Safest Teeth Whiteners
The safest ways to whiten your teeth explained
Dentistry
General
Malocclusion
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Teeth straightening kits allow you to begin the clear aligner treatment process from the comfort of your home. This is referred to as at-home aligner treatment.
Clear aligners are a discreet and removable alternative to traditional metal braces. The trays are made of BPA-free plastic and are virtually invisible when in your mouth.
More and more people are getting these treatments because they are:
Invisalign is the most well-known brand of aligners, but treatment can be expensive and inconvenient for many people. Fortunately, other teeth-straightening options have become available in recent years.
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The Best Invisible Aligners:
Other Brands:
Not everyone is a candidate for at-home clear aligners because they can only fix:
There are four reasons for ineligibility, including if you have:
Byte® is a popular at-home aligner brand. They work with orthodontists and dentists.
Byte stands out in the at-home aligner industry for having fast treatment times (typically 4 to 6 months). This is made possible with the HyperByte — Byte’s own HFV device in every treatment plan.
HFV stands for high-frequency vibrations. It uses soft micro pulses that transmit through the roots of teeth to the surrounding bone. Byte claims that, due to these vibrations, daily use of the HyperByte can shorten treatment time (read our concerns about this device).
Byte has two clear aligners options: All-Day Aligners ($1,999) and At-Night Aligners ($2,399). With the payment plan, you can pay $249 to $299 up-front and $70/month to $84/month for 32 months. The teeth straightening kit costs an additional $95.
Unlike Invisalign, treatment with Byte is totally remote. To begin, simply order an at-home impression kit from their website.
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable payment plans are available | Treatment can be less predictable without in-office visits |
| Treatment is completely remote | No scientific proof pointing to the safety of night aligners or moving teeth quickly |
| Quick treatment time, which is made possible with the HyperByte | Can only treat minor to moderate cases of teeth misalignment (we don't recommend them if you have more severe teeth misalignment) |
| Treats most minor to moderate teeth alignment issues | No in-depth remote monitoring |
| Every treatment plan is approved and overseen by a licensed dentist | |
| A customized treatment is created using Byte's advanced SmileScience system | |
| Byte aligners are more affordable than in-office options | |
| A personal customer service advisor is assigned to every patient | |
| A lifetime guarantee is available if your teeth shift after treatment | |
| An aligner-safe whitening foam (BrightByte) is included with every purchase | |
| Refund on impression kit if you aren’t a candidate |
Byte's All-Day Aligners are worn for 22+ hours a day and can straighten teeth in as little as 4 months. The At-Night Aligners straighten your teeth while you sleep.
Sale: $100 off aligners + BrightByte pro
SmileDirectClub (SDC) is a 9-year-old company that offers home teeth straightening for 60 percent less than braces.
SDC works with licensed doctors, dentists, and orthodontists to ensure each treatment case runs smoothly and effectively. You will track your progress remotely with a dentist or orthodontist from home comfort during treatment.
SmileDirectClub aligners cost $2,050 (no credit check required). You can get a free 3D scan at a SmileShop or buy a $59 teeth straightening starter kit.
With the payment plan, you’ll pay $250 up-front and $89/month. After treatment, you’ll buy a custom retainer for $100 to keep your teeth straight.
| Pros | Cons |
| Two ways to begin treatment: in-person at a SmileShop or online with an at-home impression kit |
Treatment can be less predictable without in-office visits |
| Large network of dentists around the U.S., making it easy to find one near you | Treatment can be overseen by a dentist or orthodontist (less predictable) |
| Affordable financing options and payment plans with no credit checks | Customer service can be hard-to-reach |
| A Lifetime Smile Guarantee that covers your smile for life (if you follow the retainer schedule) | Remote monitoring services are limited (not in-depth like in-office options) |
| Insurance may be accepted, depending on your plan | Not the best option for fixing moderate to severe bite problems |
| Free whitening treatment included with every purchase | Night aligner option available (learn the risks) |
| Convenient treatment monitoring (100% remote) | |
| Refund on impression kit if you aren’t a candidate |
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.
