Invisalign Alternatives

You don’t have to wear braces to get straight teeth. You can use Invisalign aligners, which are discreet, removable, and much more comfortable to wear, unlike traditional braces.

This practicality does come with a price, as Invisalign treatments cost $3,000 to $9,500. Thankfully, Invisalign isn’t the only company that offers clear aligners.

At-home clear aligners such as Byte can give you similar results for a cheaper cost. They also don’t require dental visits, which makes them convenient alternatives to Invisalign.

In-office aligners like ClearCorrect can provide the same level of care as Invisalign. Though not as accessible, they can straighten teeth while saving you thousands in treatment costs.

In this article, we’ll explore alternatives to Invisalign and help you decide which clear braces best fits your needs.

Top 6 Invisalign Alternatives in 2023

Top Clear Aligners	Treatment Costs	Treatable Cases	Average Treatment Time	Starting Treatment	Progress Monitoring
Invisalign	$3,000 to $9,500	Mild to severe	12 to 18 months	In-person	In-person
Byte	$1,999 to $2,399	Mild to moderate	3 to 6 months	At-home	Remote
SmileDirectClub	$2,250	Mild to moderate	4 to 10 months	At-home or in-person	Remote
ALIGNERCO	$995 to $1,120	Mild to moderate	4 to 8 months	At-home or in-person	Remote
NewSmile	$1,595 to $1,695	Mild to moderate	4 to 10 months	At-home	Remote
Candid	Starts at $3,500	Mild to moderate	6 to 12 months	In-person	Remote
ClearCorrect	$4,000 to $6,000	Mild to severe	12 to 18 months	In-person	In-person

Below is a list of the best Invisalign alternatives we recommend, including in-office and at-home clear aligners. We compared them with Invisalign regarding features, pros, and cons. 

We’ve also included customer feedback on each brand. This consists of a summary of positive and negative reviews from people who have tried them.

Byte

Best Value for Money

Byte vs. Invisalign Highlights

• Byte is the more affordable option ⁠— Byte aligners cost $1,999 to $2,399 upfront or a monthly payment of $70 to $84/mo plus a $249 to $299 down payment.
• Byte has more payment options ⁠— You can use Affirm, BytePay, CareCredit, Splitit, HSA, FSA, HRA, and qualified dental insurance to cover your treatment.
• Byte has faster treatment times ⁠— It can straighten mild to moderate teeth alignment issues within 3 to 6 months.

Byte vs. Invisalign Pros and Cons

Byte	Invisalign
You can begin your Byte treatment by ordering an impression kit online.	The initial consultation requires seeing a nearby Invisalign provider.
Your treatment progress will be monitored remotely with the My Byte app.	You have to visit your provider throughout the treatment so they can check your progress.
You can choose from Byte’s daytime and nighttime aligners based on your preference.	Your dental provider will recommend the best treatment for your age and condition.
Treatments include the 3-in-1 BrightByte foam ($30), which whitens teeth, freshens breath and cleans aligners.	Invisalign’s Professional Teeth Whitening System isn’t free with your treatment and costs an additional $50 to $75.
The free HyperByte device ($699) included with your kit uses high-frequency vibration (HFV) to speed up teeth movement.1	Invisalign doesn’t offer a similar device, but has more predictable treatments than Byte, which can last longer than planned.
Byte provides additional aligners at no extra cost until you’re satisfied with the outcome.2	You have to ask your Invisalign provider if they offer free refinements.
Your first set of Byte retainers is free and will cost you $129 each after.	Treatments don’t include a free retainer (Vivera) which costs $130 to $200.

What Customers Say About Byte

Some people find reaching Byte’s customer support challenging on issues like receiving wrong orders or poor-fitting aligners. Although many say they have excellent service.

Overall, most customers are satisfied with Byte. Their orders arrived quickly, taking impressions was easy, and their teeth were effectively straightened with little discomfort.

Black Friday Sale: Impression Kit for only $14.95 with $600 off retail pricing.

