Invisalign is incredibly popular, and for good reason. It can treat a wide variety of conditions, including bite issues like overjet and crossbite, all while keeping a much lower profile than traditional braces. But unfortunately, Invisalign has its downsides—primarily its high average prices.
We’ve researched all the clear aligners (aka “invisible braces”) on the market and compiled a list of the eight best Invisalign alternatives. Our list includes some traditional “in-office” clear aligner treatment options similar to Invisalign, which require regular trips to the dentist, as well as “at-home” treatment options which don’t require office visits. Read on as we dive into the pros & cons of each one.
Table of Contents
Top Alternatives At a Glance
In case you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick profile for each of our recommended Invisalign alternatives, starting with Byte, our top pick. Keep in mind that there are some pretty significant differences between each of these providers. Further down this page we go into much more detail and break down key differences and things to consider, including special promotions that can help you save on your treatment.
How we Select and Review Clear Aligner Companies
Smile Prep has reviewed a total of 12 clear aligner brands in-depth. Review candidates include not only the most popular brands, but also several lesser known options that, in our view, have something unique to offer.
Smile Prep’s reviews offer the perspective of a well-informed consumer. This means that our views are not professional opinions, and we do not independently verify the claims the manufacturers make about their products. Instead, the value that we offer is to collect the claims that clear aligner companies make about their products and compare them for your convenience. We also analyze customer perspectives, including hundreds of reviews that we gathered directly from Smile Prep’s visitors. In many cases, we have also corresponded directly with company representatives and/or sampled products or impression kits first hand. You can learn more about our review process by checking out our publishing principles.
“In-Office” vs. “At-Home” Clear Aligners: What’s The Difference?
“In-office” clear aligners like Invisalign and “at-home” brands like Byte have a lot in common. Both are clear aligners customized to fit your dental arches snugly and gradually shift your teeth over time.
The main difference is in the application. As the name suggests, at-home clear aligner treatment takes place 100% remotely — no office visits required — making it more convenient. Yet at-home aligners can’t treat the same range of conditions as in-office aligners for treating severe misalignments, since your dentist won’t be able to incorporate elastics or attachments into your treatment plan.
A third option which we call “hybrid” treatment incorporates aspects of both at-home and in-office aligners. For example, with hybrid treatment, you need to go into the office at the beginning of treatment and then several times throughout, but can opt for remote check-ins with your provider, saving you some time and energy. Because hybrid treatments involve a few in-person visits, these options allow for use of attachments like traditional in-office clear aligners.
All that said, if you have a mild-to-moderate dental misalignment and aren’t sold on traditional in-office orthodontic treatment, at-home clear aligners (or a hybrid option) could be a viable alternative for you.
Choose at-home aligners if…
- You have a mild-to-moderate misalignment.
- You’re on a tight budget.
- You’d rather not make regular trips to the dentist.
- You don’t mind remote customer support.
Choose in-office aligners if…
- You have a severe misalignment or bite issue.
- You’d feel better with in-person oversight from a dentist or orthodontist.
- You’d rather not work with remote customer service representatives.
- You don’t mind paying a little more for treatment.
Choose hybrid aligners if…
- You like the convenience of at-home aligners, but need (or want) a local provider.
- Your budget has some flexibility.
Best At-Home Alternatives to Invisalign
Over the past decade, several at-home aligner companies have sprouted up to compete with traditional treatments like Invisalign. They’ve developed a much more streamlined treatment, and while they’re typically best suited for mild and moderate misalignments, they’re a solid option if you’re seeking a more convenient and affordable alternative.
Byte: Our Top Pick
Since its launch in 2018, Byte has established a reputation for delivering innovative technology, personalized customer support, and industry leading customer guarantees. Byte is currently the most popular “at-home” provider, with half a million customers served to date. The company is owned by Dentsply Sirona, which is one of the largest dental equipment manufacturers in the world.
