Byte

- Cost
- $1,999 (daytime); $2,399 (nighttime)
- Treatment duration
- 3 to 6 months
- Impression type
- Putty mold
- Day/night options
- Offers both
When it comes to teeth straightening, millions opt for braces. Your mind may immediately think of the highly popular metal braces, but invisible (also known as clear) braces are an option many consider for a variety of factors, such as cost, accessibility and subtle appearance.
Our research team compared 10 invisible braces companies and chose our top 4 picks based on factors including customer reviews, cost and average treatment length. Our picks may be Authorized Partners who compensate us — this does not affect our recommendations or evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear.
Our top picks for invisible braces
When making our top picks for invisible braces, we weighed several factors: customer reviews and ratings, cost, average treatment plan, impression types and daytime versus nighttime options.
We also looked at other factors like payment plan options, whether or not you can use your insurance for the treatment and the specifics of the aligners' fit and issues they cover. Ultimately, the ConsumerAffairs Research Team selected five invisible braces providers as our top picks.
All prices are accurate as of publishing.
Jump into our guides and start learning
Invisible braces use clear plastic retainers to realign teeth. Also called clear aligners or dental aligners, invisible braces are a smart option for many people since they’re more discreet and comfortable than traditional braces. In this guide, learn how they work, how much they cost and how to choose the right option for you.
Invisible braces are clear retainers that straighten and align your teeth over time. Sometimes called clear aligners or dental aligners, invisible braces usually come in a series and are an excellent option for those with:
Invisible braces aren't as obvious as other methods because the aligners are made of clear plastic (like clear polypropylene) or acrylic material instead of metal wires.
Some people think of ceramic braces, which are wired to the teeth like traditional metal braces, as invisible braces, but ceramic braces are visible and require extensive in-office orthodontic care. Clear aligners, on the other hand, don’t require hardwiring attached to the teeth.
Clear aligners use a series of clear plastic retainer sets, sometimes called trays. The trays fit tightly and put low-pressure force on your teeth to gradually shift them into place over time.
The first clear aligner tray fits easily because the plastic has been vacuum-formed or thermoformed over a model of your teeth. Each new retainer set presses your teeth into a slightly straighter position than the one before.
Generally, clear aligners must be worn at least 20 to 22 hours per day.
Invisible braces companies use advanced imaging technology to create the right treatment option for every customer’s smile. Some people experience a minimal amount of discomfort each time they put in a new set of aligners, which is required every couple of weeks.
Some companies use attachments, which are tooth-colored bumps fitted to your teeth. The exact points at which these bumps are placed, as well as the shape of these bumps, vary based on the shape of your teeth and the results you're striving to achieve.
These bumps act as pressure points and direct each tooth to move toward the desired position. In some cases, your treatment may require elastics. These are attached to the inner part of your jaw and help aid the tooth movement.
The following are important if you want to get the best results out of your clear aligners:
The following behaviors are best avoided when you have clear aligners:
Usually, you want to have clear aligners on your teeth at least 20 to 22 hours per day for them to fully work and bring your teeth to the proper position. You can take them out to eat, brush and floss, but that’s about it.
Dr. Fatima Khan, a dentist and the co-founder of Riven Oral Care, says that in order for clear aligners to be effective they, “need to be worn for a minimum of 22 hours per day to achieve the desired results.”
You can drink water with your aligners in, but it's recommended that you avoid soda, coffee, tea and other dark liquids that might stain the retainer sets. Hard candy, crunchy breads and gum should also be avoided to prevent plaque buildup.
Some people who wear clear aligners experience unintentional weight loss due to the hassle of removing the retainer for snacks, which many people refer to as the "Invisalign diet."
Some companies, including some of our top picks, offer nighttime aligners that don’t need to be worn during the day. While these aligners may be more convenient, they typically take longer to achieve full results.
Much like traditional metal braces, clear aligners correct crooked teeth and misaligned bites. Busy professionals and young adults with mild to moderate dental misalignments often prefer invisible braces because they're cheaper, simpler and more discreet than traditional metal braces.
Clear aligners | Traditional braces | |
---|---|---|
Average cost | $900 to $7,000 | $3,000 to $8,000 |
Treatment duration | 6 to 18 months | 16 to 24 months |
Hardwire installation | No | Yes |
Mild to moderate corrections | Yes | Yes |
Severe corrections | No | Yes |
Discreet and removable | Yes | No |
While traditional and lingual braces have wires and brackets, invisible braces use clear retainers. Metal braces require more frequent office visits for regular tightenings and checkups — most clear aligner companies, on the other hand, mail all your trays at once.
