Clear Aligners Cost: Comparing Major Brands
Table of Contents
- Clear Aligner Purchase Process
- Factors that Affect Clear Aligner Costs
- At-Home Clear Aligner Brands & Costs
- In-Office Clear Aligner Brands & Costs
- Comparing your Options
- Should Pricing Matter?
- Other Factors to Consider
- Clear Aligner Cost FAQs
Several companies compete for your aligner business. To make comparisons easy, we've gathered all pertinent information on each brand. By the end of this article, you'll understand how much aligners cost and know which brands provide the best price point.
How the Clear Aligner Purchase Process Works
Clear aligners are a lot like braces. As the American Association of Orthodontists points out, both braces and aligners move your teeth a little at a time. To work effectively, dental professionals need a clear understanding of your current smile and your dental goals.
Some dental aligner companies use an in-person assessment, while others offer impression kits you can complete at home and mail back. Dental professionals examine these tools and determine how your teeth should move.
With a clear treatment plan, dental professionals create clear aligners for your mouth. You'll wear one tray for about two weeks before swapping it for another that pushes your teeth closer to your goal.
Treatment length can vary, but most people stay in aligners for time frames measured in months — not years like braces.
The global clear aligner market is vast and growing every year. Each company offers slightly different plans, so it’s tough to make sweeping statements about pricing. Some offer monthly payment plans and full insurance coverage. Others don’t.
Factors that Affect Clear Aligner Costs
Why do some clear aligners cost more than others? Plenty of factors come into play — some you can control, and others you can't.
Your clear aligner price might be higher or lower due to the following issues:
Brand: Some companies charge more for their products than others do.
Length of treatment: The longer you wear aligners, the more trays you'll need. Many companies charge more accordingly.
Aligner type: Some companies use more expensive polymers or equipment in their products, driving up the price.
Discounts: Some companies offer price breaks for teachers, first responders, members of the military, and others.
The following three options could also lower your out-of-pocket costs:
Insurance: Companies like MetLife will cover aligners, but limitations exist. For example, MetLife requires a licensed dentist to design and monitor your care. Choose a company without this professional expertise, and your claim could get rejected.
Flexible spending account (FSA): Money you put into an FSA must be spent within the same year. Those dollars could help you cover your aligner costs.
Health savings account (HSA): Your HAS funds must be applied to essential medical treatments, and aligners typically qualify.
At-Home Clear Aligner Brands & Costs
Each aligner company's costs are different, and most organizations have rules about the payment types they will and won't accept. This comparison chart can help you see those differences quickly, but keep reading for more detail about mail-in aligners.
| Brand | Aligners | Impression kit | Monthly payments | Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALIGNERCO | $945 (traditional aligners); $1,145 (nighttime option) | $59.99 for impression kit only; included with aligner kit | Ranging from $79 to $100 | Traditional insurance, HSA, and FSA |
| SmileDirectClub | $2,050 | $59 impression kit or free in-office scan | $250 deposit and $89/month for 26 months | Traditional insurance, HSA, and FSA |
| Candid | Varies per dentist | In-office scan or impressions only; varies per dentist | Varies per dentist | Varies per dentist |
| NewSmile | $1,495 | $49 or included with aligners | $55 per month for 36 months | Traditional insurance, HSA, and FSA |
| SnapCorrect | $1,749 | $49 | $80.84 for 24 months | Traditional insurance, HSA, and FSA |
| Byte | $2,099 | $95 (currently discounted to $29.95) | $89 monthly for 36 months | Traditional insurance, HSA, and FSA |
| Strayt | $1,596 | Free dental scans (not an impression kit) | $77 per month for 24 months with $248 down or $133 per month for 12 months after $199 down | Traditional insurance, HSA, and FSA |
| Invisalign | Varies per dentist | In-office scan or impressions only; varies per dentist | Varies per dentist | Varies per dentist |
| ClearCorrect | Varies per dentist | In-office scan or impressions only; varies per dentist | Varies per dentist | Varies per dentist |
ALIGNERCO Pricing
ALIGNERCO offers clear aligners for at-home use. Here's what you need to know about the company's pricing:
ALIGNERCO offers at-home aligner treatment, and the work starts with an impression kit. You'll pay $59.99 for this tool, which includes the following:
Impression putty and trays
Cheek retractors
Smile projection
You won't pay to mail this back to the team for review. A free shipping label is included.
Your aligner trays, printed and designed especially for your mouth, cost $945 in one payment. Choose this option, and your impression kit is included, so you'll save a little money.
If you want to wear aligners at night only, your costs will go up. Prepare for a one-time payment of $1,145 with this option in one payment.
ALIGNERCO offers plenty of payment options to help you get started. They're split into the following two categories:
Traditional aligners: $79 to $100 per month
Nighttime aligners: $96 to $100 per month
The shorter your loan length, the bigger your payment. Some plans require a down payment.