SmileDirectClub

Best for In-Person Assessment

SmileDirectClub vs. Invisalign Highlights

• SmileDirectClub is cheaper ⁠— SDC aligners cost $2,250 upfront or a monthly payment of $89/mo plus $250 down payment.
• SDC has flexible financing ⁠— You can use SmilePay, CareCredit, HSA, FSA, or qualifying insurance to pay for your clear aligners.
• SmileDirectClub can straighten teeth faster ⁠— It can correct mild to moderate teeth misalignments (such as gaps and overlapping) in 4 to 10 months.

SmileDirectClub vs. Invisalign Pros and Cons

SmileDirectClub	Invisalign
There are two ways to start treatment: You can buy an impression kit or visit a nearby SmileShop for a free in-person consultation.	You have to see an Invisalign provider for an initial consultation. It’s usually free, but some providers charge $200 for the assessment.
SmileDirectClub has over 100+ SmileShops in the US, so it’s easy to access.	There are over 40,000 Invisalign providers in the US, making it accessible to more people.
SmileShops have trained specialists who can take digital scans of your teeth.	A licensed dental professional will personally assess you and take digital teeth scans.
Your treatment progress will be monitored remotely with the SmileDirectClub app.	You have to visit your provider throughout the treatment so they can check your progress.
You can choose from SDC’s daytime and nighttime aligners based on your preference.	Your provider will recommend the best treatment for your age and condition.
SmileShops offer free teeth whitening gel and lip balm ($25) with your consultation.	Invisalign’s Professional Teeth Whitening System isn’t free with your treatment. You have to buy it as an add-on for $50 to $75.
Your kit includes a Smile Stretcher, which helps you take clear photos of your teeth.	Invisalign providers have all the equipment to assess your teeth during visits.
SmileDirectClub offers a 30-day refund for unused aligners and may give you free touch-up aligners if you’re unsatisfied.3	You have to ask your Invisalign provider if they offer refunds and free refinements.
Your first set of SmileDirectClub retainers is free and will cost you $125 each after.	Treatments don’t include a free retainer (Vivera) which costs $130 to $200.

What Customers Say About SmileDirectClub

Despite being an established brand, few customers have complained of ill-fitting aligners, poor customer service, difficulty getting refunds, and unexpected price changes.

That said, customers love the quick onboarding at SmileShops, along with their accommodating staff who answer questions and explain the treatment process.

Notice: SmileDirectClub filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on September 29, 2023. The company plans to "maintain normal operations" as it restructures debts and seeks a buyer or funding. The founders invested $20 million and committed more to ensure SmileDirectClub can meet commitments without disruption. However, successful reorganization is not guaranteed.

Sale: $15 impression kit - FREE after return, plus 6 months FREE teeth whitening. Code: NYNY23

ALIGNERCO

Best Affordable Clear Aligners

ALIGNERCO vs. Invisalign Highlights

• ALIGNERCO is a cheap Invisalign alternative ⁠— It costs $995 to $1,120 upfront or a monthly payment of $75 to $150/mo plus a $0 to $335 down payment.
• ALIGNERCO has several financing options ⁠— You can use Affirm, Partial.ly, HSA, FSA, and qualified insurance to pay for your treatment.
• ALIGNERCO has a faster average treatment time ⁠— It can correct mild to moderate teeth misalignments (including crowded and gapped teeth) in 4 to 8 months.