Sale: $15 impression kit - FREE after return, plus 6 months FREE teeth whitening. Code: NYNY23
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.
NewSmile’s Fast Track Aligners are worn for 22+ hours a day. They should only be removed for cleaning, eating, and brushing. Treatment takes between 4 and 6 months, sometimes up to a year. They cost $1,495.
NewSmile’s Night Aligners require less daily wear time (10+ hours a day). They cost $1,595.
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable aligner alternative (thousands less than braces or Invisalign) | It is not always best to go with the cheapest option (treatment is more hands-off after you approve the plan) |
| Most discreet at-home aligner with scalloped edges (to prevent gum irritation) | Newer at-home aligner company; not many reviews |
| NewSmile App to track progress throughout treatment | Treatment can be overseen by a dentist or orthodontist (less predictable) |
| Video call available with an ‘impression specialist’ | Treatment can be less predictable without in-office visits |
| BPA-free, latex-free, and FDA-approved | The aligners can be uncomfortable, especially at first |
| Free whitening foam is included with every purchase | Daily upkeep can be time-consuming and inconvenient |
| Free set of retainers | No in-depth remote monitoring |
| Refund on impression kit if you aren’t a candidate |
NewSmile aligners are trimmed along your gum line to provide a comfortable and less visible treatment experience. They also offer live video chats with specialists to ensure you make 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.
ALIGNERCO offers the cheapest invisible aligners on the market.
Treatment starts at $945 (or $79/month for 12 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. After you receive the kit, you'll take a dental impression at home and send them back to ALIGNERCO.
They will create a customized treatment plan and send the aligner trays straight to your door.
ALIGNERCO also sells NightOnly Clear Aligners. Wear time is 8 to 10 hours a day and the treatment duration is 8 to 12 months.
| Pros | Cons |
| Treatment is more affordable than other at-home options (this is why we only recommend them for minor cases) | Treatment can be less predictable without in-office visits |
| Affordable payment plans and frequent discounts are available | It is not always best to go with the cheapest option (treatment is more hands-off after you approve the plan) |
| No credit check is required for the SmileFlex Easy financing plan | Can only treat minor cases of misalignment |
| Free whitening treatment with every purchase | Customer service can be difficult to reach |
| Impression kit refunds if you aren't a candidate or reject the treatment plan | No in-depth remote monitoring |
ALIGNERCO is another brand that offers an affordable aligner experience. However, treatment is more hands-off after you approve the plan.
President's Day Sale: Save $275 on clear aligners.
Candid is a hybrid option for those who want some convenience of at-home teeth straightening without sacrificing the quality of care.
To begin treatment with Candid, you’ll visit a qualified CandidPro provider (dentist or orthodontist) for an initial consultation and to have your bite digitally scanned or impressions taken. You’ll also see them at the end of treatment to ensure your teeth are aligned correctly and you’re satisfied with the results.
The CandidPro provider then has a licensed orthodontist from Candid's team personally design your treatment plan. After that, your treatment progress is monitored remotely through CandidMonitoring™, the company’s telehealth platform (mobile app).
The same Candid orthodontist who creates your treatment plan will oversee your treatment from start to finish. Treatment takes between 4 and 12 months, depending on how severe your bite issues are.
Candid aligners cost $3,300 on average, though the price may vary depending on your level of malocclusion, your state, and the provider you see. You also have no direct financial relationship with Candid — the CandidPro provider is your healthcare provider.
| Pros | Cons |
| In-depth scans are required every two weeks (via the CandidApp) | No guarantees for refinements (ask your provider) |
| CandidPro locations are growing across the U.S. | No at-home impression kit option (if you prefer this) |
| Can treat most minor to severe cases of teeth misalignment | More expensive than other fully remote at-home aligners |
| Customer safety is a top priority; candidates are carefully selected based on eligibility | |
| Treatment takes longer than other brands to ensure patient safety | |
| Mostly remote treatment | |
| Might be more affordable than Invisalign | |
| Risk-free teeth scan | |
| Every treatment plan is monitored by a licensed orthodontist | |
| Communicative customer service | |
| Payment plans available |
Candid offers the convenience of at-home teeth straightening with a higher level of care typical of in-office aligner brands like Invisalign. Every treatment plan is overseen by a licensed orthodontist and is monitored with CandidMonitoring (via a mobile app).
