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. North Dakota 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 North Dakota. 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 North Dakota.
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 North Dakota are usually in line with the national average. And North Dakota has a fairly consistent cost of living across the entire state. That said, there aren’t a ton of Invisalign providers per capita, especially compared to other states. So if you’re hoping to “shop around” for the best price point, you may have to do some searching (and driving). On average, North Dakota residents can expect to pay somewhere between $3,500 and $6,500 for Invisalign.
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 North Dakota
Now that we’ve established the distinction between at-home and in-person treatments, let’s dig into your top options in North Dakota. 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 are relatively far from North Dakota, but you don’t get price-gouged for the distance! You pay the same sticker price as an LA resident (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: $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, Candid hasn’t established any Candid Studios in North Dakota yet, but they might add one in the future. Candid is constantly expanding the reach of their retail locations. Thankfully, Candid’s impression kit is still a viable option for North Dakota residents. And there’s no risk to buying a kit. If you take impressions and Candid decides that you’re not a good candidate for remote treatment, they’ll give you a full refund on the kit.
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. AlignerCo’s headquarters are located in New York, so North Dakota residents will have to be a bit patient for shipping across the country, but the wait shouldn’t be too long.
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 a lot of SmileShops throughout the country; they’ve got a pretty expansive reach. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing COVID crisis, they had to close all of their locations nationwide, including their North Dakota locations. Right now, they’re reopening shops on a case-by-case basis. As far as we can tell, all of the ND locations are still closed. For a list of the locations that are currently open in North Dakota and around the country (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 North Dakota, you won’t have to pay a massive price tag for Invisalign (especially compared to coastal states like New York or California). That said, there aren’t a ton of local Invisalign doctors, so there aren’t tons of options to “shop around” for the best price point. Regardless of where you live, though, you can expect to pay somewhere between $3,500 and $6,500. That’s in line with the national average.
Top-Rated Invisalign Providers in North Dakota
With Invisalign, there are so many providers in North Dakota 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:
- Gill Orthodontics: As a Gold Plus Invisalign provider, Dr. Jared Gill is one of the most experienced providers for clear aligners in Fargo. He truly loves helping people achieve the smile of their dreams; in fact, he started working in an orthodontist’s office in 11th grade. He’s been passionate about orthodontia ever since.
- WE Ortho: Dr. West and Dr. Ehlis lead the treatment team at WE Ortho, another Gold Plus Invisalign provider in Fargo. They also have a second location in West Fargo, so you can visit the location that’s most convenient to you.
- Warford Orthodontics: The highly qualified doctors at Warford Orthodontics bring more than 60 years of combined experience to their practice in Bismark. They’re also one of North Dakota’s only VIP Diamond Plus providers, so if you want to work with someone with a lot of Invisalign experience, give them a call to schedule your free consultation.
- The Dental Specialists of Jamestown: The Dental Specialists of Jamestown is currently rebranding (and relocating) to become The Smile Studio, but there won’t be a change in the quality of their treatments! Dr. Allison Fallgatter is a Gold Plus Invisalign provider, and she’d love to help you achieve the smile of your dreams.
- Vibeto Orthodontics: If you live in or near Minot, then Vibeto Orthodontics is a fantastic option for in-person clear aligner treatments. Currently, Dr. Vibeto and his team offer both Invisalign and ClearCorrect, so if you’re not sure which treatment is right for your smile, he’d be happy to help.
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 North Dakota. 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 Minot, Grand Forks, Bismarck, and more.
Top-Rated ClearCorrect Providers in North Dakota
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 North Dakota ClearCorrect providers we found:
- Vibeto Orthodontics: If you live in or near Minot, then Vibeto Orthodontics is a fantastic option for in-person clear aligner treatments. Currently, Dr. Vibeto and his team offer both Invisalign and ClearCorrect, so if you’re not sure which treatment is right for your smile, he’d be happy to help.
- Danel Orthodontics: Grand Forks is home to Danel Orthodontics, where you’ll meet Dr. Danel and his friendly treatment team. If you’re seeking ClearCorrect, then his office is a fantastic resource.
- Smiles by Design: Smiles by Design is led by Dr. Axvig and Dr. Dwyer, two doctors who specialize in full-service general and cosmetic dentistry. To help you achieve your ideal smile, they started offering ClearCorrect aligners. You can find their office in Bismarck.
- Legacy Dental: Legacy Dental, also called the Center for Smile Design, is another great option for ClearCorrect treatment in Grand Forks. Dr. Johnson, Dr. Bridgeford, and Dr. Fraser have won dozens upon dozens of 5-star reviews, so your smile is in good hands.
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 North Dakota, Fargo is the main location for Six Month Smiles. In fact, we can really only find one dentist providing Six Month Smiles in North Dakota right now. But you can double-check your exact location by running a ZIP Code search.
Top-Rated Six Month Smiles Providers in North Dakota
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.
- Friendly Smiles Cosmetic Dentistry: Dr. Barfield’s cosmetic dentistry focus allows her to dedicate all of her time to perfecting smiles, so it’s no surprise that she offers ClearCorrect on top of all her other services. You can find her office in Fargo.
Right now, that’s the only Six Month Smiles provider we can find. But you never know—this list may grow as the technology gains popularity.
What Are the Most Affordable Clear Aligners in North Dakota?
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. North Dakota, unlike many coastal states, has a pretty affordable cost of living. When a dental provider has low overhead costs, he or she can keep service bills low. And North Dakota’s cost of living is pretty consistent across the state.
There are a few factors that impact your treatment costs no matter where you live in the state. First, there’s the corporate income tax. Technically, you don’t pay this tax; your dentist or orthodontist does. But it’s not uncommon for providers to add on a little surcharge to their service bills to help accommodate for the tax. Since the tax ranges between just 1.41% and 4.31%, it won’t have a big impact on your price.
In contrast, you do pay the state sales tax, which sits at a 5% rate. That won’t have a huge impact on your sticker price, either. So all told, even though it can be tough to shop around for the best price in North Dakota, the prices for in-person treatments are pretty manageable.
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 North Dakota, 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!