I eat and drink with Invisalign?
Remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. While your aligners are out you can eat normally, though it's wise to limit very hard foods and staining drinks for your teeth. Just brush your teeth before putting the aligners back in.
Am I too old for Invisalign?
There's no upper age limit. Invisalign works for adults of all ages, provided your teeth and gums are healthy. Many of our patients are adults who want a discreet option for straightening their smile.
Does Invisalign hurt?
You may feel mild pressure or discomfort for the first few days with each new set of aligners. This is normal and means the aligners are working. Most patients find it much more comfortable than traditional braces.
Does health insurance cover Invisalign in New Zealand?
Some health insurance plans cover orthodontic treatment including Invisalign. Check with your provider - Southern Cross members may be eligible for partial cover. Lumino also offers payment plans through Q Card and Afterpay.
What if I lose an aligner?
Contact your Lumino practice. Depending on where you are in treatment, your dentist may advise you to move to the next set of aligners or order a replacement.
How do I clean my aligners?
Rinse with lukewarm water and gently brush with a soft toothbrush daily. For deeper cleaning, soak in Invisalign cleaning crystals or denture tablets. Avoid hot water as it can warp the plastic.
How often do I need to wear my aligners?
For best results, wear your aligners 20–22 hours per day. Remove only for eating, drinking (anything other than water), and brushing your teeth.
Book your Invisalign consultation
Ready to find out if Invisalign is right for you? Fill in the form and your local Lumino practice will be in touch.
Or call us:
0508 586 46
