10 Best Braces and Invisible Aligners (2024) – Straighten Your Teeth at Home
If you think you need to wear braces for a year or two to have a perfect, beautiful smile, think again. In the past, the only way to straighten your teeth was to spend a year or two in expensive, uncomfortable, and sometimes painful braces. You had to deal with a whole bunch of metal, avoid certain foods, and visit your dentist every month or two to have the wires adjusted.
If you’re a candidate for orthodontic treatment, choosing a direct-to-consumer company can save you money compared to going to a dentist.
By choosing a brand of invisible aligners, you can decide how to get started, how to consult with a dentist, and what kind of extras your kit should include.
In this article, we’ll highlight the best brands of invisible braces. We also answer the most frequently asked questions about aligners and whether they’re a good 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 and comfortable aligners
Starting price: $1,895 (financing: $82 per month)
Average treatment time: 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 night, depending on how quickly you want to see results.
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 aligners and can reduce treatment time by up to two months.
Pros
- Includes HyperByte vibrating device
- See results in just two months
- Over 200 licensed dental professionals 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
Insurance accepted
Like many invisible aligner options, Byte aligners are made of soft, BPA-free plastic. You can wear them all day or night, depending on how quickly you want to see results. But what makes Byte unique is 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 each day during treatment. The device helps position the guides and can reduce treatment time by up to two months.
Pros
- Includes HyperByte vibration device
- Results in just two months
- Over 200 licensed dentists online
Cons
- Retainers cost over $100 per year
- Not available for serious bite issues
Starting price: $1,495 (financing: $104 per month)
Average treatment time: 4-8 months
Insurance accepted: Yes
If you’re looking for invisible orthodontics, 2Usmiles offers some of the most affordable prices in the home aligners industry without compromising on quality.
With 2Usmiles, everything is done remotely, from ordering a print set to purchasing aligners to monitoring your treatment.
Pros
- Lifetime warranty with free guides if teeth move after treatment
- Free teeth whitening kit included in the guide package
- Lots of discounts.
Cons
- Relatively new brand
- Few customer reviews.
Starting price: $3,000-$5,000 (varies by clinic)
Treatment duration: Average 6 months
Insurance accepted (varies by clinic)
Candid initially launched as an in-home referral system, like Byte and SmileDirectClub. However, they have transitioned to a clinic-based system where you start with a local clinic and interact with them virtually. Each clinic sets its own pricing and insurance coverage terms.
On the Candid website, you can fill out a questionnaire to see if you are a candidate for their referrals and find a local clinic. The clinic will coordinate your scans and process your treatment. You will receive your guides by mail and a scanner to share your progress virtually with your dentist. The average treatment time is six months; you will need to wear retainers to maintain the results.
Pros
- Orthodontist-assisted treatment
- Virtual treatment updates available
- Aligners provided after first visit
Cons
- Must be coordinated with local office
- More expensive than other aligner options
Starting price: All-day plan: $12.99 or $65/month Night plan: $13.99 or $70/month
Treatment duration: 4-6 months All-day plan: 6-8 months Night plan
Insurance accepted
No
Pros
- Orthodontist-assisted treatment
- Free whitening gel included
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Retainers must be purchased every six months
- Not suitable for serious orthodontic issues
- Not accepted
Starting price: $895 ($81/month)
Average treatment time: 4-6 months
Insurance not accepted
AlignerCo aligners are made from ultra-clear, BPA-free, biodegradable plastic. Their custom-made system is the most affordable option, starting at $895 if you pay upfront. Their business model is remote, so you take a printout at home and mail it to them.
You can choose a 20-22 hour wear schedule (results will be seen in 4-6 months) or overnight aligners for 8-10 hours each night (results will be seen in 6-8 months).
Pros
- Lowest price on the market
- Fully remote treatment
- Instant customer service via chat
Cons
- Insurance not accepted
- No stamp kit available if you don’t qualify
Methodology – How We Rate Invisible Braces
When evaluating invisible aligner brands, we examine the features and benefits of each brand, the price-quality ratio of each aligner set, and the availability of reliable customer service.
