Best At-Home Teeth Straightening Options: Candid, SmileDirectClub, Byte

What Are At-Home Teeth Straightening Options?

In recent years, there has been a rise in popularity of at-home teeth straightening options. These provide an alternative to traditional metal braces by using clear plastic aligners that can be worn comfortably at home. Some of the most popular at-home aligners brands include Candid, SmileDirectClub, Byte and AlignerCo. They offer a more discreet way to straighten your teeth without the need for frequent in-office visits.

How Do At-Home Aligners Work?

At-home aligners use the same principles as Invisalign - using a series of clear plastic aligners that are custom-made to fit your teeth. Each set gradually moves your teeth into the desired position. Aligners are worn for 1-2 weeks before switching to the next set in the series, until your teeth have reached the final alignment. The total treatment time is generally 6-18 months depending on the extent of correction needed.

You'll begin by taking dental impressions or scans of your teeth at home and sending them to the company. Some brands also offer at-home impression kits. Next, a licensed dentist or orthodontist will create a customized treatment plan and order aligners made specifically for your teeth. The aligners are then shipped directly to your door every few weeks.

What Are the Main Benefits?

There are several advantages to choosing at-home aligners over traditional braces:

• More discreet - Aligners are clear and removable, so many people won't even notice you're straightening your teeth.
• Comfortable - The custom-fit aligners are less abrasive than metal braces.
• Removable - You can remove aligners for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing.
• Fewer in-office visits - There's no need for frequent adjustments by an orthodontist.
• Shorter treatment times - Some brands claim to straighten teeth twice as fast as braces.
• Less pain - The gradual force of aligners tends to cause less pain than braces.
• Flexible payment plans - At-home brands often offer monthly payment plans making it more affordable.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Brand

When researching at-home aligner brands, there are several factors to take into account:

• Treatment planning - Does an orthodontist or dentist oversee creating the treatment plan?
• Aligner material - Higher quality aligners use patented materials and precision manufacturing for a better fit.
• Customer service - What support does the company provide if you have questions or problems?
• Accuracy - How exact is the teeth scanning and mapping process to create aligners?
• Treatment monitoring - Will you send progress photos or scans for a dentist to check?
• Refinements - Does the cost include any refinements or replacement aligners if needed?
• Insurance - Are the aligners approved by insurance providers like FSA and HSA accounts?

Reviews of the Best At-Home Aligner Brands

Here are in-depth reviews of some of the top at-home teeth straightening companies to consider:

Candid

Candid offers customized clear aligner therapy for $88 per month over a course of treatment that averages 6 months. Candid was created with convenience in mind - they ship aligners directly to your door, and remote consultations with orthodontists are available through telehealth technology.

Each set of Candid aligners is worn for 10-20 hours per day over 2 weeks before switching to the next set in the sequence. Treatment times range from 4-12 months. Refinements and replacement aligners are included to ensure you achieve the desired results.

The company uses state-of-the-art scanning and 3D modeling technology to create precise treatment plans and aligners. Candid aligners are made from comfortable, BPA-free plastic approved by the FDA.

By working with orthodontists and dentists, Candid provides professional oversight combined with at-home convenience. The entry price point makes this a top contender among at-home aligner brands.

Pros

• Affordable monthly payment plans
• Includes cost of refinements
• Treatment overseen by orthodontists
• FDA-approved aligners

Cons

• Requires wearing aligners 20+ hours a day
• Not eligible for FSA/HSA accounts
• Less flexibility to alter plans mid-treatment

SmileDirectClub

The pioneer of at-home aligners, SmileDirectClub offers teeth straightening for 60% less than traditional braces. After taking impressions with their at-home kit, SmileDirectClub creates custom-fit aligners made from BPA-free plastic. The average treatment plan length is 4-7 months.

The cost for SmileDirectClub aligners is $1,895 with the option of paying $89 per month. Aligners must be worn for 22 hours per day. Any necessary refinements are included in the initial price.

A network of 225+ affiliated orthodontists and dentists reviews the treatment plan, though you do not deal with them directly. Treatment progress can be monitored through SmileDirectClub's app. Aligners can be ordered online without visiting a SmileShop.

As one of the first and largest at-home aligner companies, SmileDirectClub has straightened over 1 million smiles. Though not the cheapest option, their aligners offer a proven and relatively affordable alternative to braces.

Pros

• Large network of orthodontists
• Aligners are FDA-approved
• Impression kits allow for at-home molding
• Established company with years of experience

Cons

• Higher initial payment than other brands
• Must wear aligners 22 hours per day
• Mixed reviews of customer service

Byte

Byte offers customized, professional-grade aligners starting at only $80 per month. They focus on convenience by handling everything digitally and shipping aligners directly to your home. Byte provides aligners made from premium quality material and developed using HyperByte technology for faster results.

