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. Maryland 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 Maryland. 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 Maryland.
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.
Invisalign prices in Maryland usually fall in line with or a bit above the national average. There’s a significant number of providers (especially around Baltimore or the suburbs of D.C.). If you’d like, you can “shop around” to find the provider with the best price point. On average, Maryland residents can expect to pay somewhere between $4,000 and $7,000, with the metro areas and suburbs of the major cities costing the most.
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 Maryland
Now that we’ve established the distinction between at-home and in-person treatments, let’s dig into your top options in Maryland. 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 pretty far from Maryland, 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).
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.
Currently, there’s only one Candid Studio in Maryland, and you’ll find it in Rockville. It might not be the only one forever, though; Candid is constantly expanding the reach of their retail locations. If you’d rather take the DIY approach, or you live far from Rockville, then the impression kit is still a good 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.
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 Maryland residents can expect relatively quick shipping times compared to someone on the West Coast.
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 750,000 customers to date and do a lot of advertising.
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 Maryland. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing COVID crisis, SmileDirect had to temporarily close all of their locations across the country, and they’re reopening based on local conditions. As far as we know, the only location currently open in Maryland is the Towson one. For a list of the locations that are currently open in Maryland (and please note that this is an ever-changing list), look here.
Check out the full SmileDirect review for more information.
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 Maryland, 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 a rural town, a suburb of D.C. or Baltimore, or the city itself, Maryland residents can expect to pay somewhere between $4,000 and $7,000. That’s often higher than the national average.
Top-Rated Invisalign Providers in Maryland
With Invisalign, there are so many providers in Maryland 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:
- Baltimore Orthodontic Group: If you’re looking for an extensive provider network with a nice mix of experience and multiple locations, you’ll find it at the Baltimore Orthodontic Group. They’ve been recognized as a VIP Diamond Plus provider. You can find their locations in Baltimore, Ellicott City, Catonsville, Eldersburg, and Lutherville.
- OX Orthodontics: OX Orthodontics, another VIP Diamond Plus provider for Invisalign, maintains two convenient locations in Ellicott City and Clarksville. Their experienced treatment team will make sure you’re comfortable and smiling in no time flat.
- Rad Orthodontics: Looking for a well-respected orthodontist in Bethesda and the surrounding area? Check out Rad Orthodontics, another VIP Diamond Plus provider. They currently have four locations: two in Bethesda, one in College Park, and another in Potomac.
- Bloom & Reddy Orthodontics: Frederick is home to Bloom and Reddy Orthodontics, where everyone is a friend. That’s because Dr. Bloom and Dr. Reddy have been friends since dental school, and their loyalty and friendliness permeates every aspect of their practice.
- Toothman Orthodontics: Dr. Toothman (yes, that’s really his name; he goes by Dr. Jeff, though) runs one of the best orthodontic offices in the Hagerstown area. He’s won more than 50 5-star reviews on Google, and he’s recognized by Invisalign as a Platinum Plus provider.
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 Maryland. 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 Hyattsville, Silver Spring, Bowie, and more.
Top-Rated ClearCorrect Providers in Maryland
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 Maryland ClearCorrect providers we found:
- Advanced Total Dental Care: Dr. Rever leads the team at Advanced Total Dental Care in Silver Spring. His office has nearly 100 positive reviews on Google alone, so you can be confident that you’ll get excellent ClearCorrect treatment (or Invisalign if you prefer it; they offer both).
- Metro One Family Dental: Dr. Salmon of Metro One Family Dental wants to make you smile, and he offers ClearCorrect to help you do just that! You can find his office in Hyattsville on Belcrest Road.
- Gateway Dental: Dr. William Swann offers a wide variety of treatments from his office in Bowie. General and cosmetic dentistry are his focus, but if you’re interested in orthodontic treatments, he currently offers both ClearCorrect and Invisalign.
- White Flint Family Dental: If you’re looking for reputable practice with a smaller family feel, check out White Flint Family Dental. They’re recognized as a ClearCorrect provider and an Invisalign Dentist, so you have plenty of treatment options all in one place: Rockville.
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 Maryland, you can find providers—including gold and silver providers with lots of experience—in Ellicott City, Baltimore, and more. You can find your closest provider with a ZIP Code search.
Top-Rated Six Month Smiles Providers in Maryland
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.
- The Dental Design Studio: Dr. Coronel leads the team at the Dental Design Studio, and although he offers a wide variety of different treatment types, Six Month Smiles is one of his favorites. In fact, he’s a mentor for other professionals learning how to administer Six Month Smiles, so when you visit his Ellicott City office, you’ll get excellent treatment.
- Federal Hill Smiles: With more than 125 5-star reviews on Google alone, Dr. Markoff and her team at Federal Hill Smiles in Baltimore prove that you can get great treatment in the big city without losing the family-friendly feeling every dentist should offer. She offers Six Month Smiles and a wide variety of other treatments.
What Are the Most Affordable Clear Aligners in Maryland?
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. Maryland is unique; it’s not quite as expensive as the northeastern states, but it’s definitely not as cheap as some of the southeast states. The cost of living is definitely the highest in the city of Baltimore; the suburbs of Baltimore or D.C. are just a few dollars behind. Rural areas are much more affordable.
There are two statewide impacts on in-person treatment prices: corporate income taxes and sales taxes. The corporate income tax, 8.25%, is a touch higher than the national average, but it shouldn’t have a massive impact on your treatment price. The sales tax (which you pay directly) is 6%, which you need to account for, but it won’t make or break your treatment price tag. All told, Maryland has pretty manageable treatment prices.
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 aligner reviews and service comparisons.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for teeth straightening in Maryland, 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!