Plenty of discounts can help to lower your costs. The company offers price breaks for active service or retired veterans. Get a discount if you refer a friend. Watch the company's website closely, as seasonal and one-time discounts often appear.
Each insurance company and plan is different, so it's tough to make sweeping coverage statements. ALIGNERCO often works with insurance companies to lower the price for customers, but your plan may not be involved in this program. You must call and ask for a representative to research this for you.
ALIGNERCO accepts payments via debit cards issued by your HSA or FSA. Some programs require members to use funds to pay for required medical services only, so you may need a doctor's note at tax time.
SmileDirectClub Pricing
SmileDirectClub keeps prices low with at-home aligners. But the treatment choices you make can have an impact on your overall cost.
SmileDirectClub offers an at-home impression kit option for people who don't want to set foot in a professional's office. Pay $59 for a kit that includes the following:
Dental impression trays
Smile spreader
Prepaid shipping label
If you're not a good candidate for treatment, you'll get your $59 back.
If you'd like to save a bit of money and work with an expert to start the process, you can skip impression kit fees and visit an in-person shop. A professional will review your teeth on the spot and tell you if you're eligible.
SmileDirectClub has both traditional and nighttime aligners, both of which cost $2,050. Even though nighttime aligners require a longer treatment period, you're not charged more for them.
Financing options make paying for aligners a little easier. SmileDirectClub's options cost $89 per month with $250 down. Expect to make payments for 26 months, and since you're charged interest, you'll pay a little more overall for your improved smile.
The company offers discounts on a semi-frequent basis, and the deals are typically listed in colorful type on the website. No special deals for veterans, teachers, or others are listed.
SmileDirectClub is willing to coordinate payments directly with insurance plans that cover clear aligners. If your plan requires you to pay upfront and apply for reimbursement later, SmileDirectClub can provide appropriate documentation.
You can use your HSA and FSA debit cards to pay for your aligners with SmileDirectClub. Remember that you might be required to prove your treatment was medically necessary at tax time.
Candid Pricing
Candid offers clear aligners for at-home treatment, but the model is a little different than the others we've discussed. You'll work directly with a professional that offers Candid products, and that person can charge anything they'd like for their work.
The cost you'll pay depends on the dental professional you choose.
The cost you'll pay depends on the dental professional you choose.
The total cost depends on the dental professional you choose.
The cost depends on the dental professional you choose.
While most dental professionals are adept at working with insurance companies, and some hire staffers who do nothing but coordinate these payments, some do not.
Most dental and orthodontic offices accept HSA and FSA payments from their patients. But you must check with the team you choose before assuming you can use this option.
NewSmile Pricing
NewSmile uses an at-home aligner model supervised by dentists and orthodontists. Here's what you need to know about pricing:
Pay $49 for an impression kit, which includes a sneak peek at what your teeth will look like when your program is complete. You'll get the following items in your package:
Four dental impression trays
Dental impression putty
Mouth spreader
How-to guide
If the team determines you're not a good candidate, your fees are refunded.
If you approve your treatment plan, you'll pay $1,495 for aligner trays made just for your teeth. Retainers and tooth whitening products are also bundled into your package.
Choose financing and pay $55 per month for 36 months with no down payment required. If you qualify, you could get a loan product with zero interest, so your loan won't cost you extra.
NewSmile offers a discount for qualified military members. You can also get a discount by referring new members, and often, the company provides $100 gift cards to new patients.
NewSmile accepts payments from insurance plans, but the company notes that most coverage options won't help with impression kit costs.
You can use your HSA and FSA debit cards to pay for any part of your NewSmile treatment program.
SnapCorrect Pricing
SnapCorrect provides at-home clear aligners with a treatment plan driven by an at-home impression kit. Here's what you need to know about the price:
A SnapCorrect impression kit costs $49. Your kit includes dental impression trays, putty, and a smile spreader. Use the included return label to send your completed trays back to the company by mail at no charge.
Your SnapCorrect aligners cost $1,749 if you pay for them all at once. Your trays are made just for your teeth, mouth, and smile goals. It's based on your impressions.
SnapCorrect offers financing options with monthly payments starting at $80.84 per month. This is a financing plan, so prepare for interest rates that can add to your final cost.
No standing discount options exist, but the company does offer some sales on their packages. Watch the website very carefully, and you might spot one.
SnapCorrect will accept payments from insurance companies. The customer service representatives can help you explore your options and determine if your plan can contribute to the cost.
You can use debit cards from your HSA or FSA companies to pay for your aligners, impression kits, or both.
Strayt Pricing
Strayt is a relative newcomer to the clear aligner space, and the company offers plans for at-home treatment to straighten your smile.
This company does not offer at-home aligner impression kits. You must get a scan with a dental professional to get started, but you're not charged for this work.
Make one payment of $1,596 for your aligner treatment plan with Strayt. That plan includes a whitening system, a vibration device, and a set of retainers. Paying the entire fee upfront is one way to save money.
