SmileDirectClub and AlignerCo have a lot in common. Both clear aligner services offer at-home teeth straightening, and both are significantly more affordable than braces or Invisalign. But when you dig a bit deeper, there are actually some major differences that aren’t so apparent on the surface.
We’re here to help you decipher these differences and determine the features that you find most important. In this comparison review, we’ll take you on an in-depth tour of SmileDirectClub and AlignerCo, and provide all the information you need to choose the best home teeth aligner for you.
Table of Contents
AlignerCo Vs. SmileDirectClub: Overview
AlignerCo and SmileDirectClub both offer a convenient and affordable alternative to visiting your dental provider for Invisalign treatment. With either service, you’ll receive a set of custom invisible aligners shipped directly to your home. But after that, the differences become more clear.
SmileDirectClub | AlignerCo | |
---|---|---|
Price | $2,250 for daytime or nighttime treatment | All-Day: $995 Nighttime: $1,195 |
Financing | $250 down, 26 monthly payments of $89 | All-Day: $355 down, 6 monthly payments of $135 Nighttime: $445 down, 6 monthly payments of $150 |
Advertised Treatment Plan Length | All-Day: 4–6 months At-Night: 8–10 months | All-Day: 4–6 months Nighttime: 6–8 months |
Startup Options | Impression kit or in-person scan | Impression kit |
Nighttime Option | Yes | Yes |
Aligner Kit Includes | Aligners, in-office scan (optional), whitening | Aligners, whitening, one set of retainers |
Our Recommendation
SmileDirectClub was the first company to offer at-home invisible aligners in 2014. Compared to AlignerCo, they have a much longer track record and a more established brand. AlignerCo might have some of the industry’s lowest prices, but we still give SmileDirectClub the edge. Here’s why.
- Customer Experience: After they ironed out a few wrinkles in their customer support procedures, SmileDirectClub has taken measures to deliver a more satisfying customer experience. They offer extensive refund policies — including mid-treatment prorated refunds — a mobile app where you can track your progress, and 24/7 access to their representatives.
- More Startup Options: SmileDirectClub maintains over 100 retail locations and 1,000 partnering dental offices nationwide, where you can get dental scans instead of purchasing an impression kit. AlignerCo doesn’t have any physical locations, so you’ll need to make molds of your own teeth to get started.
All that said, we think there’s a lot to love about AlignerCo too — especially when it comes to affordability. Their sticker price is hundreds lower than the competition, plus they offer frequent discounts and accessible payment plans, making their aligners even more budget-friendly.
Both providers are worth considering, but in our opinion, SmileDirectClub is the better option for most people.
Scope of Treatment Comparison
AlignerCo and SmileDirectClub are two great options for boosting your smile confidence. Combined, they’ve helped millions of customers, and based on testimonials, most are happy with their results. But good results require the baseline of having a case that falls within their scope of treatment.
SmileDirectClub Treatment Scope
AlignerCo Treatment Scope
- Primarily for mild and moderate cases of crowding and spacing.
- SmileDirectClub says their aligners can move all teeth.
- Requires photo check-ins every 90 days throughout treatment.
- Treats mild-to-moderate cosmetic concerns.
- Mostly moves the front 6–8 teeth in either arch.
- Requires bi-weekly photo check-ins.
What SmileDirectClub and AlignerCo Treat
SmileDirectClub states that their system is “designed for minor to moderate crowding, spacing, and general alignment concerns.” They claim their aligners can treat the following conditions:
- Mild-to-moderate crowding
- Mild-to-moderate spacing
- Mild-to-moderate overbite or overjet
- Limited underbite
- Localized crossbite
So, how does this compare with AlignerCo? According to their website, they can typically address the following issues:
- Mild-to-moderate crowding
- Mild-to-moderate spacing
- Mild-to-moderate overbite or overjet
- Limited underbite
- Localized crossbite
At-home aligners usually focus on the most visible teeth — the frontmost 6–8 in either arch. Each treatment plan is unique, so in some cases, they might move other teeth, too. SmileDirectClub, however, claims that if they take on your case, their aligners will move whatever teeth need to shift to get a healthy and attractive smile.
What SmileDirectClub and AlignerCo Customers Say
Most SmileDirectClub customers who sent us reviews said they received treatment for crowding, spacing, and overbite — and many gave the company positive reviews. Fewer customers report treatment for crossbite, midline shift, underbite, overjet, or snaggletooth. When they did, they gave four- and five-star reviews at a slightly lower rate.
