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. Indiana 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 Indiana. 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 Indiana.
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 Indiana are usually below the national average, though. There’s a fair number of local providers. However, “shopping around” for the provider with the best price point is a bit trickier than it is in other states. That’s because even the “big cities” of Indianapolis and Fort Wayne have a relatively small number of providers. On average, though, Indiana residents can expect to pay somewhere between $3,500 and $6,000.
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 Indiana
Now that we’ve established the distinction between at-home and in-person treatments, let’s dig into your top options in Indiana. 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 Indiana, 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 Indiana 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 Indiana 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 Indiana 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 some SmileShops in Indiana. Unfortunately, though, due to the ongoing COVID crisis, they’ve temporarily closed most of them. As far as we know, only the Avon location is currently open. For a list of the locations that are currently open in Indiana (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 Indiana, there are a fair number of local Invisalign doctors, all with varying levels of experience. They have their respective price points, too. Compared to other states, there aren’t as many opportunities to “shop around” for the most affordable provider. That said, regardless of whether you live in the heart of Indianapolis or you call a smaller town home, you’ll pay somewhere between $3,500 and $6,000. That’s pretty much in line with the national average.
Top-Rated Invisalign Providers in Indiana
With Invisalign, there are so many providers in Indiana 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:
- Gorman & Bunch Orthodontics: Dr. Gorman and his team are dedicated to helping everyone achieve the smile of their dreams—so much so that they run a Stats for Smiles orthodontic scholarship program for needy families. You can find one of their 7 offices across the greater Indianapolis area.
- Lazin Family Orthodontics: Greenwood residents seeking Invisalign treatment can find a great resource in Lazin Family Orthodontics. Dr. Lazin is a Gold Invisalign provider, so even though he’s what some would call a “younger” orthodontist, he’s got a proven track record with Invisalign treatment.
- Harrington Orthodontics: Harrington Orthodontics technically has locations in both Indiana and Michigan—which makes sense due to the location of their primary office in South Bend. They also maintain a scholarship program to help needy families pursue orthodontic treatment.
- Bussick Orthodontics: With nearly 200 5-star reviews on Google alone, Dr. Bussick and his team at Bussick Orthodontics craft award-winning smiles. You can find their office in Fort Wayne, where they’ve served the community for nearly 25 years.
- Chapman Orthodontics: Dr. Chapman is a long-time Indiana resident, so it’s no surprise that he’s put down orthodontic roots in three locations: Bloomington, Mitchell, and Martinsville. And over the years, he and his team have won more than 100 5-star 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 Indiana. 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 a fair number of providers, especially in Indianapolis.
Top-Rated ClearCorrect Providers in Indiana
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 Indiana ClearCorrect providers we found:
- Clark, Dean, & Associates: Technically, Clark, Dean, & Associates specializes in children’s dentistry, so if you’re seeking clear aligners for one of your children, they’re a great place to start. They offer ClearCorrect as an early intervention for orthodontic issues; you can find their office in Indianapolis.
- Roberts Orthodontics: The Doctors Roberts—yes, there are two of them—are another Indianapolis-based ClearCorrect provider. They actually offer both Invisalign and ClearCorrect, so if you’re still deciding between these two options, you can schedule a consultation to get a professional opinion on which is right for your smile.
- Dr. Kristen H. York, DDS: West Lafayette is home to the practice of Dr. York, who offers comprehensive dental services, including cosmetic dentistry and ClearCorrect treatments. At your initial consultation, she’ll help you determine if ClearCorrect is right for you.
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. There aren’t a ton in Indiana, but there’s no lack of experience. For example, some of the providers are Platinum providers, the highest ranking Six Month Smiles offers. You can find your closest provider with a ZIP Code search.
Top-Rated Six Month Smiles Providers in Indiana
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. William Myers: Dr. Myers runs a cosmetic, general, and implant dentistry practice based in Warsaw. Six Month Smiles is just one aspect of their comprehensive treatment options. He and his team have won more than 150 positive reviews, so you’re in good hands.
- Southeast Family Dental: Dr. Bonhert and Dr. Geiger have established a standard of excellence in their Indianapolis practice; it’s hard to argue with their 650+ reviews. They proudly offer Six Month Smiles as part of their general dental care.
What Are the Most Affordable Clear Aligners in Indiana?
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. Indiana has a fairly affordable cost of living, even in its largest cities. In fact, even Indianapolis has a living cost that falls in line with the state average. 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.
Taxes also impact your overall price. For example, you won’t personally pay the state’s 5.5% corporate income tax; your dentist will. But he or she might add to your overall treatment price to accommodate for that cost. You will, however, need to pay the 7% sales tax. That’s a touch higher than average, but don’t let that deter you. On the whole, Indiana has lower treatment costs than all of the states surrounding it.
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 Indiana, 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!