After taking impressions with the at-home kit, Byte's network of dentists and orthodontists create your custom treatment plan. Aligners are worn for 22 hours per day, with a typical treatment length of 3-6 months. If further refinement is needed, Byte offers additional aligner sets at no extra cost.

Byte aligners are backed by a lifetime guarantee. Their operating model which cuts out in-office visits makes this one of the most affordable at-home aligner options. The seamless online experience and quick treatment time make Byte a top contender.

Pros

• Starting at $80 per month
• HyperByte technology for faster results
• Lifetime guarantee
• Completely remote online process

Cons

• Still a relatively new company
• Requires 22 hours of daily wear
• No option for in-person visits

AlignerCo

AlignerCo offers high-quality, custom-fit clear aligners with the convenience of at-home impressions. Using their impression kit, you'll take dental molds and send them to AlignerCo where orthodontists design your treatment.

The AlignerCo Plus package costs $1,895 total and includes aligners for both top and bottom teeth. Aligners are made with comfortable acetate material and precise 3D modeling technology. Most plans require 10-20 hours of daily aligner wear for 3-7 months.

One unique aspect of AlignerCo is the ability to speak with and get adjustments from a partner dentist or orthodontist. For an additional fee, you can opt for the Platinum plan which includes in-person dental and orthodontic support.

AlignerCo combines professional dental partnerships with the simplicity of an at-home aligner process. It remains a fairly new player, but AlignerCo aligners offer quality construction and flexibility.

Pros

• Option for in-person dental support
• Made from comfortable acetate material
• Competitive pricing
• 3D modeling for precision fit

Cons

• Still a relatively new company
• Mixed reviews of customer service
• Requires 10-20 hours of daily wear

Factors to Consider When Choosing At-Home Aligners

Here are some key factors and questions to consider when researching at-home teeth straightening options:

Treatment Planning and Monitoring

• Will a licensed orthodontist or dentist oversee creating my treatment plan?
• How often will my progress be monitored during treatment?
• Is there a way to communicate with dental professionals if I have questions?

Effectiveness and Convenience

• How precise is the at-home impression or scanning process?
• What technology and materials are used for the aligners?
• How many hours per day will aligners need to be worn?
• How long is the average treatment plan length?

Costs and Financing

• What are the total costs and payment breakdowns?
• Are there any hidden fees or charges?
• Are payment plans and financing options available if needed?
• Do they accept FSA, HSA or insurance to offset costs?

Refinements and Support

• If additional aligners are needed, what are the costs and policies around refinements?
• Is there a warranty or guarantee provided?
• What kind of customer service and support is available?

Doing your research upfront can help you determine which company will best meet your needs for at-home teeth straightening.

Are At-Home Aligners Right for You?

While at-home aligners provide an exciting new option for teeth straightening, it's important to consider whether they are the right fit for your situation. Here are some things to think about when deciding between at-home aligners and traditional orthodontic treatments:

Your Orthodontic Needs

At-home aligners work best for mild to moderate alignment issues like small gaps or crowding. They may not fully correct more complex cases like severe overbites, crossbites or jaw alignment. Consult with an orthodontist to see if your dental issues can be properly treated with at-home aligners.

In-Office Visits

With at-home aligners, you won't need to visit the orthodontist frequently for adjustments. But some people prefer the in-person guidance and support. If you want to partner face-to-face with experts throughout the straightening process, braces or Invisalign may be better options.

Your Commitment

The success of at-home aligners depends on wearing them consistently for near 22 hours per day. Those with busy, unpredictable schedules may struggle with this commitment. Traditional braces don't require the same level of diligence.

Your Budget

At-home aligners offer big savings over braces and Invisalign. But if you have orthodontic insurance coverage, the out-of-pocket difference may be less significant. Be sure to compare total costs with your insurance benefits.

At-home aligners provide an exciting advancement in teeth straightening. But consulting an orthodontist can help determine if they are right for your unique dental needs and preferences.

Key Takeaways

At-home clear aligners offer major benefits like affordability, convenience and discretion over traditional orthodontic treatments. Leading options from brands like Candid, SmileDirectClub and Byte straighten teeth using customized plastic aligners worn at home.

When researching at-home aligners, look at factors like the treatment planning process, effectiveness, costs, financing options and customer support. Compare total costs to your insurance coverage and consult an orthodontist to see if at-home aligners are right for your situation.

New advances make teeth straightening more accessible than ever. But traditional braces or in-office aligners may still be the best choice depending on your dental needs and preferences. Knowing the options helps you make the optimal decision for your smile.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.