Candid treatment costs $3,300 (on average, the price may change depending on various factors).
Here's how the teeth straightening kit process works:
A dental technician will also create a 3D model of your teeth based on the impressions you send in. This digital graphic will show how your smile changes from week to week.
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 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:
As with any product, at-home aligners have advantages and disadvantages:
| Byte | Invisalign | Braces | |
| Cost | All-Day Aligners: $1,999 |
$3,000 to $8,000 | $3,000 to $12,000 |
| Treatment Time | 4 to 6 months | 12 to 18 months | 12 to 24 months |
| Best For | Mild misalignment, some moderate may qualify (take the candidacy quiz) | Mild to severe misalignment, excluding skeletal issues | Mild to severe misalignment, including skeletal issues (jaw) |
| Monitoring/Care | 100% remote monitoring via an app | In-person, every 6 to 8 weeks | In-person, every 4 to 8 weeks |
In-office aligners, such as Invisalign and ClearCorrect, require you to visit an orthodontist or dentist for an initial scan and routine check-ups. Treatment is more expensive and comprehensive. The entire treatment can cost up to $8,000, with the average price at $5,500.
At-home aligners, also called mail-in or direct-to-consumer aligners, do not require in-office visits with an orthodontist. You'll begin treatment with a teeth straightening kit (some brands also offer in-person consultations). These aligners are more convenient and less expensive than in-office options.
At-home aligners typically cost under $2,100 (these are best for fixing very minor tooth discrepancies).
Traditional metal braces consist of small brackets that are fixed to your teeth. Each bracket is connected by a wire, which attaches to the brackets with rubber bands. Braces move your teeth into the correct position by applying pressure over time.
Braces can fix multiple dental and facial problems at once. They also tend to produce better results than other treatments like Invisalign.
In most cases, metal braces are necessary in cases of moderate to severe teeth and jaw misalignment. For example, braces are likely the safest and most effective option if you have an overbite, underbite, open bite, or crossbite.
Here are the main differences:
Teens and older adults with minor to moderate misalignment are typically the best candidates for aligners. Talk with your orthodontist about braces if you're younger than 12 and have severely misaligned teeth.
Candid works with licensed orthodontists, so these professionals will oversee your clear aligner treatment.
SmileDirectClub and other brands do not work solely with orthodontists; they also work with dentists and doctors.
At-home teeth aligners must be worn for at least 22 hours a day. Night aligners only need to be worn for about 10 hours a day.
Home aligner treatment takes about six months (on average). Treatment can take longer if you don't wear your aligners as directed.
After treatment is complete, you’ll get a custom retainer to keep your teeth straight. You'll receive instructions on how long to wear your retainers initially so your teeth don’t shift back. They should be replaced at least every year.
Most clear aligner companies offer payment plans and financing options. You’ll pay a couple of hundred dollars up-front and then make monthly payments for about two years. Some aligners are partially covered by insurance.
You can also use an HSA/FSA to pay for treatment. Check with the clear aligner company of your choice to determine the best financing option for your needs.
ALIGNERCO offers the most affordable teeth straightening kit on the market. However, choosing the cheapest option is not always the best idea.
If you have very minor teeth misalignment, ALIGNERCO may work. But if you have moderate alignment issues, check out Byte or Candid.
Severe cases should opt for Invisalign or another comprehensive, in-office option like ClearCorrect or ceramic braces.
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What’s Next?
The most popular at-home clear aligner kits can be found right here:
