Where Can You Buy the Best Teeth Aligners?  Teeth aligners have revolutionized the way people straighten their smiles. Unlike traditional braces, which use metal brackets and wires, aligners are clear, plastic trays custom-made to fit snugly over your teeth. They're virtually invisible, removable, and generally more comfortable than braces, making them a popular choice for anyone looking to correct their smile discreetly.
Smileie is the newest option for teeth aligners on our list, entering the scene in 2023 (as far as we can tell). While many of its features are similar to the competition, you may be pleased to know that these aligners are made in the USA. And, if you're near Smileie's scan center in Flagstaff, Arizona, you can skip the impression kit and have your teeth scanned digitally instead.
Day or night?
Which is more important to you: having your teeth straightened as quickly as possible (while still being safe, of course) or only having to wear your aligners while you sleep? That's your main decision to make with Smileie. They offer both daytime and night-only teeth aligners, and you can opt to do just your upper or lower teeth if you don't think they all need some "redirection". Either way, you'll get an impression kit (unless you go in person, like we described earlier), a 3D application preview, up to 20 sets of aligners, two sets of retainers, and a whitening kit, all with free shipping.
Results within 4-8 months
What might influence that decision is the length of time you have to wear your aligners, both on a day-to-day basis and for the entire course of the application. With the daytime option, you'll need to keep your trays in for 22 hours a day, but you can expect a transformed smile within 4-6 months. On the other hand, the nighttime aligners are only worn for 10 hours a day (while you sleep and for an hour or so before/after bed), but it'll take 6-8 months for the desired corrections to happen.
Prices range from $599 to $899
What can you expect to pay for these teeth aligners? Smileie's daytime aligners cost $749 for dual arch and $599 for single arch, while the nighttime option is priced at $899 for dual and $699 for single. All plans have a monthly installment plan powered by Affirm; you're looking at spending $54.06 to $81.14 per month, depending on whether you're using single or dual arch and daytime or nighttime aligners.
Go PRO?
Smileie's most expensive option is their premium PRO service. We're not sure it's really worth it to anyone that doesn't live within a comfortable driving distance of Flagstaff, because part of the reason this package is so expensive is that it includes a physical checkup and consultation, in-person oral scans and x-rays. The plan includes the same features as the lower-cost packages, like a teeth whitening kit and the initial retainers, but PRO likely won't be appealing to you at a price point of $1,499 if you don't live in the area (or until Smileie sets up scan centers in other locations).
Results are guaranteed if you do your part
You'll appreciate that Smileie has a results guarantee: if your teeth shift after the process is finished, they'll provide a revised plan, new impressions and additional aligners. But, be aware that you have to do your part in order to qualify for this guarantee. Your requirements include wearing your daytime aligners for 22 hours daily (or the nighttime ones for 8-10 hours), uploading progress photos to the Smileie patient portal every 14 days, not losing any of your aligners during the process, maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding any unnecessary dental procedures, and consistently wearing your retainers once the process is complete.
Refinements available but cost extra
However, we want to point out something we only learned by asking in the chat (which responded immediately, even outside of what we would consider "normal business hours"). If your teeth don't respond to the course as hoped, you can get a refinement - but it'll cost $99. Only the PRO plan includes those refinements at no extra cost, so if you think you might need a little extra work, it might be worth it to jump in with both feet after all.
Don't worry about the BBB grade
How's Smileie's reputation looking? Usually, we'd feel concerned about a "D" rating from the Better Business Bureau; however, in this case, the BBB cited the length of time that Smileie has been in operation and the fact that the company hadn't responded to one of the two complaints filed there. We only saw one complaint on display, and Smileie's response was appropriate, timely, and professional. So, we're not overly worried about that grade.
Fantastic feedback from customers
Besides that, when we look at the comments left by verified Smileie customers on Trustpilot, we're pretty happy with what we see: reviews that don't look fake (no kidding, that's rampant in this industry), lots of compliments for the doctor who helped them get the impressions done right, and - what we rarely see but were thrilled to read here - raves from patients who love how straight their teeth turned out after using Smileie's aligners.
Website has some typos
That's a good thing, because in the spirit of full disclosure, there are some typos on the Smileie site that would have made us wonder a bit. We're willing to chalk it up to the company being very much on the new side of things, but Smileie, if you're paying attention to our review... you may want to figure out if one of your orthodontists' names is Dr. Kruchak or Kurchak... and capitalize the "U" in "Buffalo university"...and decide if you're giving customers one set of retainers or two (because we saw it both ways on the site)...and maybe realize that your scan "centre" in Arizona would be a "center" here in the States...
