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. Virginia 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 Virginia. 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 Virginia.
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 online 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: mild cosmetic misalignments (with the exception of Candid, which offers more comprehensive treatment) | Treatment speed: 12-18 months on average |
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 Virginia are usually a bit higher than the national average, though. There’s a fair number of local providers, too, especially in the state’s bigger cities. You’ll have decent opportunities to “shop around” and find the provider with the best price point. But whether you’re close to the D.C. suburb of Arlington, a town on Virginia Beach, or somewhere in between, you can expect an Invisalign price tag that ranges somewhere between $4,000 and $7,500.
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 Virginia
Now that we’ve established the distinction between at-home and in-person treatments, let’s dig into your top options in Virginia. 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 Virginia, but you don’t get price-gouged for the distance! Your price is the same as an LA resident’s (and 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 has two locations in Virginia: Alexandria, and Fairfax. There may be more in the future, since Candid is constantly expanding the reach of their retail locations. If the metro area 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 Virginia residents can expect relatively quick shipping times, especially compared to someone living 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 a lot of SmileShops across the country, including in Virginia. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing COVID crisis, they had to close all of their Shops nationwide. They’re currently in the process of reopening shops on a case-by-case basis when it’s deemed safe to do so based on local conditions. As far as we can tell, there’s only one location open in Virginia: the Norfolk Shop. For a list of the locations that are currently open in Virginia (and please note that this is an ever-changing list), look here. You can also use this link to schedule your appointment at the Norfolk shop.
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 Virginia, there’s a good number of local Invisalign doctors, all with varying levels of experience. They have their respective price points, too. But regardless of whether you live outside Washington D.C., along the beach, or in one of the more rural zones, you can expect to pay somewhere between $4,000 and $7,500. Typically, Invisalign costs the most in the areas near D.C. These costs are a bit higher than the national average.
Top-Rated Invisalign Providers in Virginia
With Invisalign, there are so many providers in Vermont 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:
- Northern Virginia Orthodontics: With over 300 positive reviews for their Reston location alone, NVO stands out for top-notch Invisalign service as a VIP Diamond Plus provider. They also have a variety of intriguing options, including nighttime treatment. They have four locations: Ashburn, Reston, Tysons Corner, and One Loudoun.
- Tru Orthodontics: Dr. Elhady and Dr. Younessian of Tru Orthodontics are dedicated to giving you the smile of your dreams and then protecting it. That’s why they offer a VIP Diamond Plus Invisalign experience and a retainer assurance program. That ensures that your new smile is protected for a lifetime.
- Charlottesville Orthodontics: Dr. Weis and Stranix lead the team at Charlottesville Orthodontics, and they’ve got an excellent reputation for their work. In fact, from 2009-2018, they won #1 Orthodontist in Charlottesville Family Magazine. They’re a VIP Diamond provider, too. Currently, they have two locations in Charlottesville proper and a third in Zion Crossroads.
- Gardner Orthodontics: Dr. Gardner, Dr. Doswell, and Dr. Tang and their team are self-proclaimed “orthodontic nerds.” And they’re Invisalign nerds, too; Dr. Gardner even lectures on Invisalign treatment globally. If you’d like to take advantage of their expertise, they have two locations in Richmond.
- Hatcher & Frey Orthodontics: Dr. Frey and Dr. Hatcher promise to “help you live life better, every single day” by giving you a smile you love. And judging by their hundreds of positive reviews, they stick to it! You can find them in three locations: two in Chesapeake and one in Norfolk.
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 Virginia. 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 Huntsville, Childsville, Decatur, Athens, and more.
Top-Rated ClearCorrect Providers in Virginia
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 Virginia ClearCorrect providers we found:
- Brightwork Family Dentistry: If you’re located in Richmond and you’re seeking ClearCorrect treatment, then Brightwork Family Dentistry is worth looking into. They have more than 175 5-star reviews on Google alone, and you can find their office just off Staples Mill Road.
- Dr. Mark Carl: Dr. Carl is proud to call Fairfax home, where he runs a dental practice that’s rooted in the community. Preventative general dentistry is his primary focus, but he also offers ClearCorrect so you can keep your smile healthy and beautiful. That’s a win-win.
- Short Pump Family Dentistry: If you want to work with a dental practice that has hundreds of positive reviews, you’ll find it in Short Pump Family Dentistry. Dr. Tse leads the practice, and if you’re looking to straighten your smile with ClearCorrect, he’s happy to help.
- Thomas & Thomas Dentistry: Dr. Thomas and Dr. “Mrs.” Thomas (they’re a husband-wife team) love working together with their associates at their office in Chesapeake. They’ve served the Great Bridge area for over 30 years, and whether you need ClearCorrect treatment or just general dental care, they’re excited to serve you.
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 Virginia, you can find providers—including gold and silver providers with lots of experience—in Reston, Haymarket, and more. You can find your closest provider with a ZIP Code search.
Top-Rated Six Month Smiles Providers in Virginia
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.
- Smiles by Myles: Dr. Myles has been voted a Top Dentist among his peers in Northern Virginia, so it’s no surprise that his practice gets top reviews, too! Even though general dentistry is his focus, he also offers Six Month Smiles. He’s a Gold provider for SMS, too. You can find his practice in Reston.
- Awesome Smiles Dental Center: If you want to work with one of the best dentist offices in Gainesville and Haymarket, visit Dr. Lowe at Awesome Smiles Dental Center. She firmly believes that each patient should have the best treatment for their unique smile; that’s why she offers Six Month Smiles, ClearCorrect, and Invisalign.
What Are the Most Affordable Clear Aligners in Virginia?
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 importantly, your location dictates some of the cost, too. Virginia isn’t one of the most expensive places to live, but the cost of living varies across the state. Areas like Arlington and suburbs of Richmond tend to be some of the most expensive places in Virginia for treatment. Rural areas tend to cost less.
That said, there are a couple things that impact your treatment price no matter where you live in the state: taxes. Thankfully, Virginia taxes are pretty reasonable. The corporate income tax (which your dentist or orthodontist pays, not you) is a reasonable 6%, and the sales tax is (which you pay directly) is just 6%. All told, in-person aligners in Virginia are a bit expensive, but they’re nothing you can’t budget for.
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 online aligner reviews and service comparisons.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for teeth straightening in Virginia, 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!