Byte says their average treatment plans are 4–5 months long, the shortest of any company on this list. Plus, they offer competitive pricing, accessible financing, and convenient nighttime treatment plans. We think Byte is the best all-around option for anyone who is considering at-home clear aligner treatment.
Pros
- Byte’s high-frequency vibration device, the “HyperByte,” is intended to help provide a more comfortable aligner fit, according to the company. Plus, some studies suggest daily use of devices like this can sometimes encourage faster dental shifts (while we aren’t dental professionals, our team thought this was interesting). Byte includes this device in the cost of their aligner bundle.
- The Byte-for-Life guarantee covers your new smile for a lifetime. Even if your teeth shift years down the road, they will create new aligners to readjust them, as long as you purchase their retainers every six months and wear them as instructed.
- Every Byte customer can receive financing for their aligner treatment, regardless of credit score. Invisalign’s payment plan options vary depending on your dentist.
- Every Byte customer gets a personal customer service advisor who will address any questions or concerns.
- If you’d rather not wear your aligners 22+ hours per day, Byte offers a nighttime-only treatment schedule that only requires ten hours per day.
Cons
- Byte recommends virtual check-ins, but doesn’t require them unless you have certain conditions, while Invisalign’s in-person care provides robust oversight.
- Byte doesn’t have any physical locations where you can get your teeth scanned, so you’ll need to take your own dental impressions to get started.
- Unlike Invisalign, Byte is best-suited to correct mild and moderate misalignments, and their treatment plans focus primarily on the front teeth.
Byte - Our Recommendation
If you like the idea of a convenient, efficient at-home aligner therapy that balances affordability with strong customer guarantees, Byte might be a solid option for you.
Special Offer: Save 80% off your impression kit + $100 of your treatment + free BrightByte Pro whitening with code SMILEPREP
NewSmile: Best Budget Aligners
NewSmile is one of the smaller companies on the list. It made its debut in Canada in early 2020, then set up its U.S. headquarters shortly after. In those few short years, NewSmile’s low price, remote oversight, interest-free financing, and satisfaction guarantee have already made waves. It has some room for growth but is still a solid option.
Pros
- With a $1,595 price tag, NewSmile has one of the lowest sticker prices in the industry. Compared to Invisalign, most patients save a few thousand dollars.
- While many budget-friendly options skip all the extras to keep costs low, NewSmile includes your impression kit, retainers, and whitening kit. That’s a couple of hundred dollars worth of bonus products.
- NewSmile says most people finish treatment in just 4–6 months. That’s significantly faster than Invisalign.
- NewSmile offers nighttime-only treatment, something Invisalign does not. This means you can wear your aligners for just ten hours a day (mostly while sleeping) instead of 22. It’s more convenient and more discreet than all-day treatment.
Cons
- NewSmile doesn’t have retail locations in the U.S. so you can’t get an in-person scan. You’ll have to use their impression kit, which can be a little intimidating at first.
- Since NewSmile is a smaller company, they don’t have a lot of reviews. What’s out there is mostly positive, but we’re excited to see more feedback come rolling in.
AlignerCo: Lowest Prices
Home teeth aligners are already fairly affordable, but AlignerCo takes it to the next level. This newcomer boasts the industry’s lowest sticker price and multiple financing plans that can fit various schedules. AlignerCo doesn’t quite have the same level of convenience as some other providers, but their low price makes up for it.
Pros
- AlignerCo’s sticker price is $995. That’s hundreds less than any other home aligner company and thousands less than Invisalign.
- They don’t require a credit check for their SmileFlex Easy financing plan, so everyone qualifies (their standard SmileFlex plan requires a soft credit check).
- They frequently run sales and promotions that lower their prices even further.
- AlignerCo says their treatment typically takes 4–6 months, which is fairly average for home aligner companies, but still much faster than Invisalign.
Cons
- AlignerCo doesn’t offer in-person dental scans, so you’ll have to get started with an impression kit. (They do have one physical location in Long Island, NY, but they aren’t set up to do dental scans there.)
