Aug 29, 2022 | Clear Aligners
A beautiful perfect smile is something a lot of people desire. Knowing that your smile gives off a good impression provides you with more confidence when you meet new people when you go on job interviews, or even when you’re just meeting with friends and family. It’s the Hollywood smile that’s often the goal of many. But like most things in life, perfection doesn’t always occur for everybody. Some people may naturally develop straight teeth but a lot of us actually deal with some degree of crookedness or misalignment.
Years ago, teens and adults dread the thought of treatment with metal braces because of their appearance and the discomfort it produces. As medical technology continues to evolve, you can now find various alternatives to metal braces.
Teens and adults who want to perfect their smiles have several options. The costs of treatment are also becoming much more competitive with the emergence of multiple brands and treatment providers. Keep reading below to find out the leading clear aligner brands and which brands fit your needs.
One of the popular alternatives to metal braces is the invisible brace, sometimes also called clear aligners. Invisible braces can be removed, unlike metal braces that are affixed to the teeth. From the name itself, invisible braces are incredibly discreet. Other people would notice them only if they stare at you for a long time allowing you to maintain a preferred aesthetic.
Invisalign is the pioneering name in the invisible braces market. It is a popular option for patients who can afford them and do not want the discomfort and pain of metal brackets. In the recent decade, more and more companies have developed their own invisible braces as the demand continues to grow. They are viable alternatives for people who do not have the funds for Invisalign treatment.
Depending on the patient’s case, treatment with metal braces can last 24 months. Invisalign treatment also offers the same average timeframe. At-home clear aligners meanwhile offer a treatment time of three to six months. The average cost of metal braces and Invisalign range from $5,000 to $10,000. At-home clear aligners usually cost much lower starting at $1,200.
Before you pay for a treatment plan, remember these five things:
• Choose a brand with a licensed orthodontist for your treatment
• Get screened to determine if invisible braces are suitable for your case
• Be consistent and follow the treatment program
• The orthodontist should give evaluations during and after the treatment• Go to a provider with verified positive feedback
Choosing an at-home treatment with invisible braces offers certain restrictions. At-home treatment is usually recommended for those who want to correct something in their top and bottom front teeth. Cases with issues in this area are considered mild. More complex cases are recommended to work directly with an orthodontist.
When it comes to clear aligners or invisible braces, there are two typical treatment programs. Several of the companies on our list do offer in-office and at-home treatment. Make sure to verify with your provider which program works best for you. At-home treatment is more convenient. However, more complicated cases would need assessments in-office from their orthodontist. For the duration of the treatment, you will switch out multiple sets of invisible braces as your teeth slowly shift into the desired alignment.
In-office treatment is done at your dental provider’s office. They will get an X-ray or 3D scan of your teeth to create a custom plan. These X-rays will also be used to manufacture your clear aligners. Once you start wearing invisible braces, you’ll be required to schedule regular follow-up visits. This is for your dentist to evaluate how much progress you are making and if you’re ready to change to a new set of aligners.
At-home treatment options usually start with an impression kit. An impression kit will contain a putty mix that you use to create an impression or mold of your teeth. This will be sent to the company so that they can assess whether you are a good candidate for their treatment.
If you do not feel confident using an impression kit, you can choose a provider that offers 3D scans in a physical location. 3D scans are offered for free and take only a moment. It can be more convenient than an impression kit if you can find a location near you.
Just like in-office treatments, the provider will customize a treatment plan. Some providers will offer a render of what your teeth would look like upon completion of the treatment. When your clear aligners become available, you will receive them directly at your doorstep. Check the instructions on how to wear them properly and how to clean them. Invisible braces are worn for the majority of the 24 hours and should only be removed when eating or drinking.
Each individual has a different priority when it comes to their treatment. Some would prefer a faster timeframe but all the same effective, others would prioritize their budget, or the convenience and accessibility of the treatment. Below are the five leading brands of invisible braces and their cost, treatment time, and inclusions.
