10 Best Invisible Aligners and Braces (2024) – Straighten Your Teeth at Home
If you think you need braces for a year or two to get a straight, beautiful smile, think again. In the past, the only way to straighten your teeth was to spend a year or two wearing expensive, uncomfortable, and sometimes painful braces. You had to deal with a mouth full of metal, avoid certain foods, and visit your referring dentist every month or two to have the wires adjusted.
If you’re a candidate for referral treatment, choosing a direct-to-consumer company can save you money compared to visiting a referral dentist.
When choosing an invisible aligner, you can decide how to get started, how to contact your referring dentist, and what accessories are included in the kit.
In this article, we’ll highlight the best brands of invisible aligners. We also answer the most frequently asked questions about aligners and how to know if they’re the right option for you.
- Byte – Ideal for science-based technology
- Byte Night –
- 2Usmiles – Ideal for clear aligners
- Candid – Ideal for invisible aligners
- Aligner32 – Night aligners
- ALIGNERCO – Ideal for those on a budget
- Strayt – Price Match Guarantee
- NewSmile – Ultra-clear, comfortable aligners
Initial price: $1,895 (financing: $82/month)
Treatment duration: Average 3-4 months
Insurance accepted: Yes
Like many invisible aligner options, Byte aligners are made of soft, BPA-free plastic. You can wear them all day or all night, depending on how quickly you want to see results.
HyperByte is included in your treatment plan, and the company recommends using it for five minutes a day. The device helps position the aligners and can speed up healing by up to two months.
Pros
- Includes HyperByte vibrating device
- See results in just two months
- Over 200 board-certified dentists in the network
Cons - Retainers cost over $100 per year
- Not available for serious bite problems
Starting price: $1,895 (financing: $82 per month)
Treatment duration: Average 3-4 months
Accepts health insurance
Like many clear aligner options, Byte aligners are made of soft, BPA-free plastic. You can wear them all day or all night, depending on how quickly you want to see results. But Byte stands out with the HyperByte, an FDA-approved medical device that sends high-frequency vibrations through your teeth to the roots and surrounding bone.
The HyperByte is included in your treatment plan, and the company recommends wearing it for five minutes a day during treatment. The device helps position the guides and can speed up healing by as little as two months.
Pros
- Includes HyperByte vibration device
- Results in just two months
- Networked with over 200 board-certified dentists
Cons - Retainers cost over $100 per year
- Not available for severe bite problems
Starting price: $1,495 (financing: $104 per month)
Treatment duration: Average 4 to 8 months
Insurance accepted: Yes
If you’re considering invisible braces, 2Usmiles offers some of the most affordable prices on the market for at-home aligners without compromising on quality.
With 2Usmiles, everything is done remotely, from ordering the impression set and purchasing the aligners to monitoring your treatment.
Pros
- Lifetime warranty with free aligners if teeth move after treatment
- Free teeth whitening kit included with aligners
- Big discounts
Cons - Relatively new brand
- Limited customer reviews
Starting price: $3,000-$5,000 (varies by clinic)
Treatment duration: Average 6 months
Accepts insurance (varies by clinic)
Candid initially launched as an in-home aligner system, similar to Byte and SmileDirectClub. However, it now offers a personal system where you start with a local clinic and follow up virtually. Each clinic sets its own pricing and insurance coverage terms.
On the Candid website, you can fill out a questionnaire to determine if you are a candidate for their aligners and find a clinic near you. The clinic will coordinate your scans and develop your treatment plan. You will receive your guides in the mail and a scanning tool to share your progress virtually with your doctor. The average treatment time is six months. You will need to wear retainers to maintain the results.
Pros
- Treatment is done under the supervision of an orthodontist
- Virtual treatment updates are available
- Alignments are provided after the first visit
Cons - Must work with a local office
- More expensive than other aligner options
Starting price: Daily wear plan: $1,299 or $65/month. Night wear plan: $1,399 or $70/month
Treatment duration: 4-6 months. Daily wear plan: 6-8 months. Overnight plan:
Not accepted by insurance
Pros
- Treatment is done under the supervision of an orthodontist
- Whitening gel included
- 24/7 customer support
Cons - New retainers must be purchased every six months
- Not suitable for severe orthodontic problems
- Not accepted by insurance
Starting price: $895 ($81/month)
Treatment duration: Average 4-6 months
Not accepted by insurance
AlignerCo aligners are made of biodegradable, ultra-clear, BPA-free plastic. Their treatment system is the cheapest option, starting at $895 when paid upfront. Their business model is remote, so you have to take photos at home and send them by mail.
You can choose between 20-22 hours of treatment per day (results will be visible in 4-6 months) or 8-10 hours of nightly antennas (results will be visible in 6-8 months).
Pros
- Lowest price on the market
- Completely remote treatment
- Fast customer support via chat
Cons - Does not accept insurance
- Photography kit not available if you are not qualified
Methodology – How We Rate Invisible Braces
When analyzing invisible antenna brands, we examine the features and benefits of each, the price-to-quality ratio of each dental antenna set, and the availability of reliable customer service.