- They have fewer reviews than larger brands like Byte, Candid, and Invisalign, so it’s difficult to get a reliable gauge of the patient experience.
- While AlignerCo provides remote oversight to keep you on track, it’s not as robust as the regular hands-on care you’ll receive from in-office treatments.
AlignerCo - Our Recommendation
On a tight budget? AlignerCo might not have the pedigree that Byte does, but you can’t beat their low prices.
Special Offer: Get $150 off AlignerCo treatment
Best In-Office Alternatives to Invisalign
Whether you’ve got a complex misalignment or you simply like the reassurance of visiting your dentist, sometimes only hands-on care will do. And Invisalign isn’t the only clear aligner brand that’s administered in person. These alternatives are all built on direct oversight from a local dentist and deliver some of the same versatility and personalization that has made Invisalign such a popular choice for adults.
Candid: Best Hybrid Service
Candid straddles the line between at-home and in-office care, requiring at least one office visit with a local dentist and incorporating intensive remote monitoring. Their treatment plans are more comprehensive than at-home clear aligners, and they keep your dentist in the loop throughout the entire process, even recommending additional office visits if any issues arise.
Pros
- Candid says their average treatment time is 6–9 months, while Invisalign usually takes 12–24 months.
- At $3,500+, Candid is often less expensive than Invisalign, although it depends on your dentist.
- After the initial office visit, your dentist and Candid’s team monitor your progress remotely — a more streamlined process than Invisalign’s office visits every 4–8 weeks.
- Their CandidMonitoring service allows you to send digital scans of your teeth to your dentist and Candid’s team every 14 days so they can evaluate your progress and make adjustments if necessary. It’s not as robust as in-office care, but research says remote monitoring is accurate enough for clinical applications and can even help improve oral hygiene.
- Just like Invisalign, Candid’s treatment plans can move all the teeth in your dental arches, including the molars. This makes Candid a more comprehensive option than their at-home counterparts.
Cons
- Although more comprehensive than at-home clear aligners, Candid still can’t treat the same scope of conditions as Invisalign, since their treatment plans don’t incorporate additional attachments or elastics.
- Candid’s track record of success isn’t nearly as long as Invisalign’s, which spans decades.
- Candid has 300+ network providers across the U.S., while Invisalign has more than 40,000.
ClearCorrect: Best Fully In-Office Alternative
When it comes to in-office clear aligner options, ClearCorrect is Invisalign’s only direct competitor. Like Invisalign, your dentist will develop and oversee your ClearCorrect treatment, adding attachments and appliances when necessary to correct a wide range of conditions.
Founded in 2006, ClearCorrect isn’t quite as experienced as Invisalign, but they’ve still been delivering quality results for over a decade and offer a comparable experience that can be, in some cases, even more cost-effective.
ClearCorrect Pros
- ClearCorrect charges dentists/orthodontists less for products and lab fees, and this might lead to lower costs for you as well ($3,000–$6,000 on average).
- ClearCorrect uses a proprietary tri-layer plastic called ClearQuartz, which they claim retains 10X more of its initial force than some competitors.
- Like Invisalign, ClearCorrect’s direct dentist oversight allows them to treat a variety of severe conditions, including bite issues like overbite, underbite, etc.
- ClearCorrect’s in-office application allows for the addition of Engagers — attachments comparable to Invisalign’s Smartforce attachments that grab onto teeth and help them move into alignment.
- ClearCorrect offers different treatment options and prices, depending on the severity of your case. So, your treatment plan is more customized than you’d get with an at-home system.
ClearCorrect Cons
- Invisalign was founded about ten years before ClearCorrect and has a longer history of success.
- ClearCorrect has fewer providers than Invisalign, so it might be harder to find one near you.
Motto: Cheapest In-Office Alternative
Motto by Aspen Dental is the newest aligner treatment option on this list. While a new product line, Aspen Dental is not new to providing dental care to patients. Aspen Dental is the second largest network of dental providers in the United States. It launched Motto in 2021 in an effort to compete on price with new and innovative providers like Byte and SmileDirectClub (before it closed down).
