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 have become the best alternative to braces. And as a result, there are plenty of clear aligner brands available across the country. California 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 California. 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 California.
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 $2,400 | 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: minor cosmetic misalignments only | 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.
In general, California has a very high cost of living. It’s higher than the national average, especially in the bigger cities. That said, the state is huge; more rural areas tend to have a lower overall cost. And the state has an enviable number of local providers, especially in big cities like Los Angeles. Thanks to lots of local competition, you can often “shop around” to find the provider with the best price point. On average, California residents could pay anywhere between $4,500 and $9,000.
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 California
Now that we’ve established the distinction between at-home and in-person treatments, let’s dig into your top options in California. 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 is very close to most California residents, so you’ll have very quick shipping times compared to other locations. Plus, you’re in the same time zone as their primary support team; you’ll get quick response times from local help.
AlignerCo | #2 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.
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. AlignerCo is headquartered in New York, so please bear in mind that you may wait longer for shipping times compared to a client living on the East Coast.
Candid | #3 Aligner
Candid, our third pick, was founded in 2017. 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: $2,400
- 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 is their Remote Monitoring program. Unlike most at-home aligners, Candid’s orthodontists will have regular, virtual “check-ins” with you to see how your treatment is going. It’s a great option if you want the peace of mind from oversight without the hassle of office visits.
Candid has more than 5 locations across California, including studios in Irvine, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Candid is also constantly expanding the reach of their retail locations, so there will probably be even more in the state, too. And even if you’re not close to a location—for example, if you live in a rural area—an impression kit is always an option. And there’s no risk to buying a kit; if you’re not a good candidate for treatment, you’ll get a full refund.
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: $1,895
- 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 California. Unfortunately, some of them have closed due to the ongoing COVID crisis. That said, nearly 10 locations have reopened. And they’re running pop-up shops again. For a list of the locations that are currently open in California (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 California, there are hundreds of local Invisalign doctors, all with varying levels of experience. We’re not exaggerating, though; in fact, there are 500 doctors within 100 miles of Los Angeles alone. Each provider has their respective price points, too. But regardless of whether you live in the rural regions of the state or the bustling cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles, your Invisalign price tag will probably fall between $4,500 and $9,000. Typically, Invisalign costs the most in urban areas.
Top-Rated Invisalign Providers in California
With Invisalign, there are so many providers in California 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:
- Brodsky Orthodontics: If you’re looking for a substantial, well-rated orthodontist serving Lakewood and the surrounding area, you’ll find it at Brodsky Orthodontics. Since their founding in 1976 (and Invisalign’s introduction in the 90s), they’ve treated more than 3,500 patients, earning them a designation as a Diamond Plus provider.
- Bella Smile Orthodontics: If you want to work with a “cream of the crop” Invisalign provider, you’ll find it in Dr. Bella Shen Garnett and her team at Bella Smile. She is nationally recognized as an Invisalign “Case Shoot-Out” Award winner, and she also acts as an Invisalign professor at University of the Pacific. You can find their offices in two different locations within San Francisco.
- Hyman Orthodontics: Dr. Hyman promises every patient a complimentary initial consultation, including X-rays, scans, and a thorough exam—all for free. Because of that patient-centered approach, it’s no surprise that their office has won fantastic ratings. And since they’ve treated more than 850 Invisalign cases throughout Montebello, you can start treatment with confidence.
- Berkeley Orthodontics: With offices in North Berkeley, South Berkeley, and Orinda, Berkeley Orthodontics has the resources and expertise to service all your Invisalign needs. Dr. Berkeley has also earned a designation as a Diamond Plus provider, proving extensive experience with the treatment.
- Montano Elevated Orthodontics: At Montano Elevated Orthodontics, you’ll find a thorough, fun treatment atmosphere that’s been routinely voted as “Bakersfield’s Best Orthodontist.” People love talking about their positive experiences; on Google reviews alone, Montano has won more than 700 5-star reviews.
Please note that this list is nowhere near comprehensive. There are hundreds of other excellent treatment providers across California. But if we took the time to recognize all the good ones, we’d be in this section for ages. Instead, we’ve listed some of the best names (as recognized by Invisalign and independent reviews).
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 California. 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 Vista, San Jose, and more.
Top-Rated ClearCorrect Providers in California
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 California ClearCorrect providers we found:
- Willow Glen Dental Specialists: If you’re looking for a dependable ClearCorrect provider in San Jose, check out Willow Glen. The practice’s orthodontic specialists offer ClearCorrect and Invisalign, too, so you’re sure to find the treatment that meets the needs of your smile and your budget.
- Brackets Wires & Smiles: Don’t let the name fool you; if you don’t want to endure brackets and wires, you won’t have to with treatments by Dr. Ahmad and his team. There are a wide variety of clear aligner treatments available, too, including both ClearCorrect and Invisalign.
- Pearl Dental Group: Pearl Dental Group is home to three qualified dentists who are proud to offer ClearCorrect treatments to patients in and near La Verne. Currently, they hold a 5-star average across more than 50 reviews on Google alone.
- Montclair Playa Dental Group: Dr. Spinosa and Dr. Srikureja are proud to offer ClearCorrect to patients in or near Montclair. You’ll also find comprehensive access to general preventative care, too.
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 California, you can find providers—including gold and silver providers with lots of experience—in Diamond Bar, Beverly Hills, South Pasadena, and more. You can find your closest provider with a ZIP Code search.
Top-Rated Six Month Smiles Providers in California
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.
- Dr. Jacquelyn Averett: Dr. Averett runs a smaller practice with a “we’re all family” feeling from her office in Fairfield. She currently offers both Six Month Smiles and ClearCorrect as more affordable alternatives to Invisalign.
- Blessed Smile Dentistry: Blessed Smile Dentistry, home to Dr. Park and Dr. Lee, provides Six Month Smiles treatments to patients throughout California. Currently, their office locations include Lake Forest, Diamond Bar, Mission Viejo, and Yorba Linda.
What Are the Most Affordable Clear Aligners in California?
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 much of your cost, too. California has a notoriously high cost of living. The corporate income tax sits at a 8.84% rate, and many in-person treatment providers will add to your personal fees to help accommodate some of those costs. Meanwhile, there’s the sales tax (this applies to both treatment types, technically). California has a pretty high statewide rate of 7.25%, and many cities add to that fee. For example, sales taxes in LA can exceed 10%!
Similarly, if your dentist is located in a city with higher rent, you’ll probably pay more for treatment. So compared to most other states, California has a higher-than-average typical price for in-person aligner treatments.
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 orthodontist oversight, 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 clear aligner reviews and service comparisons.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for teeth straightening in California, 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!