Teeth straightening cost considerations
There are a few big factors that affect the cost of your aligners. The main one is the length of time you need to wear them. If you have a more severe case, you’ll likely need to wear your retainers for a longer period of time, meaning more retainers to switch out and in. This leads to higher costs with certain companies, though some sell their aligners at the same price regardless of how many you need.
Look for deals like rebates or half-price discounts on starter kits.
Invisible braces are getting cheaper all the time. A few years ago, average prices started between $1,800 and $2,000. These days, it’s common to see base pricing closer to $1,000. Look for a company with transparent pricing information. Some of the most recommended brands offer regular discounts and specials, such as rebates and half-price impression kits.
Other factors to consider include insurance. Many aligner companies accept insurance, but make sure you contact them ahead of time to see if your specific provider is included on the list. An HSA or FSA can also help save you on overall treatment costs.
Our 6 picks for most affordable teeth aligners
All of our recommendations for cheap aligners have an average starting cost under $2,000. Each company offers transparent cost information, making it easy to understand the available financing terms, whether in-house or through a third party. To meet our standards, companies also had to offer aligners made from BPA-free plastic. Some, but not all, of our selections participate in the ConsumerAffairs Authorized Partner Program.
AlignerCo
Byte
SnapCorrect
SmileDirectClub
Smilelove
NewSmile
Invisible braces cost comparison
Below, compare our picks for most affordable aligners on impression kit prices, monthly payment plans, financing terms and total treatment costs.
| Impression kit* | Monthly payment plan* | Financing terms* | Total treatment cost* | |
 | $39.99 | $90 to $109 | 11 -to12 months with $275 to $345 down | $995 to $1,195 |
 | $29.95 | $83 to $99 | 29 months with $349 to $449 down | $1,895 to $2,295 |
 | $49 | $80.84 | 24 months | $1,749 |
 | $0 to $29 | $89 | 24 months with $250 down | $1,950 |
 | $0 to $250 | $62 | 12, 18 or 24 months with down payment | $1,895 |
 | $0 to $49 | $84 to $92 | 12 months with $295 down | $1,195 to $1,295 |
| $39.99 | $90 to $109 | 11 to 12 months with $275 to $345 down | $995 to $1,195 |
| $29.95 | $83 to $99 | 29 months with $349 to $449 down | $1,895 to $2,295 |
| $49 | $80.84 | 24 months | $1,749 |
| $0 to $29 | $89 | 24 months with $250 down | $1,950 |
| $0 to $250 | $62 | 12, 18 or 24 months with down payment | $1,895 |
| $0 to $49 | $84 to $92 | 12 months with $295 down | $1,195 to $1,295 |
*Costs are as of time of publishing. Terms and conditions may apply.
Teeth aligner FAQ
How do you use teeth aligners?
You wear teeth aligners in your mouth either all day (22 hours or more) or overnight (typically eight to 10 hours), depending on your treatment plan. You’ll have multiple sets of aligners with instructions on when to switch out old ones for new ones. Eating and drinking anything other than water generally requires you to remove your aligners and brush your teeth before reinserting them.
Are cheap teeth aligners safe and effective?
Most of the time, yes. It’s important to work with a reputable company for treatment. It’s also essential to follow your professionally directed treatment plan.
Why are invisible braces cheaper than traditional metal braces?
Traditional metal braces are usually more expensive than invisible braces because of the office visits and adjustments. Companies offering plastic aligners often use telehealth platforms for virtual visits instead of in-person visits. Keep in mind that while most aligner treatments are cheaper than traditional metal braces, Invisalign can be as expensive as or more expensive than metal braces.
If my treatment takes longer, will it cost more?
Sometimes, yes. If your treatment requires more retainers, the company may charge extra. If you are concerned about this possibility, be sure to ask a company about its policy for longer-than-expected treatments.
Can I pay for invisible braces with insurance, FSA or HSA?
Yes. Most companies accept all three options for payment, although they may have limitations on which insurance companies they work with.
Bottom line: Which is the cheapest clear aligner brand?
Aligners aren’t cheap, but companies offer financing options that help you cover the cost with affordable monthly payments. Out of all of the companies we featured, AlignerCo sells the cheapest clear aligners; at the time of publishing, its daytime aligners cost $995 if you make a one-time upfront payment, including the impression kit and a set of retainers. Depending on your financial situation, dental loans may also be worth considering.
We don’t always recommend going with the cheapest option; instead, make sure you compare a few brands to figure out what one makes the most sense for your smile. If you still aren’t sure which aligner brand is right for you, learn about Candid next.
