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Clear aligners are also known as invisible aligners. They fix misaligned teeth and are a near-invisible and removable alternative to braces.
The aligner trays are commonly made of BPA-free plastic and are custom-made for every patient. Each tray discreetly moves the teeth in small increments.
Some aligners do not touch your gums at all. They are trimmed to comfortably sit along your gum line in a ‘scalloped fashion.’ This design makes the trays less irritating and even more ‘invisible.’
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The Best Invisible Aligners:
Other Brands:
Depending on the brand, clear aligners can fix the following teeth alignment issues:
There are two types of clear aligners available:
At-home aligners allow you to begin the teeth-straightening process from the comfort of your home. It commonly costs between $870 and $2,400.
Some benefits of at-home aligner treatments include:
At-home aligners are also called direct-to-consumer (DTC) aligners. DTC brands, such as SmileDirectClub and Byte, can only treat minor to moderate cases of teeth misalignment.
Some examples of minor cases include:
DTC brands often work with orthodontists to monitor your treatment process remotely, but some offer the option to have an in-person scan. This scan will determine your eligibility for the treatment.
In-office aligners offer comprehensive care at a higher price point. The entire treatment can cost up to $8,000, with the average price at $5,500.
With in-office aligner treatments, you have to visit a licensed dentist to begin. You will also go for routine check-ups every 8 weeks (this varies).
Invisalign is the most established and trusted brand of in-office aligners. The company's advanced aligner system can treat most cases of malocclusion (teeth misalignment), including minor to complex bite issues. Other options include:
Clear aligner treatment involves the following steps:
If you're getting an in-office treatment, you'll first visit an orthodontist for a consultation. During the consultation, they will examine your teeth and take a precise digital scan of your mouth.
Once you approve the custom treatment plan, you'll receive a digital preview of your new smile. Your dentist will have a dental lab create your aligners when you approve everything.
For at-home aligner treatments, your chosen DTC brand will send you an impression kit. Once you've gotten your impressions you will mail the molds of your teeth.
Brands that provide mail-in impression kits include:
Treatments that require in-person consultations include:
After the teeth impressions are made, your custom treatment plan will be created using 3D technology. Once approved, a dental lab will receive the scans and create your aligners.
From here, you'll accept treatment and begin the process. If you purchased an impression kit from a DTC brand and aren't a candidate, you can request a refund for the kit.
You'll change out your aligner trays every 1 to 3 weeks. For effective teeth straightening, you must wear them for about 20 to 22 hours a day.
A single aligner is capable of moving teeth 1 mm or less, so multiple aligners will be necessary. Treatment can take anywhere from 3 to 24 months.
Some companies (Byte, NewSmile, ALIGNERCO, and SmileDirectClub) also offer Nighttime Clear Aligners™ that only have to be worn for 10 hours a day. Read our concerns about night aligners here.
After treatment is complete, a custom clear retainer is made from a mold of your newly straightened teeth. Retainers should be worn every night while sleeping to ensure malocclusion does not recur. Most aligner companies recommend replacing them every 6 to 12 months.
Here are our top clear aligner recommendations:
Invisalign is the #1 recommended aligner brand in the industry by dentists and orthodontists alike. The aligners are made of SmartTrack® material, which can provide a more accurate treatment experience than other clear aligners.
Treatment with Invisalign begins with a visit to a licensed Invisalign doctor. You'll undergo scans, and the specialist will create a digital treatment plan if you're a good candidate.
Routine visits to the orthodontist are required every 6 to 8 weeks to track progress and receive your next round of aligners. Invisalign's treatment time is also up to 50% faster with 75% more teeth-straightening predictability.
Read our review of Invisalign here.
Byte stands out in the at-home aligner industry both for its strong customer support and fast treatment times (4 to 6 months). They use innovative technology that offers quick and effective results at an affordable price.
Byte has two treatment options. The treatment length and price will vary depending on the type of aligner you choose:
We do not recommend night aligners because there is no scientific proof they are safe.
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SmileDirectClub (SDC) is a 6-year-old aligner company that offers remote teeth straightening for 60% less than braces. They are the first and most well-known brand of at-home aligners.
The aligners are made of smooth, comfortable, BPA-free plastic. Clear aligner treatment with SDC is prescribed and managed by a state-licensed dentist or orthodontist. You'll also have 24/7 access to support via phone, text, video chat, or email.
SmileDirectClub aligners cost $2,050 (no credit check required). You can get a free 3D scan at a SmileShop or buy an at-home impression kit.
