Everything You Need to Know About Teeth Aligners from Real Customer Reviews

You may ask yourself if you can afford the time and money needed to straighten your teeth. Not everyone has the budget for metal braces or time for visits to the orthodontist. Luckily, some companies offer hybrid and remote teeth aligner options. Popular invisible braces companies include Byte, Candid, and SmileDirectClub.

If you are considering invisible braces, read over some of the most popular questions related to treatment. 

• What are teeth aligners?
• What companies are out there?
• How much do teeth aligners cost?
• Do teeth aligners really work?
• What are the best teeth aligners?

What are teeth aligners?

Teeth aligners are plastic, custom-fitted mouthpieces that slowly shift teeth over a period of months. The top of the aligners should rest just above the gum line. Aligners put gentle pressure on your teeth to produce a straighter smile. As your teeth shift, you’ll feel reduced pressure indicating that it may be time to switch to the next set of aligners. 

Teeth aligners were created as a solution to traditional braces. Traditional metal braces are very noticeable and have some eating restrictions associated with them. Teeth aligners are often referred to as clear aligners or invisible braces. Since the teeth aligners are clear, they’re almost “invisible.”

Invisible braces are a great option for straightening teeth without having bulky, metal, conventional braces. This option is common among adults who don’t like the look of traditional braces, only need to fix minor teeth alignment issues, and want to reduce the number of orthodontic appointments. Adults with mild shifting from previous orthodontic treatment are usually great candidates for clear aligner treatment. 

Clear braces aren’t recommended for any dental correction that would require surgery or widening of the palate.

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What companies are out there?

The most popular invisible braces company is Invisalign. Invisalign was one of the first companies to start orthodontic treatment without traditional metal braces and has nearly 100,000 trained dentists and orthodontists in over 90 countries. Although this is the most well-known company for teeth aligners, there are alternatives to Invisalign aligners.

Byte, Candid, and SmileDirectClub are some of the best options for invisible braces. These companies have helped thousands of customers achieve a straighter smile, but the process varies depending on each aligner treatment. 

Byte is rated number one of the top invisible braces companies, with 4.6/5 stars from customer reviews. Byte has one of the shortest treatment times, just three months on average, and uses high-frequency vibration technology, or HyperByte, to get the best results with its clear aligners. 

HyperByte is a unique device that goes over invisible braces and uses high-frequency vibrations to adjust the aligners. Using the device for five minutes per day helps aligners get a better fit around teeth and lessens discomfort during tooth alignment. Customers can also rest easy with the Byte-for-Life guarantee — if teeth move out of alignment after treatment, Byte will cover the cost to fix them.

Candid comes in second with a solid 4.8-star consumer rating. Candid’s average treatment time is six months, and its clear aligner packages come with teledentistry services. Customers can use this benefit to receive orthodontic care without having to go to an office.

Candid combines the perfect mix of face-to-face care and convenient remote monitoring. If you want to start treatment with Candid, you need to locate a local CandidPro provider for an initial consultation. The certified professional will scan your teeth and determine if you’re a good candidate for treatment. 

If you’re approved for treatment, you’ll receive your entire set of clear aligners right to your doorstep. Everything you need for treatment will be in this box including CandidMonitoring Tech. CandidMonitoring Tech equipment is used to take scans of your teeth to send to your orthodontist. The orthodontist over your case will check in every 14 days to get an update and give you instructions. This actually helps speed up treatment without compromising the integrity of your teeth.

SmileDirectClub has an average treatment time of four to six months and is rated number three among the top invisible braces companies with 4.2/5 stars. The company offers options for daytime and nighttime aligners. SmileDirectClub is one of the more affordable invisible braces companies and utilizes a completely remote treatment process. 

SmileDirectClub also specializes in teeth whitening and includes whitening products with its clear aligners. A new teen treatment also adds new options and care for teens who don’t want traditional braces. Parents even get added peace of mind with Free HD video chats, aligner tray replacement, and treatment notifications. 

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How much do teeth aligners cost?

The short answer is “it depends,” but there are price windows for the top companies. The most common invisible braces for adults are Invisalign, but some people hesitate to choose Invisalign clear aligners because they have to go through their dentist or orthodontist to receive the aligners — it gets costly. 

An Invisalign treatment can cost anywhere from $3,500 to $7,100, without dental insurance, to achieve straighter teeth. Most dental plans don’t cover braces, which leaves a hefty price tag for a straight smile.

A benefit of Invisalign alternatives is that companies like Byte, Candid, and SmileDirectClub work directly with you, and may only use an in-person dentist or orthodontist for treatment setup. These treatment options often cost less than Invisalign and vary more depending on the type of treatment you need.

Byte offers a few payment options that make its treatment plan very affordable. For the All-Day Aligner System, customers can choose a one-time payment of $1,895 or monthly payments of $82 over 32 months with a $249 down payment. 

Byte also offers an At-Night Aligner System for those who don’t want to worry about wearing aligners during the day. Customers can choose between a one-time payment of $2,295 or monthly payments of $99 over 32 months with a $299 down payment. 

Byte also offers other solutions to split the payment into interest-free monthly installments. Byte also accepts HSA, FSA, CareCredit, and Splitit to help supplement treatment costs. 

Get started with an impression kit

Candid’s treatment plans vary depending on the local CandidPro provider. We suggest shopping around and getting a quote from a couple providers. Each doctor will have different payment structures and costs depending on the area. Ask your provider if they accept insurance, FSA, or HSA to cover treatment. 

Based on cost examples on the Candid website, treatment is often cheaper than Invisalign and much more convenient with remote monitoring. 