ALIGNERCO vs. Invisalign Pros & Cons

ALIGNERCO	Invisalign
There are two ways to start treatment: Buy an impression kit or visit the Smile Studio for a free in-person consultation.	You have to see an Invisalign provider for an initial consultation. It’s usually free, but some providers charge $200 for the assessment.
ALIGNERCO only has one physical location: a Smile Studio in Hicksville, NY.	There are over 40,000 Invisalign providers in the US, making it accessible to more people.
You can order an impression kit online. Take your impressions at home and mail them back to ALIGNERCO.	Invisalign providers will take digital scans of your teeth, reducing the risk of inaccurate teeth impressions.
Your treatment progress will be monitored remotely with the ALIGNER Tracker app.	You have to visit your provider throughout the treatment so they can check your progress.
You can choose from its daytime and nighttime aligners based on your preference.	Your provider will recommend the best treatment for your age and condition.
Treatments include a free teeth whitening kit ($49.99) to get whiter teeth.	Invisalign’s Professional Teeth Whitening System isn’t free with your treatment. You have to buy it as an add-on for $50 to $75.
If you’re unsatisfied with your results, ALIGNERCO may provide free additional aligners or charge you upwards of $200.4	You have to ask your Invisalign provider if they offer refunds and free refinements.
Your first set of ALIGNERCO retainers is free and will cost you $150 each after.	Treatments don’t include a free retainer (Vivera) which costs $130 to $200.
ALIGNERCO has affordable installments with short payment terms, allowing you to fully pay for your aligners in 6 to 12 months.	Invisalign providers offer different financing options and payment plans, making it difficult to weigh options based on your budget.

What Customers Say About ALIGNERCO

Some ALIGNERCO customers received poor quality aligners and retainers. Others experienced sudden price changes and difficulty getting refunds and replacements.

However, many people are happy with how ALIGNERCO provides easy access to specialists who can assist you if you need help.

Black Friday Sale: $875 for aligners with free aligner cleaner.

NewSmile

Best for Discreet Teeth Straightening

NewSmile vs. Invisalign Highlights

• NewSmile is more affordable ⁠— NewSmile aligners cost $1,595 to $1,695 up front or a monthly payment of $58 to $78/mo plus $0 to $190 down payment.
• NewSmile has more payment options ⁠— You can use Affirm, HSA, FSA, and qualifying insurance to cover your treatment costs.
• NewSmile has faster treatment times ⁠— It can straighten mild to moderate cases of misaligned teeth within 4 to 10 months.

NewSmile vs. Invisalign Pros & Cons

NewSmile	Invisalign
You can begin your NewSmile treatment by ordering an impression kit online.	The initial consultation requires seeing a nearby Invisalign provider.
You can schedule a video call with an Impression Specialist to help you take accurate teeth impressions from home.	Invisalign providers will take digital scans of your teeth, reducing the risk of inaccurate teeth impressions.
Your treatment progress will be monitored remotely with the NewSmile Life app.	You have to visit your provider throughout the treatment so they can check your progress.
You can choose from NewSmile’s day and night aligners based on your preference.	Your provider will recommend the best treatment for your age and condition.
NewSmile’s scallop-shaped aligners are discreet, comfortable, and less likely to cause gum irritation.	Its invisible braces are also designed in a scalloped fashion, similar to NewSmile.
Treatments include a free bottle of NewSmile teeth whitening foam ($40).	Invisalign’s Professional Teeth Whitening System isn’t free with your treatment and costs an additional $50 to $75.
NewSmile offers refunds and may give you free touch-up aligners if you’re unsatisfied.5	You have to ask your Invisalign provider if they offer refunds and free refinements.
Your first set of NewSmile retainers is free and will cost you $250 for a set of two.	Treatments don’t include a free retainer (Vivera) which costs $130 to $200.

What Customers Say About NewSmile

NewSmile’s customer service may not be as helpful if you encounter issues. You may find it difficult to cancel orders, request refunds, or reach support staff for help.

Still, many users are happy with its clear aligners. They are often praised for their good quality, comfortable fit, and affordable pricing.

Use code NewMouthDeal for $100 off Aligners and code NewMouthKit for $20 off impression kit.

Candid

Best for Comprehensive At-Home Care

Candid vs. Invisalign Highlights

• Candid is slightly cheaper. Treatments start at $3,500 but may cost you more.
• Financing options are dependent on Invisalign and CandidPro providers. You have to ask your provider if they accept payment plans and insurance.
• Candid and Invisalign have similar treatment times. Both brands can straighten teeth in 12 months. However, Invisalign can treat more complex cases.