First place among teeth aligner providers
Picky things aside, we're happy to recommend Smileie as our #1 choice among teeth aligner providers. The price is right, the reviews are positive, and the fact that there's an in-person location for scans (even if it is only in Flagstaff) all mean we can heave a sigh of relief at having at least one service on our list that checks some pretty important boxes. If you've decided that "DIY" teeth aligners are the way to go, the first service you should check out is Smileie.
Caspersmile is a UK-based provider of teeth aligners, but fortunately their services are available to customers in the US as well. (But you'll still see promos featuring Amazon Gift Cards in pounds sterling!)
About $50 for the impression kit a la carte
Your Caspersmile experience starts with an impression kit, priced at $49.99. You'll use it to make the impressions of your teeth, so that their certified dentists (not orthodontists?) can develop your personalized plan. Once you approve their 3D results, they'll start making your aligners.
Pricing from $825 to $1,095
Or, you can jump right in and pay for your process in full, and the impression kit will be included. All of them have free shipping and include one set of retainers, and you can use HSA/FSA funds to pay for them. Here's what those packages look like:
Send in your photos to keep an eye on your progress
You'll swap out your teeth aligners every 10 days, and you'll send in photos of your smile as it changes, so that Caspersmile's experts can determine if you need any modifications to your plan. They also say that clients can get unlimited remote video consultations, but we didn't see anywhere on the site that went into detail about how and when those are set up.
Could use a bit more feedback post-process
While Caspersmile has an impressive 4.8-star average on Trustpilot, we noticed that most of the reviews were coming from clients in the UK, and that they referenced the helpfulness of the company's representatives during the sales process or when making the impressions needed to create the teeth aligners. There were almost no reviews - positive or negative - from people who had completed their course with Caspersmile. True, you can look at the before-and-after photos on the website, but those are (obviously) curated. We'd really like to see more feedback from happy customers whose smiles are exactly what they imagined, because of the excellent service and reliable teeth aligners received from Caspersmile.
Excellent satisfaction guarantee
But, there is one big advantage here that you won't find with most rival teeth aligner companies. That's Caspersmile's satisfaction guarantee: if you're not completely happy with your smile during or after the process, they'll make it right at no cost to you. So, if you need 5 more steps of trays to get your smile picture-perfect, you should expect Caspersmile to come through for you. That alone could be worth the slightly higher cost of these teeth aligners, compared with some of the providers on our list.
Definitely worth considering for teeth aligners
While it seems that the jury is still out on how well Caspersmile is doing for US-based customers, their teeth aligners appear to be well-received (literally and figuratively) across the pond. Of course, we'd love to see more customer feedback, especially independently-verified reviews from customers in the United States, but Caspersmile's guarantee and unlimited number of teeth aligners definitely gets our attention. We'd recommend putting Caspersmile on your list of aligner options to check out.
When it comes to teeth aligners, Invisalign is a name that most people recognize. The clear aligners, developed by Align Technology, were introduced in 2000 and have helped more than 17 million patients around the world. Invisalign changed how teeth can be straightened by eliminating the need for traditional braces with wires and brackets. Instead, Invisalign uses a set of clear aligners that are custom-made to fit your teeth and gradually move them into place. This option has become very popular because it's less noticeable and more comfortable than regular metal braces.
For kids, teens, and adults
Invisalign is a good option for people of all ages. For children ages 6 to 10, there are special aligners designed for smaller teeth, which can address a variety of dental issues as they grow. Teens and adults also love using Invisalign because the aligners are clear and don't draw attention, unlike traditional braces. Since they don't come with food restrictions and are comfortable to wear, many people prefer them over metal braces. Whether you're a child, teenager, or adult, Invisalign offers a customizable solution for everyone.
Comfort and convenience
One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign is the comfort it offers compared to traditional metal braces. The aligners are made from smooth, clear plastic, so they're gentle on your mouth and won't irritate your gums or cheeks like metal brackets and wires can. Plus, because the aligners are removable, you can easily take them out to eat, drink, brush, and floss. This gives you the flexibility to enjoy your meals without worrying about food getting stuck in your braces. It's this combination of comfort and convenience that makes Invisalign a preferred choice for many people looking to straighten their teeth.
Professional oversight
Although Invisalign involves wearing aligners at home, it's not a completely at-home process. You will need to visit a dentist or orthodontist to get started and throughout the process. At your first visit, the doctor will take a 3D scan of your teeth and develop a personalized plan for you. Working with a doctor ensures that your aligners fit correctly and that your teeth are moving as they should. Your doctor will also show you what your smile will look like at the end, so you'll have a clear picture of the results.
Regular checkups
As you go through your Invisalign process, you'll have regular appointments with your doctor to check your progress and make sure everything is on track. Your doctor will advise you on when to change your aligners, and they'll make adjustments if necessary. After you're finished, you'll receive a Vivera retainer made from the same material as the aligners. You'll wear this retainer at night to keep your teeth in their new positions and prevent them from shifting back.
