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. Kansas 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 Kansas. 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 Kansas.
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 service 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 Kansas are usually in line with the national average. There are a fair number of providers, but they tend to be clustered around the major cities and suburbs. Rural residents may have to travel a significant distance. But if you do live near a city with lots of providers, you’ll have an opportunity to “shop around” to find the provider with the best price point. On average, Kansas residents can expect to pay somewhere between $3,500 and $6,000 for Invisalign treatment. That’s in line with the national average.
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 Kansas
Now that we’ve established the distinction between at-home and in-person treatments, let’s dig into your top options in Kansas. 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 Kansas, but you don’t get price-gouged for the distance! Your price is the same as an LA resident’s (but you might pay a similar sales tax or a lot less depending on where you live), 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 Kansas 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 Kansas 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 Kansas residents won’t have to wait an inordinately long time for shipping, but there will be a small wait.
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 SmileShop locations in Kansas. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing COVID crisis, they’ve temporarily closed most or all of their locations in the state. As far as we can tell, only the Leawood location is currently open. For a list of the locations that are currently open in Kansas (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 Kansas, 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 Kansas City (the Kansas side or you can state-hop), Wichita, or a small town in Kansas, your Invisalign price tag will probably fall somewhere between $3,500 and $6,000, with the price being the highest in suburban areas.
Top-Rated Invisalign Providers in Kansas
With Invisalign, there are so many providers in Kansas 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:
- Fry Orthodontic Specialists: With more than 10 locations across the Kansas City area, Fry Orthodontic Specialists is a great option if you’re seeking Invisalign treatment. They’ve been recognized as a VIP Diamond Plus Invisalign provider, and they offer free initial consultations.
- Heidi Harman Orthodontics: Disclaimer—this provider is technically located on the Missouri side of Kansas City, but it’s close enough (and good enough) that it’s worth mentioning. Dr. Harman is a Platinum Plus provider of Invisalign, and she treats all ages 7 and up.
- Hamilton, Wilson, & Hendrickson Orthodontics: Not many orthodontic practices can say that they have nearly 100 years of experience; this practice in Topeka can! As another VIP Diamond Plus provider, Dr. Hamilton, Dr. Wilson, and Dr. Hendrickson do their utmost to live up to their rich heritage of excellent treatment.
- Wichita Family Dental: Wichita Family Dental has won over a thousand positive reviews, so if you’re seeking a proven, established dental provider for your Invisalign treatment and your other dental needs, look no further than their Wichita office. They offer Invisalign First, Invisalign Teen, and standard Invisalign.
- Moon Orthodontics: Dr. Moon is a Gold Invisalign provider with a location in Olathe and Overland Park. And to say teeth are his passion is an understatement; a fun fact is that he and his wife met in dental school (his wife practices general dentistry elsewhere in the state).
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 Kansas. 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 Leawood, Kansas City, Overland Park, and more.
Top-Rated ClearCorrect Providers in Kansas
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 Kansas ClearCorrect providers we found:
- Asha Dental: Asha Dental wants you to “live life with a smile.” That’s why Dr. Patel offers ClearCorrect aligners on top of his general dentistry practice offerings. You can find his office in Leawood.
- BlueStem Dental: With more than 500 positive reviews on Google alone, the team at BlueStem Dental has proven themselves to be a top dental provider in Overland Park. They also offer a variety of orthodontic treatment options, including both ClearCorrect and Invisalign.
- New Ridge Family Dental: If you’re located in or around Wichita and you’re seeking ClearCorrect treatment, check out Dr. Reno’s practice, New Ridge Family Dental. His team specializes in general and cosmetic dentistry, and they administer ClearCorrect as part of their practice offerings.
- Gardner Dentists: They may have just moved into a new building in Gardner, but Dr. Markway and Dr. Haworth haven’t changed their standard of excellent dental care. In addition to their general dentistry treatments, the team at Gardner Dentists offers ClearCorrect, Invisalign, and Six Month Smiles.
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 Kansas, you can find providers—including gold and silver providers with lots of experience—in Gardner, Kansas City, and more. You can find your closest provider with a ZIP Code search.
Top-Rated Six Month Smiles Providers in Kansas
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.
- Gardner Dentists: They may have just moved into a new building in Gardner, but Dr. Markway and Dr. Haworth haven’t changed their standard of excellent dental care. In addition to their general dentistry treatments, the team at Gardner Dentists offers Six Month Smiles, Invisalign, and ClearCorrect, so you have lots of options.
- Rome McClellan Dental Group: Technically speaking, Rome McClellan Dental Group is located on the Missouri side of Kansas City, but it might be worth a drive over the state line. Like a lot of dental providers, they offer Invisalign as their top option, but they also include Six Month Smiles in their treatment offerings.
What Are the Most Affordable Clear Aligners in Kansas?
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. On the whole, Kansas is a pretty affordable state to live in. They actually have the most affordable cost of living of all the surrounding states. That low cost of living is pretty consistent across the state, too; the only real exceptions are some of the Kansas City suburbs. Aside from that, Kansas has consistent orthodontic treatment prices.
For such an affordable state, though, Kansas has a pretty expensive sales tax that ranges from 6% to 10.6% depending on the region you live in. That’s a bit higher than other states. Thankfully, the state doesn’t put a heavy income tax on businesses (it’s just 4%), so while taxes will have some impact on your in-person treatment cost, Kansas prices still stay pretty low.
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 Kansas, 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!