Braces are typically worn for years, while dental aligner treatment typically takes months (up to around a year). According to Dr. Khan, “The average treatment time is about 12 to 18 months, although it can vary based on the complexity and severity of the individual’s dental issues and can be shorter or longer.” Clear aligners are also more hygienic, and it’s not a problem to eat all types of food throughout treatment.
Invisible braces aren't always the best fit for extensive teeth straightening or severe alignment issues, though. If your dentist strongly suggests traditional braces, clear aligners may not be an option for you. Clear aligners are great for making small adjustments, but traditional metal or ceramic braces are usually required to complete severe corrections.
» LEARN MORE: Invisible braces statistics
There are a few advantages and disadvantages to invisible braces. Consider the following pros and cons before you pursue this option:
Invisible braces typically cost between $1,000 and $7,000. Depending on your treatment plan and your insurance provider, invisible aligners may be covered in part or in full by dental insurance. Most HSA and FSA plans can also be used to cover the cost, and all the best dental alignment companies offer financing options to help you reduce the upfront costs.
This cost, according to Dr. Khan, “generally covers the consultation, custom aligners and follow-up visits. The price may fluctuate based on the specific treatment plan, the number of aligners needed and geographical location.”
Company | Cost of treatment | Cost of impression kit | Duration | Insurance | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | $1,999 (daytime); $2,399 (nighttime) | $95 | 3 to 6 months | Learn more | |
![]() | $1,895 | $95 | 6 to 11 months | Learn more | |
![]() | $3,000 to $7,100 | Undisclosed | 12 to 18 months | Learn more | |
![]() | $895 (daytime); $1,095 (nighttime) | $39.99 | 6 to 11 months | Learn more |
Your invisible braces’ cost ultimately depends upon the severity of your case. Some invisible braces companies let you mail in your dental impressions without seeing a doctor, dentist or orthodontist. If your situation requires in-office fittings and approval, you should expect to pay a higher price.
Overall, clear aligner systems are usually more affordable than traditional braces, which may cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000; the cheapest invisible braces start at around $1,000, with financing options available.
» COMPARE: The cheapest teeth aligners
Straightening teeth at home with invisible braces is simple. After your initial consultation, an orthodontic specialist creates a treatment plan and fits you for invisible braces. Depending on your plan, the orthodontic treatment duration can be as short as a few months or as long as a year. After your teeth are straight, there are a few post-care boxes to check. The typical steps in the process are:
Retainers are used to make and maintain orthodontic corrections to achieve straighter teeth. Clear alignment treatments use retainers to slowly straighten and align teeth through gradual force over time.
A retainer for teeth straightening is designed to be slightly smaller than your teeth placement to slowly and safely close gaps. Because of this, customers receive multiple clear aligners that are switched out over time to continue to push their teeth together once they reach their desired position in one retainer.
Yes, you can straighten your teeth without traditional braces. You can fix crooked and gapped teeth at home by using clear retainers that gradually realign your teeth. Clear aligners use custom-made molds and gentle force to shape your teeth into alignment. These aligners are typically fitted and created by dentists or orthodontists, so the same level of care and support is provided with this smile solution as with traditional braces.
Invisible braces generally work faster than traditional wire braces. Clear retainers can solve a host of dental issues, including overcrowding, overbites, underbites and gaps between teeth, in as few as six months. The average treatment time for clear retainers is between six and 18 months, though more severe issues might require a longer treatment plan.
Traditional braces are specifically designed to target problem issues in the most effective ways, meaning they may be faster than clear teeth aligners for correcting severe problems. But for the most part, invisible braces offer faster solutions — sometimes in half the time — at a more affordable price.
Yes, you can buy teeth aligners over the counter. Some companies sell cheap teeth-straightening aligners that are not custom-designed to fit each customer’s smile. Other companies sell dental impression kits that customers complete and return for custom-made trays. Getting a retainer for teeth straightening doesn’t require an in-person office visit or consultation with a dentist or orthodontist, although some clear aligners are sold directly by orthodontists.
Invisible braces can be uncomfortable. However, invisible braces typically cause less discomfort than traditional metal and wire braces. Many customers say it’s not exactly pain that they feel with invisible braces — it’s more like discomfort or pressure.
With invisible teeth aligners, the most common pain points are where the trays brush up against your gums for a few days after switching to a new retainer. As your teeth and gums get used to the retainer, the pain fades and may even become nonexistent until a new tray is required.