Candid vs. Invisalign Pros & Cons

Candid	Invisalign
You have to visit a CandidPro Provider to begin your treatment. They offer free in-person consultations.	You have to see an Invisalign provider for an initial consultation. It’s usually free but some providers charge $200 for the assessment.
Candid is partnered with over 300+ providers (dentists) in the US for easy access.	There are over 40,000 Invisalign providers in the US, making it accessible to more people.
During your consultation, a licensed dentist will assess you and take digital teeth scans.	A licensed dental professional will personally assess you and take digital teeth scans.
Your treatment progress will be monitored remotely every 14 days with the Candid app.	You have to visit your provider throughout the treatment so they can check your progress.
Candid only has daytime aligners. It doesn’t offer nighttime aligners as a treatment option.	Invisalign has six treatment plans. Your provider will recommend the best treatment.
Your kit includes a bottle of free Whitening Foam ($25) for mild teeth whitening.	Invisalign’s Professional Teeth Whitening System isn’t free with your treatment.
You can ask your provider to include Philips Zoom Whitening Kit ($349) with your Candid treatment for an additional cost.	You can purchase Invisalign’s Teeth Whitening System as an add-on for $50 to $75.
You have to ask your CandidPro provider if they offer refunds and free refinements.6	You have to ask your Invisalign provider if they offer refunds and free refinements.
Your first set of Candid retainers is free and will cost you $99 each after.	Treatments don’t include a free retainer (Vivera) which costs $130 to $200.

What Customers Say About Candid

Candid is more expensive than other at-home aligners. Users have also complained of rough aligners that caused cuts, lack of support, and ineffective teeth straightening.

However, many people liked Candid because it effectively straightened their teeth and includes free teeth whitening with their treatment.

ClearCorrect

Best In-Office Aligner Treatment

ClearCorrect vs. Invisalign Highlights

• ClearCorrect costs slightly less than Invisalign ⁠— Treatment costs typically range between $4,000 and $6,000 but it may be more expensive in some cases.
• ClearCorrect has several financing options ⁠— ClearCorrect providers accept CareCredit, HSA, FSA, and insurance. You can also ask them about payment plans.
• ClearCorrect and Invisalign have similar treatment times ⁠— Both can straighten mild, moderate, and complex cases of teeth misalignment within 12 months.

ClearCorrect vs. Invisalign Pros & Cons

ClearCorrect	Invisalign
You have to visit a ClearCorrect provider for an initial assessment. Some give them for free while others charge upwards of $50.	You have to see an Invisalign provider for an initial consultation. It’s usually free, but some providers charge $200 for the assessment.
ClearCorrect has over 20,000 dental partners across the US for easy-to-access treatments.	There are over 40,000 Invisalign providers in the US, making it accessible to more people.
ClearCorrect providers will take digital scans, photos, impressions, and X-rays of your teeth to see if you qualify for the treatment.	Invisalign providers will take digital scans, photos, impressions, and X-rays of your teeth to see if you qualify for the treatment.
You have to visit your provider every 6 weeks so they can closely monitor your progress.	You have to visit your provider every 4 to 6 weeks so they can check your progress.
ClearCorrect has six treatment options. Your provider will decide which treatment is best for your case. Unfortunately, their availability depends on your area.7	Invisalign has six treatment plans that are available across all their providers. Your provider will recommend the best treatment.
ClearCorrect doesn’t have teeth whitening products, but providers may offer them with your treatment for an added cost.	You can purchase Invisalign’s Professional Teeth Whitening System as an add-on for $50 to $75.
The UNLIMITED treatment plan will cover any additional aligners you may need for 5 years. Those who don’t have one need to pay for them at standard rates.8	Invisalign providers have different payment policies. You have to ask them if they offer free refinements or if they’ll cost you extra.
You can get up to three sets of free retainers (or unlimited retainers) with your treatment. After you finish, each set may cost you $300.9	Treatments don’t include a free retainer (Vivera) which costs $130 to $200.

What Customers Say About ClearCorrect

ClearCorrect reviews are mixed. There are complaints of bad customer service, ill-fitting aligners that cause discomfort or gum irritation, and long treatment times.

