Comparing the Cost of Popular At-Home Teeth Straightening Devices

• The teledentry industry has taken off over the years and has made professional teeth alignment more accessible 

• The cost of traditional braces vs at-home teeth alignment varies, while the results are comparable

• At-home teeth alignment trays provide discreet and efficient treatment 

Teledentistry has brought in-office teeth alignment into the comfort of your own home. In a study that looked at the effectiveness and stability of treatment with orthodontics clear aligners, the results showed many patients prefered the clear alignment trays in comparison to traditional metal braces due to “esthetics and comfort”. The study further concluded that the usage of the at-home treatment was safe and effective for patient use.

The cost of braces is significantly higher in comparison to the price of at-home teeth straightening. The at-home alternative not only provides a more purse-friendly option, but allows for unnoticeable wear due to their clear trays. Thanks to teledentistry technology, patients do not have to brace themselves for the high price that comes with traditional metal brackets. 

With so many brands on the market, it is easy to get overwhelmed and not know which option to go with. While price point is an important factor, it is important to note that cheaper options may come with lack of support services, inferior quality, and less effective results. It is therefore vital that patients explore all of their options while weighing the pros and cons.

While there are in-office alternatives to braces, such as Invisalign, they still carry a pretty steep price tag in comparison to the at-home treatments. In-office treatments also come with a longer treatment time. In terms of effectiveness however, both in-office and  at-home treatments can provide comparatively equal results. 

Cost of At-Home Teeth Aligners

SmileDirectClub

Cost of aligners: USD1950

SmileDirectClub has over 1000 locations, which allows patients to go in to have their teeth scanned. This means that they can ditch the at-home impression kits and start treatment sooner. Regardless of your credit score, financing options are available and there are no credit checks that need to be carried out before you start treatment.

Byte

Cost of aligners: USD1895 

Byte aligners come with a lifetime guarantee and customers have the option of financing regardless of their credit score. The guarantee covers post-treatment aligners, which means that if your teeth happen to shift later on in life, the company will provide new aligner plates to rectify the issue. The cost includes a personal customer service advisor who will monitor and track the alignment progress throughout the duration of the treatment.

Candid

Cost of aligners: USD1895

Candid works exclusively with orthodontists to create treatment plans for patients. The cost includes CandidMonitoring which allows clients to send digital scans of their teeth every 14 days so that progress can be closely monitored. This also allows their team of professionals to assess any issues and make the necessary adjustments.

AlignerCo

Cost of aligner: USD1145

AlignerCo provides patients with a SmileFlex Easy financing plan that is available to all customers, though the company does run a soft credit check on all clients that apply for the SmileFlex Easy plan. The cost includes remote expert advice that helps clients with their queries and oversight of the treatment process.

When picking a brand for your treatment, it is important to assess reviews and look at real client stories. This will help you gauge the quality of the treatment and prepare you for the process that will follow. SmilePrep’s Honest Smiles program is a great source for impartial reviews. Their YouTube channel also posts real reviews by users of different at-home brands.

Final Thoughts

Whilst at-home teeth straightening is undoubtedly a great alternative to in-office treatments, it is important to conduct intensive research before committing to a brand. There are numerous options available and it can be tempting to go with the cheapest product available, however, this could result in you paying a larger price that can affect both your health and wallet. 

Saving a buck could result in having to pay thousands of dollars to rectify damage caused by substandard and unprofessional alignment trays. Opt for a brand that provides professional advice and is overseen by expert dentists and orthodontists. Go with a reputable brand that has positive reviews and a history of favorable results.