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. Delaware 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 Delaware. 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 Delaware.
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 online 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.
Delaware is an intriguing state: they don’t really have truly “urban” or “rural” locations. The largest city is relatively small, and there aren’t any truly remote locations due to the state’s small landmass. As a result, the state’s prices are pretty consistent no matter where you go. The only truly “pricey” areas are the small beach towns on the coast. As a result, most Delaware residents will pay somewhere between $4,500 and $6,500. That’s close to the national average, but slightly higher in some cases.
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 Delaware
Now that we’ve established the distinction between at-home and in-person treatments, let’s dig into your top options in Delaware. 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 Delaware, but you don’t get price-gouged for the distance! Your price is the same as an LA resident’s (but you’ll definitely pay less in sales taxes; there aren’t any in Delaware, but LA residents pay over 10%), 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 Delaware 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 Delaware 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 Delaware 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: $1,895
- 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 SmileShops in Delaware. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing COVID crisis, they’ve temporarily closed most or all of their locations. For a list of all the locations that are currently open in Delaware (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 Delaware, 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 Newark or Wilmington or anywhere else in the state, your Invisalign price tag will probably fall somewhere between $4,500 and $6,500.
Top-Rated Invisalign Providers in Delaware
With Invisalign, there are so many providers in Delaware 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:
- Delaware Orthodontics: Delaware Orthodontics is one of the premier providers for Invisalign; in fact, they’re a Diamond Invisalign provider. They’re recognized statewide, too, winning Top Dentist from Delaware Today multiple times. They have locations in Newark and Middletown.
- Ahl & O’Connor Orthodontics: Dr. Ahl, Dr. Patil and Dr. O’Connor lead the team at Ahl & O’Connor Orthodontics, and it’s a winning team: they’ve won a 4.9/5-star rating across more than 300 reviews. Visit one of their locations at Dover, Milford, and Lewes to get started.
- Alpine & Rafetto Orthodontics: Wilmington is home to Alpine & Rafetto Orthodontics, another Diamond Plus provider for Invisalign. They have a 5-star rating on RateABiz (and more than 500 reviews to back it up), so you can be confident you’ll get excellent treatment.
- Greeley & Nista Orthodontics: Need Invisalign treatment in Newark, but don’t want to work with a massive practice? Greeley & Nista Orthodontics is a great option. They may be a smaller practice than other Invisalign providers in the state, but they have plenty of experience. They’ve treated more than 1,000 patients with Invisalign, and they’re excited to serve you, too.
- Rawlins Orthodontics: Dr. Rawlins brings a “secret sauce” to his Invisalign treatments, and it shows in his hundreds of 5-star reviews. You don’t even need a dentist’s referral to schedule an appointment at his Wilmington office.
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 Delaware. 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 Wilmington, Seaford, Townsend, and more.
Top-Rated ClearCorrect Providers in Delaware
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 Delaware ClearCorrect providers we found:
- Family Dental Center: Dr. Gilbert and Dr. Akers are proud to provide ClearCorrect treatments to the greater Wilmington area. They also speak Spanish, so if you’re more comfortable obtaining treatment in Spanish, they’re ready to serve.
- LRK Dental: Dr. Lynch, Dr. Rodriguez, and Dr. Keller proudly serve patients from their location in Seaford. And with hundreds of positive reviews for their practice, you can be confident that you’ll get excellent treatment with ClearCorrect (and Invisalign, too).
- Townsend Family & Cosmetic Dentistry: Townsend is home to Dr. Dover and Dr. Gham, where you’ll find ClearCorrect treatment and a team that wants to not only treat your smile but also help you understand the ins and outs of your treatment options.
- Woodmill Dental: Dr. Eum took over Woodmill Dental in 2016, but in the short time he’s been in charge, he’s established a fantastic reputation as a great ClearCorrect provider in Wilmington. Visit their website to get started with scheduling your first appointment.
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 Delaware, you can find providers—including platinum and gold providers with lots of experience—in Wilmington, Middletown, and more. You can find your closest provider with a ZIP Code search.
Top-Rated Six Month Smiles Providers in Delaware
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.
- Pike Creek Dental: Pike Creek Dental is home to an impressive team of proven dental professionals, so it’s no surprise that they’ve won more than 100 5-star reviews. They include Six Month Smiles as part of their treatment offerings at their Wilmington office.
- Dental Associates of Delaware: Dental Associates of Delaware runs a pretty extensive network across the state, with locations in Middletown, Newark, and Wilmington. They also maintain a pretty comprehensive list of treatment offerings, and Six Month Smiles is one of them.
What Are the Most Affordable Clear Aligners in Delaware?
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. In general, the cost of living is much higher in the northeast than in other regions of the country. Delaware has a moderate cost of living; it’s not as bad as some of the other states on the eastern seaboard, but you could find cheaper treatment elsewhere.
The two biggest factors that impact in-person treatment are sales taxes and corporate income taxes. Delaware doesn’t have a sales tax, so you won’t need to pay anything beyond your provider’s sticker-price. However, the state’s corporate income tax is a pretty steep 8.7%, so your provider might add onto your treatment cost to accommodate. Between those two factors, Delaware ends up with in-person treatment prices that cost just over the national average.
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 Delaware, 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!