Although traditional metal braces have long been the standard treatment to straighten teeth, clear aligners have since been introduced as a much cheaper and more convenient alternative. Like Invisalign, the rise of clear aligner brands has led to increasing interest in less conspicuous teeth straightening options. Several companies currently offer aligners and clear braces Canada brands, and it can be challenging to choose the best treatment for your teeth. If you’re looking for a Canadian provider to purchase clear aligners, you’re in the right place. Follow along as we take you through the best at-home clear aligners in Canada.
Best Invisible Aligners Canada
Invisalign has long been considered a top choice among the best teeth aligners. However, as the industry has grown, so has the demand for more convenient treatment options. At-home clear aligners offer the same effective treatment with the added benefit of being extremely convenient. While traditional treatment plans require patients to schedule regular check-ups in-office, at-home aligner treatments can be completed entirely from the comfort of your own home- no office visits are required. However, if you’d prefer an in-office treatment, there are Canadian alternatives to Invisalign as well. These brands are our choice for the top invisible aligners in Canada.
We made an article about the 6 best online clear aligner services in the US, but now is Canada’s turn. Here are the 6 best alignment brands:
#1: AlignerCo
AlignerCo is a popular international aligner brand with an average treatment time of 6-11 months. AlignerCo’s clear aligners are customized and trimmed to match the gumline. The company boasts that this choice gives their aligners a more snug fit while also making them more comfortable to wear. You’ll need to order an impression kit as the first step in your treatment. Then, once the company receives your impressions, they’ll send you a “smile projection” within 12-14 business days. The smile projection is essentially your customized treatment plan, complete with estimated before and after photos. After you approve the smile projection, you’ll receive your aligners in about three weeks.
AlignerCo also offers NightOnly Clear Aligner treatment. The nighttime treatment lasts longer (about 8-12 months) but offers added convenience. As for cost, AlignerCo has a few different payment options. The least expensive plan is a one-time payment of $1,635 CAD. However, they often run promotions that drop the price to as low as $1,200 CAD. AlignerCo also offers two different types of monthly installment plans. Their SmileFlex plan has a 0% APR and includes 18 monthly installments of $104. However, this plan does require a soft credit check. Their SmileFlex Easy plan does not require a credit check and includes 12 monthly installments of $123, along with a $395 down payment.
AlignerCo’s refund policy is relatively standard. If their team of experts determines that you aren’t a good candidate for treatment, they will issue a full refund. However, once you receive your aligners, they are nonrefundable.
#2: NewSmile
NewSmile is another international aligner brand, serving customers in both Canada and the U.S. Like other at-home aligner brands, treatment time is typically 4-6 months. NewSmile aligners are trimmed to the gum line, so they don’t rest on the gums and may reduce irritation. The scalloped cut also makes their aligners less visible when you smile.
The first step to receiving your NewSmile aligners is to order an impression kit. Depending on how quickly you take your impressions and send the kit back, you should receive your custom aligners in about 7-8 weeks. NewSmile stands out from its competitors by offering treatment plans that are approved by board-certified orthodontists in addition to general dentists. Orthodontists are typically more qualified to provide orthodontic treatment. However, you can’t choose whether a dentist or an orthodontist handles your treatment, as this is chosen by random.
NewSmile clear aligners cost $1,799 CAD if paid in full. This price includes a free set of aftercare retainers to preserve your new smile, as well as a free whitening kit. They also offer a payment plan with no deposit needed and $92 CAD per month installments spread out over 24 months. Unlike some brands, NewSmile’s payment plan does not require a credit check or any forms to fill out. Their refund policy is similar to others on the market. NewSmile offers a full refund if their doctors determine you are not a good fit for treatment. However, once you’ve received your aligners, they are nonrefundable.
#3: SmileDirectClub
SmileDirectClub was the first at-home clear aligner brand, and they’ve remained a top contender in the industry. One significant difference between SmileDirectClub and other brands is the appearance of their aligners. SmileDirectClub’s aligners are cut straight across, as opposed to being trimmed to fit the gumline. While this does mean that their aligners may not be as comfortable as some of their competitors, cutting the aligners in a straight fashion allows them to exert more force on the teeth, often shortening the average treatment time.
SmileDirectClub is also one of the few brands that offer two convenient options to start your treatment. They do offer the standard impression kit. However, SmileDirectClub also has retail locations called SmileShops, where you can schedule an appointment for a 3D scan. This option does require you to visit the office in person, but the 3D scan is completely free (the impression kit costs $65 CAD) and often results in a more accurate treatment plan.
Nighttime aligners are also available with SmileDirectClub. However, like other brands, the average treatment time with nighttime aligners is slightly longer. Pricing for their aligners is $2,570 CAD for a one-time payment. This price includes complimentary teeth whitening after treatment. However, you’ll need to purchase aftercare retainers for $125 CAD. If you’d rather pay for your aligners over time, their SmilePay program requires a $300 down payment and then $115 per month for 24 monthly payments. SmilePay does not require a credit check and is interest-free.
If you end up not being a suitable candidate for treatment, SmileDirectClub offers a full refund for the cost of your impression kit, so it is relatively risk-free. However, like other brands on this list, you will not be eligible for a refund once you receive your aligners.
#4: Pure Smiles Online
PureSmile isn't currently offering services in Canada since last year.