Motto offers three different packages at varying price points to appeal to different patient preferences. All of their plans require an in-person appointment to get started, but because they are such a large company, most Americans can find a location nearby. They offer clear aligner appointments that you can book online, sometimes even the same day.
With MottoComplete, their highest tier (and most expensive) package, you can skip several in-office appointments, and instead use their mobile app to check in with your dental provider. This is an attractive alternative to the other hybrid treatment option on this list, Candid.
Motto Pros
- Aspen Dental has more than 1,000 locations throughout the U.S., making MottoComplete easily accessible.
- They offer 3 different packages at varying price points.
- Get started with an in-office appointment where they scan your smile and save time by checking in using the app throughout your treatment (with the MottoComplete plan). You’ll leave your first appointment with Tray 1 (they say “Tray 1 on Day 1”) which you can use to apply their included whitening treatment while you wait for the rest of your trays.
- Treatment financing is available through CareCredit.
- Because of the in-person treatment modality, Motto is suitable to treat a wider range of conditions than fully remote services like Byte or NewSmile.
Motto Cons
- The Motto Assured satisfaction guarantee (30 days) is not as generous as some alternatives, for example, Byte’s “Byte for Life” guarantee.
- Final treatment price depends on the extent of treatment; patients with straighter teeth at the beginning will pay less than patients with more complex cases.
- Customer satisfaction seems to vary by Aspen Dental location (some locations receive better reviews than others). We recommend looking at reviews for your local offices to determine the best option.
- While Aspen Dental is not a new company, their Motto treatment program is fairly new. If you want a more established in-office treatment plan, SureSmile or ClearCorrect might be a better fit for you.
SureSmile: A Mid-Priced In-Office Choice
SureSmile is one of Invisalign’s oldest competitors, having launched its clear aligners in 2007. It can treat the same scope of misalignments as Invisalign, and the company says that their patients need refinements 50% less often than the average aligner treatment. Despite this, they boast lower prices and, since they don’t have a specific mandatory scanner, providers can save money and pass those savings on to you.
Pros
- SureSmile aims to make treatment affordable. On the low end, treatment costs $2,000 and tops out around $6,000. This means that treatment for mild cases will cost about the same as it would with at-home aligners.
- SureSmile’s planning software gives the doctor a lot of control over even the smallest elements of aligner design. This results in a reduced need for refinements at the end of treatment.
- You can choose from two plans, Complete and Select, to get the option best for your budget. Complete gives you all the aligners you need for three years while Select lets you pay per aligner.
- Your doctor can choose the cut of your aligners based on whether you need more retentiveness (straight cut) or more discreet treatment (scalloped cut).
- SureSmile providers can also include a VPro high-frequency vibration device with your aligners. It’s identical to Byte’s Hyperbyte, and research suggests using it daily may help teeth move faster.
Cons
- SureSmile hasn’t been around as long as Invisalign and isn’t as widely available, so you might struggle a bit to find a provider near you.
- The material SureSmile uses is strong, but some dentists say Invisalign’s SmartTrack is more durable.
3M Clarity Aligners: Best for Severe Cases
When we say “orthodontic treatment,” 3M probably isn’t the first name that comes to mind — but maybe it should be. Their Clarity Aligners offer incredible teeth-moving power thanks to their attachments and multiple proprietary plastics. Since 3M also makes Clarity Clear Braces, orthodontists can also design a combination treatment that uses them simultaneously with aligners.
Pros
- Most companies use a single type of plastic in their aligners, but 3M Clarity uses two, each with its own unique strengths and applications. Your orthodontist can select one or the other, or alternate between plastics for different stages of treatment.
- Invisalign is available to both orthodontists and general dentists, while only orthodontists can use 3M Clarity Aligners.
- Some orthodontists say Clarity’s attachments are smaller than other brands, making them easier to place behind your teeth, which can help keep your treatment discreet. They can also accommodate multiple attachments per tooth, facilitating complex movements.
