Best Invisible Braces
Based on In-Depth Reviews

What are invisible braces?

Invisible braces are mouthpieces made of transparent medical-grade plastic that slip over your teeth for the purpose of aligning them. These barely noticeable mouthpieces, or aligners as they’re typically called, are custom-made to address your particular needs. They tend to be more comfortable than traditional metal braces, but some level of discomfort is to be expected--after all, we are talking about changing the shape of the bony structures inside your mouth

Invisible braces need to be removed before eating or drinking anything besides water. Anyone undergoing invisible braces treatment must have the self-discipline to wear them between 20 and 22 hours a day, depending on the company supplying them.

Some patients have reported that their aligners cause them to lisp, but that it goes away after a few days. Also, you may need to have ‘buttons’ installed on the front of one or more of your teeth. They serve as anchor points for the aligners so they can do a better job of fixing your teeth. But don’t worry: they tend to be teeth-colored, making them just as invisible as your aligners.

How do invisible braces work?

Invisible braces apply pressure to adjust the position of your teeth in order to straighten your smile. The average time of treatment is between 10 and 24 months. Less serious cases may require less time.

Aligners are created from a 3D digitized scan of your teeth. This scan can either be taken by a medical practitioner or created from a self-administered mold kit. After this process is complete, you receive a series of aligner trays that are usually changed every two weeks. 

Some patients begin aligner treatment without ever seeing a doctor. We wondered whether that was a good idea, so we spoke to Dr. Brent Larson, the immediate past President of the American Association of Orthodontists and the director of the division of orthodontics at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. Indeed, he had some reservations about attempting to reposition your teeth without first consulting with a dental professional. “I think the approach where there is no direct interaction is problematic for the patient because it does not necessarily ensure a comprehensive examination and, most importantly, comprehensive informed consent,” he said.

Dr. Brent Larson, immediate past President of the American Association of Orthodontists. Photo courtesy of GLK Orthodontics.

The American Medical Association defines informed consent as a patient’s “right to receive information and ask questions about recommended treatments so that they can make well-considered decisions about care.” As Dr. Larson sees it, it’s important for orthodontic patients to be seen by a doctor “so that they know all their options, not just the specific one that happens to be sold by that [company].” Not being told about those options may be a cause for concern for some patients. Others, though, seem to be willing to go all in on invisible braces without being seen in person by an orthodontist. 

The tension between orthodontists and the invisible braces industry is evident in both camps' language. Companies that sell aligners speak boldly about “disrupting” what they see as a needlessly expensive group of practitioners who are intent on maintaining a monopoly on dental alignment. Orthodontists offer cautionary language about the dangers of attempting to move your teeth around without being directly under a doctor’s care.

How much do invisible braces cost?

Invisible braces generally cost between $2,500 and $8,000. Some online providers offer the entire treatment process for $2,000 or less. The final out-of-pocket cost will depend on your insurance company and their reimbursement policies. Another thing to keep in mind is that aligner trays can easily get lost, just because of their removable nature. Some companies don’t charge for replacement trays, but others do.

According to a national survey performed by the American Dental Association, one of the biggest reasons adults tend to skip dental visits is because they are unable to afford them. Millennials, in particular, often avoid the dentist because they lack health insurance. Another study by the ADA found that more than 30 percent of young adults have untreated tooth decay--the highest of any age group. This negligence goes beyond tooth decay, leaving crooked teeth unfixed to avoid costs. The good news is a lot of invisible braces companies provide payment plans to soften the burden on your finances.

Success Rate

Aside from Invisalign’s claim of a 96% patient satisfaction rate, there are no concrete numbers that detail the effectiveness of invisible braces. You can look into reviews on the company’s website or on Instagram, but keep an eye out for enthusiastic reviews urging you to use a promo code of some kind. We don’t mean to imply they’re not being honest, but you must be aware that they are receiving some form of compensation for their positive reviews. Other resources for unbiased reviews include the Better Business Bureau and TrustPilot. If you’ve used the services of any of the invisible braces companies we recommend, we invite you to leave your own comments about your experience.

For patients of at-home aligner companies: if you’re not seeing a professional in person, describe your progress or lack thereof in detail to the medical professional overseeing your case. They make assessments based solely on the photographs and feedback you send. Failure to properly describe the status of your treatment could result in not having the adjustments you need. Be clear and honest about how your teeth respond to the treatment, and any discomfort you feel is abnormal.

For aligner patients in general: let’s not mince words--you need to be diligent. Personal responsibility plays a key role in the success of your treatment. Most companies indicate that you must wear your aligners for 22 hours a day. You won’t see results as fast as you’d like if you don’t this. Another consequence is your treatment continuing for longer periods and ultimately costing you more money. Many factors contribute to the effectiveness of invisible braces. Make sure your part in the process is performed exceptionally.

Please keep in mind that having properly aligned teeth goes beyond a perfect smile. The most important aspect, some would argue, is the proper functioning of your bite and jaw. “I think an important thing to understand is that moving teeth is a really complex, biologic process,” Dr. Larson told us. “It involves the same biology that bone healing does,” he added. While this is something that cannot be seen, it can certainly be felt. If treatment success is to be defined by maintaining your smile in the long run, then all aspects--cosmetic and biological--need to be properly addressed.

You could be an ideal candidate for treatment

A study by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that orthodontic treatment could improve the dental health of 65% of the population. The ideal patient for invisible braces treatment should have a case that could be determined treatable, meaning one that’s not too complex. Patients who have severe bite issues may need to seek another form of treatment. Also, if you decide to go the invisible braces route and a doctor finds that you qualify, you need to be committed to following strict instructions in order to get the most out of your treatment.

It’s not just a smile improvement. Aligned teeth do their intended job more efficiently, helping you eat and speak with less effort. This could mean less wear and less risk of other problems down the road.

The Process

Consultation and Getting Fitted

Most companies require an initial online consultation to determine if you qualify for invisible braces. This consists of some basic questions. If the treatment is right for your particular case, you move on to the next phase to develop a treatment plan for you. This involves getting a mold of your teeth, among other small procedures, to map out the next steps. If you’re using an at-home aligner company, you will use a molding kit sent to you in the mail. The completed molds are sent to the aligner company along with photos of your teeth and gums.

Teeth shaving is sometimes necessary to ensure there’s enough space between your teeth in order to properly align them. This is not a do-it-yourself procedure. It’s performed by a dentist or orthodontist with a small tool that goes between teeth and shaves off a small portion of the enamel so the spaces between them are sufficient. According to experts, this process is painless when performed with topical anesthetic.

The Treatment

Once you receive your first aligners in the mail, treatment can properly commence. They will be replaced every two weeks to continue advancing your treatment. At this point, you have to leave them on for 22 hours a day and remove them only for eating and drinking anything besides water. After every meal, you will have to brush your teeth and clean your aligner before putting it back on--without fail. We’d recommend keeping a bag for the times you’ll be eating outside your home. Make sure to have a toothbrush, toothpaste and the aligner cleaner you’re using.

As with any new accessory, you will have to adjust to aligners at first. These growing pains may include some level of discomfort and possibly a lisp when speaking. You may need ‘buttons’ installed on one or more of your teeth that require special anchoring for the aligners to work right. 

Your doctor will monitor your progress, either in person or remotely, to ensure the process is working properly.

Post-Care

Immediately after completing treatment, chances are you will be given at least one retainer. The importance of this cannot be understated. While your teeth are now in the desired position, your jaw is still soft, so to speak. Wearing your retainer will allow your jaw to harden once more and make it more difficult for teeth to shift. That’s not to say they will not move around years after treatment. For this reason, it’s essential to wear your retainer as instructed by your doctor to maintain your teeth in place and keep your smile the way you like it.

Other than this, you’ll be able to return to your normal hygiene practice of visiting your dentist every six months for routine check-ups. You might notice how it’s now easier to chew and bite food. Now, that’s something to smile about!

Pros and Cons of Invisible Braces

So you’re considering invisible aligners because having a mouth full of metal isn’t even remotely appealing. If you believe the advertising buzz surrounding invisible braces, you’re probably under the impression that everything is roses in aligner-land. While there are some clear (get it?) advantages to using aligners, there are also some hard-metal facts to consider. Before you bite off more than you can chew, read on and get a full understanding of what you’re headed into.

Pros

• Invisible braces are, well, invisible. Your aligners are barely noticeable to the unknowing eye.

• No sharp wires protruding the inside of your mouth.

• No silver smile!

• After you’ve become accustomed to them, they tend to be comfortable.

• Thanks to easy removal, brushing and flossing are not a hassle.

• No food restrictions as long as you remember to remove them before every meal.

• Financing options are available.

• The treatment has a shorter duration than traditional braces.

• Less time spent at an orthodontist’s office.

Cons

• You can lose your aligners.

• Some companies require little to no face-to-face time with a doctor.

• You will need to take them out before ingesting anything besides water.

• You will need to clean them and brush your teeth after eating anything.

• You might feel some discomfort at first.

• They may not be covered by your medical insurance provider.

Invisible aligners vs braces

The Difference

Every year, 12 million people around the world begin orthodontic treatment. This figure includes four million people in the United States, 90% of whom use braces. With such a large playing field, invisible and traditional braces have plenty of room to duke it out. Let’s take a look at the stats.

We spoke to Nancy E., an Ohio woman who had traditional braces years ago and is now in the middle of being treated with invisible braces under the care of a trusted orthodontist. Having had both types of braces, she gives a thumbs-up to the new aligner systems. “As I was aging my teeth were shifting again, so I needed to do something. I like the fact that [invisible braces are] removable and I can take them out to eat. No one can tell I’m wearing braces.” What can you expect to pay with aligners versus braces? With some direct-to-consumer companies, you might pay as little as $1,500. With traditional metal braces, your final expenses can be upwards of $8,000, depending on the severity of your particular case.