There aren’t as many reviews for AlignerCo, but they’re often pretty similar to SmileDirectClub’s. Most customers report treatment for simpler issues, and reviews for easier cases tend to be more positive than those for more difficult ones.
Clinical Oversight
SmileDirectClub might be a remote aligner system, but that doesn’t mean you do it alone. They actually require you to check in every 90 days, submitting photos of your smile for review. Their dental team will evaluate your progress and, if needed, make adjustments to your treatment plan. And if you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can choose their hybrid option, called CarePlus.
AlignerCo also requires check-ins, but much more frequently. You upload photos every 14 days using the AlignerTracker app. However, they don’t have a hybrid option, so this is the extent of the oversight you’ll get.
Quality of Materials
SmileDirectClub doesn’t disclose the specifics of its plastic. However, they note that they use an approach they call Comfort Sense. This is a thickness progression meant to ease customers into wearing aligners, starting with thinner aligners and gentler force and working up to thicker, more powerful aligners.
AlignerCo gets their plastics from RaintreeEssix, an established dental materials company owned by Dentsply Sirona. Their premium plastics have been used in various aligners since 2005, meaning they have a long record of success behind them.
Affordability Comparison
One of the first things many adults check when considering home aligner treatment is their budget. Both options are more cost-effective than in-office options like Invisalign, but costs vary among home aligner companies too. And this is where AlignerCo really shines, not just in this side-by-side comparison, but also among the rest of its competitors.
When comparing costs, the price tag isn’t everything. You’ll also want to consider payment plan options, where both companies offer some flexibility. Even though SmileDirectClub’s costs are respectable, we think AlignerCo goes above and beyond to provide affordable, accessible treatment.
SmileDirectClub Affordability
AlignerCo Affordability
- $2,250 sticker price (for daytime or nighttime aligners).
- Doesn’t include aftercare retainers in the sticker price. They cost an additional $125.
- The impression kit is $59 (or free at a SmileShop location).
- Financing requires a down payment but no credit check, so everyone is approved.
- $995 sticker price (or $1,195 for NightOnly Aligners).
- The initial payment includes your first set of aftercare retainers.
- The impression kit is also included in the sticker price.
- Multiple financing options — one requires a soft credit check, the other requires a down payment.
- The Smile Protection plan provides lower aftercare retainer prices than most competitors.
Sticker Price
SmileDirectClub’s initial cost is $2,250, which looks great until you visit AlignerCo’s website. Their treatment is just $995 (or $1,195 for NightOnly aligners), among the lowest we’ve seen and much easier on your budget.
AlignerCo’s upfront price includes your aligners, impression kit, and one set of aftercare retainers. By contrast, SmileDirectClub does not include retainers in their upfront cost, so you’ll need to purchase them for $125 after you wrap up your treatment. And while you can get your teeth scanned for free at a SmileShop, if you need a SmileDirectClub impression kit, you’ll need to buy one for an extra $59.
If you prefer SmileDirectClub’s CarePlus treatment, you’ll pay $3,900 instead, no matter which partner dentist you visit.
Payment Plan Options
As you think about cost, you should also consider how you will finance your treatment. AlignerCo and SmileDirectClub each offer financing options, but there are some key differences between them.
- SmileDirectClub offers a 28-month financing plan, which does not require a credit check but does require a $250 down payment, then $89 per month. For CarePlus, you’ll make a $500 down payment, then 28 monthly payments of $115 instead.
- AlignerCo has two different financing options:
- SmileFlex requires a soft credit check and if you qualify, it’ll break your total price into twelve even monthly payments.
- SmileFlex Easy does not require a credit check but does require a $335 down payment followed by six monthly payments of $135.
SmileDirectClub’s plan has lower monthly payments, but you’ll still pay less with AlignerCo in the long run. With both services, you’ll pay a bit extra to finance your care when you factor in the interest, so it’s worth it to pay upfront if you can make it work!
Free Extras
You’re already on the journey to straightening your teeth, but wouldn’t it be nice to brighten them while you’re at it? If you choose SmileDirectClub, you can. They include a “bright on” kit with their full aligner kit. This kit advertises results in just one week, and you can use it simultaneously with your aligners.
AlignerCo also throws in a free whitening kit (which typically goes for $49.99) in your aligner purchase.
Aftercare Expenses
Once you’ve achieved the smile you’ve always wanted, you’ll want to do whatever you can to maintain it. Dental experts and research recommend wearing a nightly retainer indefinitely after your treatment ends so that your pearly whites stay in position.
