Clear aligners are an increasingly popular option for consumers seeking more flexible, cost-effective cosmetic dentistry options. These transparent, plastic braces have the advantage of being removable, and they can be administered from home, unlike conventional metal braces.

Clear aligner technology has evolved considerably over the last 20 years, and research has shown it can be effective for improving common cosmetic orthodontic problems such as over-crowding and misalignment. As an evolving and increasingly popular form of orthodontic treatment, the number of clear aligner products on the market has risen considerably. This means that the process of making sense of the vast range of product and pricing options can pose challenges for consumers living increasingly time-constrained lives.

One of the facts that consumers typically confront when searching for clear aligner treatments is that many of the most prominent and reputable companies offer high-quality products and treatment protocols, but their prices tend to be higher than average. Similarly, these companies tend to rely on ‘in-office’ appointments during the treatment process, which poses practical challenges for many consumers, particularly in the context of the COVID pandemic.

For instance, Invisalign is a leading company that offers premium quality clear aligners. At an average cost of $5000, Invisalign’s treatments are, however, prohibitive for a large number of consumers. In addition, Invisalign’s treatments require physical visits to a dental professional’s office, and the company does not offer an ‘at-home’ treatment option.

Comparing your options:

This article will provide a short review of some of the best alternatives to Invisalign, in order to assist consumers who might be searching for more affordable and convenient clear aligner treatment. The article will briefly discuss three of the best alternatives to Invisalign: i) Byte, ii) AlignerCo, and iii) Candid.

If you are interested in knowing more, Smile Prep is a useful site where you can read more detailed and comprehensive information and reviews about at-home clear aligners.

Byte

Byte is a leading alternative to Invisalign and is an increasingly popular choice among consumers. Byte offers high-quality clear aligners and efficient supporting services at a highly competitive price. The company has developed innovative and streamlined treatment options that can be completed in as little as three months, which is almost 75% shorter than Invisalign’s 12 month treatment period. Other significant advantages of Byte include:

• ‘Byte for Life Guarantee’ – lifetime access to teeth re-adjustments, including newly fitted aligners;
• easy financing – Byte offers financing plans to all customers regardless of credit history;
• personalized customer service – every customer is assigned a personal support agent;
• user-friendly aligners – Byte customers can choose a shorter, more affordable ‘all day’ treatment option, or they can choose an ‘at night’ treatment which takes slightly longer, but which only requires aligners to be worn for 10 hours per day (compared with 22 hours a day for Invisalign’s products).

Byte costs $1895, which is competitively priced given the considerable value of its products and services.

Kirsten J. from Yakima, WA, had this review about Byte: “Byte has been amazing! Their customer service is very prompt and they have answered all of my questions. I’ve had to have refinements and it was a breeze. The HyperByte is awesome for reducing the treatment time and soreness. I recommend them all the time to my family and friends. I still have a few weeks left of my treatment but I am extremely happy with the results so far.”

AlignerCo

AlignerCo is one of the most affordable alternatives to Invisalign on the clear aligner market. The company offers products and services that are comparable to many competitors, but at a far lower than average price point. Some of AlignerCo’s most attractive features include:

• easy financing – no credit checks required for AlignerCo’s SmileFlex Easy financing plan, and only soft credit checks required for the Standard SmileFlex plan;
• high-quality customer support – effective, attentive, and enthusiastic customer support service;
• relatively fast treatment – AlignerCo’s treat plan lasts between six and eleven months and is a shorter alternative treatment than Invisalign (though slightly longer than some other competitors).

AlignerCo only costs $1145, making this perhaps the most affordable clear aligner option on the market.

Candid

Candid is recognized for being the ‘at-home’ clear aligner company that comes closest to achieving the quality of leading ‘in-office’ providers like Invisalign. The distinctive advantages of Candid are the high quality of the company’s products, and its unique monitoring and customer support service. Here is a brief description of the benefits offered by Candid:

• remote monitoring service – Candid is the only ‘at-home’ clear aligner company with a remote monitoring service, in which customers are assigned a dedicated orthodontist for the duration of the treatment;
• tailored treatment – customer treatment plans are specifically designed by the designated orthodontist;
• premium quality products – Candid’s clear aligners are manufactured using a premium quality thermoplastic called Zendura, which is exceptionally durable, comfortable, and safe (Zendura is BPA-free), so Candid’s aligners are of equivalent quality to the products offered by Invisalign;
• rapid treatment plan – the company’s treatment process lasts a relatively short period of six months.

Candid costs $2400, which is higher than many other Invisalign alternatives. Candid also lacks the ‘at-night’ option offered by many other competitors. Nonetheless, if one considers the range and quality of Candid’s products and services, the company’s pricing is still competitive.

Final thoughts

The options for alternative clear aligner treatments are increasing. Byte, AlignCo, and Candid are just some of the best, but there are many alternatives available.  If customers know where to look, they can now find viable ‘at home’ alternatives to prominent ‘in-office’ brands such as Invisalign.