2022's Top Invisible Braces Prices and Reviews Everydayhealth.com Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Dental Health Read Our Reviews of the Best Invisible Braces in 2022Invisible aligners are a teeth-straightening alternative to traditional metal braces that could save you money and time. Find out which brands offer the best treatment options in our review.Facebook TwitterPinterestCopy LinkBy Erica Anand, DDSReviewed: May 11, 2022This content is researched and written independently of the views or opinions of Everyday Health's editorial team. Everyday Health may earn a commission from purchases of featured products in this article. Best ValueByteNo office visits requiredComplimentary teeth whiteningVisit Site Best Treatment VarietySmileDirectClubVariety of treatment options, including in-office scans or at-home impression kitsLifetime Smile Guarantee can provide a full refund in the first 30 days or additional touch-up aligners during or after treatmentVisit Site Most AffordableAlignerCoAll-day and nighttime-only options availableCustom treatment plans from dental professionalsVisit Site Most ConvenientStraytFree mobile scan consultationLifetime alignment guaranteeVisit Site Best for Free PerksNewSmileDay and nighttime aligner optionsIncludes first set of retainers and teeth whiteningVisit Site Best for Expert Care CandidIn-office evaluations and remote monitoringSuitable for more complex teeth issuesVisit Site Best for In-Office Care InvisalignIn-person treatments with dental expertsBest for complex correctionsVisit Site Your smile is often the first thing that people notice when they meet you. If you want to straighten your smile but don’t want traditional metal braces, invisible aligners could be the right solution. Invisible braces, or clear aligners, are removable plastic pieces that fit over your teeth and can be removed for a couple of hours a day while eating, taking photos, and other activities. There are a lot of options when deciding on the best invisible braces for your malocclusion. According to the Cleveland Clinic, a malocclusion means a “bad bite” and typically occurs when your upper and lower teeth don’t align properly. Some of the more common malocclusions include gap teeth, crooked teeth, overbite, underbite, crowded teeth, and more. Many invisible aligners, otherwise known as invisible braces, offer orthodontic treatment without the visits to a dental office. It is typically more affordable to use invisible braces at home than to go to a professional office for traditional metal braces. This review will give you the information you need to make an informed decision about which teeth straighteners are best for you. In addition to our picks for the best invisible braces, there is information on what you can expect regarding treatment time, cost, check-in frequency, treatment options, and what customers say about using the products. Top Invisible Braces Brands of 2022Best value: ByteBest treatment variety: SmileDirectClubMost affordable: AlignerCoMost convenient: StraytBest for free perks: NewSmileBest for expert care: CandidBest for in-office care: Invisalign Why You Can Trust Our Expert Review Underlying Research 3,300 hours researchedFive experts consultedOne 1,000+ user survey deployedOne focus group held17 brands consideredSeven brands selected for the best invisible braces Methodology Our experts independently research and recommend products we believe provide value in the lives of our readers. We've spent collectively more than 3,300 hours conducting in-depth research on invisible braces. Throughout this process, we engaged in ongoing independent research through the following steps:Consulted with dentists and orthodontistsMystery shopped the brandsSurveyed more than 1,000 invisible braces usersBecame customers of invisible braces companiesInterviewed experts in the fieldRead hundreds of verified customer reviews from trusted third parties such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and TrustPilot Compare the Best Invisible Braces of 2022 BrandByteSmileDirectClubAlignerCoStraytNewSmileCandidInvisalignCost$1,895-$2,295$2,050$1,145$1,848$1,395-$1,495$3,000-$7,000$3,000-$8,000Payment plan offeredYesYesYesYesYesYes, with credit checkNo; third-party financing is availableTreatment time4-6 months4-6 months6-11 months6 months4-6 months6 months12-18 monthsCheck-in frequencyRemote optionsWeeklyVaries by treatment planRemote optionsRemote optionsBiweeklyVaries by treatment plan (every 4-6 weeks)CredentialsDentists or orthodontistsIn-network dentistsDentists or orthodontistsDentists or orthodontistsIn-network dentists and orthodontistsOrthodontist onlyDentists or orthodontistsImpression optionsPutty mold at home3D scan or at-home impression kitPutty mold at home or in personAt-home impression kit or digital scan in person or mobileAt-home impression kit and digital treatment previewPutty mold at home3D scanTreatment typeAt homeAt home, in office, or in-office at a SmileShopAt home or in person (limited to New York)At homeAt homeAt home or in personIn personIssue complexityMild to moderate issuesMild to moderate issuesMild to moderate issuesMild to moderate issuesMild to moderate issuesMild to moderate issuesMild to complex issuesNighttime-only optionYesYesYesYesYesNoYesLifetime guaranteeConditionalYesNoConditionalConditionalNoYes, with additional cost Best Value Byte ByteNo office visits requiredComplimentary teeth whiteningVisit SitePrice $1,895 to $2,295 Score 4.14 out of 5 ProsClear aligners made of BPA-free, medical-grade polymer filmOffers daytime and nighttime-only optionsFirst set of retainers are freeIncludes a free treatment guarantee ConsNo physical locations for patients who prefer in-person treatmentSome patients reported discomfortPayment plan has a high finance cost Byte offers an alignment process that lets you skip the visits to a dentist’s or orthodontist’s office. Instead, you check in virtually every week from your home with a member of the Byte care team. Take note that you must be extremely diligent with an at-home treatment process for it to be successful, so make sure you have the time to commit. Byte offers you a choice between the All-Day Aligner System and At-Night Aligner System, so you can choose when to wear your aligners. All Byte treatment plans are approved by a licensed dentist or orthodontist in your state and include the Byte for Life Guarantee. If your teeth ever shift following treatment, Byte promises to provide additional treatment to correct the issue at no cost to you (some conditions apply). Check out our full review of Byte invisible braces to see if they may be the best fit for you. Get Byte at Byteme.com or call 844-765-1337. Best Treatment Variety SmileDirectClub SmileDirectClubVariety of treatment optionsLifetime Smile GuaranteeVisit SitePrice $2,050 Score 4.83 out of 5 ProsMultiple convenient treatment optionsCoordinates payment with dental insuranceOffers a free in-person 3D scanFree teeth whitening includedLifetime Smile Guarantee ConsCost of retainers not includedOnly for mild to moderate issuesTreatment cost doesn’t include impression kits This removable aligner brand gives patients more ways to personalize their experience due to the flexible treatment options. Some people aren’t comfortable with at-home putty impressions or virtual-only treatment. SmileDirectClub features hundreds of brick-and-mortar stores, called SmileShops, that can help make your orthodontic journey easier with in-person visits. The option to do your impressions at your own dentist’s or orthodontist’s office (if in network), go to a SmileShop for a free 3D scan, or do an at-home impression kit makes this a good option for more patients. In our survey of invisible braces users, about 21 percent of SmileDirectClub customers complained that the aligners required too much maintenance and at-home care, while nearly 18 percent experienced shipping or delivery issues. Still, with the Lifetime Smile Guarantee, you can get a full refund within the first 30 days if you are not satisfied with the treatment or a prorated refund for any unused aligners after those 30 days. Most Affordable AlignerCo AlignerCoAll-day and nighttime-only options availableCustom treatment plans from dental professionalsVisit SItePrice $1,145 Score 3.55 out of 5 ProsMultiple financing options, including one with no down paymentImpression kit and first set of retainers included if you pay up frontFull refunds on impression kits if you are not a candidateNighttime-only treatment options ConsIn-person care only available in Hempstead, New YorkDoesn’t treat complex cases or orthodontic issuesNo treatment guarantee AlignerCo is the most affordable invisible braces company. In our invisible braces survey, the cost of treatment was the second-most important factor for people choosing invisible braces. Additionally, our invisible braces focus group revealed that a lower price than in-office treatment was the biggest incentive for considering at-home invisible aligner treatment. While AlignerCo offers multiple financing options, the best deal is to pay your treatment cost up front. This has the lowest overall price and includes your impression kit and first set of retainers. While your AlignerCo treatment is overseen by a dentist, you will first contact an AlignerCo staff member about any issues or questions. They will then connect you with your dental professional. The biggest drawback is that AlignerCo does not offer a treatment guarantee, which was the most important concern for customers in our survey. Most Convenient Strayt StraytFree mobile scan consultationLifetime alignment guaranteeVisit SitePrice $1,848 Score 3.43 out of 5 ProsMobile service for digital scans and consultationStrayt Smile GuaranteeOffers a price match promiseA 30-day, money-back guaranteeTreatment overseen by orthodontists ConsNot as many reviews as better-known brandsNot meant for severe alignment issuesMobile scan service not available everywhere Strayt invisible aligners do not require any in-office visits, but they offer specially designed orthodontic care that’s overseen exclusively by orthodontists. In addition to an at-home impression kit, Strayt offers a free mobile scan consultation. You set up an appointment at your home or another location, and a Strayt Mobile Scan professional will drive to you. The scan itself takes about 15 minutes. You may also be able to visit a Strayt dental partner's office for your scan if one is available near you. Use the Strayt ZIP code search tool to check the availability of mobile scan professionals in partner offices in your area. Strayt offers multiple financing options, and you may be able to use an Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), or dental insurance to cover some of the costs. There is also a 30-day money-back guarantee, and Strayt says it will match the price of any competitor that is lower for equivalent service. If you are unsatisfied with the results of your treatment, Strayt guarantees that it will work with your orthodontist to create additional treatment plans to correct your smile. Best for Free Perks NewSmile NewSmileDay and nighttime aligner optionsCost includes the first set of retainers and teeth whiteningVisit SitePrice $1,395 to $1,495 Score 3.92 out of 5 ProsNewSmile app allows remote monitoring by dental professionals3D treatment preview shows you how your smile will lookRefund on impression kits if you are not a candidateFDA-approvedLatex and BPA freeFree teeth-whitening kit and first set of retainers ConsNewer brand without as many reviews as established brandsCustomer support only available during limited hoursNo direct access to experts outside of the mobile app and customer service While NewSmile doesn’t require you to set up any appointments with dentists or orthodontists, its treatment does include dental experts who can assist you virtually with any questions or concerns about your invisible teeth aligners. After you take the impressions of your teeth at home and send them back, NewSmile will generate a 3D treatment preview, so you can see what your smile could look like after treatment. If you choose to proceed, you can follow your teeth-straightening progress by using the NewSmile monitoring app. NewSmile also offers a full refund if orthodontists and dentists in its network determine that clear aligners aren’t suitable for you. If you purchase removable aligners, they come with a free teeth-whitening kit and include your first set of retainers. You will pay for each pair of retainers after the first set. Best for Expert Care Candid CandidIn-office evaluations and remote monitoringSuitable for more complex teeth issuesVisit SitePrice $3,000 to $7,000 Score 3.74 out of 5 ProsIn-office scans by Candid dental professionalsRemote monitoring during treatmentTeen teeth-straightening program availableFree teeth-whitening kit Cons More expensive than at-home brandsPayment plan requires a credit checkNo lifetime guaranteeRetainers cost extra Candid offers both expert in-office care from a dentist or orthodontist and the convenience of remote monitoring during treatment. A CandidPro dentist or orthodontist will take your impressions, scans, and X-rays in their office. They’ll evaluate the impressions, determine if you’re a good candidate, develop a treatment plan, and send you a 3D preview. After your Candid aligners are delivered, you’ll wear them for about eight months. To monitor your treatment, you will upload pictures of your teeth every 14 days using the Candid app so your Candid doctor can review your progress. Candid is more expensive than some at-home aligner brands, but it does allow you to work directly with your Candid dental professional. Our reviews team’s January 2022 focus group found that in-person support from a dentist or orthodontist was very important to customers, making Candid a good option to straighten your smile at home while still talking to a dental professional face-to-face. Best for In-Office Care Invisalign InvisalignIn-person treatments with dental expertsCan treat complex correctionsVisit SitePrice $3,000 to $8,000 Score 3.08 out of 5 ProsTreats more severe dental issuesIn-office care with a dental professionalIndividual treatment planExpert in-person advice throughout your treatment Cons Higher costs than any other clear alignersFinancing is determined by your insurance plan or orthodontist with a third partyLonger treatment time Invisalign is one of the most recognized invisible aligner brands on the market. It was the most popular brand in our survey, with 24 percent of users listing Invisalign as the brand they purchased. Additionally, our focus group found that a majority of participants knew of and had used Invisalign. The biggest benefit of Invisalign is that it uses SmartForce attachments that allow for more precise corrections than other clear aligners. It can treat more severe orthodontic issues like jaw discrepancies, protruding teeth, and bite problems compared with other aligner brands that can treat only mild to moderate problems. The biggest drawback to Invisalign is the cost, as it is easily the most expensive invisible braces option on the market. What to Know Before Buying Invisible Braces Here are the most important factors to consider before shopping for clear aligners. Make Sure You Can Commit to the Treatment Plan The most important thing to consider before buying invisible braces is whether you are committed to following the treatment plan. The process involves many detailed steps that require time to complete, including taking impressions and wearing your invisible aligners exactly as directed. Most brands require you to wear your invisible aligners for at least 22 hours per day or 10 hours at night if you choose a nighttime-only option. After treatment you will also need to wear retainers to keep your teeth from shifting. Make Sure You Can Afford the Treatment Plan If you’re financing your treatment, make sure that you’ll be able to make the payments throughout your entire treatment. You don’t want to have to stop treatment midway because it can drastically affect your results. If you must stop using your invisible braces in the middle of the treatment time, you may have to start over from the beginning. Also note that some treatment plans require a down payment, and your best deal in most cases is to pay the full amount up front. Make sure to also check out our review of the most affordable invisible braces to best fit your budget. Make a Plan for In-Person Appointments if Necessary If your treatment plan involves office visits, design a plan to attend each visit. Missing dental visits can affect your results and require more copays or longer treatment. Planning is key when it comes to treatment with invisible braces. Choosing the Best Invisible Braces There are many considerations when choosing the best clear aligners for your teeth. As you research different brands, use these points to find the information you need to know. Consider Additional Costs The invisible braces costs laid out here don’t include additional necessary fees such as for cleaning solutions, storage cases, impression kits, and copays for in-office visits. For example, the Byte impression kit costs $95, while the SmileDirectClub impression kit costs $59. However, Byte includes a free bottle of whitening solution and your first set of retainers, while SmileDirectClub includes a free teeth-whitening kit but retainers cost $99 per set. Make sure you compare all of the costs involved in treatment. Consider the Time Commitment Treatment time will vary depending on your individual needs and the type of treatment you choose. Byte, SmileDirectClub, NewSmile, and other brands that offer at-home treatment for mild to moderate issues say that the average treatment time is four to six months. Brands that treat more severe alignment issues, like Candid, can take 6 to 12 months, while Invisalign treatment usually lasts 12 to 18 months. Your treatment time will also be longer if you choose a nighttime-only treatment option, as these can last five to seven months. In our survey, 25 percent of invisible braces users said their treatment time lasted 6 to 12 months, while 22 percent said it lasted 3 to 6 months. Ask About Any Potential Discomfort Each new set of invisible aligners can take a few days to get used to and you may feel some soreness and discomfort in that time. You still need to wear them for the allotted time in your treatment plan, which is typically 22 hours per day. According to Byte, some mild soreness is relatively common in the first few weeks of treatment. You can use your preferred over-the-counter pain reliever to help, but if you experience severe pain, you should contact your dental professional. Is Treatment Overseen by a Dentist or Orthodontist Research the professionals associated with the provider you choose. Make sure you’re comfortable with the people who will care for your smile. For example, all SmileDirectClub treatments are created and overseen by a dentist or orthodontist licensed in your state, and you can set up virtual consultations with them as needed. With AlignerCo, you are assigned to a dentist to oversee your treatment, but if you have questions or concerns, you will first have to message SmileDirectClub, which will then forward that to your dentist. If you prefer to see your dental professional face-to-face throughout treatment, Invisalign may be your best option. Metal Braces vs Invisible Braces The main differences between invisible braces (or clear aligners) and metal braces are the aesthetics, treatment time, and flexibility of treatment options. Both require dental impressions to create your treatment plan, adjustments on a regular basis throughout treatment time, and retainers after treatment. Metal braces are not removeable and require you to brush and floss carefully after every meal and may require additional oral hygiene tools like water irrigators. Invisible braces require a bit more responsibility on the part of the patient. Both options require the patient to care for their orthodontic devices, but since clear aligners are removable, there is a bigger responsibility for the patient to clean them and keep them on for the required time. Our product reviews team survey found that follow-up and home care was the biggest drawback for 18 percent of invisible aligners users. In this case, you should seriously consider your options in terms of the extra time it takes to clean and maintain your braces. Invisible braces work by using sets of clear, removable aligners that fit over the teeth, molded to fit perfectly according to dental impressions. They work to reposition teeth similar to metal braces, but with the option to remove them while eating, taking photos, or during any other activity done for short periods. Most invisible braces require the patient to wear them for at least 20 to 22 hours a day, depending on their treatment plan. According to a study published in January 2019 in BMC Oral Health, invisible braces work just as well as metal braces when it comes to minor to moderate orthodontic issues, but they aren’t as effective for major issues. An article published in September 2021 in the Turkish Journal of Orthodonticsstates that aligner treatment can be adapted for more complicated cases such as crooked teeth or space closure by modifying the treatment plan to overcorrect for certain issues. Still, a study published in May 2019 in the Korean Journal of Orthodonticsconcludes that metal braces, or fixed appliances, currently provide more precise corrections of severe malocclusions than plastic aligners. How Much Do Invisible Braces Cost You should expect to pay anywhere between $1,200 to $6,500 for invisible braces, depending on the provider you choose. The average invisible braces cost is approximately $2,500. Usually, you must pay for your impression kit, which can range anywhere between $20 to $90. In most cases, this cost will be refunded if you’re not eligible for invisible braces. If you move forward, the cost of the impression kit is often deducted from the total cost of the treatment. Your invisible braces costs will most likely be contingent on the severity of your issue. More complex issues can take more time to correct, so your treatment time will be longer. Another major factor in costs is the availability of financing. Some financing options work with your insurance, and others incur an extra cost and may require a down payment. There can also be other costs, including cleaning materials, carrying cases, retainers, and other necessary items for cleaning and caring for your devices and oral health. How We Chose the Best Invisible Braces We determined our top picks for the best invisible braces based on the following criteria:PriceWhether treatment is led by dentists or orthodontistsScreening process for determining eligibilityTreatment processEase and consistency of follow-up during treatmentWillingness to assess and provide revisions during or after treatment if neededCustomer serviceCustomer satisfactionFinancing, warranties, and product guarantees Methodology To test invisible braces, we first surveyed 1,000 users and held a focus group to determine what factors were most important during the full invisible braces experience. After gathering thorough user journey information, we ordered impression kits for relevant brands that supplied them to test in-house and deeply researched and mystery shopped brands that did not. Then, we rated each company on a five-point scale based on the following criteria. Each attribute we considered was weighted in order of importance from most to least critical based on our user survey. Here are the factors we took into consideration when tallying our final scores:User Experience (35 percent of total score) We used survey and focus group data to analyze how difficult it was for users to care for and maintain their clear aligners at home and whether orthodontist appointments were a hassle or simple and convenient. We also tested the at-home impression kits to find out how easy they were to understand and use. Overall Treatment Experience (25 percent of total score) We examined the total treatment time based on type of correction, possible corrections offered (mild, moderate, or severe), and whether a treatment guarantee was available. Pricing (20 percent of total score) We looked at whether the price of the treatment matched the level of correction and treatment experience offered, if financing options were available and if treatment could be covered by insurance, and brand policies for shipping and returns. Customer Support (10 percent of total score) Customer service availability, reliability, friendliness, and average response time all factored into our customer support score. Special Features and Brand Perks (5 percent of total score) We determined if brands had a nighttime-only option, if they offered virtual orthodontist appointments and support, and if they had any unique perks, like free or lower-cost teeth whitening. Brand Reputation (5 percent of total score) We carefully read through reviews on trusted third-party sites, like the BBB and TrustPilot. The Bottom Line There are a lot more options for straightening your teeth than just metal braces. The best invisible aligners can help you achieve a straighter smile with shorter treatment times and in a less noticeable way than metal braces for mild to moderate issues. Byte is our choice for best overall value because it provides free teeth whitening, a free first set of retainers, and a treatment guarantee for a lower price point than similar competitors. But that doesn't mean they're the best for every issue. For flexible approaches to treatment, including the choice between in-person office visits, virtual at-home care, or hybrid treatment at a SmileShop, SmileDirectClub gives you the most options. Strayt, meanwhile, offers a mobile scan service that can come to you for the most convenient service in certain locations. AlignerCo is the most affordable brand on the list, while NewSmile provides the best free perks with the cost of treatment. If you're looking for more comprehensive treatment, Candid offers a hybrid model of in-person scans with a dental professional and virtual monitoring during treatment. For complex issues, such as crooked teeth, overbites, gap teeth, crowded teeth, underbites, and cross bites, Invisalign might be the best option. Go through all the information, and if you're still not sure, consult with your dentist or orthodontist to make your decision. Frequently Asked QuestionsDo invisible braces really work?Yes, but not for every orthodontic issue. For most mild to moderate teeth-straightening issues, invisible braces can work as treatment. According to our survey of people using invisible braces, 21 percent bought invisible braces primarily for crooked teeth. Your orthodontic specialist will determine whether your needs for straightening are mild enough to be treated with aligners.What invisible braces are the best? The best invisible braces for you will depend on what corrections you want to make to your smile, your budget, and how much time you have to commit to the process.Is Invisalign cheaper than braces? No. The cost of Invisalign is similar or more than most traditional metal braces. But they are clear aligners that can be removed, and the treatment time is often shorter than the treatment time of metal braces.Does insurance cover invisible braces? Sometimes, depending on the provider you choose. Many dental insurance plans will cover a portion of the cost or offer third-party financing. For Candid and Invisalign, you will work directly with your dentist or orthodontist to determine dental insurance coverage, just like you would for regular treatment. For certain at-home brands, you can potentially finance your treatment through the brand or third-party companies like Align and CareCredit. Many brands also accept HSA or FSA funds for payment.When are invisible braces not appropriate? Clear aligners may not work for complex corrections of issues like large gaps, dental bridges, or severely rotated or crooked teeth.How long do invisible braces take? This depends on the provider you choose. Byte, SmileDirectClub, and NewSmile all advertise average treatment times of four to six months. Candid says its average treatment time is six months, while Invisalign takes 12 to 18 months. The treatment time is still often significantly shorter than the treatment time for metal braces.Should you talk to your dentist or orthodontist before buying invisible braces? Yes. It is not required, but with most providers, you’ll meet with a dentist or orthodontist during your treatment. Your personal dentist or orthodontist will know your case best and can help you decide on the best provider for teeth straightening.How can you straighten your teeth without braces? You can’t. Straightening your teeth requires an orthodontic treatment like traditional metal braces or clear aligners. According to the University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry, the primary teeth-straightening options for adults include traditional braces, self-ligating braces, lingual braces, and clear aligners. The best invisible braces and clear aligners are alternatives to metal braces, but they’re still a type of braces. All teeth straightening should be done under the care of professionals with approved devices. Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking Invisible Braces Survey. 1,000 respondents. Conducted using Pollfish. Launched December 21, 2021.Invisible Braces Focus Group. Six Participants. Conducted virtually January 20, 2022.Malocclusion. Cleveland Clinic. November 8, 2021.Ke Y, Zhu Y, Zhu M. A Comparison of Treatment Effectiveness Between Clear Aligner and Fixed Appliance Therapies. BMC Oral Health. January 2019.Mehta S, Patel D, Yadav S. Staging Orthodontic Aligners for Complex Orthodontic Tooth Movement. Turkish Journal of Orthodontics. September 2021.Galan-Lopez L, Barcia-Gonzalez J, Plasencia E. A Systematic Review of the Accuracy and Efficiency of Dental Movements With Invisalign. The Korean Journal of Orthodontics. May 2019.Guide to Tooth Alignment for Adults. University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry. October 29, 2019. Show Less