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. Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts. 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 Massachusetts.
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 Massachusetts are higher than the national average. There are lots of local providers, too, especially in Boston and its suburbs. If you’d like, you can “shop around” some to find the provider with the best price point. On average, most Massachusetts residents pay somewhere between $4,000 and $8,000. Boston and its surrounding areas are by far the most expensive.
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 Massachusetts
Now that we’ve established the distinction between at-home and in-person treatments, let’s dig into your top options in Massachusetts. 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 Massachusetts, 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 currently has two locations in Massachusetts, and both are in Boston. There may be more in the future, since Candid is constantly expanding the reach of their retail locations. If Boston is 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts. The Boston one is most popular, but there’s also a shop in Attleboro (and there’s a good chance they’ll add more locations in the future). You can find the street addresses for your location and start booking your first visit, 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 Massachusetts, there are hundreds of local Invisalign doctors, all with varying levels of experience. For example, Invisalign’s doctor locator shows more than 500 doctors within a 25-mile radius of Boston. All those providers have their own respective price points. But regardless of whether you live in the heart of Boston or a smaller, quieter place like Springfield, you’ll probably pay somewhere between $4,000 and $8,000.
Top-Rated Invisalign Providers in Massachusetts
With Invisalign, there are so many providers in Massachusetts 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:
- Smith Smiles Orthodontics: Residents of Springfield seeking Invisalign treatment can find it at Dr. Smith’s practice. He offers both Invisalign and Invisalign Teen. He maintains three convenient locations: Springfield, Enfield, and South Hadley.
- Reichheld Ting Orthodontics: With four experienced doctors and more than 200 positive reviews on Google, it’s no surprise that Reichheld Ting Orthodontics has won recognition as a VIP Diamond Invisalign provider. They maintain four locations in Acton, Billerica, Lowell, and Westford.
- Smilebar: If you’re looking for a truly unique Invisalign experience in Boston, check out Smilebar. Invisalign is the only treatment they offer, so it’s no surprise that they’ve won recognition as a VIP Diamond Plus provider. Dr. Niaraki and Dr. Baquerizo promise you a boutique experience when you visit their modern office.
- Seaport Smiles: Dr. Osborn and Dr. Osborn (they’re a husband and wife team) offer a premier Invisalign experience from their office in the heart of Boston’s historic district. They currently offer Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, and even Surgical Invisalign if you have a really challenging case (plus ClearCorrect, so you have options).
- Simply Orthodontics: Simply Orthodontics has won hundreds of positive reviews from happy patients. Part of that is caused by the fact that they have an extensive reach with 12 locations across Massachusetts, but the rest is due to their excellent treatments and bedside manner. They are a Platinum Plus Invisalign 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 a local provider
- Financing: Determined by the treatment provider, but almost always available
ClearCorrect providers are located in all 50 states, including Massachusetts. 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 Boston, Brookline, Westwood, and more.
Top-Rated ClearCorrect Providers in Massachusetts
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 Massachusetts ClearCorrect providers we found:
- Seaport Smiles: Dr. Osborn and Dr. Osborn (they’re a husband and wife team) offer a premier orthodontic experience from their office in the heart of Boston’s historic district. They’re best-known for their Invisalign treatments (they even off surgical Invisalign), but if you’re drawn to ClearCorrect, they provide it, too. They’d be honored to help you decide which is right for you.
- Coron Dental Studio: Brookline is home to Coron Dental Studio, where you’ll find a cutting-edge dental experience no matter what treatment you’re seeking. Granted, general dentistry is their forte, but they also offer both ClearCorrect and Invisalign treatment.
- Westwood Dentistry: Dr. Anand and Dr. Rawat of Westwood Dentistry want to do whatever it takes to help you achieve the smile of your dreams. Whether that’s a routine exam to keep your smile looking great or ClearCorrect aligners to make it even better, they’d be glad to help. They also offer Invisalign.
- Beacon Place Dental Group: Another Brookline treatment option is Beacon Place Dental Group, led by a fantastic trio of doctors. They proudly offer ClearCorrect in addition to their other cosmetic dentistry options (and they’re rated as one of the best cosmetic practices in the greater Boston area, so you can file with confidence.
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 Massachusetts, you can find providers—primarily silver providers with a fair bit of experience administering Six Month Smiles—all over Boston and the surrounding area. You can find your closest provider with a ZIP Code search.
Top-Rated Six Month Smiles Providers in Massachusetts
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.
- Beacon Family Dental: Dr. Liu leads the team at Beacon Family Dental in Brookline. Preventative care and restorative dentistry are her primary areas of focus, but if you’re interested in straightening your smile, she offers both Six Month Smiles and clear aligners.
- South Braintree Dental Associates: Dr. Richard Baker and Dr. Andrew Baker are proud to offer Six Month Smiles as part of their treatment offerings. You can find their cosmetic and restorative dentistry practice on Pond Street in Braintree.
What Are the Most Affordable Clear Aligners in Massachusetts?
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, New England has a high cost of living, and Massachusetts falls right in line with that. You’ll be hard-pressed to score a “deal” on in-person treatments simply because your treatment provider has higher overhead costs than there would be elsewhere in the country.
One other factor that impacts your overall treatment cost: Massachusetts taxes. The most important ones are the corporate income tax and the sales tax. Technically, you don’t pay the income tax personally; your dentist does. But many professionals add on a little extra to their treatment prices to help accommodate for the tax’s impact. The tax is 8%, so it’ll probably impact your costs some.
You will, however, pay the sales tax yourself. Thankfully, it’s a moderate 6.25% tax, so it won’t have a huge impact on your treatment cost. Between those taxes and the cost of living, you can expect to make a pretty significant investment when you get in-person aligner treatment in Massachusetts.
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 Massachusetts, 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!