Two plans exist for people who want to break payments into monthly chunks. A 24-month plan costs $77 per month, and a 12-month plan costs $133 per month. Both require a down payment.
The company offers regular discounts on treatment plans, and those are easy to spot on the website. But there are no standing discounts.
The Strayt company accepts insurance payments, and there are people on staff that can help. For example, you can work with them to confirm that your plan works with Strayt, and you can get reimbursement paperwork from them as needed.
You must have an FSA or HSA debit card for this option, but you can use these tools to pay for your Strayt treatment.
Byte Pricing
Byte provides doctor-directed treatment plans administered with clear aligner trays. While the technology is advanced, the cost is low.
A typical Byte impression kit is $95, but a current special allows for a $29.95 kit. Your box includes the following items:
Four impression trays
Dental putty
Smile expander
Gloves
Prepaid return shipping label
If doctors determine you're not a good candidate for Byte, you'll get your impression kit fee back.
Byte offers two aligner plans, and they come with slightly different prices. Aligners you wear all day are $2,099, while those you wear at night are $2,499. A longer treatment time with more trays accounts for the difference in price. Each kit comes with a HyperByte* device to speed up treatment.
All-day aligners come with a $89 per month, while nighttime aligners cost $106 per month. You can pay off either one early.
Byte offers a remarkable number of discounts. If you're a student, veteran, or member of the military, there's a standing discount for you. The company also provides regular discount programs that are advertised on the website.
Insurance plans often approve Byte trays, and the company is happy to help authorize those payments. Professionals can work with your company, or they can provide paperwork you'll need to start that conversation yourself.
You can use HSA and FSA accounts to pay for your treatment with Byte. Many people use this option to keep the cost low.
In-Office Clear Aligner Brands & Costs
While many companies offer at-home clear aligner plans, some use a different approach. The following companies use clear aligner trays that are administered by orthodontists and dentists within their offices in a series of appointments. Here's what you need to know about their pricing:
Independent dental practitioners administer Invisalign. Those orthodontists and dentists set their prices, and they set up their perks and benefits for their customers. Making sweeping statements about how Invisalign works is hard because your experience and cost will vary depending on your chosen dental team.
Choose Invisalign, and you'll also have costs associated with missed work and a commute to a dental office. You'll need to go to each appointment to keep your treatment on track.
Prepare to pay up to $5,000 for your plans. Ask your dental professional about insurance, discounts, HSA, and FSA options.
ClearCorrect is administered by independent dentists. Think of these products as tools dentists can offer to their patients at prices and policies they set. It's very difficult to make predictions about how much these aligners cost, as it really depends on the dentist.
You must find a dentist willing to offer these trays, and if your local dentists don't participate, this option isn't available to you.
Costs vary significantly depending on the dentist. Ask your dentist if you can use your insurance, HSA, or FSA plans.
Comparing your Options
Your teeth are important to your health, looks, and future. You should make this decision very carefully. These links can help you dig deeper:
Should Pricing Matter when Looking for Clear Aligners?
Few people want to pay more than they must for anything, including healthcare. Pricing may be part of your research process when you’re considering aligners. It’s wise to look for methods that don’t cost more than you can afford.
But every situation is different. Some people are willing to pay more for an experience they deem more valuable. There’s no shame in choosing a more expensive product.
Ensure that you also do research concerning a company’s customer satisfaction, convenience, timeline, and more. These factors could be just as important as price.
Other Factors to Consider
Many of the companies we've mentioned work directly with consumers. These products are easy for anyone to use, even if you don't have a dentist locally that you trust. An option like this tends to be less expensive. And it comes with some perks.
You'll know how much your plan will cost upfront, as you won't have to compare dentists. And you won't have to keep in-person appointments.
Timelines can also vary quite a bit from company to company. In-office options tend to require more time, as you must keep your appointments. Missing even one appointment could add months to your schedule.
Finally, it pays to ask about guarantees. A few of the companies we've mentioned stand behind their work and will offer refunds if you follow the plan as specified, and your smile still isn’t right. But plenty of options don’t come with reassurances like this. Be sure to ask before the work is done.
Clear Aligner Cost Frequently Asked Questions
We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions people ask about clear aligner treatment:
Your clear aligners might be more or less expensive due to the brand you choose, the length of your treatment, your aligner type, and any discounts you're eligible for.
Many insurance companies cover clear aligners to treat medically necessary conditions. You can't use them for cosmetic issues, but problems with your bite are very different.
You can use your FSA/HSA account balances to pay for your clear aligner treatment. These funds are made for medical expenses.
A typical Byte impression kit is $95, but a current special allows for a $29.95 kit. Aligners you wear all day are $2,099, while those you wear at night are $2,499.
*Preliminary clinical studies of small groups of users have shown that daily recommended use of a high-frequency seating device functionally equivalent to HyperByte with clear aligners may help with comfort and speed of tooth movement.