Despite the negative feedback, many users are satisfied with ClearCorrect. They like its affordable pricing, comprehensive treatments, and effectiveness in straightening teeth. 

Read our full ClearCorrect Review

More Invisalign Competitors To Consider

Here are more alternatives to Invisalign if you want to explore more options before deciding on a treatment:

Smileie

• Treatment cost ⁠— $999 to $1,399
• Average treatment time ⁠— 4 to 6 months

We like Smileie because it has fast treatment times and lets you choose a plan that suits your needs. You can straighten your top and bottom teeth or just one of them.

However, Smileie is a new brand launched in the US in 2022, so it isn’t as well-established.

Read our full Smileie Review

Six Month Smiles

• Treatment cost: $3,500 to $5,000
• Average treatment time: 6 to 9 months

Six Month Smiles uses plastic aligners with the same material as Invisalign (Zendura FLX). It’s also a great alternative if you want quick results.

This in-office treatment can straighten teeth in as little as 6 months. Like Invisalign, it requires frequent visits to the dentist.

Read our full Six Month Smiles Review

SureSmile

• Treatment cost ⁠— $3,500 to $6,000
• Average treatment time ⁠— 6 to 18 months

SureSmile is a hybrid option that combines at-home treatment with regular dental check-ins. This makes it cheaper and more convenient than Invisalign.

Its clear aligners are only available at a licensed orthodontist or dentist. But your doctor will provide the VPro™ device, which you can use to promote faster teeth movements.

Read our full SureSmile review

Tips for Choosing the Best Invisalign Alternative

Choosing the best Invisalign alternative isn’t easy if you don’t know what to look for. Here are five things to consider:

1. Level of Teeth Misalignment

You can choose from in-office and at-home clear aligners depending on your condition.

In-office clear aligners like Invisalign work on mild, moderate, and severe cases. At-home clear aligners such as Byte and SmileDirectClub work on mild to moderate teeth misalignments.

It’s best that you talk to a dentist or orthodontist to find out which treatment option is for you.

2. Treatment Accessibility

Pick a clear aligner brand that makes it easy for you to begin treatment.

Keep in mind that an in-office clear aligner treatment will require you to visit a provider in your area for an initial consultation. You also need to see them regularly throughout the treatment.

Most at-home aligner companies offer online impression kits. Although some brands like SmileDirectClub give you the option to visit a specialist for an in-person assessment.

3. Treatment Options

Consider which treatment options are available before deciding on a brand.

Most at-home Invisalign alternatives offer daytime and nighttime aligners. You get to choose your treatment. But keep in mind that night aligners may be unsafe and ineffective.

In-office clear aligner systems tend to offer structured treatment plans based on your age and condition. Your provider will help you decide which aligner therapy is best for you.

4. Treatment Costs

Invisalign treatment costs $3,000 to $9,500 or more. When looking for cheaper alternatives, you should compare the costs of different brands. 

Other costs to consider are:

• At-home impression kit (if it isn’t included)
• Retainers needed after treatment
• Lost or stolen clear aligners
• Touch-up aligners or refinements

If you’re not satisfied with the results of your clear aligner therapy, companies like Byte have guarantees that will cover the cost of additional aligners. Others charge for refinements.

5. Treatment Time

Go for a brand that can give you results within an acceptable time frame.

Each brand has a different average treatment time. This will help you gauge how long you must wait before you see results.

Remember that the time it takes to get straight teeth will depend on how crooked they are and if you wear clear aligners as prescribed. 

What is the Best Alternative to Invisalign?

At-home clear aligners can be safe and effective alternatives to Invisalign if you only need minor adjustments to get straighter teeth. In-office clear aligners work best on more complex cases.