- Clarity uses the same planning software for their aligners and their clear braces, allowing for integrated planning of combination treatment — something other companies don’t offer.
Cons
- Most Invisalign competitors aim to undercut its high prices. Clarity doesn’t. It has the same average cost as Invisalign: $5,000.
- Like ClearCorrect, Clarity has fewer providers than Invisalign.
Which Should You Choose?
We realize this is a lot to take in, and it can be difficult to remember the most significant differences between these providers. To sum up the most important points, here’s a breakdown of all the clear aligners we’ve discussed, how much they cost, and what they can treat:
| Provider | Can Treat | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Invisalign | Mild-to-severe cases | $3,000–$8,000 |
| Byte | Mild-to-moderate cases | $2,199 |
| Candid | Mild-to-moderate cases | $3,500+ |
| AlignerCo | Mild-to-moderate cases | $995 |
| NewSmile | Mild-to-moderate cases | $1,595 |
| ClearCorrect | Mild-to-severe cases | $3,000–$6,000 |
| Motto | Mild-to-moderate cases | $1,895–$2,495+ |
| 3M Clarity Aligners | Mild-to-severe cases | $3,000–$8,000 |
| SureSmile | Mild-to-severe cases | $2,000–$6,000 |
One of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is whether you want to pursue at-home treatment or traditional in-office treatment. In general, we recommend at-home clear aligners if your case isn’t too severe. That way, you can avoid the premium price point that comes with in-person care and complete treatment from the comfort of your home.
However, if your case is too complicated for at-home treatment or you’re simply more comfortable going the traditional route, it’s worth seeking out a dentist who offers ClearCorrect, SureSmile, or Motto aligners. These brands can be more affordable than Invisalign, and you’ll still get the in-person attention you’re after. You might also take a peek at Candid or Motto’s premium MottoComplete plan if the idea of a hybrid treatment plan appeals to you.
Final Thoughts
There’s no doubt about it: Invisalign is a great teeth straightening treatment. They have decades of experience, a long line of satisfied customers, and they’re the go-to option for many dentists and orthodontists. But if you’re worried about the investment of time and money, there are plenty of alternatives. It’s important to consider each option through the lens of your own unique goals and priorities.
As you narrow down your shortlist, continue researching these companies and poring over our guides. That way, you’ll have all the information you need to make a well-informed, confident decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest alternative to Invisalign?
Invisalign’s biggest drawback is perhaps its high price. If you’re operating on a budget and looking for the most cost-effective alternative, AlignerCo might be your answer (assuming you’re a candidate for home aligner treatment). Their $995 price tag is the lowest available. That said, any home aligner company is going to offer much lower costs than Invisalign. Check out a few options that won’t break the bank in our review of the Most Affordable Clear Aligners.
Which clear aligners are the least noticeable?
This one is tricky, as there’s not a unanimous choice for “least noticeable.” Rather, this category is often defined primarily by personal preferences. Even so, our opinion is that AlignerCo and NewSmile make pretty discreet aligners. Take a look at our review of the Best Looking Clear Aligners for more information.
What is the most convenient alternative to Invisalign?
Because they don’t require any office visits and deliver treatments to your doorstep, at-home aligners tend to be more convenient than in-office options like Invisalign. But among all the home aligner companies, SmileDirectClub stands out for their SmileShop locations and nighttime-only option. In our review of the Most Convenient Clear Aligners, you’ll find a few more companies worth considering.
What’s the difference between Invisalign and home aligners?
The most noticeable difference is each treatment’s office visit requirements. Invisalign is an in-office treatment, which means that it’s administered by a dentist or orthodontist and requires office visits every 4–6 weeks. This also means that Invisalign can treat a wider scope of conditions.
Home aligners, however, ship you all of your aligners at once so that you can administer treatment entirely at home. They’re still designed by licensed dentists, but you don’t need to make office visits for regular check-ins. The trade-off is that home aligners can only correct mild and moderate cases of crowding and spacing.
