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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.
Thursday, March 27th
Smileie gives you an affordable way to straighten your teeth at home, with daytime and nighttime aligners made in the USA. If you're near their Flagstaff, Arizona scan center, you can even skip the impression kit and get a digital scan instead. Their prices start at $599 for a single arch and go up to $1,499 for the Smileie PRO package, which includes in-person scans and unlimited refinements. You'll get a whitening kit, at least one set of retainers, and a results guarantee - if you follow all the requirements, including uploading photos every two weeks. While Smileie doesn't have an "A+” rating with the BBB yet, it's mainly due to how new they are, and their customer reviews on Trustpilot are overwhelmingly positive. Some minor website typos might give you pause, but overall, Smileie gets our recommendation as the most well-priced, reliable option if you're considering at-home teeth straightening.
If you're looking for a teeth aligner company with a strong satisfaction guarantee, check out Caspersmile. This UK-based provider offers plans to US customers, with pricing starting at $825 for a single arch or $945 for a dual arch in the All-Day plan (22 hours per day for 3-5 months) and $875/$1,095 for the Nightlong plan (10 hours per day for 5-7 months). Your application includes unlimited teeth aligners, a set of retainers, free shipping, unlimited remote consultations, and the ability to pay with HSA/FSA funds. While Caspersmile has a solid 4.8-star rating on Trustpilot, most reviews come from UK customers, and not many of them reference the experience. However, their satisfaction guarantee - promising to fix your smile at no extra cost if you're unhappy - sets them apart from many competitors. If you're open to trying a newer name in the US market, Caspersmile could be worth a closer look.
Invisalign is one of the leading choices for teeth aligners, having handled over 17 million people. With this plan, you'll work closely with a dentist or orthodontist who will take impressions of your teeth and help guide your progress. Since a doctor is involved, you can use your insurance, FSA, or HSA to help pay for the process. Invisalign also holds an "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau, and it's known for its effectiveness in improving oral health. For professional teeth aligners, Invisalign is highly rated.
If you're considering Aligner32 for a straighter smile, you've got two options: the All Day plan for $749, where you wear your aligners 22 hours a day for 4-6 months, or the Night Wear plan for $899, with 10-hour nightly use over 6-8 months. You'll get an impression kit, a 3D preview, whitening, and retainers, all with free shipping, plus flexible payment plans and HSA/FSA eligibility. Aligner32 even offers a free video consultation to help you nail your impressions the first time. But before you sign up, you should know their option only moves your front eight teeth, leaving molars untouched. And, while some customers rave about their experience, others report serious issues like never receiving their aligners or being pressured to leave positive reviews. With its competitive pricing but mixed reputation, Aligner32 earns a just-above-average rating.
AlignerCo, founded in 2019 and based in New York, is a budget-friendly option for teeth aligners. The company offers both daytime and nighttime aligners - Smile Advantage for $795 or NightAdvantage for $995 - with flexible payment plans available. While AlignerCo's low prices and HSA/FSA compatibility will probably get your attention, the company has mixed reviews, including a "B-” BBB rating and complaints about customer service and impression kit issues. AlignerCo could be worth a look if affordability is your top priority, but be prepared for some trade-offs.
With 2U Smiles, you can choose between two aligner plans: Quick Effective, where you wear them for 22 hours a day and see results in 4-8 months, or Night Comfort, which lets you wear them for 10 hours overnight and takes 10-14 months. You'll pay $1,195 or $1,345 depending on your plan, with payment options and HSA/FSA eligibility to make it more affordable. You'll also get a budget-friendly $9.95 impression kit, unlimited aligners and refinements, and even a lifetime guarantee. But before you jump in, you should know that 2U Smiles' parent company had serious FDA violations (since resolved), and its online reviews seem questionable. Until we can find more trustworthy customer feedback, 2U Smiles gets an average rating despite its appealing perks.
NewSmile is based in Canada, but those of us south of the border can also get their teeth aligners. You've got two options: their Fast Track plan ($1,395) has you wearing aligners for 22 hours a day for 4-6 months, while the Night Aligners ($1,495) let you straighten your teeth in 8-10 months with just 10 hours of daily wear. Both options come with an impression kit and whitening, but you'll have to buy retainers separately. Their Lifetime Guarantee sounds great - until you realize you need to upload photos every two weeks to qualify, something many customers weren't told upfront. Worse, reviews tell a troubling story: missing aligners, unresponsive support, and even cases of bone loss from overly aggressive tooth movement. With an "F” from the BBB and refund policies that seem designed to work against you, NewSmile is a risky choice for teeth aligners. If you're still considering them, be sure to dig into the fine print - because when it comes to your smile, you don't want any unpleasant surprises.
Smile Perfect may offer affordable and flexible teeth aligner plans, but its lack of transparency and professionalism raises red flags. While the company provides single-arch options and a free video consultation, its vague descriptions - especially for the high-priced Premium plan - make it difficult to gauge the value of what you're really getting. Plus, numerous website errors, questionable online reviews, and an unconvincing business presence don't inspire our confidence. The "A” BBB rating is a positive, but given Smile Perfect's short time in business, it's hard to know if that reflects any actual customer satisfaction or just a lack of complaints so far. With so many well-established alternatives for teeth aligners, you might want to look elsewhere.
SnapCorrect promises "Truly Invisible Aligners", priced at $1,749 for a full course, all with free shipping, retainers for aftercare, and whitening products. While they offer financing and accept HSA payments, their reputation falls flat: SnapCorrect has an "F" rating from the BBB, unresolved customer complaints, and a history of ghosting patients mid-process or failing to deliver new retainers. Fake positive reviews damage SnapCorrect's credibility even further. There's just no way we can recommend this company as a trustworthy place to get teeth aligners.
Smilelove offers a $1,895 teeth aligner process with up to 20 steps, including an impression kit, retainers, and whitening kit, but their reputation is deeply concerning. Despite claiming faster results with their soft and hard aligners, Smilelove's "F” rating and subsequent alert from the BBB, unresolved complaints, and reports of undelivered orders make them a risky choice - especially when nearly $2,000 is requested of you upfront. The company's ownership transition to Smile Away in 2022 hasn't improved operations, and customers continue to experience significant issues. With all of these red flags, it's best that you steer clear of Smilelove and choose a more reliable aligner provider.
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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