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“Invisible braces” is an umbrella term for invisible aligners, ceramic or clear braces, clear teeth aligners, and lingual braces. They’re removable custom-fitted plastic trays that straighten your teeth discreetly and comfortably.
All of these treatments are more discreet than traditional metal braces. Aligners have clear plastic trays, while lingual and clear braces use less noticeable brackets and wires.
The process uses a mold of your teeth and digital 3D computer processing to develop a custom treatment plan. You will receive a set of aligners and change the plastic aligner tray every couple of weeks until your teeth are in the proper position.
Many prefer this option because the invisible aligners don’t change your appearance like traditional metal braces.
Many people choose invisible aligners over traditional braces because of the following reasons:
Invisible aligners don’t require wires or brackets like traditional braces. This means that you don’t have to worry about them getting in the way of your smile. Many people like the way invisible aligners are almost invisible since they don’t get self-conscious.
You can remove invisible aligners whenever you eat, brush, or floss. This makes it easier to maintain your oral health. You don’t have to worry about food debris getting stuck in between the wires and brackets.
When you choose invisible aligners, the orthodontist will show you what your teeth look like after treatment. They use 3D imaging technology, so you know what to expect afterward.
Clear aligners are an increasingly popular orthodontic treatment option for adults seeking to improve their smiles. However, it's important to note that not everyone is a candidate for clear aligner treatment.
Clear aligners are effective in treating mild to moderate cases of misaligned teeth, including:
Traditional braces or other treatments may be required in severe cases of malocclusion.
If you’re interested in straighter teeth or a new smile, speak with your dentist or orthodontist to determine the best treatment option.
Based on our research, here are the best invisible braces companies that provide at-home treatment:
Byte® stands out in the at-home aligner industry for having strong customer support and fast treatment times (4 to 6 months).
As a customer, you’ll receive a HyperByte® with your aligners. You only need to use this dental movement acceleration device for a few minutes daily. Byte claims this helps to straighten teeth quicker.
Read our article comparing the positives and negatives of the HyperByte and similar vibration-based aligner therapies.
Byte has two clear aligners options, including All-Day Aligners or At-Night Aligners. Their All-Day Aligners cost $1,999. The teeth straightening kit costs an additional $95.
We recommend all-day aligners over night aligners.
Here’s what customers think about Byte at-home aligners:
Black Friday Sale: Impression Kit for only $14.95 with $600 off retail pricing.
SmileDirectClub is the largest, longest-standing clear aligner manufacturer. They’re a 6-year-old company that works with licensed doctors, dentists, and orthodontists.
The aligners cost $2,250 (no credit check required). You can get a free 3D scan at a SmileShop or buy a $59 teeth straightening starter kit.
They also offer an affordable payment plan. After treatment, you’ll buy a custom retainer for $100 to keep your teeth straight.
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.
We recommend all-day aligners over night aligners.
Here’s what customers are saying about SmileDirectClub’s products and services:
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. The aligners claim to be more comfortable because they don’t touch your gums. They’re trimmed to sit along your gum line in a ‘scalloped fashion.’
NewSmile’s Fast Track Aligners are worn for 22+ hours a day. Treatment takes between 4 and 6 months, but sometimes up to a year. They also offer live video chats with a specialist to ensure you make accurate teeth impressions.
They cost $1,395. The Night Aligners require less daily wear time (10+ hours a day). They cost $1,595.
However, we recommend all-day aligners over night aligners. There are no studies that prove that nighttime aligners are safe or effective.
According to customers, here’s what they think about NewSmile:
Use code NewMouthDeal for $100 off Aligners and code NewMouthKit for $20 off impression kit.
Candid only works with licensed orthodontists to design and oversee your treatment, rather than general dentists. This allows a higher level of treatment consistency and reliability.
The same orthodontist who creates your treatment plan will oversee your treatment from start to finish. Candid aligner treatment takes about six months (on average).
Candid aligners cost $3,300 on average. This can vary based on your location, what provider you see, and your level of malocclusion.
Some CandidPro providers may offer the ability to make monthly payments. You also have no direct financial relationship with Candid — the CandidPro provider is your healthcare provider.
To begin treatment with Candid, you can visit a CandidPro location for an initial consultation. If you're approved for treatment, you’ll receive the aligners within a few weeks. Treatment is monitored in the CandidApp.
Here’s what customers are saying about Candid:
You can begin treatment by visiting a CandidPro location:
Aligner treatment can be in-office or at home. Here are their differences:
In-office aligner treatment consists of going to a dentist or orthodontist in person. Going to a professional for clear aligner treatment provides benefits such as face-to-face interactions and more precise check-ups.
Most doctors that offer clear aligner treatment in the United States use Invisalign treatment in their offices. Other brands of clear aligners that doctors use include ClearCorrect and SureSmile.
However, Invisalign costs much more than at-home treatment options (usually between $4,000 and $8,000), and some people prefer the convenience of virtual consultations over having to visit their doctor each month.
At-home aligner treatment is when you order clear aligners to be shipped directly to your home.
Popular invisible braces brands include Candid (not entirely remote), Byte, SmileDirectClub, ClearCorrect, and more.
These companies will send you an impression kit and then use your mold to develop a custom treatment plan. They will monitor your progress virtually and mail you new aligners when it is time to change them.
Since these companies work directly with consumers, they cost significantly less than Invisalign aligners (typically under $2,000).
The best invisible braces brand for you will always depend on your needs, lifestyle, and preferences. If you don't know where to start, here are some factors to consider:
People with severe misaligned teeth may not be good candidates for invisible braces. Some may even need additional treatment before they can start with invisible braces. Discuss your treatment options with your orthodontist before opting for a particular brand.
Another factor to consider when choosing invisible braces is the cost. Some brands may cost more than others, so consider their prices carefully. For instance, other companies may charge more for additional services such as remote monitoring and virtual consultations.
Brand reputation says a lot about what you can expect from the treatment. Check past customer reviews and see what they have to say about a certain brand. In most cases, you can expect better services from a brand with better reviews.
After you finish treatment with invisible braces, you need to wear retainers. This will help maintain your new smile. Check the company’s policies regarding post-treatment retention.
Do they offer free retainers? Do they provide post-treatment visits? Asking these questions will help determine whether an invisible braces brand is a good fit for you.
Most dental insurance won’t cover invisible braces. This is because they’re considered a cosmetic procedure. You won’t be eligible for treatment in this case.
However, insurance companies will cover some of the costs of orthodontic treatment. If this is the case, you may be eligible for partial coverage for invisible braces.
Remember that coverage depends on the type and brand of invisible braces. Always consult your insurance provider and orthodontist to know more about your coverage.
Some brands offer payment plans and financing options if your insurance doesn’t cover the cost of invisible braces.
Lingual braces are metal brackets attached to the back of your teeth instead of the front.
They are the least visible type of metal braces available and can correct most of the same issues that traditional braces can.
However, some people find them more uncomfortable since they can irritate your tongue easily and temporarily affect your speech.
They also may cost more and have a longer treatment time than conventional braces. Conventional metal braces cost $3,000 to $7,350, while lingual braces range from $5,000 to $13,000.
Ceramic or clear braces are very similar to traditional metal braces.
Though many teens and adults prefer their look over silver or gold metal brackets, they are still visible.
As an established website for all things dental, NewMouth’s articles go through different stages of review and research. For this review article, you can trust us because of the following:
At NewMouth, we have a team of medical reviewers who review our articles before publication. They make sure that all information is medically accurate.
We only recommend products that have been tried and tested. This way, you can be sure you’re getting accurate information and advice.
Our writers are experienced in researching medical and dental topics. They ensure the information is up-to-date and based on evidence from reliable sources such as scientific journals, government websites, and clinical studies.
All of our articles also go through a rigorous editorial process. Our writers spend hundreds of hours researching invisible braces and other dental products. This guarantees that the information is accurate and unbiased.
In addition, we update our articles regularly so that we can keep up with different industry changes.
We also consider customer ratings and feedback as part of our review process. Our team reviews hundreds of reviews to determine what people say about different products.
This allows us to provide an unbiased and comprehensive look at different invisible braces brands. Our team looks at ratings from real customers who have actually used the product.
While we partner with different dental product brands, we maintain our commitment to transparency. Our team never let our partnerships influence our content.
You can trust that our reviews are honest and unbiased. We’ll write about a product’s advantages and disadvantages for a comprehensive review.
Invisible braces are popular for teens and adults looking for straight teeth and a beautiful smile.
Clear aligners are the most convenient and cost-effective way to correct crooked teeth, gapped teeth, and other mild to moderate forms of malocclusion, while lingual or ceramic braces are the best option for severe cases.
Speak with your dentist or orthodontist to determine which treatment option is best for you.
Your treatment cost will depend on your condition's severity, treatment length, and location. The average costs of invisible braces are:
Invisalign Treatment: $4,000 to $8,000
At-Home Aligners: $1,800 to $2,300
Lingual Braces: $5,000 to $13,000
Ceramic Braces: $4,000 to $8,000
Yes, invisible braces are an excellent option for treating cases of malocclusion.
Candid aligners are one of the most cost-effective and highly rated invisible braces on the market. They are a direct-to-consumer brand to make it convenient and affordable for customers.
Your treatment time will vary depending on the type of invisible braces and the severity of your condition. The average treatment time is around six to eight months but can vary from three to 36 months. Some people will need refinements (additional aligners or elastic rubber bands) at the end of their treatment to ensure optimal results.
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