If you’ve ever dreamed about getting a perfect smile, but the thought of painful, unsightly braces gives you nightmares, you’re not alone. Luckily, that’s where clear aligners come in. In general, clear aligners are faster, more comfortable, more affordable, and nearly invisible compared to braces.
It’s no surprise that clear aligners, often called invisible braces, have become the best alternative to metal braces. And as a result, there are plenty of clear aligner brands available across the country. Alabama is no exception. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the options, don’t stress. We’ve done the work for you.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the top clear aligner options in Alabama. But before we jump in, please note that orthodontic care is a very individualized area. There are lots of different facets to treatment: cost, in-office vs. at-home treatment, treatment speed, company size and track record, treatable cases, and more.
Everyone has different priorities, but we’ve done our best to weigh each of those categories to help you pick the best clear aligners in Alabama.
Understanding Your Options: At-Home vs. In-Person Clear Aligners
When choosing a clear aligner, the first decision you should make is whether to use an at-home method or an in-person treatment. Both methods use clear aligners, but in-person treatments are administered at a local dentist or orthodontist’s office; at-home treatments are delivered right to your door instead.
At a glance, here are the primary differences between the two types:
At-home treatments | In-person treatments |
|---|---|
| Cost: flat rate; sticker prices range between $1,145 and $2,300 | Cost: variable depending on provider, condition severity, and location, but typically falls between $3,000-$10,000 |
| Orthodontist oversight: minimal; treatment design phase only (exception: Candid) | Orthodontist oversight: constant, from initial consultation to aftercare retainers |
| Office visits: not required | Office visits: required every 6-8 weeks |
| Treatment speed: 6 months on average | Treatment speed: 12-18 months on average |
| Treatable cases: mild cosmetic misalignments (with the exception of Candid, which offers more comprehensive treatment) | Treatable cases: Mild to fairly severe cases of misalignment and bite issues |
Why the huge cost variability for in-person treatments? A lot of factors influence the price tag you’ll pay for a product like Invisalign. Nationwide, Invisalign costs roughly $5,000.
Invisalign prices in Alabama are usually below the national average, though. There are lots of local providers, especially in big cities like Montogmery, Birmingham, and Tuscaloosa. If you’d like, you can “shop around” and find the provider with the best price point. On average, Alabama residents pay somewhere between $3,000-$5,500, with rural areas costing the least and suburban areas costing the most.
If that sounds like a lot to shell out, consider using an at-home method like byte. Byte costs just $1,895, so you could potentially save thousands compared to Invisalign.
7 Best Clear Aligners in Alabama
Now that we’ve established the distinction between at-home and in-person treatments, let’s dig into your top options in Alabama. Thanks to our research, we’ve narrowed it down to the 7 quickest, safest, and most affordable options:
Byte | #1 Aligner
Founded in 2018, Byte prides itself on being the fastest at-home aligner on the market. But “fast” doesn’t mean “sloppy.” Byte also uses SmileScience to create a treatment plan that will transform your smile into a grin that complements your unique facial features.
Here’s a snapshot of Byte:
- Treatment type: At-home
- Cost: $1,895 for daytime treatment; $2,295 for byte At-Night (their premium nighttime aligners)
- Speed: 3 months (5-6 months for nighttime treatment)
- Start-up process: Impression kits only, but offers video appointments to assist with the process
- Financing: Automatic approval makes a payment plan accessible to all
Byte is our #1 pick because they combine it all: excellent customer service, a great bang for your buck, speedy treatment, a fantastic Byte-for-Life guarantee, and flexible treatment options.
Byte’s Los Angeles headquarters might be far from Alabama, but you don’t get price-gouged for the distance! Your price is the same as an LA resident’s (but you’ll probably pay less sales tax), and shipping is free.
Candid | #2 Aligner
Candid, our second pick, was founded in 2017, and they’re just as lovable as byte. With Candid, you have the option to start your treatment with either an impression kit or a visit to a Candid Studio (the appointment is entirely free, and much easier than an impression kit).
Here’s a snapshot of Candid:
- Treatment type: At-home
- Cost: $1,895
- Treatment speed: Approximately 6 months
- Start-up process: Impression kits or a visit to a Candid Studio
- Financing: offered through Affirm, so a credit check is required
One of our favorite aspects of Candid’s treatment is their ability to move all your teeth, including the molars. Other providers focus mostly on your front six upper teeth (also known as the “social six”). Candid’s ability to consider your smile as a whole makes them the most comprehensive at-home clear aligner provider on the market.
Unfortunately, there aren’t any Candid Studio locations in Alabama yet, but there might be in the future! Candid is constantly expanding the reach of their retail locations. Thankfully, an impression kit is still an option for Alabama residents. And there’s no risk to buying a kit; if you’re not a good candidate for treatment, you’ll get a full refund.
Curious about Candid? Check out the full review.
AlignerCo | #3 Aligner
Founded in May of 2019, AlignerCo is the “new kid on the block” on the clear aligner scene. But they’ve quickly made their mark on the industry as the most affordable option on the market (they’re less than half the price of Candid).
Here’s a quick glance at AlignerCo:
- Treatment type: At-home
- Cost: $1,145 ($1345 for nighttime treatment)
- Treatment speed: 6 to 11 months
- Start-up process: Impression kits only, but offers video support
- Financing: Two financing plans (SmileFlex and SmileFlex Easy) make financing accessible to all, regardless of credit score
It’s hard to argue with the sheer value of AlignerCo, so if you’re looking for a cost-effective method, look no further. They’ve also recently introduced nighttime treatments, so they offer flexible treatment options. Plus, AlignerCo is headquartered in New York, so Alabama residents can expect relatively quick shipping times compared to someone on the West Coast.
Check out the full AlignerCo review for more information.
Smile Direct Club | #4 Aligner
Founded in 2014, SmileDirectClub is the oldest at-home clear aligner company. There’s a good chance you’ve heard of them already, since they’ve served more than a million customers to date.
Here’s a quick glance at SmileDirectClub:
- Treatment type: At-home
- Cost: $1,950
- Treatment speed: approximately 6 months for daytime treatment; 8 to 10 for nighttime aligners
- Start-up process: Impression kit or scan at a SmileShop location
- Financing: SmilePay adds a downpayment instead of a credit check, for a total cost of $2,290
SmileDirect has established a lot of SmileShops across Alabama. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing COVID crisis, they’ve temporarily closed most or all of their locations in the state. For a list of the locations that are currently open in Alabama (and please note that this is an ever-changing list), look here.
Invisalign | #5 Aligner
Invisalign is, without a doubt, the king of clear aligner treatment; they pioneered the treatment method in the 90s. But unlike the at-home aligners we’ve listed above, Invisalign is only offered in-office by participating dentists and orthodontists. As a result, Invisalign can add in Smartforce attachments and elastics to create a powerful treatment. Invisalign can treat even the most troublesome cases.
Here’s a quick overview of the clear aligner giant:
- Treatment type: In-person
- Cost: $3,000-$8,000 nationwide
- Treatment speed: 12 to 18 months
- Start-up process: Initial consultation with local provider
- Financing: Determined by treatment provider, but almost always available
In Alabama, there are dozens upon dozens of local Invisalign doctors, all with varying levels of experience. They have their respective price points, too. But regardless of whether you live in rural Fairhope or urban Montgomery, your Invisalign price tag will probably fall between $3,000 and $5,000. Typically, Invisalign costs the most in suburban areas, with fees topping out near $5,500. That’s lower than the national average.
Top-Rated Invisalign Providers in Alabama
With Invisalign, there are so many providers in Alabama that it can be hard to pick the right one for you. Practically speaking, you can pick almost anyone, but if you want to work with a proven provider, here are some practices to look into:
- Kingry Orthodontics: If you’re looking for a 5-star rated orthodontist in Montgomery, look no further than Kingry Orthodontics. With more than 200 5-star reviews on Google alone, you can be confident you’ll get top-notch Invisalign treatment.
- Ortho South Orthodontics: Led by Dr. Brandon Boggan, Ortho South has served thousands of patients from their two office locations in Calera and Pelham. Ortho South has more than 2,000 positive reviews, too.
- McMurphy Orthodontics: Spanish Fort is home to McMurphy Orthodontics, and they proudly offer Invisalign (plus more traditional braces and more). Dr. McMurphy and his staff have received hundreds of positive reviews.
- Birmingham Orthodontics: Birmingham Orthodontics has been voted the city’s favorite orthodontist, and Birmingham isn’t the only city they serve. They also maintain locations in Hoover, Alabaster, and Trussville.
- Island Orthodontics: If you want to work with a well-established orthodontist network for your Invisalign treatment, check out Island Orthodontics. They’ve established themselves as a fantastic provider, with more than 11 locations across greater Mobile and greater Baldwin.
ClearCorrect | #6 Aligner
ClearCorrect got its start in 2006 when their founder, Dr. William Pumphrey, had patients who needed clear aligners; he decided to manufacture his own. As a result, ClearCorrect became one of the top competitors to Invisalign in the in-office treatment category. In practice, they accomplish the same thing as Invisalign, but their brand network is smaller.
Here’s a quick glance at ClearCorrect’s features:
- Treatment type: In-person
- Cost: $4,000-$6,000
- Treatment speed: 12 to 18 months
- Start-up process: Initial consultation with local provider
- Financing: Determined by treatment provider, but almost always available
ClearCorrect providers are located in all 50 states, including Alabama. You can find a provider on their website, but please note that they don’t have nearly as much reach as Invisalign. That said, there are plenty of locations, including Huntsville, Childsville, Decatur, Athens, and more.
Top-Rated ClearCorrect Providers in Alabama
If you’re leaning towards ClearCorrect, it can still be overwhelming to find the best provider in your area. Of course, this isn’t a comprehensive list, but here are some of the top Alabama ClearCorrect providers we found:
- Dental Associates Near Me: Don’t let the name throw you off; this is a collective of dental offices, not a Google search. With 10 locations across the state and pretty positive reviews across the board, they’re a great ClearCorrect network for residents statewide.
- SmileMakers: Located in Montgomery, SmileMakers proudly partners with ClearCorrect as part of their cosmetic dentistry offerings. They also maintain a general dental practice, so you can opt to make them your one-stop shop for all your dental needs.
- Complete Family Dental: Dr. Capra of Complete Family Dental proudly serves clients in Phenix by offering ClearCorrect (and other dental services, too). He boasts a 5-star rating across more than 100 Google reviews, so he and his staff have a proven track record.
- Robert F. Martin Jr. Orthodontic & Family Dentistry: If you’re located in Greenville and you’d prefer a smaller, more personal experience, Dr. Robert Martin and his staff are worth looking into. As the head of the practice, Dr. Martin will oversee your treatment personally.
Six Month Smiles | #7 Aligner
Six Month Smiles first appeared on the scene in the mid-2000s, and true to their name, their treatment lasts 6 months on average. Their treatment is specifically designed for dentists, not orthodontists, allowing for more versatility at their offices. For patients, however, Six Month Smiles presents a unique advantage: you can get clear aligners, clear braces, or a combination of both.
Let’s take a quick glance at Six Month Smiles:
- Treatment type: In-person
- Cost: $3,500-$5,000
- Treatment speed: 6 months
- Start-up process: Initial consultation with local provider
- Financing: Determined by treatment provider, but almost always available
There are Six Month Smiles providers located across the country, mainly in major cities. For example, in Alabama, you can find providers—including gold and silver providers with lots of experience—in Mobile, Daphne, and more. You can find your closest provider with a ZIP Code search.
Top-Rated Six Month Smiles Providers in Alabama
Not all Six Month Smiles providers are created equal, so if you’re leaning towards this treatment method, you’ll want to pick the best provider you can. We’ve rounded up some of the top-rated SMS providers. This isn’t a comprehensive list, of course, but it might be a good place to start.
- Alabama Family Dental: Dr. Whatley of Alabama Family Dental proudly serves patients in Alabama for all their dental needs, Six Month Smiles included.
- Lake Guntersville Dentistry: If you’d like to work with a fairly substantial practice in Guntersville for your Six Month Smiles treatment, Dr. Carl Larson and Dr. Matt Slaughter and their team are ready to serve.
What Are the Most Affordable Clear Aligners in Alabama?
Honestly, this is a tricky question to answer. Technically speaking, AlignerCo is the cheapest. No other brand can compete with the flat $1,145 price tag. And in our opinion, a flat price is one of the big advantages of at-home clear aligners.
But as you’ve probably noticed, we can’t give you a straightforward answer for in-office clear aligners. There are a lot of reasons for that. Most importantly, your treatment cost for methods like Invisalign and ClearCorrect will largely depend on the severity of your case.
Naturally, minor cases cost less. Some treatment providers also charge more or less based on their personal experience with the treatment method. For example, an orthodontist who’s well-versed in Invisalign treatment might charge a bit more for their expertise.
But more specifically, your location dictates some of your cost, too. Alabama has a relatively low cost of living. Not only does that help keep your bills low, but it also keeps your dentist’s bills pretty low. When a dental provider has low overhead costs, he or she can keep your service bills low, too.
Similarly, if your dentist is located in a city with higher rent, you’ll probably pay more for treatment. The same applies for Alabama’s sales tax, which sits at a low 4% rate. So compared to other states, Alabama has relatively affordable in-person aligner prices.
Unsure How to Compare Your Options?
Ultimately, only you can pick the right option for your unique grin. So, to narrow down your choices, ask yourself: what do you want from your treatment? Speed? Affordability? Convenience? One-on-one time with your treatment provider? Overall value?
If you’re looking for your best bang for your buck, check out Byte. If you need the convenience of at-home aligners but want a more comprehensive treatment, check out Candid. Affordability is AlignerCo’s claim to fame. But if you’re leaning towards in-office treatment and you’re willing to spend more, look into Invisalign.
It’s up to you to do your research to find which is best for you. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, or you’re leaning towards two specific options, check out our home aligner reviews and service comparisons.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for teeth straightening in Alabama, you’re in luck; there are plenty of great options. But as we’ve seen, those options can be a bit overwhelming! You need to pick whether you want in-home or in-person treatments, decide how much you’re willing to pay, how long you’re willing to wait to see your perfect smile, and more.
If you’re not sure which treatment fits your priorities, feel free to click one of the links throughout this guide to continue your research.
No matter what your treatment priorities are, you’re sure to find the right treatment to fit your needs. We hope this guide has helped you do just that, and best of luck with your new smile!