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NewSmile is one of the most affordable at-home aligners, but they are also one of the newest companies.
NewSmile aligners do not touch your gums. They are trimmed to sit along your gum line in a ‘scalloped fashion,’ causing less irritation, and making the trays less visible.
Once you receive the impression kit, you should 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.
NewSmile’s Fast Track Aligners are worn for 22+ hours a day. They should only be removed to clean, eat, and brush your teeth. Treatment takes between 4 and 6 months and costs $1,495.
NewSmile’s Night Aligners require less daily wear time (10+ hours a day). They cost $1,595.
We do not recommend night aligners because there is no scientific proof they are safe.
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ALIGNERCO offers the cheapest invisible aligners on the market.
Treatment costs $945 to $1,145 (or starting at $79/month for 11 months with the payment plan). Other clear aligner competitors are more expensive ($1,800 to $2,300).
While more affordable, they are also a newer company with fewer reviews than byte and Candid. They also do not work directly with orthodontists and dentists, which can affect the quality of care.
To begin the teeth straightening process, the first step is to order an impression kit online. These kits are just $39.99.
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Here are four other clear aligner options:
To determine the best clear aligners available, the NewMouth editorial team analyzed 26 different brands of clear aligners from around the world.
Our evaluation and recommendations are based on:
NewMouth is a trusted online resource for dental information, including orthodontics, at-home teeth straightening, primary dental care, procedure costs, and more. We have been researching and writing about clear aligners for over 3 years.
We have a dedicated team of medical writers, expert researchers, licensed dental professionals, and medical reviewers who create and oversee every piece of content published on our site.
To determine the best teeth straightening kits on the market, our team:
After extensive research and product testing, this article also underwent an intensive review process:
The cost of clear aligner treatment is determined by a few factors, which includes:
Many companies provide a “payment plan” option, which allows you to pay a deposit up-front with smaller monthly payments.
The prices below reflect the costs of popular clear aligners, depending on the length of treatment:
| Clear Aligner Brand | Cost of Treatment | Monthly Payment Plan | Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Invisalign® | $3,000-$8,000 | Payment plan depends on treatment length | Insurance covers up to $3,500 |
| ClearCorrect | $2,500–$5,500 | Payment plan depends on treatment length | Insurance covers up to $3,000 |
| SmileDirectClub | $2,050 (if paid in full) | $89/month | Insurance covers up to $1,100 |
| Candid | $3,300 (average) | Varies (ask your CandidPro provider) | Insurance coverage depends on provider |
| byte® | $1,999-$2,399 (if paid in full) | $70/month - $84/month | Insurance coverage depends on provider |
| SnapCorrect | $1,749 (if paid in full) | $80 / month | Insurance covers up to $1,100 |
| ALIGNERCO | $945-$1,145 (if paid in full) | $79/month - $96/month | Insurance coverage depends on the provider |
| NewSmile | $1,495 to $1,595 (if paid in full) | $55/month-$58/month | Insurance coverage depends on the provider |
The primary advantage of clear aligners is their discreetness. Unlike braces, aligners are nearly invisible while in your mouth. They can also be removed at any time for eating and other activities, making them a very convenient option for teenagers and professionals who don't want clunky metal wires and brackets.
Clear aligners might not be the best option if you have severe teeth misalignment. Also, you have to wear them for 20 to 22 hours a day. Removing them many times throughout the day can delay treatment.
It depends on your situation and needs.
Generally, aligners are less irritating to the lips, cheeks, and gums compared to braces. The treatment time is also quicker, because they treat mild to moderate cases only.
Braces will be recommended if you have severe teeth and jaw misalignment. The brackets and wires provide more precise tooth movement.
At-home aligners are best for minor, and sometimes moderate, cases of teeth misalignment. Most brands don't offer comprehensive remote monitoring.
In-office aligners are best for moderate to severe cases of teeth misalignment. Most brands require an initial consultation and routine check-ups throughout treatment.
Aligner treatment shouldn't be painful. However, getting used to the aligner trays takes a few weeks. Sensitivity and discomfort are common during the first few days of starting a new set.
Your bite may feel different as your teeth are moving, but this is normal. Lisps and speech problems can also occur while you have the aligners in your mouth.
Most clear aligners are easy to keep clean. You can brush them lightly once or twice each day with a toothbrush and cool water. Non-abrasive toothpaste can also be used, depending on the brand and aligner material.
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The most popular at-home clear aligner kits can be found right here:
