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. Florida 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 Florida. 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 Florida.
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 Florida are usually higher than the national average. There are lots of local providers, which prevents the cost from being extremely high. But significant portions of Florida, whether rural or urban, have slightly higher costs of living…all thanks to their proximity to the beach. Inland towns usually have the lowest prices. On average, Florida residents can expect to pay anywhere from $4,000-$6,500 for Invisalign treatment.
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 Florida
Now that we’ve established the distinction between at-home and in-person treatments, let’s dig into your top options in Florida. 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 Florida, 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), 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). Most Candid Studios even include a complimentary panoramic X-ray of your teeth at your appointment.
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.
Candid has three locations in Florida: Orlando, Miami, and St. Petersburg. There may even be more in the future, since Candid is constantly expanding the reach of their retail locations. If these cities are a bit out of the way for you, the impression kit is always a good alternative. There’s no risk in buying the 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 Florida 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 a lot of SmileShops across Florida. Until recently, many of them were closed due to the ongoing COVID crisis, but there are currently nine locations open within the state. For a list of all the locations that are currently open in Florida (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 Florida, there are hundreds of local Invisalign doctors, all with varying levels of experience. They have their respective price points, too. But regardless of whether you live in quiet Crystal River or the bustling streets of Tampa, Orlando, or Miami, your Invisalign price tag will probably fall somewhere between $4,000 and $6,500. Most treatments will be a bit higher than the national average.
Top-Rated Invisalign Providers in Florida
With Invisalign, there are so many providers in Florida 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:
- Martin Orthodontics: Located near the heart of Orlando, Martin Orthodontics is a great resource if you’re seeking Invisalign treatment in the big city. Dr. Martin loves his local community, and it shows in his positive reviews: his patients love his attention to detail, kindness, and top-notch treatment.
- Joy Orthodontics: Dr. Crews of Joy Orthodontics wants to give you a reason to smile again, and judging by his track record (4.9/5 stars across hundreds of reviews), you will be smiling soon. Their team maintains locations in both Jacksonville and St. Johns.
- Clark Orthodontics: If you’re looking for a 5-star Invisalign provider in Tallahassee, check out Clark Orthodontics (they have 200 5-star reviews on Google alone, so you’re in good hands). Dr. Clark is an Invisalign Platinum provider.
- Buttram Orthodontics: Dr. Buttram and his Smile Squad are excited to serve patients across Panama City—just as they have for over 25 years. Whether you choose Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, or more traditional orthodontics, you’ll feel like family when you visit the office.
- Fishbein Orthodontics: With more than 8 locations across the panhandle from Pensacola to Perdido, Fishbein is a fantastic resource for Invisalign treatment. As a Diamond Plus provider, Dr. Fishbein and his extensive team provide Invisalign, Invisalign Express, Invisalign Teen, and other treatment offerings.
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 Florida. 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 Pensacola, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, and more.
Top-Rated ClearCorrect Providers in Florida
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 Florida ClearCorrect providers we found:
- Comfort Dental Care & Orthodontics: Voted “Best in Pensacola” in 2017, Dr. Farrugia and his team proudly offer ClearCorrect as part of their general dentistry offerings. They have other locations, too: Crestview, Santa Rosa Beach, and Mary Esther.
- Orlando Center for Cosmetic Dentistry: Orlando is home to Dr. Marcano and his all-star treatment team. Whether you need ClearCorrect or another cosmetic dentistry treatment, Dr. Marcano ensures your visit is as friendly and comfortable as possible.
- Raynald Michel Family & Cosmetic Dentistry: If you’re seeking ClearCorrect treatment in or around Fort Lauderdale, check out Dr. Michel’s office. They may be a relatively small practice compared to other providers, but that just means you’ll feel like family.
- Radiance Orthodontics: Still weighing your options, but leaning towards ClearCorrect? Dr. Jureyda offers ClearCorrect and a host of other orthodontic options (Invisalign included) from his office in New Tampa. At your initial consultation, he’ll gladly talk through which option is best for your smile.
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 Florida, you can find providers—including gold and platinum providers with lots of experience—in Jacksonville, St. Johns, and more. You can find your closest provider with a ZIP Code search.
Top-Rated Six Month Smiles Providers in Florida
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.
- Dental Center of Jacksonville: Your work scheduling shouldn’t make it difficult to get orthodontic treatment. That’s why Dr. Patel, Dr. Calhoun, and Dr. Barbela offer late hours and Saturday appointments so you can get your Six Month Smiles treatment started whenever it’s most convenient for you.
- Bartram Dental Center: Dr. Bartram leads a full-service dental office from his office in St. Johns. Whether you need a simple dental cleaning or Six Month Smiles treatment, Dr. Bartram and his team want to provide you with a complete health experience.
What Are the Most Affordable Clear Aligners in Florida?
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. Florida is a pretty heavily populated state, but the demographics are pretty diverse. In general, the cost of living isn’t far from the national average. That said, if you’re living in a “vacation destination” or one of Florida’s major cities, you’ll find that the costs of in-person treatment are much higher than the inland towns.
Regardless of where you live, there are a few statewide factors that impact the cost of in-person treatment. For starters, there’s the corporate income tax. Florida charges a pretty conservative one of 5.5%, so if your treatment provider adds to your treatment cost to accommodate for the tax, it won’t be a huge upcharge. The same applies to the state sales tax of 6%.
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 Florida, 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!