Teeth Straightening
Overview
Clear Aligner Brands
Teeth Whitening
In this article
Invisalign and braces can be expensive. They cost between $3,000 and $8,000, making treatment out of reach for many people. Insurance also doesn’t cover these services unless you have orthodontic benefits (which are also pricey).
At-home clear aligners are an affordable and more convenient alternative to traditional orthodontics. They typically cost thousands less. Many brands also offer flexible financing options such as monthly payment plans.
| Brand | Cost | Payment Plan | Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| byte® | $1,999-$2,399 | $70/month-$84/month | Ask your provider |
| SmileDirectClub | $2,050 | $89/month | Up to $1,100 |
| NewSmile | $1,495-$1,595 | $55/month-$58/month | Ask your provider |
| ALIGNERCO | $945-$1,145 | $79/month | Ask your provider |
| Candid | $3,300 (on average) | Ask your provider | Ask your provider |
| Invisalign® | $3,000-$8,000 | Ask your provider | Up to $3,500 |
| ClearCorrect | $2,500-$5,500 | Ask your provider | Up to $3,000 |
| SnapCorrect | $1,749 | $80 / month | Up to $1,100 |
Home aligner treatment is also expected to grow as 'virtual care,' and telehealth services become more popular.4
Our Top Recommendations
The Best Invisible Aligners:
Other Brands:
To determine the best and cheapest invisible braces on the market, our team:
After extensive research and product testing, this article also underwent an intensive review process:
The aligners below are listed in order from best to least overall value:
Byte is our pick for the best at-home invisible aligner. They offer a 5-year Smile Protection Plan and a Lifetime Guarantee. If your smile moves out of alignment, they’ll help get it back at no additional cost.
Byte is also known for its fast treatment time (4 to 6 months). Every customer receives a HyperByte® with their aligners. This is a dental movement acceleration device that claims to decrease treatment time.
Byte has two aligner options to choose from:
We recommend Byte for minor cases of teeth misalignment. Severe cases require in-office treatment.
We do not recommend night aligners because there is no scientific proof that they are safe.
SDC is another at-home option ($2,050). They are also the most established brand with over 300 in-person studios around the country. SDC works with registered dentists and orthodontists who create and oversee each treatment case.
There are two ways to begin treatment: order an at-home impression kit online or visit a SmileShop for a risk-free scan. During the in-person consultation, a trained technician will take 3D scans of your teeth and ensure you are a good candidate for treatment.
We recommend SDC if you prefer an in-person scan and have mild to moderate teeth misalignment. They have SmileShop locations all around the U.S. and in other countries.
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NewSmile costs 75% less than braces. Treatment takes between 4 and 6 months, on average.
These aligners are cheaper than both Byte and Candid. However, we only recommend NewSmile for mild cases of teeth misalignment. The company is also newer and less established.
NewSmile has two aligner options to choose from:
One of the standout features of NewSmile is that you can set up a virtual video call with an Impression Specialist. They’ll walk you through the process to ensure you take them correctly.
NewSmile aligners are also cut in a scalloped fashion to provide a discreet look. They claim this makes the aligners more comfortable and less visible.
Use code NewMouthDeal for $100 off Aligners and code NewMouthKit for $20 off impression kit.
ALIGNERCO is one of the cheapest at-home aligner brands. They offer two treatment options:
ALIGNERCO has two financing options if you can’t afford to pay instantly. The SmileFlex plan requires a soft credit check but no down payment. The SmileFlex Easy plan requires a down payment but no credit check.
The monthly cost depends on whether you choose the regular or night aligners. We recommend regular aligners for safety reasons.
ALIGNERCO also offers discounts regularly, dropping the prices even lower.
Note: Although the price point of ALIGNERCO is appealing, it’s not always best to go with the cheapest teeth aligners. If you are looking for comprehensive care and remote monitoring, ALIGNERCO is not right for you. If you have minor bite issues, this could be a good option.
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Candid is not the cheapest home aligner available. But based on our research, they provide patients with a lot of value for their money.
Candid addresses function first and cosmetics second. The aligners move all of your teeth for safe and comprehensive results. This is known as full-arch tooth movement. Treatment takes between 4 and 12 months.
Most other aligners just move your front teeth, meaning they don’t treat the bite as a whole. This results in quicker treatment times.
Candid is a hybrid option for those who want some convenience of at-home teeth straightening without sacrificing the quality of care. You begin treatment by visiting a CandidPro location for a consultation and mouth scan with a dental professional.
Afterward, a trained orthodontist (teeth-straightening expert) designs and monitors your treatment remotely. This means you’ll receive high-quality care with the convenience of at-home teeth straightening.
The aligners cost $3,300 (on average). This is significantly more than ALIGNERCO (the cheapest aligner available). However, since Candid offers hands-on care, we believe they are worth the extra money.
Here are a few other clear aligner options:
SnapCorrect reviews are mixed. Some patients mention a positive experience, while others say they didn’t hear back from the company after ordering an impression kit.
There are also complaints about the aligners breaking. SnapCorrect costs $1,749.
Invisalign is the top clear aligner brand overall. But they are also the most expensive ($5,000 on average). You have to visit a certified Invisalign doctor to begin treatment. Invisalign can treat more severe bite issues.15,16
This aligner company is similar to Invisalign. They do not offer at-home impression kits and require frequent visits throughout treatment. Treatment averages between $3,500 and $5,500.
2Usmiles is new to the remote aligner industry. Customer reviews and feedback are currently limited. For these reasons, we recommend more established brands like Candid or Invisalign. These companies have a strong track record for safe and reliable aligner treatment.
It's best to talk with an orthodontist to determine the best treatment option for your needs. There are two primary factors to consider when choosing a clear aligner brand:
Teeth misalignment is also called malocclusion. A person's bite can be classified into three main categories:
The severity of your malocclusion will determine the type of orthodontic treatment you need. There are two clear aligner options available, including:
Orthodontic treatment can be expensive and time-consuming. Fortunately, a few affordable aligner options cost under $1,500, including NewSmile and ALIGNERCO. These might work for you if you are on a budget and have minor alignment issues.
However, we don't recommend budget aligners if you have moderate to severe teeth misalignment. For moderate cases, choose Byte or SmileDirectClub. These both cost under $2,300. Invisalign is the safest option for severe cases but can cost thousands more.
If you have dental insurance with orthodontic benefits, you may be able to get partial coverage for aligner treatment. Speak with your insurance provider to find out.
Most at-home aligner brands also offer monthly payment plans, making treatment more affordable. Invisalign doctors may also offer these, but it depends on the provider.
Traditional orthodontics requires frequent visits to the dentist/orthodontist. You have to set up an initial consultation and return to get the braces set on your teeth.
You must also visit the dental office every few weeks for adjustments. This one-on-one time can be inconvenient. It also adds up quickly, making treatment expensive.
However, braces are the best option for severe teeth misalignment and other bite issues. This includes jaw misalignment.
At-home aligner treatment is monitored 100% remotely. You never have to visit an orthodontist throughout treatment. Instead, you’ll order an impression kit online (typically under $100), make the molds yourself, and send them back.
A custom treatment plan is made remotely by a licensed dental professional. After you approve the plan, all the aligners will be shipped to you at once.
Some brands also offer remote monitoring through a mobile app. This eliminates the need to visit a dentist, making treatment much more affordable and convenient.
Note: Most affordable clear aligners only treat mild to moderate teeth misalignment cases. Treatment is also typically shorter, which is another reason why the aligners are cheaper.
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What’s Next?
The most popular at-home clear aligner kits can be found right here:
