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. Minnesota 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 Minnesota. 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 Minnesota.
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 Minnesota are usually close to the national average or just a touch higher. There’s a fair number of providers, too (with the exception of the most remote rural areas. If you’d like, you can probably “shop around” to find the provider with the best price point. On average, Minnesota residents can expect to pay somewhere between $4,000 and $6,500, with the suburbs of the Twin 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 Minnesota
Now that we’ve established the distinction between at-home and in-person treatments, let’s dig into your top options in Minnesota. 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 relatively far from Minnesota, but you don’t get price-gouged for the distance! You pay the same sticker price as an LA resident (but you 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: $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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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 several SmileShop locations in Minnesota. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing COVID crisis, SmileDirect had to temporarily close most of their locations nationwide; they’re reopening when it’s safe to do so based on local conditions. As far as we can tell, currently the only location open in Minnesota is the Minneapolis-Minnetonka location. For a list of the locations that are currently open in Minnesota (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 Minnesota, 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 the heart of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul or one of their suburbs, your Invisalign price tag will probably fall somewhere between $4,000 and $6,500. That’s not much higher than the national average (sometimes right in line with it).
Top-Rated Invisalign Providers in Minnesota
With Invisalign, there are so many providers in Minnesota 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:
- Eisenhuth Orthodontics: If you’re seeking Invisalign treatment in or around the Twin Cities, check out the practice of Dr. Jennifer in Eagan. Not only does she have a VIP Diamond provider designation from Invisalign, but she’s also won more than 300 positive reviews. You’ll be in good hands.
- Veil & Wild Orthodontics: Sometimes orthodontists add a surcharge for Invisalign treatment, but that’s not true for Dr. Veil and Dr. Wild! Regardless of whether you go to their practice for traditional braces or clear aligners, you’ll pay the same amount. They also maintain five locations for your convenience: Eden Prairie, Bloomington, Savage, Shakopee, and Minneapolis.
- Accorde Orthodontics: A trio of fantastic orthodontics runs the show at Accorde Orthodontics. Whether you see Dr. Dale, Dr. Hobday, or Dr. Hemlich, rest assured you’ll be in the hands of a Diamond Invisalign provider. Currently, Accorde maintains locations in Champlin, Maple Grove, Rogers, and Albertville.
- Carlson Orthodontics: There aren’t a ton of Invisalign providers in Duluth, but Carlson orthodontics is one of the best. They’ve got more 125 5-star reviews (only counting Google) and counting. They have multiple locations across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, but the Minnesota locations include Duluth and Cloquet.
- Kottemann Orthodontics: No matter what review site you check, you’ll find glowing reviews for Kottemann Orthodontics. That’s probably because their three generations of doctors (yes, three!) give the practice a cozy family feeling. You can find their offices in Maple Grove, Chaska, Orono, Plymouth, and Watertown.
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 Minnesota. 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 Eagan, Bloomington, Rochester, and more.
Top-Rated ClearCorrect Providers in Minnesota
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 Minnesota ClearCorrect providers we found:
- Wood Park Dental: Dr. Skare and Dr. Kangas lead the team at Wood Park Dental, one of the best ClearCorrect and general dentistry practices in Eagan. If you’re seeking ClearCorrect treatment, you’ll want to see Dr. Skare.
- Tamarack Family Dental: Dr. Matha maintains two locations for his Tamarack Family Dental practice: one in Woodbury and another in Bloomington. Whether you’re seeking a routine dental cleaning or ClearCorrect orthodontics, he and his team are ready to serve, with more than 125 positive Google reviews and counting.
- Zumbro Family Dental: Rochester is home to Zumbro Family Dental, where you’ll find a wide array of restorative, preventative, and cosmetic dentistry services. Currently, Dr. Brong leads the practice, and they proudly offer ClearCorrect as part of their cosmetic dentistry services.
- Schiek Orthodontics: If you’re living in or around Northfield and you’re seeking a smaller-practice feel that still offers ClearCorrect, check out Schiek Orthodontics. While her practice may be small, Dr. Schiek offers options, including both ClearCorrect and Invisalign.
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 Minnesota, you can find providers—including gold and silver providers with lots of experience—in Minneapolis, Watertown, and more. You can find your closest provider with a ZIP Code search.
Top-Rated Six Month Smiles Providers in Minnesota
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.
- Watertown Dental: Watertown Dental is home to Dr. Brewer and Dr. Seltman, but if you’re looking for Six Month Smiles treatment, you’ll see Dr. Brewer. Their office serves Watertown and the surrounding areas.
- G2 Dental: In Forest Lake, you’ll find G2 Dental, a full-service dental practice led by a fantastic team of five different dentists. Dr. Wynia usually oversees Six Month Smiles treatments. They also have a second location in Inver Grove Heights, G2 Dental South.
What Are the Most Affordable Clear Aligners in Minnesota?
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. Statewide, Minnesota has a relatively low cost of living. Not only does that help keep your bills pretty low, but it also keeps overhead costs low for dentists and orthodontists. When there are smaller bills to pay, a dental provider can charge lower service bills (within reason, of course).
One thing we should mention: Minnesota taxes will have some effect on your overall treatment costs, but it shouldn’t be too drastic. The corporate income tax, 9.8% (higher than average), isn’t a tax you’ll pay personally. However, it’s not uncommon for dentists and orthodontists to raise their treatment prices a tad to accommodate for that tax. In contrast, the sales tax does affect your price tag directly. Thankfully, Minnesota’s sales tax is a conservative 6.875%.
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 Minnesota, 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!