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Clear braces — also called clear aligners, invisible aligners, or invisible braces — are a clear and removable alternative to traditional braces. They work by moving your teeth in small increments so that after 4 to 18 months, you will have straighter teeth and a more confident smile.
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Clear braces cost anywhere between $850 and $8,000. In comparison, different types of braces (metal, ceramic, or lingual) can cost anywhere between $3,000 to $10,000.
At-home aligners are less expensive than in-office aligners and the different types of braces. However, not everyone is a candidate for aligner treatment.
If you have a severe case of teeth and/or jaw misalignment, you may be better suited for metal, ceramic, or lingual braces.
Byte | Invisalign | Braces | |
Cost | All-Day Aligners: $1,999 |
$3,000 to $8,000 | $3,000 to $12,000 |
Treatment Time | 4 to 6 months | 12 to 18 months | 12 to 24 months |
Best For | Mild misalignment, some moderate may qualify (take the candidacy quiz) | Mild to severe misalignment, excluding skeletal issues | Mild to severe misalignment, including skeletal issues (jaw) |
Monitoring/Care | 100% remote monitoring via an app | In-person, every 6 to 8 weeks | In-person, every 4 to 8 weeks |
There are two different types of clear braces available:
In-office aligners can only be obtained by visiting an orthodontist. Brands include Invisalign and ClearCorrect. The treatment process will be monitored more closely than at-home clear aligner treatment.
Byte, SmileDirectClub, and ALIGNERCO are popular examples of at-home clear aligners. They are only recommended for minor to moderate cases of teeth misalignment.
At-home aligners won’t be recommended if you have more severe misalignment or a bite problem (malocclusion) such as an overbite or underbite.
Pros of Clear Aligners | Cons of Clear Aligners |
Virtually invisible, no metal brackets or wires | Easy to misplace |
Convenient, easy to clean, and removable | Can only correct mild to moderate cases of teeth misalignment |
Easier to floss your teeth than with braces | A lisp can develop when the aligners are in your mouth |
Completely remote orthodontic treatment | |
In-office visits are not necessary for at-home aligners | |
Impression kit refunds to ineligible candidates | |
Payment plans available | |
No diet restrictions are necessary | |
Quicker treatment time than braces | |
Cheaper than braces |
Read below to compare the costs of five top aligner brands:
Invisalign costs between $3,000 and $8,000. Some dental insurance plans cover up to $3,500 of the cost of treatment. Payment plans are also available.
Invisalign is the most popular in-office clear aligner. Treatment is monitored in person by a licensed dentist or orthodontist.
It is essential to talk with your orthodontist to determine whether Invisalign is the best option for you. In some cases, traditional metal or ceramic braces may be more effective.
Byte's All-Day Aligners cost $1,999. You can also choose a payment plan, which costs $70/month for 36 months with a $249 deposit.
Byte only works with licensed and experienced dentists and orthodontists, ensuring you receive high-quality remote treatment.
They also provide each patient with a HyperByte device, which Byte claims can speed up the treatment for some patients. Read our article comparing the positives and negatives of the HyperByte and similar vibration-based aligner therapies.
Byte also only accepts patients with minor cases of teeth misalignment. You also have to be a good candidate for teledentistry appointments.
Byte's At-Night Aligners cost $2,399. The payment plan costs $84/month for 36 months with a $299 deposit. NewMouth does not recommend night aligners because there is no scientific proof that they are safe.
Sale: $100 off aligners + BrightByte pro
SmileDirectClub offers traditional Clear Aligners or Nighttime Clear Aligners® for the same price: $2,050. The impression kit costs $59, or you can visit a SmileShop and get a free scan of your teeth.
Traditional clear aligner treatment takes approximately 4 to 6 months, while Nighttime Clear Aligners take about 10 months. A retainer for aftercare will cost $99 a set.
We do not recommend night aligners because there is no scientific proof that they are safe.
SmileDirectClub is the largest and longest-standing clear aligner manufacturer. With hundreds of physical locations, you can choose an in-person consultation or order a mail-in impression kit.
Sale: $15 impression kit - FREE after return, plus 6 months FREE teeth whitening. Code: NYNY23
NewSmile’s Fast Track Aligners cost $1,595. They are worn for 22+ hours a day.
NewSmile is one of the most affordable at-home aligners, but they are also one of the newest companies. They claim to make the most discreet and comfortable at-home aligners available.
They are available in the U.S., Canada, and Hong Kong. You can order an impression kit directly from their website and should receive it within a week.
Once you receive the kit, you will get an email to book a time with an Impression Specialist. During this video call, they will walk you through the process to ensure accuracy. You can ask the specialist any questions during this call.
NewSmile's Night Aligners require less daily wear (10+ hours a day). They cost $1,695. However, NewMouth does not recommend night aligners because there is no scientific proof that they are safe.
Use code NewMouthDeal for $100 off Aligners and code NewMouthKit for $20 off impression kit.
ALIGNERCO’s most popular treatment is the SmileAdvantage Clear Aligner. They cost $895.
ALIGNERCO aligners are typically a great option if you are on a budget, only have minor teeth misalignment, and do not require intensive remote monitoring.
ALIGNERCO also offers NightAdvantage Clear Aligners. They cost $1,095.
Although the price point of ALIGNERCO is appealing, it’s not always the best idea to go with the cheapest option. For example, if you are looking for more hands-on care and remote monitoring, ALIGNERCO may not be right for you.
President's Day Sale: Save $275 on clear aligners.
Candid treatment costs $3,300 (price may change depending on various factors). They only work with highly qualified orthodontists when designing and monitoring your treatment.
Apart from one initial consultation with a qualified CandidPro provider and one end-of-treatment check-up, no office visits are required. They protect customer safety by only accepting cases they are confident will benefit from clear aligner treatment.
Candid is a more expensive at-home aligner brand. However, they provide excellent remote monitoring and care to every patient. You can message them with any questions or concerns you may have (and they respond quickly).
Candid requires you to upload photos every two weeks during your treatment. These photos are then reviewed by the same orthodontist that designed your treatment.
You can begin treatment by visiting a CandidPro location:
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What’s Next?
The most popular at-home clear aligner kits can be found right here: