Are you over your crooked teeth? We don't blame you. Crowded or gapped teeth can ruin your smile and your self-confidence.
Typically, people go to an orthodontist for treatment of these dental issues. However, braces and Invisalign can cost you upwards of $6,500 for the treatment.
With an at-home system, you avoid all the consultation costs involved with visiting an orthodontist during the treatment process. You get the same results as Invisalign but at a quarter of the price.
We've reviewed 3 of the most popular clear aligner options across several factors including cost, treatment time, and treatment quality. In this review, we will compare Candid vs Smile Direct vs Byte.
A clear aligner solution can help straighten out your smile and boost your self-image. In this post, we review the best at-home clear aligners for straightening your teeth.
Our Picks for the Best At-Home Clear Aligners
#1
5/5
Byte Invisible Aligner
Byte utilizes a unique HyperByte technology to shorten treatment time to as little as 3 months. Byte includes this vibration tool for free in its treatment. The company offers 100% Us-located customer support. Byte's at-home impressions only take 15 minutes and includes free shipping both ways. The treatment is orthodontist directed and allows for remote monitoring that helps the doctor track your progress.
#2
4/5
Candid Aligner System
Candid has an average treatment time of 6 months and the at-home impression kit take about 30 minutes to do, Candid benefits from having more than 25 locations if you want an in-person scanning of your teeth. Candid similarly works with orthodontists to create and an optimal treatment plan.
#3
3.5/5
Smile Direct Club Invisible Aligners
Smile Direct Club was one of the first entrants in the market and continues to be a leader for those looking for an invisible teeth straightening solution. The company's strong track record and average treatment time of 6 months which makes it a very compelling option.
Do Clear Aligners Really Work?
Yes, clear aligners really work. It's the ideal treatment solution for resolving minor dental issues involving gapping and overcrowding of your teeth.
When you sign up with an at-home aligner company, you order an impression kit. The kit comes with everything you need to take a mold of your teeth. After taking your impressions, you send them to the aligner company for review by a team of dental professionals.
Candid and Smile Direct Club offers you a free scan of your teeth at the SmileShop or Candid Studio.
If the dental team decides you qualify for the service, they'll tell you to make a payment, and the company produces your set of clear aligners.
You'll receive your aligners at home and start your treatment using an app or web account to communicate with your care team. The care team monitors every stage of your treatment until you have a straight smile.
However, it's important to note that every at-home aligner company has a slightly different approach to its treatment strategy. Some offer improved managed care, while others offer innovative devices, and others focus on being the lowest-cost provider in the space.
Let's look at some of the top players and find the right aligner system for you.
The Best At-Home Clear Aligners – Our Top Choices
We looked at the top three companies to get accurate, clear aligners cost comparison. We also compared the unique selling points for each brand and the pros and cons of purchasing the aligner system.
Byte
Byte aligners are a top choice for your at-home teeth straightening. Byte offers the best combination of technology and affordable pricing, bringing you a standout offering. Founded in 2017, it's a newcomer to the market but rapidly gaining market share.
What Does Byte Cost?
Byte offers you a cash price of $1,895 on its daytime aligner system. You have the option of financing that for $349 down and 29 monthly payments of $83.
If you want the Byte-at-night system, you'll have to pay $2,295. It's also available with financing terms of $449 down and $99 per month for 24-months. The Byte-at-Night system also comes with the Byte Protection Plan (BPP), giving you two free retainer replacements every year.
Why Choose Byte Aligners?
Byte has a unique offering thanks to its "HyperByte" device. The HyperByte fits your aligner, sending sonic pulses through the aligner to seat it better to your teeth. The result is a faster treatment time and less discomfort when seating your aligner.
Pros
Cons
Candid
Candid is the premium service provider in the at-home teeth-straightening market. This company offers you managed orthodontic care through a dedicated app on your cellphone.
What Does Candid Cost?
Candid has the most expensive offer, charging $2,400 for its aligner system. The company also offers in-house financing. Take it on credit for $399 down and 24 monthly payments of $99.
Why Choose Candid Aligners?
Candid includes orthodontic follow-ups with a doctor through a dedicated app on your smartphone. You'll receive an innovative scanning tool that fits your phone camera for your checkups. Candid is the only company only working with orthodontists.
Pros
Cons
Smile Direct Club
Founded in 2014 by Alex Fenkall and Jordan Katzman, Smile Direct Club is the world-leader in at-home teeth straightening.
What Does Smile Direct Club Cost?
Smile Direct Club charges a cash price of $1,950 for its system. You have the option of using SmilePay in-house financing to cover your purchase. With SmilePay, you put $250 down, with 24 monthly payments of $89.
Why Choose Smile Direct Club Aligners?
SDC is a solid all-rounder when it comes to the clear aligner market. You get a proven system with over a million positive testimonials.
Pros
Cons
Our Recommendation
If you're looking for the best aligner system, we recommend going with Byte. Byte offers you innovative technology, affordable pricing, and options for insurance coverage.
According to Byte reviews, the company has a 4.9-star rating on Google Reviews, with more than 3,000-verified users leaving a positive response.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Byte better than Invisalign?
Invisalign is a fitted system available through your orthodontist. The difference between Byte and Invisalign is that Invisalign assessment and adjustments happen in the orthodontist's chair. With Byte, you get a set of aligners and a dental team telling you when it's time to move onto the next aligner in the series.
What are the best clear aligners?
We recommend Byte as the best overall clear aligner solution. With innovative HyperByte technology, options for nighttime retainers, and in-house financing with no credit check, Byte is our top pick of the bunch.
Do Byte work with my health insurance?
Yes, with Byte, you can use your dental insurance, FSA, or HSA account when paying for your treatment. Byte works with leading insurers like Guardian, Delta Dental, BlueCross, Blue Shield, and many other partners. Unlike other companies, Byte makes the inquiry with your insurance for you, just give them your card number, and they take care of the rest.