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Today there are now more advanced technologies to straighten teeth for both children and adults without having a “metal mouth” – and those options are considerably less expensive than traditional braces, but pricey nonetheless.
Invisalign uses a series of clear aligner trays and is the most popular option, but must be administered by a dentist. These invisible braces average in price from the $3500 to $7000 range, with cost depending on long your treatment is (the more dentist visits equals higher cost) and where you live (if the cost of living is higher, the treatment cost will be higher). Plus when you factor in the cost of missing work and/or school, that time is money, too!
We've researched and found the best Invisalign alternatives that won't break the bank, and you can do the treatment yourself in the comfort of your own home. And the best part is that most accept insurance or at least use your FSA/HSA funds (if you're lucky enough to have dental insurance) and offer payment plans. Smile now, pay later!
In This Post:
Invisalign Alternatives That Let You Make Payments
ByteMe
The Byte Invisible Aligners full aligner treatment system includes HyperByte (exclusive dental movement acceleration device), free retainer, premium whitening treatment, Smile Science Aesthetic Treatment and a lifetime guarantee.
Treatment plans (for ages 12 and up) require 10 hours of continuous wear, so you can straighten your teeth while you sleep. Average treatment takes 5 months.
Byte offers BytePay, a monthly payment plan with a guaranteed 100% approval. There is no impact to your credit score (bad credit is okay), and approval is instant. Cost is $249 deposit, $83/month for 25 months. Simply select the BytePay option at checkout. There are no penalties for early pay off.
Other Payment Options: They also accept HSA, FSA, and CareCredit. If you have qualifying orthodontic coverage included in your dental plan, they will help you with your insurance claim form to be reimbursed.
Take a 30 second quiz to see if Byte is right for you. Get started by ordering an impression kit ($29.95) to see if you are a candidate. If you are not, they will refund the cost of the impression kit. If you are, there is no obligation or commitment to continue treatment.
Visit Byteme.com for more information
Candid
Candid charges an all-inclusive price of $1,900 for their clear aligner treatment that also includes premium whitening foam. Candid has partnered with Affirm to offer financing for $88/month for 24 months.
Other Payment Options: You can use an HSA/FSA debit card, and if you don't have a designated card for such, you can get a receipt for reimbursement. If you have orthodontic benefits, ask your insurance company if it covers remote treatments billed with code D8040.
To get started, your teeth need to be assessed to see if you are a candidate. You can visit a Candid Studio (if one is near you) or order a Candid Starter Kit ($33.25) for an orthodontist to assess your case. You'll receive a full refund if you're not a candidate.
Visit Candidco.com for more information.
Smile Direct Club
SmileDirectClub can get you a new smile in 6 months with their Clear Aligners (worn 22 hours per day).
Of if you prefer to only wear them at night, they offer Nighttime Clear Aligners that will get a new smile in 10 months (worn 10 hours every night).
Either treatment is $1895 or use SmilePay: a convenient monthly payment plan for a $250 down payment and $85/month for 24 months (which can be charged to your credit card, HSA or FSA). There are no credit checks and no forms to fill out. There are no early payoff penalties.
Other Payment Options: HSA, FSA and CareCredit are also accepted. They can also provide the insurance forms you need to file a dental claim for reimbursement if your dental plan provides orthodontic benefits .
Take a free 30-second Smile Assessment to see if you're a candidate. Then book a free 3D scan at a SmileShop location or order a risk-free at-home impression kit ($24.50 with Discount Code: AFF100). A licensed dentist will assess your smile and determine if SmileDirectClub aligners are right for you. If not, the cost of your impression kit will be fully refunded.
Visit SmileDirectClub.com for more information.
Comparison of Invisalign Alternatives
We made a nice little table to compare prices of all of the clear aligner options outlined above. All of the companies offer financing, accept HSA/FSA payments and/or will help file insurance submission for reimbursement.
| Company | Cost | Finance | Down Payment | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Byte | $1895 | $83/mo | $249 | More Info |
| Candid | $1900 | $88/mo | Varies by Credit | More Info |
| SmileDirectClub | $1895 | $85/mo | $250 | More Info |
Still need traditional braces? Apply for a Viva Loan up to $15,000 to be deposited in your bank account tomorrow to use on whatever you want or need. Apply now!
Do you or someone you know have experience with at-home clear teeth aligners? We'd love to hear about your or their experience!
Rebecca Forstadt Olkowski
Sunday 5th of January 2020
My uncle was an orthodontist and told me I didn't need braces although both my kids had them. I like the idea of invisible braces. Right now I have a hate-hate relationship with my mouthguard. Great comparison chart.