A straighter, brighter smile can change your life – but with the variety of teeth straightening solutions on the market, it can be difficult to figure out where to start your journey.

Unlike braces, clear aligners straighten your teeth using a series of discreet plastic trays that move your teeth over time. If you’re considering aligners and wondering what the best choice is for you between SmileDirectClub and Invisalign, keep reading.

We think you’ll find SmileDirectClub comes out on top as the more convenient and affordable option for those wanting to straighten their teeth. With over 1 million smiles straightened, SmileDirectClub really does work. You can even check out results and read reviews from our Club members.

Here are some of the factors you should consider when making your choice between the two options.

How are doctors involved in your treatment?

SmileDirectClub is doctor-directed, which means you will be assigned a dentist or orthodontist who is licensed in your state. They will oversee your treatment virtually and conduct regular virtual check-ins – just one more convenient way that telehealth will be present in your life. Every doctor in our network has 5+ years of clear aligner experience, so you’re in good hands. Your Smile Check-ins^TM fit around your schedule and lifestyle.

You can also get personalized guidance on the SmileDirectClub app. Available in both the App Store and Google Play Store, the app helps guide Club members throughout their Smile Journey^TM. It’s easy to stay on track with reminders to switch aligners, information about your treatment, and helpful advice – you’ll have all the information at your fingertips.

If you need any additional assistance, we also offer 24/7 customer care via phone, email, chat, or video call. You’re not required to make monthly doctor’s visits in person.

With your Invisalign treatment plan, you’ll likely be required to visit a dentist or orthodontist in person for monthly checkups and to receive your next set of aligners.

How long does it take to get started?

With SmileDirectClub, you can start your Smile Journey from home with our impression kit. Once you send your impressions back in the prepaid mailer, your aligners will be shipped directly to you in just a few weeks.

If you want to get started in person, you can visit one of our SmileShops near you. SmileShop appointments provide a comfortable and informative experience, where one of our SmileGuides will use 3D imaging technology to capture your current smile.

With Invisalign, you’ll need to visit an Invisalign-approved doctor in person to assess and establish your treatment.

Are any attachments or changes to my teeth required?

Nope! With SmileDirectClub’s more modern approach, you will not have to shave your teeth or have buttons and attachments glued to your teeth. You just slip on the trays each day, and your teeth will gently shift over time. Once you have completed your treatment, your doctor will prescribe you a retainer that you will need to wear nightly to maintain your smile and the Lifetime Smile Guarantee™.

SmileDirectClub crafts your aligners with Comfort Sense^TM  technology, designed to make our aligners fit comfortably. Our proprietary soft, medium, and firm aligner plastic progression eases your teeth into place. The crystal clear finish gives the aligners a natural look.

Some orthodontists may prefer to have your teeth shaved down before you get Invisalign. Your plan may also require the use of attachments and buttons. Just as with all teeth straightening treatments, you’ll also need retainers following Invisalign treatment.

How long does the treatment take?

The average SmileDirectClub treatment plan is only 4–6 months. Our 22-hour, continuous wear plan (though we do have a Nighttime Aligners™ option too) means that mild to moderate alignment issues can be resolved surprisingly fast.

Invisalign treatment lengths vary greatly from case to case. Only your treating doctor would be able to determine the appropriate plan for you.

What is your budget?

Your wallet is likely to be a lot happier with SmileDirectClub, which costs 60% less than Invisalign.¹ Our treatment is $2050 USD, so you can get the smile you’ve always wanted without the 3x markup² of Invisalign. SmileDirectClub aligners are 100% made in America at our state-of-the-art 3D printing facility and are shipped directly to you all at one time.

When it comes to payment, you have the option to choose a one-time payment of $2050 or SmilePay™. By choosing SmilePay, you can get started with just $250 down followed by 26 monthly payments of less than $89/month,³ a 100% approval rate financing option without the hassle of a credit check. We work directly with most insurance providers and accept HSA, FSA, and CareCredit. With that insurance savings, you can expect to pay less than $975.⁴

Most important, SmileDirectClub comes with a Lifetime Smile Guarantee.⁵ That’s right, we protect your new smile for life. Following treatment, SmileDirectClub retainers are prescribed by your doctor to keep your new smile intact and healthy – for a lower cost, and with no office visits needed. With our Lifetime Smile Guarantee, you’ll qualify for a free aligner touch-up each year should you ever need one, so long as you wear your retainers and replace them every 6 months.

Invisalign creates and sells the aligners to your doctor, who marks the price up 3x on average before you ever start treatment². On average, Invisalign costs you $5200⁶ through your doctor. If you have insurance, your out-of-pocket costs end up at $3700 on average. ⁷

When can I get started with SmileDirectClub?

This is our favorite question because it has the easiest answer: Right now. As long as you are at least 12 years old and have all of your permanent teeth, you can take our Smile Assessment and start your Smile Journey today. A new smile is within reach, and we can’t wait to see yours.

1 “60% less than Invisalign” claim based on SmileDirectClub Single Pay vs. average total fees (including diagnostics and in-person exams) for treatment of mild-to-moderate malocclusion with Invisalign as reported in a 2021 national survey of practicing dentists and orthodontists. Price comparison does not include the cost of additional services, such as retainers. Results may vary.​

2 “3x markup” claim based on the average cost of Invisalign aligners charged to the orthodontist by Align Technology, Inc., as compared to the average total fees (including diagnostics and in-person exams) charged to the consumer by the dentist or orthodontist for treatment of mild-to-moderate malocclusion with Invisalign, as reported in a 2021 national survey of practicing dentists and orthodontists. Results may vary.

3 SmilePay™ is $89/month for 26 months with $250 deposit ($2564 total). APR varies. See SmileDirectClub.com/pricing/apr-financing for financing details for your state.

4 Based on Single Pay less the median insurance maximum coverage provided by 9 of the 10 leading insurers in the United States. Data on file at SmileDirectClub

5 Terms and conditions apply. See SmileDirectClub.com/guarantee for details.

6 Cost of Invisalign based on average total fees (including diagnostics and in-person exams) for treatment of mild-to-moderate malocclusion with Invisalign as reported in a 2021 national survey of practicing dentists and orthodontists. Results may vary.​

7 Based on the average total fees for treatment of mild-to-moderate malocclusion less the median insurance maximum coverage provided by 9 of the 10 leading insurers in the United States. Data on file at SmileDirectClub.