Insurance, FSA, and HSA benefits
Invisalign may be covered by your insurance, with some plans covering up to $3,000 of the cost. The total cost of Invisalign is typically comparable to traditional braces, and you can also use your FSA or HSA to help pay for it. To find a nearby provider that offers Invisalign, you can simply enter your zip code into Invisalign's search tool, which will show you a list of local dentists or orthodontists offering the service.
Proven effectiveness
Invisalign has earned an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau, which reflects the high level of customer satisfaction and trust in the system. Millions of people have successfully used Invisalign to straighten their teeth, making it one of the most popular options. Many of the reviews you see will be based on the experience people had with their doctor, but the Invisalign system itself is highly effective at correcting teeth.
A reliable solution
Invisalign is considered one of the most reliable and trusted methods for teeth alignment. Since you'll be working with a professional dentist or orthodontist throughout your journey, you're more likely to get great results. It can be a bit more expensive if you don't use insurance or an HSA/FSA, but many people find it worth the investment for the results. If you're looking for teeth aligners that are overseen by a professional, Invisalign is a top choice and comes highly recommended.
Aligner32 has "thousands of happy customers" using their invisible teeth aligners. It's one of many "DIY" companies on the market seeking to connect you with online orthodontics, delivering a straighter smile with no annoying trips to the office for checkups. Ready to check out what Aligner32 has to offer? Read on.
Available as dual/single and all day/night-only aligners
You've got some choices to make if you choose Aligner32to align your teeth. There are two main plans, both of which are available as a dual arch or a single arch if you just need to fix your uppers or lowers:
All the usual items included in the package
Each plan includes the impression kit (though you can purchase it separately for $39.99), the orthodontist-directed 3D plan for your teeth correction, a teeth whitening kit, and your first set of post-process retainers. Aligner32 also gives you free shipping.
Can pay with HSA/FSA or a payment plan, if desired
Also, payment plans are offered at Aligner32: $42 or $50 per month, depending on whether you choose the All Day or Night Wear course. Plus, if you've got HSA/FSA funds to spend, the company gladly accepts that as a form of payment.
Take advantage of the video appointment
We recommend taking advantage of Aligner32's free video consultation once you get your impression kit. You can book it right on the website (where it says "get help in making impressions" in the Useful Links section), and it's worth your time: many reviews for Aligner32 were 5-star compliments specifically for the doctor who walked them through the process of taking the impressions via video call, and it could save you some significant back-and-forth time compared with trying to get it right on your own.
Doesn't move all of your teeth
One bit of information we spotted in a Trustpilot review and then later confirmed with the chat rep is pretty important: Aligner32 doesn't touch your molars in their course of alignment. Their trays only involve straightening the "first 8 teeth" on the top and bottom. That tracks with the impression we got when we looked at some of their clients' before-and-after photos: the end results didn't look as complete as we would expect. In the chat, the rep sent us other photos that showed nicely-aligned midlines, but it was still clear that Aligner32 only addresses the most obvious teeth in the front. Maybe it should be called Aligner16 instead?
Might want to skip the app
Throughout the course, you'll also have access to the Aligner Tracker app. In theory, it helps remind you of when to swap out for your next set of trays and connects you with the orthodontist(s) overseeing your case. But, if the feedback on the app stores is any indicator, you'll be better off setting up your own calendar reminders: the app is glitchy at best.
Very clear on post-process requirements
Aligner32 is one of the only teeth aligner companies we found that spells out what you'll need to do in the post-application period. Expect to wear your retainers - the first set is included - for 20-22 hours a day in the first six months. After that, you'll use your retainers just at night. All of that is so that your teeth stay aligned exactly how you worked so hard to get them to be.
Customer feedback is mixed
Now that you know all of that, are you wondering why this teeth aligner company only earns an above-average rating from us? It's largely because we feel a little iffy with respect to Aligner32's overall reputation. We couldn't find a listing with the Better Business Bureau, and what we saw on Trustpilot wasn't completely reassuring. Yes, there are many positive reviews, but most of them are compliments for the customer service prior to purchasing the aligners or while getting the impressions made. On the other hand, complaints reference submitting impressions and never receiving the aligners, having the paid-for retainers "held hostage" unless the customer left a positive review, and some other snafus with the course.
Good but with room for improvement
At the end of the day, Aligner32 comes in as a "just above average" option for teeth aligners. It's affordable for sure, and the process is similar to most of its rivals on our list. But, until we see a lot more positive reviews from customers who have completed the full series of aligners and are totally thrilled with the experience (beyond the curated before-and-after photos provided by Aligner32), we'll have to keep this company a bit behind some of the competition.
AlignerCo, based in New York, is on a mission to make it affordable to have straight teeth. In business since 2019, the company is one of the most budget-friendly "DIY" options for teeth aligners, no orthodontist visits required.
Under $1,000 for day or night aligners
So, since we've already given you the teaser that AlignerCo is very competitively priced, let's jump right into what you can expect to pay if you choose this company for your teeth aligners:
Payment plans offered and HSA/FSA welcome
There are payment plans available for both types of teeth aligners. We encourage you to look at the details on the website, because they can vary based on any current promotions. But, as an example on the daytime aligners, we spotted the Smile Flex Easy plan as an option: put $350 down and pay $99/month for 6 months. Alternately, AlignerCo offers the regular Smile Flex plan, powered by Affirm: $66/month for 12 months. Plus, if you have HSA/FSA funds to spend, AlignerCo welcomes those payments.
Live chat is helpful
Another way to save money is by reaching out through AlignerCo's live chat. Prepare yourself for some sales pressure, but you could get a discount of $20 or more just by popping in and asking a question there. One question you may want to ask is about AlignerCo's retainers: the packages advertised on the website didn't seem to include them as part of the package, but they were mentioned by the chat rep when he was "encouraging" us to sign up right away. You can buy retainers a la carte, starting at $125 per set - and you may need to do that if yours break after lots of wear - but it would be good for AlignerCo to clarify if you get any of them with your initial course (like most rival providers of teeth aligners do).
In-person help in NY
If you happen to live near Hicksville, NY, you can pick up your impression kit in person. Just use the "book an appointment" button to schedule the time (and be ready to pay the same $59.99 that online-only patients pay for the cost of the kit). If you prefer, you can get help there with taking your impressions, and you can drop off those impressions right at AlignerCo's studio.
Refunds only if you're not a good candidate
As with most DIY-style teeth aligner options, AlignerCo will take your impression kit and come up with a plan, developed by a licensed orthodontist. They'll create a 3D image of your targeted final results, or they'll refund your money if they determine you're not a good candidate for their aligners. However, there's no refund if you don't like their proposed end goal, so you may want to start out just with the impression kit if you're worried about being a tough "fit".
Refinements at no extra cost
We also asked in the chat about what happens if a patient gets all the way to the end of the steps and isn't happy with the results - partly because of our own experiences with Invisalign and having a total of 29 steps, we were having a hard time picturing AlignerCo being able to get it done in just 15. The rep said that AlignerCo will offer a free refinement if the client has followed all of the instructions meticulously; that refinement would include new impressions, aligners, and a retainer at no extra cost.
Some customers love it here, some don't
How about AlignerCo's reputation? At the time of this review, AlignerCo had received a "B-" rating from the Better Business Bureau, who cited the 287 complaints filed there and the length of time it took the company to respond to them as the reasons for their lower-than-average grade. Beyond the BBB, customer sentiment is just as mixed: many of the 5-star reviews on Trustpilot, for example, come from people who have just had their first (and positive) experience with the company's customer service team. There are also a handful from clients well into the teeth aligner process who were (still) super-satisfied with AlignerCo. However, there are also quite a few negative reviews that detail poor service mid- or post-process, or even at the very start with a lot of back-and-forth trying to get suitable impressions (and being charged for every failed attempt/kit).
Not the best or the worst choice for teeth aligners
AlignerCo is going to be very appealing to you if your budget is the first consideration when deciding where to get your teeth aligners. They're clearly one of the most affordable in the industry, even after you add up the potential a la carte costs of the retainers that rival providers automatically include as part of the package. But, we're not thrilled with the grade from the BBB or the rants we found about customer service during and after teeth aligning, and so AlignerCo earns a "just okay" rating from us.
2U Smiles is the brand of teeth aligners provided by Vitang Technologies, a company headquartered in Tustin, California and with manufacturing connections to China. They claim to have some of the clearest, most comfortable aligners in the world, and their proprietary materials and manufacturing processes create a smoother surface to inhibit bacterial growth.
Day or night wear, 10 days per step
There are two main options for teeth aligners here: Quick Effective for daytime use, and Night Comfort for (you guessed it) overnight wear. If you opt for the first plan, you'll wear your retainers for 22 hours per day and see your results within 4-8 months. On the Night Comfort plan, you'll wear your aligners for 10 hours - so add in an extra hour or two before or after bed - and see your results within 10-14 months. Each "step" of aligners will be worn for 10 days before you swap them out for the next set.
Mid-range on price, payment plans offered
Curious about cost? 2U Smiles lands right in the middle of the pack, pricewise. Quick Effective costs $1,195 and Night Comfort is priced at $1,345. You can use your HSA/FSA funds if you prefer, plus 2U Smiles provides payment plan options of $399 down and $104 or $118 per month (depending on which of the two plans you select). Your purchase will come with three free whitening pens and a set of retainers for use after your process has been completed.
Most affordable impression kits
2U Smiles stands out with its impression kit cost, though: it's just $9.95 to get two sets of impression trays, four sets of putty, a cheek retractor, a pair of gloves, and the prepaid return label. Most of the teeth aligner providers on our list charge at least $50 for that. And, if you don't get it right the first time, 2U Smile will send you another impression kit at no cost.
Process is standard
The rest of the process with 2U Smiles will be very familiar if you've already done some research into "DIY" teeth aligners. Once the company receives your impressions, their orthodontists will evaluate the molds to determine if you're a good candidate for their plan. You won't have to pay for your selected aligners until you approve the 3D digital preview of your plan.
Reputation is elusive
2U Smiles' public reputation can be difficult to determine. There's no BBB listing that we could find, not even for parent company Vitang Technology. The reviews on Facebook give a strong impression of being fake: they come in date clusters and use wording that doesn't sound natural. It got even worse when we looked for Vitang Technology's feedback and found a strongly-worded warning from the FDA in 2023. We're not experts in legalese (or in FDA inspections), but bold headers like "Misbranded and/or Unapproved Device Violations" and "Quality System Regulation (QSR) Violations" are pretty easy to understand.
Problems maintaining equipment
That last category of violations included 8 different ways that 2U Smiles' parent company hadn't maintained its manufacturing equipment (which seems to be located in China), created and implemented a process for reporting complaints to the FDA, trained its employees, and so forth. But, a bit of good news: we then found a letter from the FDA, dated 18 months later (July 2024) that said that the company had "addressed the violation(s)" contained in the earlier warning letter. Whew.
Guarantee is fantastic (if they honor it)
We're glad to see that update, because there are some aspects of 2U Smiles' teeth aligners that put them ahead of the competition. The biggest one is the lifetime guarantee: "if at any time post treatment your teeth move out of alignment, we'll be there to help at no additional cost." While we can't speak to how faithfully 2U Smiles is honoring that guarantee, it's impressive that they offer it at all. Just make sure you're also using the set of retainers that are included with your teeth aligner plan.
Unlimited aligners/modifications
Also, 2U Smiles includes unlimited aligners and unlimited modifications. That's a huge leg up over rival plans that only include "up to 15 or 20 steps" or who charge $300+ for refinements or modifications.
We'd love to see a comeback
While we can no longer give 2U Smiles our highest recommendation (or even close to it), it still has some attractive features that will get your attention - particularly the unlimited number of teeth aligners and modifications. However, until the website cleans up some of its typos and we see some independently-verified client feedback, 2U Smiles only earns an average rating here.
What can we say about NewSmile? This is a primarily Canadian company, but their teeth aligners are offered to US customers as well. Much of what you'll experience here is in line with the industry as a whole: make impressions of your teeth, send the kit back, get a 3D plan, approve it, and then start the journey of wearing your new aligners.
Daytime or nighttime aligners available
NewSmile mostly promotes their FastTrack teeth aligners: trays that you wear for 22 hours a day "to finish earlier", though they don't specify earlier than what (and they don't make it obvious that they also offer night aligners; you'll have to spot the link at the bottom of the page). Mostly, you're really deciding if you want to jump right in and pay in full, go on a payment plan, or just purchase the impression kit as a standalone first:
Retainers cost extra
Notice anything missing? You're right if you said "retainers". Almost every teeth aligner provider on our list includes at least one set with the package, but at NewSmile, you'll have to buy them a la carte at $159/set. You can also opt into NewSmile's membership: at $99, you'll get two sets of retainers with your first purchase, and then a new set every 6 months for the same price. Since this membership can be paused or canceled at any time, there's no obvious reason why you'd pay $159 instead. (Except for the fact that we found rants from people who had a hard time actually getting that membership canceled...)
Guarantees aren't much help
NewSmile promotes their Lifetime Guarantee: if your teeth relapse, you're eligible for additional aligners at no extra cost. However, we'd imagine there are terms and conditions for that guarantee, and there's even a little asterisk to indicate that we'd be right... but you have to get all the way to the checkout to see them. And what they say is that you have to upload photos and videos every two weeks before proceeding to a new step of aligners. That isn't mentioned anywhere else on the site when NewSmile describes the process of using their teeth aligners - no wonder people are more than miffed when their teeth don't turn out as expected and their requests to cash in on the Lifetime Guarantee are denied. "We never got an email reminder or told in any way that we were supposed to upload photos/videos." Plus, we found this little gem: "An 85% attainment to your treatment preview is considered a treatment success." If you were taking a vacation and the flight got you 85% of the way to your destination, would you call that a success? One more thing: NewSmile says that the process of making a determination on refunds or other refinements can take up to 6 months, but no refunds will be allowed after 5 months have passed. Isn't that cute?
Reputation is pretty bad
We were really disappointed by much of the other feedback we found for NewSmile. Although the Better Business Bureau listings referenced the company's Canada branch, many of the reviews left there were from US-based customers - and all of them combined to earn this company an "F" grade from the BBB. One complaint we saw multiple times was that people paid in full for their teeth aligners and never received them. Similarly, some clients said that NewSmile stopped responding to their emails mid-process, and they were unable to keep swapping out their trays on schedule (because the fit was off and they couldn't get a response). But, the most concerning reviews we read described bone loss due to how rapidly their teeth were moving. Scary stuff.
At least the reviews aren't fake...
The only thing keeping NewSmile from earning an even lower score is the fact that their reviews don't seem to be faked. We know, that seems like a pretty low bar, but check out the teeth aligner companies that rank even lower and you'll understand where we're coming from. Most of the reviews onsite are for the Petal Whitening or Ultrasonic Cleaner, but the fact that there were reviews in the 1- to 3-star range gave us some confidence that at least NewSmile is putting it all out there for people to consider.
Not recommended for teeth aligners
If you're still thinking that NewSmile is an option for you, please take our advice and walk through all of the links that are only offered during the checkout process, from returns/refunds to terms and conditions. You need to go into your teeth-straightening process here with eyes wide open; otherwise, you could be setting yourself up for a very unsatisfying experience with NewSmile's aligners. Our below-average rating feels a little generous to give this company, but since it's not the worst-of-the-worst, NewSmile comes away with that rating from us.
Smile Perfect is relatively new to the "DIY" teeth aligner industry, entering the US scene through its home office in West Jordan, Utah in 2023. The company also serves clients in the UK through its offices in London, but that's about all they reveal about their background and operations. We do want to point out that the two dentists that Smile Perfect lists on their website don't seem to also be orthodontists, so keep that in mind.
Options for re-correcting teeth after other orthodontia
Smile Perfect does offer a wide array of options, including the choice of just dealing with your upper or lower teeth. They also have a plan specifically for "minor tooth movements", called the Fast Track plan. The single-arch option plus the Fast Track could be the right way to go if you've had braces or aligners in the past, but you didn't keep up with wearing your retainers and need to get your teeth back into alignment.
Extremely affordable compared with rivals
Let's go over all of the different plans you could consider at Smile Perfect:
Get the free video consult first
It would be a really wise idea to reach out for the free video consultation that Smile Perfect offers. That would be an easy way to get all of your questions answered, especially if you're thinking of splurging on the Premium package. Click where it says "Get A Free Assessment" and answer a few questions: which issues are you having with your teeth, how severe is the problem, and so forth. If your answers make you a suitable candidate, you'll be directed to choose your preferred aligners, so you'll have to wait for Smile Perfect reps to reach out to you to set up the video consultation.
Website raises some red flags
Our first indicator that Smile Perfect might not be the most professional or polished option for getting teeth aligners came when we saw several typos and other wonky places on the website. Do you really want to trust your teeth to a place that refers to "teledentistary"? Even their refund/satisfaction policy comes out funny: "if at completion you don't get the results you were promised, we will give you free refinement worth $300 our team will be with you throughout the journey until you get the projected smile" (no capitalization at the start, no period at the end, and weird wording).
Only one partner practice?
That less-than-slick impression continued when we looked at the images for the one and only Smile Perfect "partner dental Practice ", located in Utah: it appears to be a single room with a desk, computer, two chairs, and an exam chair, plus a computer/scanner setup on wheels. That doesn't exactly scream "well-established business", does it?
Fake reviews impress no one
Smile Perfect has an "A" rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau - and that's where we learned that this teeth aligner company has only been in business since 2023. That could be the reason why there were no complaints filed with the BBB yet: it's just too new to be well-known (and liked or disliked). So, we took a look at the company's reputation in other places. We laughed out loud when we read through some of the most recent reviews left on Facebook, because they were so obviously fake/paid for that they didn't even make sense. Two reviews left within a day of each other both read "Providing timelines for different dental treatments like aligners, braces, and whitening", but our favorite in between them said this: "An uplifting post about how the brand has positively impacted customers' lives." Seriously, if you want a laugh, go see for yourself! We have similar feelings about the Smile Perfect reviews we found on Trustpilot, with some of them not even referring to the right company, many leaving comments just after the initial customer service experience and not during or after the course, and seemingly fake names of reviewers like "David Crawfordii" and "Donald Stephensr".
Not the bottom of the barrel, but close to it
We'd have a really tough time trusting the patient experience at Smile Perfect. The site (and its reviews) are so unprofessional, we wouldn't feel comfortable with any of their promises or guarantees. Although the company's "A" from the BBB keeps them from landing at the bottom of our list, our qualms about the quality of Smile Perfect's teeth aligners and overall plan make us very cautious.
