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Clear aligners, also called invisible aligners, fix misaligned teeth and bites. They are a virtually invisible and removable alternative to braces designed around convenience and flexibility.
The aligner trays are made of BPA-free plastic and are custom-made for every patient. Each tray discreetly moves the teeth in small increments.
Aligner trays are routinely swapped out every 2 to 3 weeks until the teeth are straight and aligned. How many trays you need depends on the severity of teeth misalignment (also called malocclusion).
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:
Teeth straightening kits (home impressions) allow you to begin the orthodontic treatment process from the comfort of home. This is referred to as at-home aligner treatment. These treatments are less expensive, more convenient, and easier to access than traditional aligners like Invisalign.
At-home aligners are also called direct-to-consumer (DTC) aligners. Treatment is monitored remotely, and you won't visit a dentist or an orthodontist for a consultation or routine check-ups. Instead, you'll order a home impression kit, take them yourself, and send them back to determine candidacy.
Some brands like SmileDirectClub also have an in-person scan option.
If you're determined a candidate, you'll have the option to approve or deny treatment after reviewing the 3D model. If you decide not to follow through, you can request a refund for the impression kit. If you approve treatment, the aligners are nonrefundable.
Note: DTC aligners, such as SmileDirectClub and Byte, can only treat minor to moderate cases of teeth misalignment. Some examples include a few crooked teeth or small gaps between the teeth. Braces or Invisalign are better options for more complex issues.
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. You have to visit a licensed dentist to begin treatment and 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 ClearCorrect, Six Month Smiles, and SureSmile.
Clear aligner treatment involves the following steps:
First, you'll visit an orthodontist for a consultation. During the consultation, a dentist will examine your teeth and take a precise digital scan of your mouth. Then a custom treatment plan is made. You'll receive a digital preview of your new smile before the aligners are created.
Some aligner brands also allow you to mail in molds of your teeth using a “goopy putty” rather than visiting an orthodontist or doctor for a consultation.
Brands that provide mail-in impression kits include SmileDirectClub, ALIGNERCO, NewSmile, and byte®. Invisalign, Candid, and ClearCorrect require in-person consultations.
After the teeth impressions are made, your custom treatment plan will be created using 3D technology. Once approved, the digital models are transferred to a production facility, and the aligners are made. From here, you'll accept treatment and begin the process.
Note: If you purchased an impression kit and aren't a candidate, you can request a refund for the kit. However, the aligners are nonrefundable if you approve the treatment plan.
You'll change out the 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:
In the 1990s, Align Technology created the first sequence of aligners to correct complex orthodontic issues in adults, teens, and children. Invisalign is now the #1 recommended aligner brand in the industry by dentists and orthodontists alike.
The aligners are made of SmartTrack® material that is specifically engineered for the Invisalign system. The material claims to provide a more accurate, comfortable, and quicker treatment experience than other clear aligners on the market.
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 also 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/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.
Convenient treatment
Byte aligners can straighten teeth in 4 to 6 months with daily HyperByte use (a tooth movement acceleration device).
Limited Time Sale: 70% off Impression Kit, $100 off Aligners + Free BrightByte Whitening Treatment.
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.
The biggest aligner company
SmileDirectClub is the largest, longest-standing clear aligner manufacturer.
NewSmile is one of the most affordable at-home aligners, but they are also one of the newest companies.
Unlike most at-home aligner brands, NewSmile aligners do not touch your gums. They are trimmed to comfortably sit along your gum line in a ‘scalloped fashion.’ Not only does this design cause less irritation, but it also makes 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. You’ll send in progress photos through the NewSmile app to ensure your teeth are moving correctly.
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.
Budget option
NewSmile aligners are trimmed along your gum line to provide a comfortable and less visible treatment experience.
They also offer live video chats with a specialist to ensure you make accurate impressions.
NewSmile aligners are more affordable than other brands.