Find out if you're a candidate

SmileDirectClub has a similar price structure to Byte with a one-time payment of $1,950 or monthly payments of $89 for 24 months, totaling $2,386 with a $250 down payment included. The company offers a nighttime aligners plan for the same price as the daytime aligners. SmileDirectClub also accepts HSA, FSA, and CareCredit. 

Learn more about SmileDirectClub

Though the cost is an important factor to compare, it’s also a good idea to look at the different perks included with each treatment plan.

• Byte includes high-frequency vibration technology to reduce discomfort and create more accurate teeth movement.
• SmileDirectClub offers teeth whitening products in its plans.
• Candid includes a dental monitoring technology valued at $350. Teledentistry allows Candid customers to inquire about any teeth straightening concerns with its board-certified orthodontist instead of having to attend appointments every six weeks.

Before going with the cheapest price, compare the best invisible braces companies to see all the details and find the value you want.

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Do teeth aligners really work? 

Teeth aligners have proven to be an effective tool for teeth straightening. An important factor in whether invisible braces work or not is if you stick to the treatment plan and wear your retainer regularly.  Individuals should also build good oral health habits and visit the dental office for regular cleanings to support the movement and stabilization of their teeth.

Customer reviews on BestCompany.com are further evidence of clear aligner success rates. In a review of over 11,400 reviews for the top three invisible braces companies, we found that 92 percent of the reviews were 4 or 5 stars. Most reviewers are happy with the invisible aligner process and feel that it works. 

Reviewers highlighted great customer service, affordability compared to traditional braces, straightforward treatment processes, quick results, and satisfaction with their beautiful smiles. 

Let's break it down by company.

Byte customer reviews

Ninety-eight percent of Byte’s more than 7,000 customer reviews are 4 or 5 stars. With 77 percent of all reviews being 5 stars, Byte has an overwhelmingly positive response from its customers. 

Positive Mentions

Based on an evaluation of the company’s most recent reviews, many Byte customers were pleased with the quick treatment length, low-cost, straightforward process, and responsive customer support team. The HyperByte was a top reason customers chose Byte over other clear aligner options. Customers felt that the HyperBye shortened treatment time and reduced discomfort. Reviews also mentioned satisfaction with the BrightByte included in all treatment plans. 

Customer Concerns 

Out of the Byte reviews that were lower than five stars, reviews note longer treatment times than initially expected, improper fitting aligners, and difficulty communicating with the customer service after treatment began. However, these concerns were much more infrequent than the positive themes found throughout the reviews. 

Customer Review: Remi from Hume, MO

“My advisor has responded instantly anytime i have a question. I haven’t had one problem with byte the two months I have been with them. My teeth have had a dramatical change and the hyperbyte helps extremely.”

SmileDirectClub

For SmileDirectClub, 78 percent of more than 2,600 customer reviews are 4 or 5 stars. Many people seem to be pleased with their results from SmileDirectClub. 

Positive Reviews

Out of the positive SmileDirectClub reviews, customers most often mention the free whitening treatment that comes with treatment plans, the competitive treatment price, and the attentive customer service. Many customers felt that their aligner treatment was effective and that results measured up to the expectations. 

Customer Concerns

Some reviews mentioned difficulty communicating with the SmileDirectClub customer support team and long wait times for resolving issues. In a few instances, customers had a bad experience with the scan center. Other customers reported rough or painful edges on their aligners. However, many were able to resolve the issue using a file. 

Customer Review: Lauren L. 

“I loved everything about them. From how fast everything shipped and processed. How easy it was to make the molds. The free whitening. How fast I start seeing results....a little painful but all in all love it. With beauty comes a little pain. So worth it. Unfortunately my bottom teeth weren't able to qualify for aligners but my upper row look amazing!”

Candid

Ninety-five percent of more than 1,800 Candid reviews are 4 or 5 stars. Candid keeps up with the competition by providing top-tier service from start to finish. 

Positive Reviews

Candid has the most five-star reviews out of any invisible braces companies on BestCompany.com. Positive reviews highlight the easy treatment process, effective results, and helpful customer service. Multiple reviews focused on the positive attributes of the Candid staff members. Some customers like the initial in-person scan to start treatment. 

Customer Concerns

Some themes found in the small portion of negative reviews include problems communicating with the Candid orthodontist or incorrect expectations for the final treatment result. Other concerns related to shipment delays and repeated refinements. These negative mentions accounted for less than 5 percent of all reviews. 

Customer Review: Harold Spencer from Macomb, MI

“I had a great experience with Candid. My program was perfect for me. It was painful but that was anticipated to move my teeth into perfect position!”

Overall, the most common theme among invisible braces reviews is great customer service. Many customers said that the treatment gave them minor discomfort during tooth movement or rough aligner edges, but that the program was easier to follow and keep up with because of the support that the companies give to their customers

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What are the best teeth aligners?

In the end, it depends on what you want from invisible teeth aligners. Aside from just a straighter smile, you should think about the overall cost (including replacement aligners or clear retainers after your treatment is finished), getting the right treatment plans and treatment time that will fit your schedule and other perks that the company may include, like teeth whitening or teledentistry. 

Byte is currently our top-rated invisible braces company on BestCompany.com. SmileDirectClub, Strayt, and NewSmile are other great options if you are looking for a fully remote and affordable treatment plan. Candid is best for those who want the peace of mind of in-person consultations with remote monitoring for the duration of treatment. 

All these options are typically cheaper than Invisalign. However, Invisalign may be your only option if you have severe malocclusion or other orthodontic issues. 

Invisible braces are a great, less noticeable alternative to metal braces and have helped many customers see positive results. If you think that invisible braces may be right for you, check out some of the top companies at BestCompany.com.