5 Best Invisalign Alternatives: What to Expect in 2022

Tooth Straightening Made Easy: The 5 Best Invisalign Alternatives

There’s no hiding from the fact that Invisalign treatment is a costly option. Invisalign costs $3,500 at the cheapest and only goes up from there depending on the severity of the case. Fortunately, many Invisalign alternatives can get you straighter teeth for a fraction of the cost. Read on to hear about the best alternatives to Invisalign on the market today.

Our Top Picks:

5 Best Invisalign Alternatives

  1. Byte Aligners – Best Invisalign Alternative
  2. AlignerCo – Cheapest Invisalign ALternative
  3. Candid – Best Accessibility of Care
  4. ClearCorrect – Most Similar to Invisalign
  5. SnapCorrect – Most Added Features

Review Section: Alternatives to Invisalign

Below we’ve captured our thoughts on the best alternatives to Invisalign available.

1. Byte Aligners –Best Invisalign Alternative

Special offers : New Years Sale! Get Straighter Teeth with Byte! Save 75% Off Your Impression Kit PLUS Free Teeth Whitening with your aligners!

Feature Description Star Rating
Treatment Options All-day or nighttime clear aligners
Average Cost All-day aligners: $1,895 or $82 per month Nighttime aligners: $2,295 or $99 per month 4.5
Accepts Insurance? Yes to some insurances with orthodontic plans, does not accept direct payment
Average Treatment Duration All-day aligners: 3–4 months Nighttime aligners: 5–6 months
In-Office Consultation? Not required. Everything is done from home, including impression kit and virtual checkups

Byte sits atop the clear aligner industry for its flexibility and lightning-fast treatment process.

This attractive alternative to Invisalign can get you the straight teeth you’ve been hoping for in as little as three months if you’re able to wear their clear braces for 22 hours per day. If not, Byte also offers a nighttime option that you can get away with wearing just 10 hours while you sleep. Keep in mind the treatment time is longer, at five to six months.

Byte uses different invisible aligners for its two plans. As a result, the treatment costs aren’t quite the same.

All-day clear aligners will set you back $1,895 if you can cover the cost all at once. Otherwise, the aligner company offers a monthly payment plan at $82 for 32 months with $249 down. Nighttime products are similarly $2,295 or $99 per month for the same duration with $299 to start.

Interested in learning more about wearing plastic aligners solely while you sleep? Check out our nighttime clear aligners review.

Some dental insurance plans can help offset your out-of-pocket expenses if you have the right orthodontic coverage. It’s worth noting that Byte doesn’t accept direct payment from an insurance company at this time.

Byte will help you with the forms to get reimbursed from your provider, though. In addition, they do accept a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) as payment options if those are available to you.

When you’re ready to set up your clear aligner treatment plan, the entire process is handled remotely. Byte will send an at-home impression kit to your door that you’ll send back after taking a mold of your teeth.

Even after your Byte aligners arrive at your front door, there are no physical offices to go to. Byte has over 200 licensed dental professionals on hand who will regularly chat with you about your progress.

If that wasn’t enough, the clear aligner company even includes a free teeth whitening kit. Check out these Byte reviews for more details.

Bottom Line:

With a speedy treatment time, lower cost, and different aligner options, Byte wins out as the most convenient alternative to Invisalign.

Pros

  • Works in as little as 3–4 months.
  • Options for day or night wear.
  • Lifetime guarantee.
  • No office visits are required.
  • Support is always available.

Cons

  • Not many physical locations.

2. AlignerCo –Best Cheap Invisalign Alternative

Feature Description Star Rating
Treatment Options All-day or nighttime clear aligners
Average Cost Day or night aligners cost $1,145, $81 for 12 months, or $95 for 11 months
Accepts Insurance? Yes to some insurances with orthodontic plans, does not accept direct payment
Average Treatment Duration All-day aligners: 4–6 months Night only clear aligners: 6–10 months 4.5
In-Office Consultation? Not required. Everything is done from home, including impression kit and virtual checkups

AlignerCo takes the stage as the cheapest Invisalign competitor on the market today. The invisible braces company offers complete treatment for just $1,145 for all-day or nighttime invisible aligners. AlignerCo also has two payment plans that run either $81 for 12 months or $95 for 11 months, each with a $275 down payment.

Depending on your insurance, you may receive some help paying for your treatment plan. This is only the case if you have an orthodontic plan, and you’ll be reimbursed after the fact. Even if your insurance doesn’t come through, AlignerCo will accept FSA and HSA cards.

You can straighten teeth faster with clear aligners that must be worn 22 hours per day. Those who go this route average four to six months of wear. Otherwise, AlignerCo has a nighttime treatment plan that you’ll wear for 10 hours straight each night. These take upwards of six to ten months to complete.

The alternative to Invisalign forgoes any office visits in favor of an at-home treatment. Creating your own teeth impressions and every consultation are done right from your own home. AlignerCo has no physical locations, and being a smaller company means it can take a few months to receive your teeth aligners.