Pure Smiles Online is a clear aligner company that stands out for offering aligners made, manufactured, and shipped from right here in Canada. While other brands outsource their aligner manufacturing to companies abroad, Pure Smiles Online is a clear teeth aligners Canada brand. Pure Smiles Online is also competitive in the quality of their treatment plans. They only work with local orthodontic specialists who are board-certified in Canada, giving them an obvious edge against similar, competing brands.
Pricing for this brand is slightly higher than average, at $3,995 CAD for a one-time payment. They do offer payment plans if you’d prefer to pay for treatment over time. However, the 24-month plan comes out to $4,995 in total- about $1,000 more than their upfront payment option. Additionally, this price does not include any extras like free whitening or free aftercare retainers.
Pure Smiles Online attempts to make up for their higher cost by offering a very innovative refund policy. If their aligners don’t work for your teeth, any money you’ve already paid can be transferred to one of their affiliate orthodontists. So, you can receive the comprehensive treatment you need without your money going to waste.
#5: Invisalign Canada
Invisalign is currently the most popular clear aligner treatment on the market. As we previously mentioned, Invisalign is an in-office treatment option. So, you will need to schedule regular check-up appointments with your dentist to monitor your treatment. The advantage of this is the ability to treat more complex cases. While at-home brands do offer more convenience, they are typically only appropriate for mild to moderate cases. In contrast, Invisalign can treat almost any case that braces can- and in less time.
Invisalign is best for people with moderate to severe misalignment cases who don’t want to undergo treatment with braces. Like PerfectSmile, the average treatment time for Invisalign is one year. At about $3,000 – $7,000 CAD for the average case, the cost of Invisalign in Canada is far from cheap. However, although the Invisalign cost in Canada is relatively expensive, you will likely receive a free set of aftercare retainers once your treatment is over, but that depends on the dentist you choose. Overall, Invisalign is a highly effective clear aligner treatment. But, if your case is relatively mild, you may be better off going with a cheaper and more convenient option.
Cost of Braces Canada
The average cost of clear braces Canada brand is $5,000 - $6,000 CAD. However, you may pay as little as $3,000 or as much as $10,000, depending on your case’s severity. Typically, insurance does cover at least some of the cost, but this largely depends on your dental insurance. You can call your insurance provider to determine precisely how much coverage you have and whether braces will be an affordable option for you.
Clear Braces Cost Canada
Brands of invisible braces Canada are notoriously cheaper compared to traditional braces. The average cost of clear aligners in Canada is $4,000 – $5,000 CAD for in-office treatments and about $2,000 – $3,000 CAD for at-home treatments. The significantly lower cost of at-home aligners is due to the lack of office visits required with in-office options. In-office aligners are also more comprehensive and can treat more severe misalignment, which adds to treatment costs.
Some at-home brands, like Pure Smiles ($3,995 CAD), are more expensive than average. However, the added cost may be outweighed by the fact that local, board-certified orthodontists curate their treatment plans, and their aligners are manufactured in Canada. Likewise, many other at-home aligner brands offer free whitening and aftercare retainers to make their prices more competitive.
Differences Between Companies Like Invisalign vs. Invisible Aligners at Home
The main difference between in-office and at-home clear aligner treatment is convenience. Companies like Invisalign require regular dental visits throughout treatment to monitor your progress and provide more comprehensive care. At-home invisible aligner brands require absolutely no office visits, although they typically can’t treat more complicated misalignment cases. Also, because you’re visiting a dentist in person, treatment with Invisalign is more detailed and can include additional attachments or dental appliances for a more thorough correction.
Who Should Get Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners can treat most cases of misalignment, including mild to moderate cases of spacing and crowding. However, if your teeth are extremely crowded or if you have a bite issue, such as an overbite or underbite, you will likely not be a good candidate for clear aligner treatment. These more complicated cases typically require one-on-one attention from a certified orthodontist.
Before you start a clear aligner treatment, you should schedule a comprehensive dental exam, regardless of whether you’re planning on completing treatment in the office or at home. It is a good idea to schedule your bi-annual cleaning before starting treatment as well. Decay, infected gums, and poor oral health are all common reasons why clear aligner treatment may be unsuccessful. Consult your general dentist for more personalized advice and make sure your treatment goes as smoothly as possible.
FAQ
First, you’ll need to visit your general dentist for a referral to an orthodontist. Traditional braces are only offered by board-certified orthodontists, so you won’t be able to receive treatment from a general dentist. We also recommend receiving a comprehensive exam before starting treatment to ensure you don’t have any cavities or other issues that could cause harmful side effects.
Typically, traditional metal braces in Canada are cheaper than in the U.S., although not by much. The lower cost may be because dental insurance in Canada is more likely to cover some of the cost of braces. In contrast, dental insurance in the U.S. usually does not cover orthodontics for adults. In general, your specific cost of treatment will more so depend on the severity of your case and the dentist or orthodontist you choose.
The Canada Income Tax does allow claims for payments to orthodontists to be included in your Monthly Expenses on tax returns. So, your braces treatment may be tax-deductible. Still, this varies, so your treatment will not be guaranteed tax-deductible.
Depending on your age and financial situation, you may qualify for free braces under one of Canada’s need-based programs, such as Smiles Change Lives or Medicaid.