Best Teeth Aligners
Now that we have talked about the difference between traditional braces versus invisible clear teeth aligners, it’s time to discuss the different In-home Teeth Aligners Programs that are out there.
But how will you know which one is right for you and your teeth straightening plan?
Well, that’s where we come in. We have researched and compared all the teeth aligners on the market and picked our top five favorite companies and compared them for you.
We made our decisions based off of price, quality of service and customer satisfaction. We did all the research, so you don’t have to.
Before we jump in, let’s review…
What are teeth aligners?
Teeth aligners are an ‘invisible’ alternative to traditional braces that work to move and transform teeth for a straighter smile. They are made of clear plastic trays that can be removed and replaced as needed for eating, drinking, etc.
While traditional braces use brackets and wires to move teeth into place, invisible aligners are a series of tight-fitting custom-made mouthpieces that slip over the teeth.
Throughout the treatment process users will need to acquire updated impressions of their teeth in order to account for the slight adjustments made by the aligners.
Aligners are typically made out of a clear plastic or acrylic material that fit over the teeth. In general, aligners must be worn at least 20 hours a day (sometimes even longer) to be effective, but may be removed for eating and/or drinking.
The treatment time can vary from person to person, depending on the extremity of the spacing or crookedness of the teeth. In minor, adult cases, treatment can take as little as 4 months while more extreme cases may take up to 2 years.
Some of the benefits to using aligners over braces include:
- Comfortable - The plastic trays are more comfortable than traditional wires and brackets.
- Convenient - Aligners can be removed and put back as needed.
- Invisible - While regular braces are pretty obvious, teeth aligners are invisible and often aren’t even noticed.
These trays are custom fitted over the teeth and replaced with updated molds as needed throughout the treatment process. Most teeth alignment treatments can be completed in as little as 6 months, though some can take up to 2-3 years.
Who are teeth aligners for?
Teeth aligners are for anyone who wishes for a straighter, more even smile. While teeth aligners were originally intended to be used in primarily minor cases, years of research and study have improved the alignment treatment process.
So what In-home teeth alignment treatments are on the market and, more importantly, what is the most efficient and cost-effective option for you?
#1. SmileDirectClub
There is a reason that SmileDirectClub is ranking at the top of the list with their teeth straightening in-home aligner kits. They are thriving to give you a straighter smile and going above and beyond to ensure it happens, faster. Not only can you do an easy impression mold of your teeth at home, but they are now starting to open up offices around the US, so if you prefer in-office consultation, you can go to one of their offices. Their customer service is our top pick. They are responsive and focused on their customers.
The molding kits start at only $49 and if you are close to one of their stores you can even do it for FREE! The amount you pay for your mold goes towards your aligners once you sign up for their program. They also offer a smile guarantee, if you are unhappy with your aligners within the first 30 days for any reason, you can return them for a full refund. Another great thing we love about SmileDirectClub is most of their clients have their achieved their desired smile in about 6 months. If you are looking for fast results, smile direct club has you covered.
The Process
The experts at SmileDirectClub will begin by creating a 3D image of your teeth. This 3D image can be obtained two ways:
You can visit one of the SmileDirectClub Smile Shops for a scan or your teeth or
SmileDirectClub can create a 3D image based on the impression you make using the at-home impression kit.
After the impression is taken, a licensed dentist or orthodontist will review it and begin working on your treatment plan.
Next, SmileDirectClub will send you a preview of your new smile, explaining how your teeth will be transformed and will begin production of your custom, invisible aligners.
Once the aligners arrive, you are ready to start the teeth alignment process. (Smile Direct will also send their premium teeth whitening at no extra cost!)
After completing your alignment treatment you can order a retainer kit for just $99 to help maintain your new smile.
- Impression kit $49 or FREE at one of there locations
- Total cost for aligners $1850 up front or $80 a month for 24 months
- Retainers $99 per set
- Average duration 6 - 12 months
- Online Check ups with your personal orthodontist every 90 days
#2 Smilelove
Smilelove wants you to rest assure that in-home teeth aligners are the right fit for you, and strives to get your trust from the very beginning. If you are not happy or do not qualify to use teeth aligners, they will refund your $79 that was paid for the molding kit. So there is no loss if you are not satisfied with their plan or if they think you would be better off with traditional braces.
If you do decide to go through with their alignment plan, your aligners will be mailed to you all at once, so your life can go on uninterrupted while you align your teeth with invisible aligners. They also offer different payment plans, allowing you to choose the one that is right for you. Smilelove offers both an option to pay upfront or in monthly installments. Their kits also come with whitening gels and aftercare retainers to ensure your smile will stay straight.
Smilelove also offers a free smile assessment on their website, allowing potential users to help narrow down their smile goals.
Payment Options
Smilelove has three payment plans listed on their website.
The first is the Fast Track Bundle. This bundle is purchased through a one-time payment of $1,89 and includes the impression kit, aligners, retainers and whitening.
The second payment plan is the Smilelove Monthly Payment Plan. This plan begins at just $66/month and the payments can be spread out from 12-24 months. This monthly payment plan also includes the impression kit, aligners, retainers and whiteners.
Lastly, Smilelove offers a Kit First Plan. Through this plan you will pay just $79 for the impression kit. Once you send your impression back to Smilelove, who will in turn have the ability to show you what your straight teeth will look like (allowing you the opportunity to decide whether you or not you wish to proceed further.)
If you decide to move forward with Smilelove, you'll pay $1895 to have your aligners produced and sent to you at home.
All of the above payment plans come risk free. If the Smilelove doctors determine they are not a good fit for your case, or you don't like how the preview looks, you'll receive a full refund.
- Total upfront $1420 for everything (Including impression kit, aligners, follow up retainers)
- $66 a month for 24 months
- $79 for impression kit and $1895 after you decide to sign up
- Average duration 3 - 18 months
- Online Check ups with your personal orthodontist every 90 days
Where do I buy them?
The best thing about in-home teeth aligners is all the kits can be bought online and mailed to you in the comfort of your own home. There is no need to drive around and try to find the best orthodontist near your house. Everything can be done from home, from your computer. We have also included the links below to make it even easier for you.
Do Teeth Aligners Actually Work?
Yes, they do! That is the best part, you get the straighter smile you have always wanted in less time. You don’t have to worry about driving to the orthodontist office and you don’t have to stress about the high price of braces. You get a straighter smile while wearing nearly invisible aligners. You are able to remove your aligners to enjoy all the foods you love. With all the benefits of invisible teeth aligners, I'm unsure why anyone would want to wear braces.
Now that we’ve laid out our top 5 at-home teeth alignment treatment, it’s time for you to determine which one is best for you.
Here are a few things to consider before making a decision:
Cost - Do you prefer to pay for your treatment upfront and in full or are monthly payments more reasonable for your budget?
Treatment Duration - It’s also important to consider the duration of a treatment, especially if you are wanting your teeth straight for a certain event or by a certain date.
Results - All of the alignment treatments on our list include a preview of your treatment and the results you can expect to see, allowing you to choose a company who will most closely match the results you want.