What Are Invisible Braces? (Teeth Aligners)
There are three main categories of braces:
Metal braces
Traditional metal braces are a system of brackets that are attached to each tooth. Braces are connected by a wire that, when tightened, moves the teeth in the correct direction. Metal braces must be placed and maintained in the office of the referring dentist. Patients typically visit the office every four to eight weeks to have their wires adjusted.
Clear braces
These work in the same way as traditional braces, but are made of clear ceramic to match the color of your teeth. Like metal braces, treatment with clear braces requires regular visits to the dentist.
Teeth aligners
Clear aligners, also known as invisible braces, are a series of clear plastic trays that look like mouth guards. They are placed over the upper and lower teeth to gradually move them into the correct position. While they are not completely invisible, they are often difficult to notice when they are worn.
Dental aligners vs. metal braces
There are several aspects to consider when deciding whether to choose traditional braces (made of clear or metal materials) or aligners.
- Good looks: Because aligners are difficult to see, they are an attractive option for those looking for subtle adjustments.
- Cost: The cost of traditional braces varies by region and the severity of the correction needed, but is typically between $5,000 and $6,000. Treatment with dental aligners can cost as little as $895 for a fully remote-controlled option like AlignerCo, or up to $5,000 in some areas for a clinic-based option like Candid.
- Severity: Invisible aligners are ideal for many mild to moderate corrections. However, if you have serious orthodontic problems, you should see an orthodontist for traditional metal or clear braces.
- Comfort: Many people find that aligners are more comfortable because they can be removed for eating and brushing. Traditional braces require regular office visits for adjustments and maintenance, usually every 4-8 weeks.
- Adhesion: The convenience of removable aligners can also be counterproductive. Adhesion issues can affect both teens and adults.
How Do Teeth Aligners Work?
Clear aligners are relatively quick to use, averaging four to six months. To get started, you’ll need to decide whether you’d prefer a fully remote service or a company that combines virtual and in-person care. A few companies offer a 100% remote option, while a few require visits to a local office. Most websites offer a screening process to determine if you’re a candidate for their product before you can purchase a full service or impression kit.
Teeth Aligners – DIY Home Kits
Most of the companies we reviewed offer a home impression kit to start your treatment. Some companies, like AlignerCo, only offer this option.
The impression kit includes a tray and a putty-like material to fill it. You’ll gently bite down on the tray. The putty hardens when you remove it from your mouth. You’ll then send the impression to the aligner company so they can make your aligners. Most companies offer clear instructions, online videos, and customer service to guide you through the impression process.
Clear Braces – In-Person Scans and Treatments
A few companies also offer the option to visit the clinic to get a 3D scan of your teeth instead of a dental impression. SmileDirectClub and Strayt offer both options, while Candid only offers an in-person impression option. With a 3D scan, your orthodontist takes an image using a unique software system that maps the position of your teeth.
Whether you choose an at-home impression or an in-office scan, you’ll have to wait a few weeks to receive your custom-made aligners. Each pair of aligners will be worn for a set period of time, usually about two weeks.
With most companies, you can choose a wearing schedule of 20-22 hours a day for faster healing, or 8-10 hours a night for longer healing. Over the course of a series of aligners, your teeth will move closer to their ideal position.
Many companies include an initial set of retainers in your treatment package. You should maintain your retainers and replace them every six months to keep your teeth aligned 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 orthodontic dentist can assess your situation and determine if you are a good candidate for this type of procedure. Some of the most common dental problems corrected with dental braces include:
- Crowding
- Widely spaced teeth
- Overbite
- Crossbite
- Mild recurrence after previous orthodontic treatment
- Mild 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 determine 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 dentists at the archwire company will review your impressions or 3D scans and determine that you are not a good candidate for correction with their product. In most cases, you can get a refund for the money you have paid so far.
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 can be achieved with aligners than with traditional braces.
- Metal or clear clasps: The average treatment time is 1 to 2 years.
- Dental aligners: The average treatment time is 4 to 8 months.
With invisible aligners, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Not using them as directed - will result in a longer treatment time.
Maintenance and Cleaning of Invisible Braces
It is important to properly maintain your aligners to prevent them from becoming discolored or causing bad breath or other problems. Each company provides instructions on how to maintain their guides. This usually involves briefly soaking them in a cleaning solution such as vinegar, soap, or baking soda and rinsing them thoroughly. Several companies sell special devices for cleaning and disinfecting guides.
