When it comes to fixing misaligned teeth, today’s dental patients have multiple options to choose from. Traditional braces still work great for correcting crooked teeth and fixing bite problems, but clear aligners have grown in popularity for those looking for a more subtle approach.
Patients interested in clear aligners may be surprised to find that Invisalign isn’t the only option in this category. Invisalign competition has grown over the years, and some brands are more trustworthy than others. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the best clear aligner alternatives that are available for patients interested in straightening with clear aligners.
What Are Clear Aligners and How Do They Work?
Clear aligners are a less visible alternative to traditional braces. They consist of a removable set of fitted, plastic trays for the upper and lower teeth. They can be taken out for a brief period such as when eating and brushing, but they must be worn between 20-22 hours per day in order for them to work properly.
Clear aligner trays work by slowly pushing the teeth into place with pressure. The trays are replaced multiple times throughout the treatment–usually every couple of weeks. Each set will move the teeth closer and closer to their final position. The total treatment time is often around 6-12 months, but can go a little longer in some cases. According to research, clear aligners have a success rate of 80–90% in cases that require mild to moderate changes.
Clear Aligner Invisalign Alternative Options
Invisalign is the most well-known brand of clear aligners. It requires patients to come into the dentist office or orthodontist, have impressions of their teeth taken, and come back periodically for checkups throughout treatment. Other brands work similarly, but some may be more cost effective, and some are available online or over the counter – and allow patients to avoid office visits altogether. Once-popular examples of this type were Byte and SmileDirect Club, but both have shut down operations.
Here are some of the current popular Invisalign alternatives:
- ClearCorrect
ClearCorrect is a clear aligner brand that is offered through a dentist or orthodontist, similar to Invisalign. They claim that their aligners apply less pressure than other brands, resulting in a more comfortable fit.
Cost: Prices are reported to be anywhere from $2000-$5500, depending on the provider and treatment plan.
- Alignerco
Alignerco is a direct-to-consumer brand that ships aligners to their customers. The patient can get a scan of their teeth at a partner scan center or use an at-home impression kit to get started. Alignerco says their treatments are reviewed by licensed orthodontists. They also offer aligners that are only worn at night.
Cost: The normal aligner package is $1095 and night-use aligners are $1295, although they offer payment plans and sometimes have discounts.
- CandidPro
CandidPro started out as a direct-to-consumer brand, but then transitioned to a dentist-supervised aligner program. They have an app that allows for virtual check-ins with their team, but office visits are also required for treatment.
Cost:Reported prices are between $2000-$8000, but will depend on the provider and type of treatment.
- SureSmile
SureSmile is another option provided through a dentist or orthodontist. SureSmile also offers other products at an additional charge, like the SureSmile VPro High Frequency Device–a tool that uses vibrations to accelerate teeth movement.
Cost: $3000-$8000, depending on the provider and treatment.
- Reveal
Reveal is a lesser known dentist-supervised aligner brand that uses a stain-resistant ClearWear™ material, meant to be clearer than other aligners.
Cost: $2000-$5000, depending on the provider and treatment.
- Spark Clear Aligners
Spark Clear Aligners are dentist-supervised aligners that are made of a special material (TruGEN™), which is supposed to be clearer than other brands, similar to Reveal.
Cost: $3000-$8000, depending on the provider and treatment.
- NewSmile
NewSmile is a direct-to-consumer brand, with a system similar to Alignerco, including the option for overnight only aligners. NewSmile sends an impression kit to start the process, then they create a treatment plan and aligners approved by their dentists. They also provide remote monitoring and online support.
Cost: $1795 for regular aligners and $1895 for night aligners. However, they often have discounts or special prices.
Comparison of Invisalign vs. Other Clear Aligners
| Dentist-directed or Direct-to-Consumer | Cost | |
| Invisalign | Dentist-directed | $3000-$8000 |
| ClearCorrect | Dentist-directed | $2000-$5500 |
| Alignerco | Direct-to-Consumer | $1095-1295 (with occasional sales) |
| CandidPro | Dentist-directed | $2000-$8000 |
| SureSmile | Dentist-directed | $3000-$8000 |
| Reveal | Dentist-directed | $2000-$5000 |
| Spark Clear Aligners | Dentist-directed | $3000-$8000 |
| Newsmile | Direct-to-Consumer | $1795-1895 (with occasional sales) |
Do Direct-to-Consumer Aligner Kits Work as Well as Invisalign?
The price difference of direct-to-consumer aligner kits makes them tempting for many people with alignment issues. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the extra cost for dentist-supervised aligners, like Invisalign, comes with the assurance of being treated by a professional who can monitor your progress and address any concerns in person. It’s also wise to note that some direct-to-consumer aligner companies have suddenly stopped offering these products, or switched over to dentist-guided programs.
In a survey of 470 people who used direct-to-consumer aligners, 55.6% said they at least slightly agree that they would have preferred treatment with a traditional dentist or orthodontist. 13.1% said they strongly agree with that statement, which goes to show that some patients prefer to take the guesswork out of their orthodontic treatment and leave their teeth straightening to a professional.
However, that’s not to say that at-home aligners can’t work for some people, particularly those with very minor issues or those who are still seeing a dentist regularly throughout their treatment. Just make sure to read reviews for the company you decide to use when going with direct-to-consumer aligners, as some have been reported to have poor customer support.
Talk to a Dentist to Find the Best Clear Aligner Treatment for You
Ultimately, your best bet is to have a dentist or orthodontist look at your teeth in person before making a decision. They can answer any questions and give you an idea of how long it will take to fix your teeth, as everyone’s situation is a little different.
To find a dentist or orthodontist that offers clear aligners, use our dentist finding tool here.