How do home aligners work?
Using an impression kit, you’ll submit molds of your teeth (or visit a retail location for a teeth scan). The company’s dental team will use these images to develop a series of custom aligners for your teeth, then ship them directly to your home. Over the next several months (six on average), you’ll wear your aligners every day, changing sets when directed, and your teeth will slowly shift into place.
Are financing plans available?
Yes! Many Invisalign providers have their own financing and payment plans, so you’ll want to check with your dentist or orthodontist to see what they offer. Some home aligner companies offer in-house payment plans that don’t require a credit check, while others partner with a third party to provide financing (these typically require a credit check to qualify).
Does insurance cover clear aligner treatment?
It depends on your provider and plan. Providers are more likely to cover an in-office treatment like Invisalign than home aligners since home aligners usually address cosmetic issues.
How much does Invisalign treatment cost?
It’s hard to give a specific number, or even an average, because it’s influenced by several different factors. Usually, Invisalign treatment ranges from $3,000–$8,000 and primarily depends on your dentist’s rates and the severity of your condition. For an in-depth look at Invisalign pricing (and to see how much it typically costs in each state) see our True Cost of Invisalign guide.
How long does clear aligner treatment take?
Invisalign and other in-office treatments take 12–18 months on average, although they can be as short as a few months for minor cases. Most at-home aligner companies advertise six-month average treatment times, which is possible because they typically handle milder conditions that don’t take quite as long to correct.
How do I get started with home aligners?
In most cases, you’ll need to complete an at-home impression kit. However, if you go with SmileDirectClub, you can visit one of their “SmileShops” for a free teeth scan, which replaces the impression kit process.
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 clear aligners hurt?
Customers often report experiencing tightness or discomfort during the first 1–2 days wearing a new set of aligners, after which the discomfort subsides. Some companies provide “chewies” or other devices to help ensure a more comfortable aligner fit.
Glen says
Do any of these companies offer a combination retainer night guard when treatment is complete? A traditional retainer doesn’t stop my tmj symptoms, but most night guards won’t control tooth drift. Years ago an ortho made me a night guard that acted as retainer and it worked.
Smile Prep says
Hi Glen, that’s an excellent question. While most of these companies offer custom retainers after completing treatment, to the best of my knowledge, none offer retainers specifically designed for heavy teeth grinders. If you’re looking for an affordable night-guard / retainer combo, Sporting Smiles provides a couple of options that might be worth checking out.
Dolly Singh says
I’m using Invisalign-3rd day only, i’m very uncomfortable with them on and have sores and blisters in my mouth. These will have to be on for next 20 weeks- I cannot take this pain. What is my alternative.
Smile Prep says
Hi Dolly – if your aligners are poking your cheeks/gums in an uncomfortable way, your dentist may be able to offer relief by smoothing out sharp edges of your aligners with a nail file. You may also find relief using orthodontic wax or a topical anesthetic gel designed to numb orthodontic pain. With that said, I’d strong recommend reaching out to your Invisalign provider and mentioning that you are experiencing strong discomfort, as they’ll be best equipped to review your situation and recommend a solution suited to your needs.
Julia says
How do you know if you have a moderate or severe case? Do you need a referral from a dentist, or will each company tell you if they can help you?
Smile Prep says
Hi Julia – great question! A referral is not required to receive treatment from any of the “at-home” companies. Each company will have a remote dentist review a 3D image of your teeth to determine whether or not you are a candidate for at-home treatment. The 3D image is created using an impression of your teeth (each company can send you a kit with materials and instructions for taking this impression) or using a scan taken at one of the company’s retail location, though only certain companies offer a scan option. You should receive a refund if the company determines you’re not a candidate for treatment.
In our experience, some at-home aligner companies tend to be much more conservative than others about the types of conditions they are willing to treat. So, while it’s not required, there’s certainly no harm in getting a second opinion from your dentist!