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. Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin. 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 Wisconsin.
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 Wisconsin are usually just below or right in line with the national average, though. There aren’t tons of local providers, but if you want to “shop around” for the provider with the best price point, you’ll have ample opportunity to do so, especially in the state’s bigger cities. On average, Wisconsin residents can expect to pay somewhere between $4,000 and $6,500 for Invisalign treatment.
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 Wisconsin
Now that we’ve established the distinction between at-home and in-person treatments, let’s dig into your top options in Wisconsin. 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 Wisconsin, but thankfully, you don’t get price-gouged for the distance! You pay the exact same sticker price as an LA resident (but you 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 Wisconsin yet. The closest one is in Chicago, so if you’re planning a trip to the Windy City, you could sneak in an appointment at their Studio. But that won’t work for everyone. Don’t despair, though; Candid might add Wisconsin Studios before too long (they’re expanding constantly). And regardless of where you live, an impression kit is always an option. And there’s no risk to buying a kit. If you take impressions and Candid decides that you aren’t a good candidate for treatment, they’ll send you 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. AlignerCo’s headquarters are in New York, so Wisconsin residents will have to wait a little bit for shipping times. But your wait will be much shorter than it is for someone on say, 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. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing COVID crisis, they had to temporarily close all of their locations nationwide. They are 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 the state: the Milwaukee shop. That could change anytime, though, so we recommend checking SmileDirect’s list of open SmileShops to learn if there’s a shop near you. You can also use this link to schedule your appointment at the nearest 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 Wisconsin, there are dozens upon dozens of local Invisalign doctors, all with varying levels of experience. They each have their respective price points, too. But regardless of whether you live in the bustling city of Milwaukee, a mid-sized town like Green Bay or Kenosha or anyplace in between, your Invisalign price tag will fall somewhere between $4,000 and $6,500. That’s just beneath or right in line with the national average.
Top-Rated Invisalign Providers in Wisconsin
With Invisalign, there are so many providers in Wisconsin 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:
- Bubon Orthodontics: If you want to work with one of the most well-established orthodontic practices in all of Wisconsin, check out Bubon Orthodontics. They’re a VIP Diamond Plus provider, and they have sixteen different locations across the state, from Milwaukee to Watertown and many cities in between.
- Bell Orthodontic Solutions: With more than 350 overwhelmingly positive reviews on Google alone, Bell Orthodontic Solutions is a fantastic resource for Invisalign treatment. And once you’re done with treatment, they even offer complimentary retainer checks to help ensure that your new smile lasts you a lifetime. You can find their offices in Port Washington, Cedarburg, and Glendale.
- Griffin Orthodontics: Dr. Griffin is a native to the greater Milwaukee area, so he’s proud to serve his hometown with orthodontic treatments from his two offices in West Allis and Oak Creek. He loves offering low-profile orthodontic options, which is why he offers both Invisalign (he’s a Platinum provider) and Radiance clear braces.
- Hanson Hammerbeck Orthodontics: Hanson Hammerbeck Orthodontics has more than 100 positive reviews on Google alone, so if you’re seeking Invisalign treatment in the Green Bay area, check them out! When you visit for your complimentary consultation, you’ll get access to their VIP Diamond Plus provider expertise.
- Kozak Orthodontics: Don’t have a referral from your dentist? At Kozak Orthodontics, that’s no problem; Dr. Kozak sees people from all over the Racine and Kenosha areas, even without a referral. He’s a top-notch Invisalign provider, too; currently, he holds VIP Diamond status.
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 Wisconsin. 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 Columbus, Kenosha, Watertown, and more.
Top-Rated ClearCorrect Providers in Wisconsin
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 Wisconsin ClearCorrect providers we found:
- Library Park Dental: Dr. Chiapetta and Dr. Haugstad lead the team at Library Park Dental, a top-reviewed dental practice in Kenosha. They’ve already accumulated more than 160 positive reviews on Google alone, so if you visit their office for ClearCorrect, your smile will be in good hands.
- Dr. Paul R. Sommers: Dr. Sommers understands that visiting the dentist can be scary for some people, which is why he and his team “cater to cowards” so you can get ClearCorrect treatment no matter how anxious you are at the dentist’s office. And thanks to his 30+ years’ experience serving the Watertown area, your ClearCorrect treatment will be great.
- Otter Creek Dental: With more than 175+ 5-star reviews on Google alone, Otter Creek Dental has established an excellent reputation in Hortonville. General and cosmetic dentistry are their main focus areas, so ClearCorrect is a natural extension to their treatment offerings.
- Columbus Family Dental: Are you on the fence between ClearCorrect and Invisalign treatment? Check out Columbus Family Dental, where you’ll meet a team of five different dentists. You can find their office just off Park Avenue.
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 Wisconsin, you can find providers—including gold and silver providers with lots of experience—in Milwaukee, Cambridge, and more. You can find your closest provider with a ZIP Code search.
Top-Rated Six Month Smiles Providers in Wisconsin
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.
- Milwaukee Dental Arts: If you’re on the fence between Six Month Smiles and Invisalign, check out Milwaukee Dental Arts. Dr. Ferris offers both treatment methods (he’s a Gold SMS provider), so he can help you decide which clear treatment is right for your smile.
- Cambridge Family Dental: Dr. Angela Williams jumped into dentistry because it combines two of her top loves: art and science. That’s why she loves helping clients achieve the smile of their dreams with Six Month Smiles treatment. And if you glance through her reviews, you’ll see that her patients love the art and science she brings to their grins.
What Are the Most Affordable Clear Aligners in Wisconsin?
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 cost of living dictates some of your cost. As part of the Midwest, Wisconsin has a relatively affordable cost of living—which in turn means lower costs for dental treatment. That said, those costs vary across the state. For example, Madison and Fitchburg are typically more expensive than Milwaukee, but they aren’t as pricey as Elm Grove and Mequon.
That said, there are some costs that impact your price no matter where you live in the state: taxes. The corporate income tax (paid by your orthodontist or dentist, so it only indirectly affects your cost) is 7.9%, which is higher than some other states. But the sales tax, which you do pay directly, is a lower-than-average 5%. Between pretty manageable taxes and a low cost of living, in-person aligner treatment in Wisconsin isn’t incredibly expensive.
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 Wisconsin, 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!