Also keep in mind that hours are limited, with staff handling the phones from 9 am to 6 pm Eastern Standard Time. Live chat and email are monitored 24/7. On the other hand, Byte has people standing by around the clock to assist you.

If you’re not quite sold on this cheaper alternative to Invisalign, these AlignerCo reviews may help you make up your mind.

Bottom Line: AlignerCo is hands down the best price you’ll find for at-home aligners and can eliminate crooked teeth in as little as four months. Be aware that communication can be a challenge, and you may not get answers or products in a timely manner.

>>Check the latest prices for AlignerCo

Pros

  • Cheapest aligners on the market.
  • All care can be done from home.
  • Day or night aligner options.
  • Relatively quick treatment plan.

Cons

  • No physical locations.
  • Smaller company, can be slower to respond or ship products out.

3. Candid –Best Accessibility of Care

Feature Description Star Rating
Treatment Options All-day clear aligners
Average Cost $1,895 or as low as $65 per month for 36 months with $199 down 4.5
Accepts Insurance? In-network with Blue Cross and Aetna providers, case by case basis for others
Average Treatment Duration 6 months
In-Office Consultation? If desired for the initial visit 4.5

Candid aligners are among the best Invisalign alternatives, offering either an in-person consultation at a Candid Studio or an at-home impression kit to kick your journey off. The impression kit will set you back $100, but the consultation is completely free. In either care, the rest of the treatment system is done without ever having to leave your house.

If you are hoping for a free consultation at a Candid Studio, you’ll need to live in or around one of the 12 states where they’re currently located. This is one of the few aligner companies with this convenient treatment possibility.

With scans in hand, Candid uses only orthodontists to develop a treatment plan. Orthodontists are, after all, experts in oral health and occlusion. During treatment, you’ll be able to use Candid’s proprietary app to monitor progress and have regular virtual visits with dental specialists.

As a cheaper alternative to Invisalign pricing, treatment typically costs $1,895 with an upfront payment. If that’s a bit steep, Candid is quite generous with its monthly payment plan. The cost is just $65 per month for 36 months with $199 down, but you’ll need a credit check before approval.

With an average treatment time of six months, Candid is one of the faster alternatives to Invisalign. You will need to wear your clear braces for 22 hours a day though, removing them only to eat and brush your teeth.

Candid claims to be in-network with Blue Cross and Aetna dental insurance plans that can take up to 50% off the cost of its aligners. Other insurance companies may reimburse during or after treatment, but it’s advisable to check ahead.

Bottom Line:

Candid allows a cheaper and faster alternative to Invisalign aligners while providing a means for an initial in-studio 3D tooth scan. Its lucrative app will keep you plugged in to your progress and virtual visits on a regular basis.

>>Check the latest prices for Byte aligners

Pros

  • Uses only orthodontists to develop treatment plans.
  • Option to visit a Candid Studio for the initial scan.
  • CandidApp for remote tooth movement monitoring.
  • Flexible financing options.

Cons

  • Limited Candid Studio locations.
  • Financing requires a credit check.

4. ClearCorrect –Most Similar to Invisalign

Feature Description Star Rating
Treatment Options All-day at-home aligners
Average Cost From $2,000 to $8,000
Accepts Insurance? Many dental insurance plans with coverage for orthodontic services will pay towards the product 4.5
Average Treatment Duration 12–24 months 1.5
In-Office Consultation? Requires a dentist’s prescription to start the process and regular visits throughout

ClearCorrect is a very close competitor to Invisalign clear aligners in that it requires an initial consultation with a dental professional. All care during treatment is done in person, with many dentists requesting regular visits to monitor tooth movement and spacing.

These frequent visits allow dentists or orthodontists to address even severe cases of misalignment and crossbite correction. Because ClearCorrect can treat mild to complex cases, total treatment time can take upwards of a year or more.

This level of care does lead to a more expensive bill than the other products on this list. Where traditional metal braces and Invisalign cost several thousand even on the low end, ClearCorrect starts at around $2,000. ClearCorrect uses thinner material for its aligners, which leads to a more invisible look but can be sharp along the gum line.

ClearCorrect is one of the Invisalign alternatives partly covered by most dental plans with orthodontic coverage. Although fees seem high, your insurance company may take care of a portion of the total.

Even if insurance doesn’t work out, ClearCorrect does offer several payment plans such as CareCredit and AVS Dental. Should prices still be too high, consider looking into Byte at-home aligners instead.

Bottom Line:

ClearCorrect treatment is most similar to Invisalign with regular in-office check-ins and the ability to handle more complex cases. Of all Invisalign competitors, it is the most expensive option out there.

>>Check the latest prices for Byte aligners

Pros

  • Cheaper alternative to Invisalign.
  • You choose your provider.
  • Custom treatment plan for mild to severe cases.
  • Thinner and more clear aligner plastic.