What Are Invisible Braces? (Teeth Aligners)
There are three main categories of orthodontic appliances:
Metal braces
Traditional metal braces consist of a system of brackets that are attached to each tooth. The brackets are connected by a wire that moves the teeth in the correct direction when tightened. Metal braces must be placed and maintained by a referring dentist. Patients usually visit the referring dentist’s office every four to eight weeks.
Clear braces
These work in the same way as traditional braces, but they are made of a clear ceramic to match the color of your teeth. As with metal braces, treatment with clear braces requires regular visits to the referring dentist.
Teeth aligners
Clear aligners, also known as invisible braces, are a series of clear plastic trays that look like mouth guards. They are worn over the upper and lower teeth to gradually move them into the correct position. While not completely invisible, it is often difficult to tell that someone is wearing them. Dental aligners vs. metal braces
There are several aspects to consider when deciding between traditional braces (made of clear or metal materials) and aligners.
- Aesthetics: Because aligners are difficult to see, they are an attractive option for those who want to straighten their teeth in a discreet way.
- Cost: The cost of traditional braces varies depending on the region and the severity of the correction, but it usually ranges from $5,000 to $6,000. Orthodontic treatment can cost as little as $895 for a fully remote option like AlignerCo, or up to $5,000 in some areas for an in-person option like Candid.
- Severity: Clear aligners are ideal for many mild to moderate corrections. However, if you have serious orthodontic issues, you should consult with an orthodontist for metal or clear braces.
- Comfort: Many people find braces more convenient because they can be removed for eating and brushing. Traditional braces require regular office visits for adjustments and maintenance, usually every four to eight weeks.
- Adhesion: The comfort of removable aligners can also be a drawback. Adhesion issues can affect both teens and adults.
How Do Teeth Aligners Work?
Clear aligners are relatively quick to get straightened, taking an average of four to six months. To get started, you’ll need to decide whether you’d prefer a completely remote service or a company that combines virtual and in-person care. A few companies offer a 100% remote option, while others require office visits. Most sites offer an assessment process to determine if you’re a good candidate for their product before you can purchase a full service or an impression kit.
Teeth Aligners – DIY Home Kits
Most of the companies we reviewed offer an impression kit for home use to start treatment. Some companies, like AlignerCo, only offer this option.
The impression kit includes a tray and a paste-like material to fill it with. You’ll bite down gently on the tray. The paste will harden when you remove it from your mouth. You’ll then send the impression to an aligner company to have your aligners made. Most companies offer clear instructions, online videos, and customer support to guide you through the stamping process.
Clear Braces – In-Person Scans and Treatments
A few companies offer the option of 3D scanning your teeth instead of a paste-based impression. SmileDirectClub and Strayt offer both options, while Candid only offers in-office treatment. With a 3D scan, your orthodontic dentist takes an image using proprietary software that maps the position of your teeth.
Whether you choose at-home impressions or in-office scans, you’ll have to wait a few weeks to receive your custom-made aligners. You’ll wear each pair of aligners for a set period of time, usually two weeks.
Most companies let you choose a wearing schedule: 8-10 hours a day for faster treatment, or 8-10 hours a night for longer treatment. As you progress through a series of aligners, your teeth will gradually move into their ideal position.
Several companies include a first set of retainers in their treatment package. You should wear your retainers regularly and replace them every six months to keep your teeth straight and to maintain the company’s money-back guarantee.
Invisible Braces Cost and Treatment Times
Braces are used in a variety of situations, and a professional orthodontist can evaluate your case to determine if you are a good candidate for this type of treatment. Some of the most common dental problems corrected with braces include:
- Crowding
- Wide gaps between teeth
- Overbite
- Crossbite
- Minor relapse after previous orthodontic treatment
- Simple bite irregularities
For more complex cases and serious dental irregularities, you should opt for traditional braces.
Most of the companies we reviewed offer online questionnaires to help you decide if their products are right for you. You can also contact the company through their website or call them to discuss your needs and concerns.
Sometimes, the doctors at the braces company will review your impressions or 3D scan and determine that you are not a good candidate for treatment with their product. In most cases, you will be able to get a full refund of all payments made to date.
Do Invisible Braces Work Faster?
The length of treatment for any orthodontic solution varies greatly depending on the needs of each patient. In general, faster results are achieved with aligners than with traditional braces.
- Metal or clear braces: Treatment takes an average of 1 to 2 years.
- Dental aligners: Treatment takes an average of 4 to 8 months.
It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for clear aligners. Failure to use them as directed will result in a longer treatment time.
Maintenance and Cleaning of Invisible Braces
It is important to properly care for your braces to prevent wear, bad breath, and other problems. Each company provides instructions on how to care for their braces. This usually involves briefly soaking the braces in a cleaning solution such as vinegar, soap, or baking soda, and rinsing thoroughly. Several companies sell special devices for cleaning and disinfecting braces.
