How Much Do Clear Aligners Cost?
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How Much Do Clear Aligners Cost?
Clear aligners are a virtually invisible and removable alternative to traditional braces.
The aligner trays are made of smooth, BPA-free plastic and are typically worn for 22 hours a day. They can be removed for eating, brushing/flossing your teeth, and other oral hygiene needs.
If you are looking for a discreet, quick, and convenient way to straighten your teeth, clear aligners are the ideal option.
Clear aligners cost anywhere between $1,200 and $8,000. The cost of clear aligners depends on the brand chosen, the length of treatment, and the type of aligner you choose (night vs. traditional).
What to Know Before Buying Cheap Teeth Aligners
At-home aligners, also called direct-to-consumer aligners, are cheaper than in-office aligners. Treatment is monitored remotely, which means you won’t visit an orthodontist for check-ups throughout treatment.
Popular at-home aligner brands include:
In-office aligners, such as Invisalign and ClearCorrect, require in-office impressions and check-ups. They are also capable of fixing more severe teeth misalignment (malocclusion) cases.
While convenient, at-home aligner treatment is not monitored as closely as in-office orthodontic treatment. Because of this, most at-home aligner companies only accept mild to moderate cases of teeth misalignment. Candid can treat more complex bite issues.
If you have more severe bite issues, Invisalign (a popular in-office aligner) is the safest choice.
Clear Aligner Brand | Treatment Costs | Monthly Payment Plan |
Insurance Coverage |
Invisalign® | $3,000-$8,000 | Payment plan depends on treatment length | Insurance coversup to $3,500 |
ClearCorrect | $2,500-$5,500 | Payment plan depends on treatment length | Insurance covers up to $3,000 |
SmileDirect | $1,950 | $89 / month | Insurance covers up to $1,100 |
Candid | $1,895 | $65 / month | Insurance coveragedepends on provider |
| NewSmile | $1,195-$1,295 | N/A | Insurance coverage depends on provider |
byte® | $1,895-$2,295 | $83-$99 / month | Insurance coverage depends on provider |
| ALIGNERCO | $1,145-$1,345 | $99 / month | Insurance coverage depends on provider |
SnapCorrect | $1,749 | $80 / month | Insurance covers up to $1,100 |
Top At-Home Clear Aligner Brands & Costs
At-home aligners are the cheapest alternative to Invisalign and traditional metal braces.
Instead of visiting a dentist or orthodontist for in-person scans, you can order an impression kit online. The kit will get shipped directly to your home address.
From there, you will take the teeth impressions yourself and then send them back to the company. I
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If you are a candidate for treatment, they will mail you the aligners within a few weeks. Remote check-ups with a qualified professional will occur every few weeks as well.
Some popular direct-to-consumer aligner brands include:
Candid
Candid aligners are made of BPA- and phthalate-free plastic called Zendura FLX. This material claims to offer more comfortable, lower-stress aligners.
These aligners also have higher impact strength and keep the teeth more stable than other at-home aligners.
To begin treatment, you can either get a free in-person scan at a Candid Studio or order an impression kit online.
Candid also works with highly qualified orthodontists who have at least 20 years of experience in the teeth straightening industry.
Candid accepts most minor to severe cases of teeth misalignment. A licensed orthodontist oversees every case through the Candid App.
Pricing
Candid aligner treatment costs $1,895, which covers your entire set of aligners and remote check-ups.
If you can’t afford to pay this cost upfront, Candid also offers a payment plan.
Additional Expenses
An impression kit costs $95, and the retainer costs $99 with free shipping. Additional or replacement retainers will cost $100.
However, Candid often provides discounts on the starter kits (up to 50% off). You can take a candidacy quiz online before ordering it. If you are not a candidate for treatment, you’ll get a full refund on the kit.
Average Treatment Time
Candid aligners straighten teeth in about six months but can take up to a year.
Read our full review of Candid here.
Candid
Best remote monitoring & care
Every treatment plan is overseen by a qualified orthodontist with over 20 years of experience. Your treatment is monitored in the Candid Mobile App, where you'll have access to teledentistry services 24/7.
You can begin treatment in two ways:
NewSmile
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 aligner available.
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.
NewMouth recommends Candid over cheap aligner alternatives because they offer hands-on remote monitoring. Every treatment case is also overseen by a licensed orthodontist.
Pricing
NewSmile’s Fast Track Aligners are worn for 22+ hours a day. They cost $1,195.
The Night Aligners require less daily wear time (10+ hours a day). They cost $1,295.
* NewMouth does not recommend night aligners because there is no scientific proof that they are safe.
Read our full review of NewSmile here.
NewSmile
Budget option
NewSmile aligners are trimmed along your gum line to provide an even more visible treatment experience. They also offer live video chats with a specialist to ensure you take accurate impressions.
NewSmile aligners are more affordable than other brands. However, treatment is more hands-off after you approve the plan.
Use code NewMouthDeal for $100 off Aligners and code NewMouthKit for $20 off impression kit.