• Choose Byte if you want value for your money ⁠— Its treatments include a lifetime guarantee that covers any additional aligners you may need to get straight teeth.
• Choose SmileDirectClub if you want to get an in-person consultation ⁠— You’ll be seeing a trained specialist for an assessment, but treatments are done at home.
• Choose ALIGNERCO if you want a cheap Invisalign alternative ⁠— It costs $995 to $1,120 for the entire treatment, which makes it cheaper than other invisible braces.
• Choose NewSmile if you want a discreet and comfortable way to straighten teeth ⁠— Its clear aligners have a scallop-shaped design, much like what Invisalign offers.
• Choose Candid for professional at-home care ⁠— You need to visit a dentist to begin treatment. You’ll complete treatment at home, where they’ll monitor you remotely.
• Choose ClearCorrect if you prefer in-office teeth straightening ⁠— With the right treatment plan, you can get additional refinements and retainers at no extra cost.

In cases of severe teeth misalignment, these clear plastic trays may not be as effective. A dental professional can help you choose the best orthodontic treatment for your condition. 

Other Invisalign alternatives you can consider are traditional metal braces and ceramic braces.

How We Picked the Top Alternatives to Invisalign

We spent 300+ hours researching invisible aligners based on these criteria:

• Doctor-directed care ⁠— The involvement of dental professionals
• Safe and efficient onboarding ⁠— How the company qualifies patients
• Treatment process ⁠— Ease, safety, and effectiveness of the treatment
• Total treatment costs ⁠— The amount you need to pay for the treatment
• Value for money ⁠— What you get with the amount you’re paying
• Customer support ⁠— The level of support provided by a company
• User satisfaction ⁠— How satisfied the customers are with the products, services, and their overall experience with a brand
• Guarantees and refunds ⁠— Offers additional treatments and refunds for dissatisfied customers and unqualified patients

NewMouth Rating System

Our team assessed and scored each clear aligner brand on five traits. 

Each trait was assigned a “weight” so we could calculate their individual rating and weighted average scores on a scale of five. Here is how we rated the best clear aligners on our list:

Customer Experience

We gathered and analyzed feedback from hundreds of people who tried our list of clear aligners.

This helped us determine the users’ experiences with a brand, such as:

• Availability for in-person and/or virtual consultations
• The accessibility of its clear aligners and ease of ordering
• Whether it gives clear instructions for taking dental impressions 
• The fit and comfort of its invisible braces when worn

Treatment

We compared the brands’ average treatment times and effectiveness for correcting mild and moderate teeth misalignment.

Our team also examined them for any products or services they provided that would help customers during and after their treatment, such as:

• Access to dental experts who can answer your questions and guide you throughout your treatment
• A dedicated app that reminds users to switch aligners and allows them to conveniently track their progress and contact support
• Regular virtual and/or in-person check-ins with a dental professional who can ensure that your treatment is going well
• Additional dental treatments such as teeth whitening

Pricing and Financing

We explored the total treatment cost of invisible braces. This includes upfront prices, payment plans, eligibility for insurance coverage, and maintenance costs for additional retainers.

Our team also investigated each brand to see if they accept flexible spending account (FSA) and health savings account (HSA) to pay for your treatment.

Customer Service and After-Sales Support

Our team performed an in-depth investigation of each brand’s customer support when answering queries and resolving issues. We assessed them based on:

• Availability
• Responsiveness
• Knowledge
• Reliability
• Friendliness

We also checked if they had guarantees for clear aligner adjustments, refinements, replacements, or refunds if you’re not qualified or if the treatment doesn’t work for you.

Brand Reputation

With the help of advanced AI algorithms, we were able to sort through hundreds of customer reviews that would indicate the level of trust they had in a clear aligner brand.

Why Trust Our Review?

To find the best alternatives to Invisalign, our team:

• Spent 300+ hours researching trusted invisible braces companies
• Scanned thousands of customer reviews for each invisible aligner
• Consulted 10+ health experts, including licensed orthodontists
• Talked to 3 industry experts like CEOs of the top clear aligner companies
• Reviewed over 20+ research papers on at-home and in-office aligners
• Asked 3 of our writers to test in-office clear aligners and teeth straighteners
• Had our in-house dentists fact-check our article for accuracy
• Updated our review every month with the latest information