1. SmileDirectClub – most convenient
SmileDirectClub was established in 2014 and they are among the companies that provide in-office and at-home treatment programs. The impression kit from SmileDirectClub costs $59. But if you do not want to spend your money on a kit, you can visit any of their 300 locations nationwide. Their Partner Network consists of over 1,000 dental offices across the US making it easier for patients to access their services. Since 2014, Smile DirectClub has provided treatment to over 1 million patients. 80% of their customer feedback is four or five stars.
They offer flexible payment options with a monthly plan that lasts 24 months. The installment plan also includes a complimentary teeth whitening treatment. There is an additional cost of $99 for the retainers.
• Price: $1,950
• Timeframe: 4-6 months
• Patient evaluation: Impression kit or 3D scan
• Nighttime plan: Yes
2. AlignerCo – most affordable
AlignerCo is for those who are on a tighter budget but still want to correct their teeth alignment. You can get an impression kit, clear aligners, and retainers for $1,200. They have an 11-month installment plan for $95 a month and a $275 down payment. They also have a 12-month plan for $86 a month. If paying the price in a lump sum is challenging, these are excellent options. Their Trustpilot profile has 400 reviews and a 4.7 rating.
• Price: $1,145
• Timeframe: 6-11 months
• Patient evaluation: Impression kit
• Nighttime plan: Yes
3. Byte – most time efficient
Byte promises to give you your desired smile in less than six months. Of course, the treatment time will vary depending on each case. The Byte Smile Science is the process where a dental provider creates a treatment program based on the patient’s whole face structure instead of relying solely on the teeth. 97% of Byte’s customer reviews are four and five stars. They also have a lifetime guarantee so if your teeth shift out of alignment, they will offer treatment to fix it.
• Price: $1,895
• Timeframe: 3-6 months
• Patient evaluation: Impression kit
• Nighttime plan: Yes
4. Candid – most generous with inclusions
Candid’s clear aligner treatment covers teeth whitening, tools for remote progress monitoring, and a carrying case for aligners. The treatment costs $2,400. Their treatment providers have all licensed orthodontists so you know that you’re getting the best treatment. Some health reviewers mentioned poor customer service and patients getting results that are different from the promised outcome. With more recent customer feedback, Candid has been getting positive reviews. They offer a flexible payment plan of $99 a month for 24 months with a $399 initial downpayment. Their retainers also cost an extra $99.
• Price: $2,400
• Timeframe: 6 months
• Patient evaluation: Impression kit or 3D scan
• Nighttime plan: No
5. Invisalign – most suitable for complicated cases
Invisalign is the oldest and most established name for invisible braces. The company first offered treatment with invisible braces back in 1997. They are also the only company that does not offer at-home treatment plans. Patients are required to make regular visits to their dentist’s office. The cost of Invisalign treatment is also much higher than the at-home clear aligners.
Patients with significantly complex cases who want discreet treatment will find Invisalign the top option. The SmartForce attachments, small and tooth-colored brackets attached to the tooth, are like handles for the aligners.
• Price: $3,000 – $6,000
• Timeframe: 12-18 months
• Patient evaluation: X-ray or 3D scan
• Nighttime plan: Yes
Something to Think About
At-home clear aligner treatment has caused some concern to the American Association of Orthodontists. The AAO is a firm believer in patients going to in-office treatments when it comes to orthodontic care. There are dental providers that agree with the sentiment that risks involved in orthodontic care are difficult to manage remotely.
Patients interested in getting treatment with at-home clear aligners should remember the importance of safety. These at-home aligners are most suitable for a minor degree of crookedness or for closing gaps. People with more complex cases should visit an orthodontist or dentist in person. You also have to ensure that there are no dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, or wisdom teeth.
As these kinds of concerns come to light, it is up to the providers and brands of at-home treatments to create a suitable response and ensure the health of their patients. What we do know is that more people are taking better care of their health.