Based in Vancouver, WA, SnapCorrect uses teledentistry to give you "Truly Invisible Aligners" that will reshape your teeth into the perfect smile. Or, so they say. True or false? Read on and see for yourself.
No surprises in the process
The process at SnapCorrect works the same as most rival teeth aligner companies: you pay $49 to get an impression kit in the mail. It includes two sets of trays, putty to make impressions of your teeth, a cheek retractor, rubber gloves, and all of the directions you'll need to come away with accurate impressions of your current smile and bite. You'll also submit some photos of your teeth as a "before" image, and to give SnapCorrect's technicians a visual for how your smile is currently coming together.
Kit refunded if you're not accepted as a patient
From there, SnapCorrect's dental staff will make before-and-after 3D images representing the plan they will customize for you, and what you can expect your smile to look like when you're done with the course of teeth aligners. If they determine that you're not a good candidate for their process, they'll refund your $49 - but we didn't see anyone online saying they'd been turned down here.
3-9 months to see results from 20-22 hours of wear per day
Once you receive your teeth aligners in the mail, you should expect your course to last anywhere from 3-18 months, though SnapCorrect says that most courses fall within the 3- to 9-month range. You'll change your aligners every two weeks, and you should plan on wearing them for 20-22 hours per day.
Comes with whitening kit and one set of retainers
SnapCorrect includes whitening products in your first kit; you can use them during your course, or save them for the end. It's up to you. Also, your teeth aligners will include one complimentary set of retainers, to be used at night in order to keep your teeth in position after you've completed the process.
Broken images, but videos still work
Our first indicator that things aren't going so well at SnapCorrect was when we spotted the broken images on the explainer videos. Is that a huge problem? No, the videos still played, after all. But, it wasn't the website quality we'd expect to see from an online-only teeth aligner company.
Very spendy compared with rivals on our list
The next place where we raised our eyebrows was seeing that SnapCorrect claims that its "truly invisible aligners" are "70% less than the cost of traditional braces". At $1,749, those braces would have to cost nearly $6,000. While that's not unheard of, most people with any kind of insurance coverage aren't paying that much for braces, and even those without orthodontia benefits can still get braces for under $5,000 (in our area, one provider offers them for just $2,999 to cash pay patients). And, if you look at SnapCorrect's rivals on our list, they're much less expensive for the same thing. But, on the plus side, SnapCorrect wants to make it easy for you to pay for your teeth aligners. That's why they offer financing through Affirm, and they also accept HSA payments.
"F" from the BBB and low customer satisfaction
But then we get to SnapCorrect's reputation. We weren't surprised at all to see that SnapCorrect has an "F" rating from the Better Business Bureau, for failing to respond to the dozen complaints filed there. There are so many complaints and reviews, both on the BBB and in other places like Trustpilot, that describe how SnapCorrect goes completely silent when customers have a problem. Teeth alignment can involve some back-and-forth with the orthodontist, because teeth don't always move according to plan; it's unacceptable for SnapCorrect to ghost patients in the middle of their teeth aligning course. The most frequently-mentioned issue is aftercare: people pay for new retainers (because they do break with use) and never receive them. So, their teeth wind up shifting completely out of place and they have to start from the beginning with another brand of teeth aligners.
Positive reviews are obviously fake
And, don't believe any of the positive reviews you see: we are 100% certain that SnapCorrect fakes them. How do we know? Well, when one glowing review on Trustpilot forgets to take out the part that says "Certainly! Here are 40 more unique short reviews for SnapCorrect Invisible Aligners", we all know exactly which AI platform has generated it - and about how many 5-star reviews we can completely ignore.
Avoid this company
All of that leads to one inevitable conclusion: SnapCorrect doesn't measure up to our standards. They're obviously not opposed to posting fake positive reviews, they're not responding to patients who have paid for retainers or who are having issues mid-process, and they don't address the complaints they get. You'd be better off taking that $49 for the impression kit and going with one of the higher-ranking teeth aligner companies on our list.
Smilelove starts out looking like most other teeth aligner companies on our list. You can take a quick quiz to see if you're a good candidate for their plan (spoiler alert: most people will get a "yes"), then get started with their no-orthodontist-visit-required process. Once you wade through the "don't go!" pop-ups and ignore the constantly-pulsing live chat in the bottom right corner, you'll see testimonials and photos encouraging you to give Smilelove a try.
Doesn't offer the impression kit upfront as an a la carte option
You'll feel like you have to jump right in with both feet if you decide to try Smilelove. Unlike many rivals that start you out with an impression kit for around $50 to $100, then charge you for the full set of teeth aligners if you're determined to be a good candidate, this company asks for the $1,895 upfront. You can get that refunded if their professionals don't think Smilelove is right for you, or if you don't like the preview they give you of what your smile will look like post-aligning. It was only after we had created an account, giving Smilelove all of our contact information and goals, that we were offered the impression kit as a standalone purchase for $95.