Cons

  • Expensive overall.
  • Website is hard to navigate.

5. SnapCorrect –Most Added Features

Feature Description Star Rating
Treatment Options All-day clear aligners
Average Cost $1,749, or $80.84 per month for 24 months at 10% APR 4.5
Accepts Insurance? Yes to some insurances with orthodontic plans, does not accept direct payment
Average Treatment Duration 3–18 months
In-Office Consultation? No in-office visits

SnapCorrect is one of the cheapest Invisalign alternatives, with a one-time payment of just $1,749. This affordable rate can be broken into monthly payment plans as low as $80.84 for 24 months but does have a 10% APR.

Of all the Invisalign competitors, SnapCorrect’s aligners are trimmed to the gum line to create an even more invisible appeal. Because you’ll be wearing these aligners for up to 18 months, you’ll want to keep them discrete.

The entire SnapCorrect process is handled from home, apart from office visits, giving you flexible care. Be warned, however, that SnapCorrect sometimes uses dental technicians who are unlicensed and unable to provide medical advice.

Before using SnapCorrect, it’s worth checking with your insurance provider to see if they’ll reimburse you for any part of your treatment. Some plans with orthodontic coverage may send some money your way.

As an added incentive, SnapCorrect will give you your first retainer for free after you’ve completed treatment. They also currently add a whitening kit to the mix with free gel refills for life.

Bottom Line:

SnapCorrect has an affordable package that keeps on giving with a free retainer and whitening gel refills for life.

>>Check the latest prices for Byte aligners

Pros

  • First retainer is free.
  • One of the lowest cost programs.
  • No office visits required.
  • Aligners formulated to fit perfectly.
  • Unlimited whitening gel refills.

Cons

  • No retail locations.
  • Sometimes uses dental technicians.

Why Should I Use an Invisalign Alternative?

Invisalign is a solid product, as covered in our Invisalign review, but it’s pricey and can take a long time. Here are some noteworthy reasons to consider an alternative.

In-Office vs At Home Aligners

The Invisalign process starts and ends in a dentist’s office, with many additional visits in between. While this may appeal to some, it can be incredibly inconvenient for others.

At-home aligners afford you the luxury of weaving most or all of your care around your schedule. You can even perform checkups with a licensed dentist virtually [1].

Price

Price is a huge consideration when looking beyond Invisalign for teeth straightening. Where Invisalign can reach upwards of $8,000 or more, cheaper alternatives cost as low as $1,145 for AlignerCo or $1,895 for Byte Aligners.

Treatment Time

Invisalign treatments and traditional braces frequently take over a year, and frankly, some of us don’t have that kind of time. Byte Aligners can address mild to moderate issues in as low as three months.

>>Check the latest prices for Byte aligners

Are Cheap Teeth Aligners as Safe as Invisalign?

Yes, all the aligner companies listed in this article are safe to use as long as you carefully follow the company’s instructions. Even with at-home aligners, it’s never a bad idea to have a comprehensive evaluation with a dentist before proceeding. Learn more about this in our buye’rs guide and review of the best invisible braces.

Can You Straighten Teeth Without Braces or Invisalign?

No, there are no methods for straightening teeth naturally. Any teeth straightening process requires orthodontic treatment through traditional braces or from one of the various aligner companies like those we’ve covered above. Read on the dangers of untested DIY teeth straightening here.

>>Check the latest prices for Byte aligners

FAQ

In this section, we’ve tackled a few of the most common questions surrounding Invisalign and its alternatives.

How Much Does Invisalign Cost?

Why Is Invisalign So Expensive Compared to Other Brands?

What Is the Cheapest Type of Invisalign?

What Is the Cheapest Way To Strengthen Teeth?

What's the Best Invisalign Alternative?

Conclusion

Invisalign’s high price tag and frequent office visits don’t work for everyone wishing for straighter teeth. Byte aligners best balance your safety and value for money.

It is worth pointing out that the American Dental Association and Association of Orthodontists don’t approve of mail-order aligners at this time. There is something to be said about the convenience, affordability, and accessibility benefits that at-home aligners offer. Even if it’s from home, there are merits to choosing an aligner brand supervised by a licensed professional [1].

Of everything we reviewed, Byte stands out as the winner with a short treatment time, cost-effective plans, and care monitored by a dental professional.

>>Check the latest prices for Byte aligners

References:

  1. Wexler A, Nagappan A, Beswerchij A, Choi R. Direct-to-consumer orthodontics: surveying the user experience. J Am Dent Assoc. 2020 Aug;151(8):625-636.e4. doi: 10.1016/j.adaj.2020.02.025. PMID: 32718492; PMCID: PMC7391059.
  2. Najeeb, S., Zafar, M. S., Khurshid, Z., Zohaib, S., & Almas, K. (2016). The Role of Nutrition in Periodontal Health: An Update. Nutrients, 8(9), 530. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8090530

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