Byte
Byte aligners are made of BPA-free polymer. They are also tear- and stain-resistant.
To begin treatment, you will order an impression kit online. After approval, you’ll receive the aligners in the mail within three weeks.
Not only will you receive all of your aligners at once, but the kit also includes a carrying case, BrightByte treatment (teeth whitening), a HyperByte (a tooth movement acceleration device), and a FREE medical-grade retainer.
Pricing
Byte All-Day Aligners cost $1,895, and the At-Night Aligners cost $2,245. There are also payment plans available ($349 to $415 down payment; $83 to $99 a month/29 months).
The nighttime aligners are worn for 10+ hours a day (while sleeping). The traditional aligners are worn for about 22 hours a day.
* NewMouth does not recommend night aligners because there is no scientific proof that they are safe.
Additional Expenses
The impression kit costs an additional $95. You can take a byte candidacy quiz online before ordering it. If you are not a candidate for treatment, you’ll get a full refund on the kit.
The first retainer you receive after treatment (to keep your teeth straight) is included in the cost. Any additional retainers (if you lose or break one) will be an additional cost.
Average Treatment Time
With daily HyperByte use, byte aligners can straighten teeth 2x faster than other leading brands:
- Byte’s All-Day Aligners are worn for 22 hours a day. The average treatment length is just three months.
- Byte’s At-Night Aligners straighten your teeth while you sleep and are worn for 10+ hours a day. The average treatment length is 5 to 6 months.
* Keep in mind: There is no scientific proof pointing to the safety and effectiveness of moving teeth quickly. Successful orthodontics requires precise tooth movement.
Read our full review of byte here.
byte®
Quickest treatment time
Byte's All-Day Aligners are worn for 22 hours a day and can straighten teeth in 3 months.
The At-Night Aligners straighten teeth while you sleep and can take up to 6 months.
* NewMouth does not recommend night aligners because there is no scientific proof that they are safe.
SmileDirectClub
SmileDirectClub is a 6-year-old company that offers at-home teeth straightening for 60% less than braces.
The aligners are made of comfortable, smooth, BPA-free plastic.
SmileDirectClub only accepts minor cases of teeth misalignment, and a dentist or orthodontist oversees each case.
Pricing
SmileDirectClub aligners cost $1,950. You can also choose a payment plan, including a down payment of $250 and a monthly payment of $89/24 months.
Additional Expenses
You can get a free 3D scan at a SmileShop or buy a mail-in starter kit for $59. If a dentist determines you’re not a good candidate, the cost of your impression kit is fully refundable.
The retainer also costs an additional $99. You should order a new set every six months to keep them fresh.
Average Treatment Time
Smile Direct aligners straighten teeth in about six months but can take up to a year.
Read our full review of SmileDirectClub here.
SmileDirectClub
The biggest company
SmileDirectClub is the largest, longest-standing clear aligner manufacturer. With hundreds of physical locations, you can choose an in-person consultation or order a mail-in impression kit.
ALIGNERCO
ALIGNERCO offers the cheapest invisible aligners on the market.
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.
Pricing
Treatment costs $1,145 (or $99 for 11 months with the payment plan). Other clear aligner competitors are more expensive ($1,800 to $2,300).
To begin the teeth straightening process, the first step is to order an impression kit online. These kits are just $39.99. After you receive the kit, you'll take a dental impression at home and send them back to ALIGNERCO.
NewMouth recommends Candid over cheap aligner alternatives because they offer hands-on remote monitoring. Every treatment case is also overseen by a licensed orthodontist.
Average Treatment Time
ALIGNERCO also sells NightOnly Clear Aligners. Wear time is 8 to 10 hours a day and the treatment duration is 8 to 12 months.
* NewMouth does not recommend night aligners because there is no scientific proof that they are safe.
Read our full review of ALIGNERCO here.
ALIGNERCO
Another budget option
ALIGNERCO is another brand that offers an affordable aligner experience. The aligners cost under $1,500.
Keep in mind: treatment is more hands-off after you approve the plan.
Which Company Offers The Best Affordable Aligners?
NewSmile offers some of the cheapest aligners on the market ($1,145). However, it is not always best to go with the most affordable option.
Candid is more expensive ($1,895) but offers the most value for your money. SmileDirectClub costs the most overall.
It is an established company that only works with qualified and licensed dental professionals. This ensures you receive high-quality care from start to finish. In addition to these benefits, an aligner-safe whitening treatment is included with every purchase.
Candid treatment is monitored 100% remotely through the CandidApp. This app is a complete ‘teledentistry service’ that allows you to connect to a Candid orthodontist at any time.
You’ll send in progress photos every two weeks using the Scan Box included in your Candid 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.
Once you submit the photos, you’ll hear back from your orthodontist within a few hours. They will let you know if it’s safe to move on to the next set.
NewMouth recommends at-home clear aligners if you have mild teeth misalignment. Find out if you're a candidate for clear aligners.