AlignerCo generously includes your first set of retainers (upper and lower) in your aligner package. SmileDirectClub does not include retainers in their aligner packages, and you should replace them approximately twice per year, so it’s a recurring expense.
That’s why AlignerCo started their Smile Protection Plan. For $680, (though often on sale for $499) you will receive eight retainers total, putting the cost of each retainer as low as $62.38 — much lower than SmileDirectClub, who charges $125 per set.
But it isn’t just that you’ll receive discounted retainers, you will also get some peace of mind. You won’t need to worry about ordering new retainers every six months. Instead, AlignerCo will mail all your retainers at once, so if you lose one, you won’t have to wait for a new one to be manufactured, which can take some time, potentially allowing your teeth to shift back.
Convenience Comparison
In our view, both of these options are a lot more convenient than treatments that require regular in-person care, like Invisalign. By eliminating office visits, SmileDirectClub and AlignerCo have drastically reduced your time commitment.
We think SmileDirectClub does more to provide a convenient treatment than any other home aligner company. From a nighttime-only option to hundreds of physical locations that can make startup easy, we think they’re one of the most convenience-conscious providers out there.
SmileDirectClub Convenience
AlignerCo Convenience
- Has 100+ SmileShops for free teeth scans as an alternative to impressions.
- Takes 4–6 weeks to design, produce, and ship your aligners.
- Offers a nighttime-only option that only requires aligner wear for ten hours per day.
- Allows simultaneous aligner and whitening use.
- They claim the average treatment plan is 4–6 months long.
- Doesn’t offer teeth scans at any physical locations, so most patients will need to complete the impression kit to start treatment.
- Takes around five weeks to design, produce, and ship your aligners.
- Offers a nighttime-only plan, just 8–10 hours of wear per day.
- Also allows simultaneous aligner and whitening use.
- They say their average treatment plan length is 4–6 months.
Getting Started
A home aligner company’s licensed dentists can’t create an effective treatment without getting a look at your teeth. For most customers, this means using an impression kit to make molds of their top and bottom dental arches. However, impression kits can be difficult, especially since most customers have never taken molds of their own teeth.
If you choose AlignerCo, taking impressions at home is your only option. The company provides video chat support to walk you through the process, which helps, but some customers say making the molds can still be tricky.
SmileDirectClub offers impression kits as well, but their physical locations, called SmileShops, let you forgo this step. Over 100 SmileShop locations across the country provide free teeth scans that take the place of impressions. Studies and surveys have shown that digital scans can be more accurate and more comfortable than conventional impressions.
Plus, the SmileDirectClub Partner Network includes more than 1,000 dental offices nationwide, where you can begin your treatment with an in-office consultation and teeth scan if you’d prefer. These dentists won’t be involved throughout your treatment, though. They just take your teeth scans.
Treatment Times
SmileDirectClub and AlignerCo both claim that their treatment plans are 4–6 months long, on average, which is pretty standard for home aligners. And while it might look much quicker than in-office options like Invisalign — which usually take 12–18 months — that’s because at-home treatments typically handle milder cases, which take less time to correct.
Wait Times
After you submit your impression kit or teeth scan, each company will get to work on your proposed treatment plan. SmileDirectClub will turn this around within 72 hours of receiving your impressions/scans, while AlignerCo takes around two weeks to send your preview.
After you approve this plan, SmileDirectClub will take 4–6 weeks to produce and ship your aligners, and AlignerCo says they take about three. Either way, you’ll likely wait 4–6 weeks total.
Nighttime-Only Option?
If you maintain a busy lifestyle, or if you don’t think you’d remember to wear your aligners, a standard 22-hour-per-day wear schedule might seem intimidating.
SmileDirectClub’s Nighttime Aligners and AlignerCo’s NightOnly plan offer an alternative. Take this route and you’ll only need to wear your aligners for ten hours per day instead. Of course, SmileDirectClub says this will extend the overall treatment time to around 8–10 months (on average), or 6–8 months, according to AlignerCo. But if an all-day aligner schedule sounds exhausting to you, this could be a more convenient option.
Appearance Comparison
All clear aligners keep a much lower profile than traditional braces (or even ceramic braces). But this doesn’t mean that they’re exactly the same. In fact, clear aligners can look fairly different from company to company.
SmileDirectClub and AlignerCo aligners each have their own benefits and style, and appearance is a highly subjective category, so it will also depend on your personal preference.
