Aug 29, 2022 | Clear Aligners
A beautiful smile with a straight set of teeth is something a lot of us want to achieve. However, the cost of treatment required to get the desired results are not always within budget. One alternative to traditional braces is at-home treatments.
We looked at the top 5 best at-home clear aligner brands and ranked them. Hopefully, this will help you find the best match for you. We provide you with the essential details that make each aligner company stand out plus the advantages and disadvantages of at-home treatments.
In terms of at-home clear aligner treatment, SmielDirectClub is among the first companies to offer the service. It is also among the popular options today. The brand has provided treatment to more than 1 million customers since 2013.
Pros
• SmileDirectClub has over 300 physical locations across the United States. You can get a 3D scan of your teeth at any SmileShop near you. The results of the scan will be handed over to a dentist so they can evaluate whether you are a good candidate for their aligner treatment. For those who do not want to buy impression kits, this is a great option.
• Smilepay does not require a credit check and will provide patients with guaranteed treatment financing.
• More experience with various conditions and complications in treatment because of their large number of treated patients.
Cons
• SmileDirectClub’s treatment time averages at 4 to 6 months. This timeframe is longer than some of its competitors.
• Customer support has received complaints about delays in shipping and inconsistent communication for issues that occur during the treatment.
NewSmile is among the most recent group of industry newcomers. Despite being a new addition, they offer some of the fastest treatment times falling behind against byte. They have both regular and night treatment and both are offered at the same price.
Pros
• The cost of a regular treatment plan covers your impression kit, retainers, and three months’ worth of teeth whitening products. Many brands will charge extra costs for these same products.
• NewSmile Frequently offers discounts on top of their low rates.
• The nighttime plan requires you to wear aligners for 10 hours only. This is also offered at the same price as the regular plan.
Cons
• The company does not have as much history and customer feedback which can make it difficult to evaluate the treatment’s effectiveness.
• There are no retail locations to get a teeth scan so the only option for patients is an impression kit.
Candid is also a relatively new name in the market but they are quickly growing in popularity with positive feedback. The company was established in 2017 with the promise to deliver quality products and services to its customers.
Candid is the only brand that guarantees treatment overseen by an orthodontist. They are also the first to offer a virtual checkup option with orthodontists during the treatment. This commitment to quality services gives them an edge over competitors.
Pros
• Candid works with orthodontists exclusively to provide the best treatment for their customers.
• Candid partnered with ClearCorrect, the second biggest clear aligner manufacturer in the US. Customers can become confident in the quality and design of their aligners.
• The remote Monitoring System allows patients to create digital scans of their teeth during the treatment. The scans will be used by the assigned orthodontist to evaluate progress.
• Video interviews are conducted with new customers to make sure that the orthodontist handling the case has a holistic view of the patient’s dental health. This allows them to draft the best treatment plan.
Cons
• The price of treatment is higher than other brands in the market.
• Treatment time is longer because they do not apply vibration technology.
Byte is commonly found in the list of most recommended clear aligner treatments. Although it’s younger than SmileDirectClub, the company has taken giant steps since it popped up in the market in 2018. The company’s number one priority is to provide an excellent treatment experience to its customers. This means impressive results through personalized treatment plans and the use of vibration technology. Their treatment timeframe is also two times faster than some of their competitors.
Pros
• Hyperlite device allows customers to complete their treatment in as fast as three months. Other treatment providers will charge an extra $1,000 for devices of similar nature. With Byte, you get this device included in the treatment package.
• Night time plan offers more discreet treatment. Customers only need to wear aligners for 10 hours. Night-time aligners are thicker and grind-resistant for safer and more effective results despite the decreased wear time.
• Customer support is easily accessible via phone, email, and social media.
• Customers get a byte for life guarantee which promises that they will get new aligners if their teeth move back after treatment.
• Applying for financing options does not require credit checks. Customers can get treatment without affecting their credit scores.
Cons
• There are no physical locations for teeth scanning. Customers need to get an impression kit and send it back to byte.
• Compared to other names, byte has a shorter history in providing clear aligner treatment.
AlignerCo was first spotted offering its products in 2019. Despite not having the fastest treatment timeframe, they still attract attention. They offer the most budget-friendly rates in the clear aligner industry. This brand is best suited for people on a smaller budget.
Pros
• The treatment package costs $1,145 which is the most affordable rate for clear aligners. They also offer discounts and promotions occasionally.
• The SMileFlex Easy plan provides customers access to financing. This does need a soft credit pull.
Cons
• Whitening products are not included in the treatment package. This can be due to the significantly lower prices.
• Fewer reviews compared to other companies make it difficult to assess the company’s customer support quality.
• AlignerCo’s treatment time is longer than some of its competitors.
Effectiveness
The goal of any treatment is to become effective. The product quality and design, the team’s expertise level, and more should factor into your assessment of the treatment.
Price
Budget is one of the top reasons why a lot of people can’t get the traditional braces or Invisalign. At-home clear aligners are more affordable than these two options. Prices do vary per brand. Some companies are within your budget but you still have to consider other factors.
Convenience
Another selling point of at-home clear aligners is the convenience it affords customers. There are still some differences between brands in terms of how convenient you can start the treatment, how you can reach their team of professional dental care providers, and so on.
Aligner Appearance
The brands we mentioned in this list all use clear, BPA-free plastic. Despite having the same material, there are differences in the design and manufacturing process. Some will appear shiny while others are more matte. This affects how visible the aligners are when worn.
Customer Service
If you encounter issues during your treatment, you should be able to reach a support team easily. A reliable support team is essential especially when you’re doing a remote treatment.