The most important benefit of clear aligners is the orthodontic correction of mild to moderate dental issues, including crooked teeth, crowded teeth, gapped teeth, overjets, overbite and underbite. Clear aligners are less expensive than popular alternatives like metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces and veneers. They are also more comfortable and discreet.
Because they can be removed, there isn’t the unsightly issue of getting food stuck in clear aligners. They can also be removed for special occasions like pictures. Invisible braces require fewer or no visits to a dentist’s office.
On the other hand, invisible braces aren’t ideal for correcting severe alignment issues like crossbites and malocclusions. People must be diligent for clear retainers to work, and wearers must clean them each day to prevent dental problems like gum disease.
The short answer is no. Invisible braces can treat many of the common issues around teeth alignment such as crowding or crookedness. You can talk to your dentist about your suitability. However, many companies offer clear aligners without requiring you to visit a dentist’s office. If the dentist determines you require extensive dental correction, then invisible may not be an option.
However, invisible braces may be a good idea if:
Invisible braces are made of acrylic, which is a type of plastic. This plastic is molded and fitted to the shape of your teeth and designed to move your teeth into the proper position.
There are three types of invisible braces:
Invisible braces can be worth it if you're diligent about sticking to the treatment, including wearing the retainers as directed. If you're self-conscious about your smile or the way your teeth look, invisible braces can make you feel more confident and boost your self-esteem. Invisible braces can be a good path to take if you're looking for something to help straighten your teeth discreetly.
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Company | Customer rating | About | Learn More |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2.7
4,696 reviews
| Accepts payment through dental insurance, FSAs and HSAs. Treatment lasts three months on average. Includes free teeth whitening. Offers financing for $83 per month over 29 months with $349 down payment. Pricing starts at $1,895. | Read reviews |
![]() | 1.0
2,419 reviews
| Offers at-home treatment from licensed dentists and orthodontists. Costs $2,050 upfront or $89 per month over 26 months with a $250 down payment. Treatments typically last four to six months. | Read reviews |
![]() | 1.1
525 reviews
| Offers a tooth-straightening treatment with remote monitoring. In-network with several insurance providers. Mobile app helps dentist monitor progression. CandidPro doctors not available in every state. | Read reviews |
![]() | 3.5
287 reviews
| Offers complete treatment plans starting at $1,145. Works with orthodontists for teeth alignment. Impressions are DIY and treatment is entirely remote. Nighttime-only treatment option available for an extra cost. | Read reviews |
![]() | 1.2
83 reviews
| Takes payment through dental insurance, FSAs, HSAs or payment plans. No financing. BPA- and latex-free liners. Average treatment takes 12 to 18 months. Pricing varies depending on your needs and other factors. | Read reviews |
![]() | No reviews | Offers flexible payment and treatment options. Usually not covered by dental insurance. Remote monitoring options available. Pricing starts at $2,000. Average full treatment costs $4,000 to $5,500. | |
![]() | No reviews | Average treatment takes four to six months. Night-only aligners available. Pricing starts at $1,195. Offers monthly payment options starting at $84 a month for 12 months with a $295 down payment. | |
![]() | No reviews | Treatment typically takes nine to 10 months without dentist or orthodontist visits. Plans include free whitening products. No-risk guarantee. Pricing starts at $1,749, with financing available through Affirm. | |
![]() | No reviews | Local professional provides initial dental scan. Aligners are meant to be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day. Treatment usually takes six to 18 months. Pricing varies by provider and client needs. |
Byte uses proprietary Smile Science to move customers’ teeth in a way that aligns with facial features and symmetry. Customers also get free BrightByte teeth whitening.
Candid employs orthodontists who are experts on clear aligner treatments and trained in remote care. Treatments come with personalized care and 24/7 customer service to answer any questions.
Invisalign uses advanced technologies to correct gaps and crowding. Its alignment retainers are comfortable throughout the treatment duration.
SnapCorrect prioritizes effectiveness and efficiency. Its team provides one of the clearest aligners available on the market, plus free dental foam and gel home whitening kit.
SureSmile offers customized treatment plans created using advanced orthodontic technologies. Using the help and expertise of SureSmile doctors, the company provides customized solutions tailored to your specific smile and desired results.
Smile Direct Club offers clear daytime aligners and clear nighttime aligners. Each customer is assigned a licensed orthodontist or dentist to track their progress every 90 days.
ClearCorrect aligners reposition and correct teeth using continuous gentle force. ClearCorrect was founded by doctors who emphasize safety, reliability and effectiveness.
NewSmile offers all-day and nighttime-only teeth aligners. Use the impression kit at home, and the company provides a 3D preview of your treatment results.