Teeth Journey » The Best At-Home Invisible Aligners
Best At-Home Clear Aligners
Last updated on April 24, 2022
Adults who want straighter teeth might dream of a movie star, photo-ready smile. But the sheer time and money it takes to complete traditional orthodontic treatment make it nothing more than wishful thinking. The office visits required for braces and Invisalign can drastically increase their prices. But by delivering treatment directly to you, home aligner companies cut out these expenses entirely. The result? Lower prices and faster treatment.
With home aligners’ rise in popularity, new companies wanted part of the action. Now there’s a crowded market full of attractive options like SmileDirectClub, AlignerCo, and NewSmile. The only question left to answer is: which one should I pick?
We’re here to help. We’ve reviewed & ranked the 3 best Canadian at-home teeth straightening services for cost-conscious adults. Read on as we outline the important details that set these clear aligner companies apart, discuss the pros & cons of at-home treatment, and help you find the right option for you (and your budget)!
Top Pick #1:
$1,395
Why we choose NewSmile:
The company that provides the most value with remote monitoring is NewSmile. They are new but have verified reviews from customers, while providing retainers, whitening and an App to help you stay on track.
Get $100 Off NewSmile
#2 Pick
$1,895
Why we choose Byte:
The company that has one of the most reviews out of any aligner company, with a strong presence in the US and Australia. They provide a nighttime aligner option, are at an additional cost.
Get 80% OFF Byte's impression kit
#3 Pick:
$1,195
Why we choose Alignerco:
The company that provides the cheapest treatment out of all companies, and also comes with a set of retainers. Nighttime aligners are available for a little more (like NewSmile and Byte).
Get $100 OFF Alignerco
#3 Pick: Alignerco
$1,195
Why we choose Alignerco:
The company that provides the cheapest treatment out of all companies, and also comes with a set of retainers. Nighttime aligners are available for a little more (like NewSmile and Byte).
Get $100 OFF Alignerco
#3: SmileDirectClub
$2,570
SmileDirectClub was one of the first companies to offer at-home clear aligner treatment and continues to be the most popular option. Founded in 2014, they’ve served over a million customers to date. SmileDirectClub expanded from the U.S. to Canada in 2018 and has been steadily building a Canadian presence. Most recently, they formed a partnership with Walmart to put “SmileShops” in some Canadian Walmart locations.
To sum it up: if you like the idea of working with the largest, most experienced brand, look no further than SmileDirect.
SmileDirectClub Advantages
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They have experience serving over a million customers, so they’re familiar with a wide range of dental conditions, questions, and complications.
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SmileDirectClub maintains retail locations in Alberta and British Columbia, and are currently planning to open stores inside Walmarts across Canada. You can visit one of these centers to have your teeth scanned and get approved for treatment. Other providers require you to mail in an impression of your teeth – a slower and more cumbersome process.
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Offers guaranteed treatment financing over 24 months through Smilepay. No credit check required.
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SmileDirectClub’s Nighttime Aligners option only requires 10 hours of daily wear, while standard daytime options require 22 or more.
SmileDirectClub Drawbacks
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SmileDirectClub has a below-average track record in service quality and customer support. Online reviews warn of long shipping delays and inconsistent communication when issues arise during treatment.
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Their prices aren’t as competitive as some other providers on this list, especially since they don’t run promotions very often.
SmileDirectClub: The Bottom Line
If you would feel more comfortable purchasing from a more established brand and aren’t too worried about customer support, SmileDirectClub may be a good fit for you.
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At $1,635, AlignerCo’s aligner package is significantly less expensive than all of its competitors. Plus, they occasionally run sales that discount that price even further.
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AlignerCo’s SmileFlex Easy plan doesn’t require a credit check, so everyone qualifies
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As part of your treatment plan, you’ll send photos of your teeth to your assigned dentist/orthodontist so they can provide feedback. This helps keep your treatment on track.
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AlignerCo offers a NightOnly treatment for anyone who doesn’t want to wear their aligners all day.
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Customers enjoy the personal care they receive from AlignerCo’s support team, who provide effective and timely solutions.
AlignerCo made a splash in the clear aligner market in 2019 by coming in with the industry’s lowest sticker prices. Since then, they’ve been attracting budget-conscious buyers and bargain hunters while maintaining an admirable level of quality.
They’ve established operations in the U.S. and Canada, although their services are similar in both countries. Most notably, whether you’re in Canada or the U.S., they’re the most affordable option you’ll be able to find.
Our Recommendation
Which Clear Aligner Option is Best for You?
So, you’ve got options. And the good news is that you really can’t go wrong. All three of these companies will give you stunning results at an affordable price. But if you want our opinion, AlignerCo and NewSmile are your best bets.
These two companies ensure affordable prices, fast treatment, and quality products, so we think they’re great choices for almost anyone.
Choose AlignerCo if:
You want to get the most affordable clear aligners available without compromising on treatment quality.
Choose NewSmile if:
You’re willing to pay slightly more for the convenience of a remote monitoring app to track your treatment progress.
AlignerCo
$1,635
NewSmile
$1,899
Pros & Cons of Home Teeth Straightening
Faster treatment? Lower prices? Better looking? All of this might have you saying “sign me up.” But no teeth straightening method is perfect, and home aligners aren’t ideal for everyone. People with more severe conditions, for example, might be better off with an in-office treatment. This is an important decision, so make sure you look at your options from all angles before diving in.
To help you decide if home teeth alignment is right for you, take a moment to evaluate these pros and cons:
Pros
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Home teeth aligners cost significantly less than traditional orthodontic treatment -- typically somewhere between 1/3 and 1/2 the cost of braces or Invisalign.
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By eliminating the need for monthly office visits, home aligners free up some time in your schedule. However, you should still go to the dentist before beginning treatment to make sure you don’t have any cavities (or anything else that needs addressing).
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Treatment only takes around six months to complete, which is significantly shorter than the average duration of in-office treatment.
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Home aligner treatment is designed to be as discreet as possible. Some providers have even started offering a nighttime-only option for people who want to keep their treatment truly under wraps.
Cons
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Home aligners are only designed to treat mild to moderate cases of spacing and crowding, and minor bite issues. They aren’t effective for severe cases of misalignment.
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Your provider won’t take x-rays of your teeth before creating your treatment plan. Before getting started, we recommend visiting your local dentist to make sure there isn’t anything problematic going on beneath the surface of your teeth or gums.