SmileDirectClub Appearance
AlignerCo Appearance
- Uses a frosted, textured plastic.
- Their aligners slightly overlap your gums.
- Doesn’t incorporate any attachments.
- Reasonably stain-resistant.
- Uses a smooth, translucent, shiny plastic.
- Scallops their aligners to match your gum line.
- Doesn’t incorporate any attachments.
- Reasonably stain-resistant.
Aligner Material
Some companies craft their aligners from transparent, shiny plastic while others have a textured, frosted appearance. Still, each company will tell you that their aligners are the best looking. AlignerCo, for example, says that their clear, shiny aligner material is less noticeable than competitors.
On the flip side, SmileDirectClub maintains that their aligners’ matte surface looks more natural. Your teeth are porous, which gives them a matte surface, and in our opinion, frosted aligners can provide a better match, while smooth aligners can reflect light, making your teeth look unnaturally shiny.
But as we mentioned, this often depends on personal preference. Some customers actually prefer shiny material because they like the way it makes their smile gleam. You’ll need to evaluate your preferences and decide which material fits them better.
Attachments
In some cases, fully in-person treatments like Invisalign and ClearCorrect will include small attachments affixed to the surfaces of the teeth, which improve their retention and tooth movement. While these attachments can help them treat a wider range of misalignments, they also make the aligners more noticeable. AlignerCo and SmileDirectClub don’t include attachments on any of their aligners, maintaining their low profile.
Aligner Cut
Aligners that overlap the gums (like SmileDirectClub’s) may have better force distribution. This is true, but we think they’re also more visible, since people may notice the slight overlap between your aligners and gums. So, AlignerCo, who trims their aligners to match your gum lines, is a less noticeable option. We should note that SmileDirectClub also advertises scalloped aligners for their CarePlus customers.
Stain Resistance
Both companies make aligners that may resist some stains, but we would not recommend drinking colored beverages while wearing them.
Customer Experience Comparison
It’s not uncommon to have questions during the home aligner treatment process, so a responsive and caring customer support staff is essential to your overall experience. Whether you’re trying to take a quality impression or just wondering when you’ll receive your aligners, good customer support can help make the process smooth and efficient.
We dug into hundreds of online reviews to learn more about each company’s customer support quality. It’s tough for any fully remote service to replicate the personalization and intensiveness of the hands-on care you’ll get with an in-office treatment. And while we think both companies have some room to grow, SmileDirectClub’s lifetime guarantee and extensive refund policies give us a little more reassurance.
SmileDirectClub Customer Experience
AlignerCo Customer Experience
- Offers standard support options, plus a mobile app where you can reach out 24/7.
- Received some negative reviews in the past, but appears to have made improvements.
- Will work to modify your plan if your results don’t match the treatment preview, plus they offer full refunds within 30 days of starting treatment, and prorated refunds after that.
- They put a lifetime guarantee on your new smile.
- Provides standard support options, plus video chat.
- Many customers praise their customer support, but they’ve received some negative feedback too.
- Only offers refunds if they determine you’re not eligible for treatment. After treatment, you can apply for a $200 refinement.
- Does not have a warranty or lifetime guarantee.
Support Options
SmileDirectClub is available 24/7 on a variety of support platforms — phone, webchat, video chat, and email. You can also reach out via their mobile app, which could be simpler and easier.
AlignerCo provides all the same options, available 9am–6pm EST, Monday through Saturday. And if you’re having difficulties with your impression kit, you can schedule a video call where a representative will walk you through the process.
Responsiveness & Helpfulness
After compiling and analyzing numerous customer reviews, we found that a company’s size and growth can have a significant impact on its customer service quality.
SmileDirectClub’s customer support has received mixed reviews over the years. The amount of negative feedback grew significantly around 2017 as SmileDirectClub attempted to rapidly grow its business, creating inconsistencies in its customer support. Over the past few years, however, it appears SmileDirectClub has been dedicated to improving their customer support issues.
On top of that, they’ve done a fantastic job creating extensive online resources, from FAQs to informative blog posts, so you can likely find answers to your questions simply by searching their website.
Many AlignerCo customers have had glowing reviews for the company’s support team. We tested out their webchat and received a response almost immediately. However, some customers have reported delays in treatment and frustration with having to go back and forth with representatives to get helpful answers.
Plus, since they’re a newer company, AlignerCo doesn’t have a ton of reviews just yet. As they continue to grow and serve more customers, we’ll be interested to see a larger bulk of customer comments.