ALIGNERCO offers the cheapest invisible aligners on the market.
Treatment costs $895 to $1,095 (or starting at $81/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.
Another budget option
ALIGNERCO is another brand that offers an affordable aligner experience. However, treatment is more hands-off after you approve the plan.
Candid is an effective tooth straightening option that offers superior care with added convenience. Candid treatment outcomes are similar to Invisalign. However, Candid is often cheaper than Invisalign, making it a safe and affordable option.
Candid only works with highly qualified orthodontists (teeth-straightening experts). These experts design each treatment plan. Orthodontists have to complete 2 to 3 years of tooth movement residency after dental school.
Candid treatment is monitored 100% remotely through the CandidApp (available on iOS and Android). You’ll send in progress photos every two weeks using the CandidScan included in your treatment package. The box connects to your phone and is used to take detailed images of tooth movement.
The app will walk you through the entire process during each scan. You can also set up notifications on your phone to make sure you don’t miss a scan date.
In addition, the same orthodontist who designs your treatment plan will track your teeth straightening progress from start to finish. This ensures your teeth are moving safely and correctly.
To begin treatment, visit a CandidPro location for a digital scan from a qualified CandidPro provider (licensed dental professional in your area).
Read our full review of Candid aligners here.
Comprehensive care
Every treatment plan is overseen by a qualified orthodontist with over 20 years of experience. Treatment is monitored in the CandidApp.
Candid treatment costs $3,300 (price may change depending on various factors).
You can begin treatment by visiting a CandidPro location:
Here are four other clear aligner options:
The brand of aligners chosen, the length of treatment required, and how many aligners are needed determine the cost of clear aligner treatment.
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 | $895-$1,095 (if paid in full) | $81/month - $99/month | Insurance coverage depends on the provider |
| NewSmile | $1,495 to $1,595 (if paid in full) | $58/month-$61/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.
Other advantages of aligners include fewer visits to the dentist and improved dental health (easy to clean).
While clear aligners have many benefits, they also have some downsides. For example, 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 more comfortable than braces and are also less irritating to the lips, cheeks, and gums.
In most cases, treatment with aligners is often quicker than with braces. This is because aligners typically only treat mild to moderate cases of teeth misalignment. Some aligner brands, like Invisalign, can treat more severe cases. Braces will be recommended if you have severe teeth and jaw misalignment, as the brackets and wires provide more precise tooth movement.
In addition, many aligner brands are cheaper and more convenient than braces (require fewer in-person visits).
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.
Clear aligners can cost anywhere from $1,200 to $9,000, depending on the brand you choose and your bite issues.
Treatment length varies depending on individual needs. However, clear aligner treatment typically takes no longer than 24 months.
Most at-home aligner brands offer monthly payment plans. In-office options like Invisalign may provide treatment plans, but this depends entirely on your orthodontist.
First, you'll visit an orthodontist for a consultation. During the consultation, a dentist will examine your teeth and take a precise digital scan of your mouth. Then a custom treatment plan is made.
You'll receive a digital preview of your new smile before the aligners are created.
Some clear aligner brands also allow patients to mail in molds of their teeth using a goopy putty rather than visiting an orthodontist or doctor for a consultation.
Brands that provide mail-in impression kits include SmileDirectClub, ALIGNERCO, NewSmile, and byte®. Invisalign, Candid, and ClearCorrect require in-person consultations.
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.
Here are some tips for preserving clear aligners:
1. Always rinse them with cold or lukewarm water after removal
2. Do not clean them with hot water because heat can damage and warp the plastic
3. Brush and floss your teeth before wear
4. Soak them in retainer or denture cleaner
5. Remove the aligners before eating
6. Clean the aligners with mild soap daily
7. Never clean them with toothpaste
After treatment, you will be provided with a custom-made retainer. The retainer can either be removable or permanent, depending on preference.
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What’s Next?
The most popular at-home clear aligner kits can be found right here:
