Teeth Straightening
Overview
Clear Aligner Brands
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The term “invisible braces” is an umbrella term for invisible aligners, ceramic or clear braces, and lingual braces.
All of these treatments are more discreet than traditional metal braces. Aligners consist of clear plastic trays, while lingual and clear braces use less noticeable brackets and wires.
Invisible braces can fix the following orthodontic issues:
Clear aligners can fix many malocclusion cases and are becoming increasingly popular for adults who want to improve their smiles. However, not everyone is a candidate for clear aligner treatment.
Many people can achieve straight teeth with clear aligners. However, in severe cases of malocclusion, traditional braces or other treatments may be required.
If you are interested in straighter teeth or a new smile, speak with your dentist or orthodontist to determine which treatment option is best for you.
In the last two decades, clear aligners have become one of the most popular orthodontic treatments. Invisalign was founded in 1997 and FDA approved in 1998.
Since then, doctors worldwide have used Invisalign and other clear aligner programs to correct teeth alignment problems.
Clear aligners are virtually invisible and removable custom-fitted plastic trays that straighten your teeth discreetly and comfortably.
The process uses a mold of your teeth and digital 3D computer processing to come up with 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 people prefer this option because the invisible aligners do not change your appearance the way traditional metal braces do.
In addition, since they are removable, it’s easy to keep up your regular oral health practices, and you can brush and floss the same as before. Treatment time for clear aligners is often less than traditional braces as well.
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The Best Invisible Aligners:
Other Brands:
Most doctors that offer clear aligner treatment in the United States use Invisalign treatment in their offices. However, there are other brands of clear aligners that doctors use, including ClearCorrect and SureSmile.
Going to your dentist or orthodontist for clear aligner treatment provides benefits such as face-to-face interactions and more precise check-ups.
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 teeth straightening treatment options 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 then 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).
| In-Office Aligners | At-Home Aligners | |
| Cost | $3,000 to $8,000 | $1,200 to $2,300 |
| How to Start | Visit a licensed dental professional near you | Order an at-home impression kit |
| Financing Options | Depends on provider | Set payment plans, varies by brand |
| Treatment Time | 12 to 18 months | 4 to 12 months |
| Treatable Cases | Mild to severe | Mild, some moderate |
| Progress Monitoring | In-person visits every few weeks | 100% remote |
Based on our research, here are the best at-home invisible aligners:
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. This is a dental movement acceleration device that only has to be used for a few minutes a day. 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.
Sale: $100 off aligners + BrightByte pro
SmileDirectClub is a 6-year-old company that works with licensed doctors, dentists, and orthodontists.
The 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.
They also offer an affordable payment plan. After treatment, you’ll buy a custom retainer for $100 to keep your teeth straight.
We recommend all-day aligners over night aligners.
SmileDirectClub is the largest, longest-standing clear aligner manufacturer.
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 do not touch your gums. They are 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 cost $1,495. The Night Aligners require less daily wear time (10+ hours a day). They cost $1,595.
We recommend all-day aligners over night aligners.
NewSmile aligners are trimmed along your gum line to provide a comfortable and less visible treatment experience.
They also offer live video chats with a specialist to ensure you make accurate impressions.
NewSmile aligners are more affordable than other brands.
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, as well as 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 also your health care provider.
To begin treatment with Candid, you can visit a CandidPro location for an initial consultation. If you are approved for treatment, you’ll receive the aligners within a few weeks.
Every treatment plan is overseen by a qualified orthodontist with over 20 years of experience. Treatment is monitored in the CandidApp.
You can begin treatment by visiting a CandidPro location:
Lingual braces are metal brackets that get 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.
The average cost of conventional metal braces is $3,000 to $7,350, while lingual braces range from $5,000 to $13,000.
Ceramic braces, also known as 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.
Invisible braces are a popular option 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 find out which treatment option is best for you.
Your treatment cost will depend on the severity of your condition, your treatment length, and your 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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