Almost $2,000
What will you get for that $1,895? First, they'll send you the impression kit that you'll use at home and send back, so that Smilelove can make your plan. You'll get up to 20 sets of trays, a whitening kit, and your first set of post-application retainers.
Mix of soft and hard aligners
One of Smilelove's big selling points is that they claim to be 43% faster than any other aligner. They seem to do this by having you go through grouped sets of trays: one soft one and one hard one in each step. The soft ones are worn first, for 5 days, and then you switch to the hard aligners for a week. Smilelove says that 95% of their customers only need 20 of these steps to get full correction.
Extra fee if you need more than 20 sets of teeth aligners
However, Smilelove has a $300 additional fee if their orthodontists think it'll take more than 20 steps (40 total aligners) to correct your teeth. You'll find that out after you send in your kit and your case is evaluated.
People aren't receiving what they pay for
We were already a little leery of Smilelove when we saw several typos throughout the site, and when we considered how poorly this company had done during our previous evaluation. However, its reputation sealed the deal: not only does the Better Business Bureau give Smilelove an "F" grade for failing to respond to nearly all of the 16 complaints filed there, but the BBB also thinks things are going poorly enough to leave an alert for this business. That alert points out what we've seen in customer complaints: Smilelove is "actively recruiting new clients", even as their existing clients rant about placing orders for teeth aligners that never get delivered. When you're asked to pay almost $2,000 upfront, that's a huge problem.
Under new management but still not delivering
Here's why we think that's happening: Smilelove was sold to a second company, Smile Away, in 2022. Smilelove had experienced a lot of problems prior to the pandemic, but everything went to pieces during the global shutdown. According to Smile Away, the Smilelove brand was going to be phased out in favor of the new ownership's platform... but that doesn't seem to have happened. Smilelove is still the active face of the company, all of the social media channels are live, and there's definitely still a ton of marketing going on. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like the reality is living up to the hype: we couldn't find anyone with a positive thing to say about the experience of getting teeth aligners (or trying to) from Smilelove.
Not recommended
Smilelove makes it impossible for us to give them any kind of recommendation. It's not enough to have a pretty website: you have to actually deliver the teeth aligners you promise and not just take orders. We had hoped that the downturn during COVID was just an unfortunate, temporary effect, but customer feedback and the BBB's assessment indicate otherwise. We strongly recommend that you avoid Smilelove and go with one of the more trustworthy options for teeth aligners on our list.
Continued from above...
Teeth aligners have revolutionized the way people straighten their smiles. Unlike traditional braces, which use metal brackets and wires, aligners are clear, plastic trays custom-made to fit snugly over your teeth. They're virtually invisible, removable, and generally more comfortable than braces, making them a popular choice for anyone looking to correct their smile discreetly.
But how do aligners differ from braces, and what's the deal with at-home aligner companies compared to in-office options like Invisalign? Let's break it down. Braces are typically recommended for more complex orthodontic issues, as they provide precise control over tooth movement. Aligners, on the other hand, can be done at-home or in a dentists office.
Braces are fixed in place, meaning you won't need to worry about wearing them as instructed - but they're also more noticeable, and they're not the easiest to keep clean (which can lead to more cavities down the road). Aligners, on the other hand, work best for mild to moderate corrections. Their removability makes it easy for you to maintain good oral hygiene, but they require commitment: you'll need to wear the daytime kind for 20-22 hours a day for the best results (or 8-10 hours for the nighttime option, with a longer total application time). Fortunately, if you're disciplined, aligners can be just as effective as braces for many cases.
When it comes to aligners, you have two main options: traditional in-office procedures like Invisalign, and direct-to-consumer (DTC) options that let you manage the process from home. Invisalign is often administered by orthodontists, who monitor your progress closely with regular check-ins. This professional oversight can be a comfort, especially for more complex cases or if you're concerned about your results. However, it also comes at a much higher price point: expect to pay at least $5,000.
In contrast, at-home aligner providers cut out the office visits. You start by completing a mail-in impression kit or visiting a scan location, and everything else - your plan, progress checks, and customer support - happens remotely. This DIY approach is usually more affordable and convenient, making it a great option for busy people who want to save money. While you won't have the same in-person care as with Invisalign, all reputable at-home aligner companies have licensed dental professionals reviewing your case and providing support.
If you're considering teeth aligners, here are five criteria to help you choose the right provider:
Teeth aligners can be a life-changing solution for improving your smile. To help you get the right ones, the experts at Top Consumer Reviews have evaluated and ranked some of today's biggest names in the industry. With so many choices, there's likely a perfect fit for you!
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