Satisfaction Guarantee
SmileDirectClub’s refund policy is average for the home aligner industry. They don’t offer refunds once you’ve started treatment, but they will give a full refund if you have a change of heart and cancel treatment within 30 days. After that, they’ll provide prorated refunds for unused and unopened aligners.
At the end of your treatment, if your aligners didn’t deliver the expected results, SmileDirectClub will work with you to further adjust your smile. And after you complete your treatment, their lifetime guarantee says they’ll create new aligners if your teeth ever shift out of place (as long as you purchase their retainers twice per year and wear them as directed).
Once you begin AlignerCo treatment, you’re only eligible for a refund if their team reviews your impressions and determines you’re not a candidate for treatment. They don’t accept any returns after you’ve placed your order. But if you follow your aligner plan diligently and still aren’t satisfied, you can request a refinement for an extra $200. They don’t, however, offer a lifetime warranty like SmileDirectClub.
Company Backgrounds
SmileDirectClub Company Background
AlignerCo Company Background
- Founded in 2014.
- Largest home aligner company in the industry.
- Has transformed over 2 million smiles to date.
- Founded in 2019.
- Dug out a niche as the most affordable home aligner option.
- Still small, but has a growing customer base.
When they hit the market in 2014, SmileDirectClub was one of the very first home aligner companies available. They helped to build the industry from the ground up and, since their founding, they’ve transformed over two million smiles and built more than 100 physical SmileShops across the country. Now, they’re a booming company with thousands of employees, the largest of all the home aligner companies we reviewed.
AlignerCo entered the scene in 2019, but counters their inexperience with incredibly affordable prices — the lowest in the industry. Most impressively, they haven’t sacrificed product quality in pursuit of low prices. Customers flocking to AlignerCo for their cost-effectiveness are finding convenient treatment as well. In our opinion, this upstart has quickly become a worthy competitor for industry mainstays like SmileDirectClub.
What Are Customers Saying?
When we review a company like AlignerCo or SmileDirectClub, we start by digging through online user reviews to understand the common issues customers face, and how the company handles them. Here’s how these two services stack up.
SmileDirectClub
Note: In June 2023, SmileDirectClub settled an action brought by the Attorney General of Washington DC alleging that the company had engaged in unfair and deceptive practices by requiring customers, as a condition for receiving refunds, to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). Learn More.
Given SmileDirectClub’s multi-year history, there are many genuine online reviews detailing customer experiences with the product. Generally, SmileDirectClub customers feel positive about their experiences, despite some hiccups along the way. Customer support seems to be hit-or-miss, but the company seems to keep its promises. Although, it may take some extra effort on the customer’s end.
Each set of aligners seems well-made (most people don’t need to file down any rough edges or irregularities, unlike some other brands), and the treatment process is reportedly only mildly uncomfortable. Most customers report increased discomfort for the first day or two of each aligner set, especially when removing them after a long time. This pain subsides quickly and, for most customers, is not a major concern. A majority complete their treatment and feel satisfied with the results.
There’s plenty more where that came from. Check out all of our SmileDirectClub reviews from real customers and the video reviews below.
AlignerCo
AlignerCo is a younger company than some of their competitors, but they still have a solid number of customer reviews online. Unfortunately, many of these reviews come from people who are very early in the process — we found a lot that only covered the impression kit video chat. It’s nice to know that AlignerCo’s support team is helpful early on, but that also makes it tough to get a full view of their customer experience.
That said, most customers have glowing reviews for AlignerCo. Many say it’s a great value for the price, praise the responsiveness of the customer support team, and love how easy the whole process is.
However, some reviewers were frustrated that their results didn’t match their treatment preview, and that AlignerCo made them pay $200 for a refinement — or multiple refinements. Others noted that AlignerCo’s customer support was responsive, but constantly trying to upsell them. Still, the positive reviews outweigh the negative ones.
Both of these customers sent us multiple videos covering their entire AlignerCo experiences, from unboxing to retainers. You can watch them all on our YouTube channel.
Which Home Teeth Aligner Should You Use?
If you’re still not sure which at-home aligner service to choose, let’s look at a couple of scenarios that might help you figure out which is the better option for you.
Consider SmileDirectClub if You Are:
More comfortable purchasing from the most well-established brand name with top-notch convenience. Bonus points if you live near a SmileShop or partner practice location.