If your teeth aren’t tracking correctly, the orthodontist will provide you with screenshots of your teeth highlighting what went wrong and how to get your treatment back on track.
** No other aligner brand has an in-depth teledentistry platform like Candid.
Candid treatment also typically takes longer than other brands like byte or SmileDirectClub. This is because moving teeth too fast increases the risk of tooth loss, future bite problems, and poorer results.
Top In-Office Clear Aligner Brands & Costs
In-office aligners provide closer treatment monitoring because they require regular in-office visits. You also have to set up an in-person appointment to get a teeth scan. Online starter kits are not provided.
In-office aligners are typically more expensive than at-home aligners, but they can fix more severe misalignment cases.
1. Invisalign
Invisalign is the most well-known and established clear aligner brand. Invisalign clear aligners are FDA-approved. They also do not contain any BPS, BPA, gluten, or latex.
Invisalign aligners are different from other aligners because they are made of a patented thermoplastic material, called SmartTrack®. They claim to be more comfortable and are easier to put on and remove.
These aligners can fix overbites, underbites, open bites, gapped/crooked teeth, and even misaligned baby teeth.
Pricing
The average cost of Invisalign is between $3,000 and $8,000. The higher price is attributed to a longer treatment time. Also, Invisalign is often used to treat more complicated cases of teeth misalignment.
Each Invisalign treatment plan is unique. Talk with your dentist about monthly payment plans.
Additional Expenses
Invisalign requires in-person consultations that can cost $100 or more, depending on the type of work-up you require including dental x-rays, images, and impressions.
Average Treatment Time
Invisalign treatment takes between 12 and 18 months.
See if you're a candidate for Invisalign
2. ClearCorrect
ClearCorrect is similar to Invisalign, except it is a younger company. After 12 years in business, ClearCorrect has helped hundreds of thousands of patients achieve new smiles. To begin treatment, you’ll visit a ClearCorrect qualified dentist for an in-person scan and treatment plan.
Pricing
ClearCorrect costs between $2,500 and $5,500. The payment plan depends on the length of treatment and how many aligner trays you need. If you require additional refinement trays at the end of your treatment, this can also increase the cost.
Average Treatment Time
ClearCorrect treatment takes between 12 and 18 months.
FAQs: Ways to Pay for Aligners
Are payment plans available?
Most clear aligner brands offer payment plans, including SmileDirectClub, Candid, and byte. These payment plans include a down payment and monthly payments for about two years.
Invisalign and other in-office aligners also offer customized payment plans, depending on your treatment plan.
Does insurance cover clear aligners?
In some cases, dental insurance covers invisible aligners. Check with your provider and the clear aligner company of your choice for more details about insurance coverage.
Can I use an HSA or FSA to pay for aligners?
You can use an HSA or FSA to pay for clear aligners, including at-home and in-office aligners.
What’s Next?
The most popular at-home clear aligner kits can be found right here:
Related Pages:
Resources
FAQs About Invisible Aligners. (n.d.). https://www.byteme.com/pages/faq.
Hyperbyte: The Technology Behind Faster Invisible aligner results. (n.d.). https://www.byteme.com/pages/hyperbyte.
Insurance Coverage for Our Invisible Aligners. (n.d.). https://www.byteme.com/pages/insurance.
Candid. “Candid Clear Aligners.” Candid, www.candidco.com/faq/q/why-would-i-not-be-a-candidate.
Candid. “Candid Starter Kit.” Candid, www.candidco.com/products/starter-kit.
Candid. “Our Most Frequently Asked Questions.” Candid, www.candidco.com/faq#.
“Express Your Joy.” ClearCorrect | Clear. Simple. Friendly, www.straumann.com/clearcorrect/en/home/doctors.html.
“FAQ.” Invisalign, www.invisalign.com/frequently-asked-questions.
“How Does Invisalign® Treatment Work?” How Does Invisalign Work | Invisalign Braces, www.invisalign.com/how-invisalign-works?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=NI+-+Brand+-+General+-+Exact&utm_term=what+can+invisalign+fix&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=CjwKCAiAtK79BRAIEiwA4OskBvlUIxBlPwRLvuhz4GthNXakvdM4Qq4nb03mcW0kV53ya5thPdvZsBoC0_kQAvD_BwE.
SmileDirectClub. “Insurance.” https://smiledirectclub.com/insurance/.
SmileDirectClub. “Pricing.” https://smiledirectclub.com/pricing/.
SmileDirectClub. “How Does Smile Direct Club Work.” https://smiledirectclub.com/how_it_works/.
Proffit, William R., et al. Contemporary Orthodontics. Elsevier/Mosby, 2019, https://www.elsevier.com/books/contemporary-orthodontics/proffit/978-0-323-54387-3
Weir, T. “Clear Aligners in Orthodontic Treatment.” Wiley Online Library, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 14 Mar. 2017, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/adj.12480.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only cite from current scientific research, such as scholarly articles, dentistry textbooks, government agencies, and medical journals. This also includes information provided by the American Dental Association (ADA), the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
