The active remote providers we track currently advertise treatment from roughly $549 to $1,295, while Invisalign is doctor-priced and its official 2026 cost page shows real-patient doctor-fee examples from $5,490 to $7,000. Those numbers are not apples-to-apples until you include what the package actually contains.
Current treatment prices
| Provider | Current headline price | Other upfront cost | Important ownership-cost issue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smileie | Day from $549; Night from $649 | $49.99 impression kit if starting with preview | Arch/package selection matters; retainers are also sold separately from $210. |
| ALIGNERCO | $725 all-day / $925 night | Kit-first offer $29.99 | Current approved post-treatment refinement policy lists $250. |
| NewSmile | $1,095 Fast Track / $1,195 Night | Kit is included in treatment; preview-first kit currently $29 | Current policy can list $499 extra aligners when instructions were not followed. |
| SmileSet | $1,295 | Impression kit included | Confirm current refinement and retainer economics before checkout. |
| Invisalign | Doctor-set | Varies by practice | Official current examples show $5,490, $5,600 and $7,000 doctor fees; insurance may materially change net cost. |
Prices can change with promotions, geography, case, arch and provider.
Use this total-cost formula
evaluation / impressions or scan + treatment + financing cost + refinements / remakes + first retainers + replacement retainers + shipping or other required fees.
1. Impression or scan cost
Remote treatment often begins with a home impression kit. Current preview-first offers can be around $29–$49.99, while some full-treatment packages include the kit. An in-person scan may cost differently depending on provider or location. The key is avoiding double-counting a kit that is already included in treatment.
2. Refinements can erase a headline-price advantage
If teeth do not track as projected, additional trays may be needed. ALIGNERCO currently publishes a $250 approved refinement fee. NewSmile says compliant patients may receive additional aligners at no extra charge when the team determines they are needed, but its policy lists $499 where additional aligners are required because treatment instructions were not followed. Smileie advertises refinement support under its guarantee and unlimited refinements in its Pro tier. These differences can matter more than a $50–$100 sale-price gap.
See our full refinement-cost comparison →
3. Retainers are a recurring cost
Orthodontic treatment does not end when the final active tray is removed. Teeth can shift, so retention is a long-term expense. Some packages include retainers; others sell them separately. Replacement frequency varies by wear, material, grinding and clinician guidance, which is why we treat retainers as an ownership cost rather than a one-time accessory.
Model 1–5 years of retainer replacement cost →
4. Financing can change the real price
A low monthly payment is not the same as a low total price. Before comparing monthly offers, calculate total payments, interest or financing fees, required deposits and whether an advertised 0% option is actually available to you.
5. Insurance can change the Invisalign comparison
Invisalign's current official guidance says many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign similarly to braces and that orthodontic coverage may reach up to $3,000, depending on the plan. The company also notes HSA/FSA and doctor financing options. For someone with a strong adult-orthodontic benefit, the net gap versus remote treatment can be much smaller than the cash sticker prices suggest.
Cheap vs expensive: the risk-adjusted view
Remote aligners have a clear price advantage at checkout. But treatment is healthcare, not just consumer hardware. The ADA warns that self-delivered or inadequately supervised dental treatment can cause irreversible complications. We therefore would not rank a company solely on price even when its headline price is attractive.
Sources
FAQ
How much do at-home clear aligners cost in 2026?
Among the four active remote providers in our current US comparison, advertised treatment prices span roughly $549 to $1,295 before considering the exact arch/package, retainers, refinements or financing.
How much does Invisalign cost?
Invisalign does not publish one national treatment fee because doctors set the price. Its current cost page shows real-patient doctor-fee examples of $5,490, $5,600 and $7,000.
What hidden costs should I include?
Look for impression or scan fees, retainers, refinement or remake charges, shipping, financing cost, replacement aligners, and long-term retainer replacement.
Should I choose the cheapest aligner company?
Not automatically. Price should be weighed against candidacy screening, clinician oversight, monitoring, refund/refinement policy, customer support and company stability.
Compare the current price, refund/remake terms, what is included, and the total cost after retainers or replacements. Details can change, so confirm the offer on the provider's site before checkout.
How Dental Verdicts compares products →