Consider AlignerCo if You Are:
Searching for the lowest prices available along with reliable products and consistent oversight, and don’t mind working with a newer company.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started with AlignerCo or SmileDirectClub?
Starting your AlignerCo treatment means purchasing an impression kit and using it to create molds of your teeth at home. We think getting started with SmileDirectClub can be a bit easier. They sell impression kits, but they also have a network of 100+ SmileShops, retail locations where you get a free teeth scan instead. And if you’d prefer to begin your treatment in a dentist’s office, you can get a scan from one of the 1,000+ dentists in their Partner Network.
What are customers saying about AlignerCo and SmileDirectClub?
As a younger company, AlignerCo doesn’t have nearly as many online reviews as other companies. While some customers have been frustrated by a lack of responsiveness and delays in their treatment, others have only positive things to say about their experience. SmileDirectClub’s reviews are somewhat mixed too, and they have a lot more. A few years ago, it appears that SmileDirectClub’s customer service was pretty hit-or-miss, but recent reviews have been much more positive.
Do AlignerCo and SmileDirectClub offer financing plans?
Yes, both have payment plans that make their prices more manageable. And the best part is that neither requires a credit check, so everyone qualifies. AlignerCo’s SmileFlex Easy plan requires a $335 down payment, then six monthly payments of $135. SmileDirectClub’s SmilePay plan involves a $250 down payment followed by 28 monthly payments of $89.
What is the cheapest clear aligner company?
AlignerCo. At just $995, their price beats every competitor we reviewed by a few hundred dollars, and sometimes they run promotions that drop it even lower. And if you can’t pay that upfront, you can jump on a financing plan, regardless of your credit score. Check out our complete AlignerCo review for more info, or find other great-value options in our guide to the most affordable home aligners.
Does insurance cover home aligners?
Sometimes, but not often. Many insurance providers don’t cover cosmetic treatments, which can include home aligners. If your plan includes orthodontic benefits, though, you might receive partial reimbursement. The only way to know for sure is to contact your provider directly.
Can AlignerCo or SmileDirectClub fix overbite, underbite, etc.?
Not usually. Home aligners are designed to treat mild and moderate cases of crowding and spacing. Most often, jaw misalignments require a more robust, in-office treatment like braces or Invisalign, one that has face-to-face orthodontist oversight and incorporates attachments like elastics.
How do AlignerCo and SmileDirectClub compare to Invisalign?
Both treatments use a series of clear aligners to shift your teeth. The major difference is that your dentist or orthodontist will administer Invisalign in-office and can incorporate supplement attachments (elastics, buttons, etc.).
As a result, Invisalign can treat just about any condition that braces can. Home aligners don’t require office visits, so they can’t employ attachments and they have a smaller range of treatable cases. Take a look at our AlignerCo vs. Invisalign and SmileDirectClub vs. Invisalign guides for a deeper analysis.
How long does home aligner treatment take?
Most home aligner companies advertise an average treatment plan length of around six months. However, your timeline could be shorter or longer, though, depending on your condition’s severity and how consistently you wear your aligners.
Which other clear aligners should I consider?
We think Byte, Candid, and NewSmile are all worth a look. Each one has its own advantages. Byte (our top-ranked company) boasts efficient average treatment times, Candid pairs in-person care with remote oversight in a unique hybrid model, and NewSmile is another convenient, reliable option. Read through our guide to the top five home aligner companies for more on each one.
How much do home aligners cost?
They go for around $900–$2,000, depending on which company you choose. AlignerCo, for example, has cut out the bells and whistles to provide treatment at just $995, while most others cost around $1,900. Even the most expensive home aligners are still much cheaper than the $3,000–$8,000 you’ll pay for Invisalign or braces.
Are home aligners safe?
At-home clear aligner treatment plans are always designed and/or approved by a licensed dentist or orthodontist — as long as you’re buying from a legitimate clear aligner service.
The main concern regarding the safety of fully-remote clear aligner treatment is the lack of face-to-face care. Since you won’t be seeing a dentist in-person during treatment, you won’t receive the same level of support that you’d get with traditional in-office aligners like Invisalign or ClearCorrect. That said, a recent NIH-funded survey found the majority of at-home aligner customers were satisfied with their results, and only 6.6% experienced side effects necessitating a visit to their local dentist.
Read our guide to safe home teeth straightening treatment for more information.
Do home aligners hurt?
When you switch to a new aligner set every two weeks, you might experience some discomfort for the first day or two, but after that, you’ll hardly notice them.
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