Top 5 best clear aligners of 2024

Throughout history, orthodontics has evolved sporadically. One of the major game-changers of the last century for orthodontic treatment has been the development of clear aligners. Reports suggest that the clear aligner market is projected to surpass around USD 47.7 billion by 2032 with a CAGR hovering over the 26.5% mark from 2023 to 2032.

With an erratic global market for clear aligners, predicting our big players of 2024 will require us to cover all bases; assessing the potential for financial growth and advancements in technology.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked the top five companies for invisible braces in a December 2023 report. Basing off of current trends, expert opinions, and industry reports, we bring you the top 10 clear aligner brands that will be at the forefront in 2024.

 

1. Best overall brand: Invisalign

Align Technology entered the clear aligner market in 1997 with Invisalign – a one-of-a-kind aligner system that popularized this modern form of braces. According to the company, nearly 100,000 Invisalign-trained orthodontists and dentists in more than 90 countries have welcomed Invisalign aligners into their practice. Collectively, its aligners have treated more than 16 million people to date.

The treatment process is simple. During the first appointment following the consultation, the patient’s teeth and jaws are scanned using a 3D intraoral scanner which then transfers the pictures to a computer using digital software. The orthodontist then designs a customized treatment plan for the patient. Within a few weeks, the patient receives a set of aligners that will be changed every one or two weeks, depending on the plan.

Aligner material: Medical-grade, high-molecular-weight, thermoplastic polymers

Treatment duration: 6 to 18 months

Plan options: A personalized treatment plan with regular visits to your dentist or orthodontist  (to be worn for 22 hours each day)

Cost of treatment: $ 3,500 to $ 8,000

 

2. Best at-home brand: Byte

Byte is a direct-to-consumer invisible aligner system that allows you to take an impression of your teeth at home and send it to the company for the fabrication of aligners. Within four to six weeks, you will receive the aligners that you must wear without fail. The company says that the aligners should be switched out weekly for optimal results. You will check in monthly with pictures to make sure that your progress is on track. For individuals looking for a more hands-on approach with a flair for DIY projects, Byte aligners are for you.

The company is renowned for offering treatment plans that are fast and accurate. However, Byte aligners are typically the right choice only for cases that deal with milder cases of misalignment.

Aligner material: Medical-grade, tear-resistant, BPA-free polymers

Treatment duration: 4 months on average

Plan options: All-Day aligners (to be worn for 22 hours each day) or All-Night aligners (to be worn for 10-plus hours each night)

Cost of treatment: $1,999

 

3. Most affordable brand: Alignerco

Like Byte aligners, Alignerco is also a direct-to-consumer aligner brand best known for its affordable plan options. To start, you’ll take an impression of your teeth in the comfort of your home and send the kit to the company. After a thorough preview of your occlusion, you will be provided with your clear aligners. During the treatment process, you’ll be assigned a Smile Crew Member with whom you can regularly interact in order to answer your questions.

The package also includes a whitening kit, aligner cleaner, and a set of retainers.

Aligner material: BPA-free plastic

Treatment duration: 4 to 8 months

Plan options: All-Day option (to be worn for 20-22 hours each day) with results in 4-6 months; Night-Only option (to be worn for 8-10 hours each night) with results in 6-8 months.

Cost of treatment: $945 for the All-Day plan; $1,145 for the Night-Only plan

 

4. Best hybrid model: Candid

Candid is another invisible aligner company that dates back to its launch in 2017. It combines the convenience of an at-home business model with the personalized touch of an overseeing dental professional. Although Candid started as a direct-to-consumer brand, the company has implemented a hybrid model since 2022.

You start the process by scheduling a visit with a CandidPro dentist near you. After the initial consultation and scans, you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire that helps the dentist develop a personalized treatment plan for you.

Aligner material: Stain-resistant Zendura FLX plastic that

Treatment duration: 8.5 months on average

Plan options: Personalized treatment plan (to be worn for 22 hours each day)

Cost of treatment: $ 3,500 to $ 5,000

 

5. Clearest aligners: Spark

Ormco is the company behind Spark aligners. This brand is well-known for producing the clearest and virtually invisible aligners that also stain less than other brands even with pigmented foods like coffee or tea. This is because Spark aligners are made with TruGen material, which not only helps enhance the aesthetics of the aligner but also helps provide sustained force retention.

Spark only partners with orthodontists who are Spark-trained. During the initial consultation, your dentist will take a 3D scan of your teeth and design a treatment plan tailored to fit your unique needs. Then, you will be scheduled in-office visits with your orthodontist to evaluate the progression of the treatment. Spark works very similarly to Invisalign aligners.

Aligner material: BPA- and latex-free TruGEN aligner material

Treatment duration: 6 to 18 months

Plan options: Personalized treatment plan (to be worn for 22 hours each day)

Cost of treatment: $ 3,500 to $ 8,000

This study demonstrated the popularly available clear aligners based on cost, treatment length, at-home vs. in-person, and overall effectiveness in correcting malalignment.

The report used cost, treatment time, at-home vs. in-person, and overall effectiveness as the top factors to consider when choosing invisible aligners. Choose your clear aligners wisely.