While wearing invisible braces, you need to comply with the 22-hours-a-day method in order to experience the full benefit. Also, aligners can get lost. An incident like this might cost you a fee along with the time it takes for the replacement to be mailed to you. 

None of these issues come up with traditional braces because they are fastened to your teeth. They aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. But then, that’s also the downside. If you have a big night ahead and you want to show off those pearly whites, sorry. It’s not happening.

For more information, you might want to read our article, “The Differences Between Invisible Braces and Traditional Braces.”

The Verdict

Invisible braces offer the convenience of being virtually imperceptible to the eye while treating crooked, crowded and gapped teeth. That said, there are limits to the dental conditions they can address. Traditional metal braces, on the other hand, can treat a wide range of conditions such as back teeth issues, rotating premolars, and canine teeth, among others. The catch is that metal brackets will be on full display when you smile -- and even the less-noticeable ceramic brackets are still not as unobtrusive as aligners.

With the growth of at-home invisible aligner companies, not everything is at peace in the land of smiles. The American Dental Association passed a resolution stating that it “strongly discourages do-it-yourself orthodontics because of potential for harm to patients.” The association argues that ongoing dental supervision is essential to secure the continued health of your teeth. SmileDirectClub, a company with 90% of the at-home invisible aligner market share, has been the target of complaints filed by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). 

Former president of the AAO, Dr. Brent Larson, expressed the importance of protecting consumers with accurate and complete information: “Whether a consumer chooses to use one of these companies is ultimately their decision. We want to just make sure they have the information they need before making a decision so that they do so in an enlightened way and don’t get caught up in the advertising hype.”

Alternatives to Invisible Braces

Traditional Braces

According to the American Dental Association, traditional metal braces “consist of small brackets cemented to your teeth, connected by a wire, which is periodically tightened by your dentist or orthodontist to gradually shift your teeth and jaw.” They consist of a one-time installation and require monthly visits to an orthodontist for routine check-ups, to change the rubber bands surrounding the brackets, and possibly tighten the wire to continue with the straightening process. This may involve some pain. Should a wire break, you’ll have to visit your doctor immediately.

In contrast to invisible aligners, traditional braces are highly noticeable. At first, you’ll have to get used to having brackets on your teeth and eating without discomfort. For the first few days, a diet of soft foods tends to be the norm.

Treatment can range anywhere between two and three years, depending on each individual case. When your orthodontist determines that all fixes and straightening have been completed and your metal braces have been removed, it’s time for a retainer to maintain your teeth in place. Orthodontists offer fixed retainers consisting of a thin wire placed behind your teeth. The obvious benefit is it will maintain your newly-straightened teeth in place at all times. A removable retainer can also be custom-made to keep your smile intact if used as directed by your orthodontist. Failure to do so may result in your teeth straightening coming undone.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are placed behind your teeth, completely invisible to the unknowing eye. The term ‘lingual’ is used very loosely here, simply implying approximation to the tongue. They are not a common form of treatment, because most people are not aware of them. Still, they are regarded as efficient because like traditional braces, they are fixed inside the patient’s mouth. While aligners require you to wear them 22 hours a day, lingual braces don’t move. They’ll be working on your behalf 24/7.

Lingual braces are an alternative for people in their thirties or older who had traditional metal braces and can attest to their quality. So why the relapse? Perhaps after their first rodeo, their teeth were aligned to their satisfaction but having failed to comply with post-care obligations such as wearing a retainer, a tooth or two might have shifted in the intervening years. Time has a tendency to be cruel, after all.

One of the challenges of lingual braces might be finding an orthodontist that provides the service. Some patients are required to practice swallowing in a different manner. And lastly, lingual braces are even more expensive than traditional braces. That, as they say, is hard to swallow.

Retainers

Some conditions, depending on their mildness, may be treated using only retainers without ever requiring traditional braces. A slightly misaligned bite, subtly crooked teeth, and narrow palate are some of the less-severe conditions that may qualify you for retainer treatment. With more serious conditions, a retainer will only serve its purpose after you’ve undergone treatment with braces. 

Veneers

Veneers are thin layers of porcelain placed over teeth, usually to correct their color. Most experts agree that they do not actually correct the alignment of your teeth, but they may make your teeth appear straighter. Whether veneers are a good alternative depends on the scope of your problem. Veneers can cost as much as $1,000 per tooth. That’s an expense many patients simply cannot afford. Plus, high-quality veneers tend to last between ten and fifteen years. You may wind up needing to replace them.  You could go with composite veneers and spend less money, but they would only last around five years.

Sadly, when it comes to veneers unless you’re a seriously affluent individual, there’s not much to smile about.