Are you looking for honest AlignerCo reviews? If so, then you have come to the right place.
A beautiful smile starts with straighter teeth. However, most dental procedures come with hefty price tags, and not many people have the time and money for traditional dental care. This is where at-home teeth aligners or straighteners enter the picture. Over the past few years, they have become the cheaper alternative to teeth straightening.
AlignerCo, for example, may be a relatively newcomer in the home teeth aligner industry, but it’s generating quite a buzz, mostly for its affordable price. But is it worth it? How does it fair against well-established brands? Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of AlignerCo treatment.
Aligner Co Review: What is AlignerCo?
Traditional braces, be it metal braces or newer options like ceramic, lingual, or self-litigating, will always be mainstays in the orthodontic treatment industry.
However, clear and invisible aligners are on the rise, and for good reason. They are far more aesthetically appealing (nearly invisible), comfortable, convenient, and most of the time, more affordable.
More importantly, they are removable for eating, cleaning, and brushing teeth. However, there are also quite a lot of clear aligners in the market today. If you have been doing some research online, it’s likely you have come across AlignerCo.
Like other at-home teeth aligners, AlignerCo makes personalized teeth straightening treatment by handcrafting the straighteners and sending them straight to their clients. What sets AlignerCo apart is their incredibly affordable prices, which are way less than the average price in the industry. However, their cheap price doesn’t mean their quality is cheap too. As a matter of fact, AlignerCo aligners are among the better brands out there. What’s more, they also offer convenient financing treatment plans.
Like most at-home aligner providers, AlignerCo braces are mainly designed for mild and moderate dental problems like crowding and spacing issues. They are also used for some cases of overbite, underbite, crossbite, overjet, and reversebite. For severe and complex dental and jaw movement problems, you are better off with an in-office orthodontic treatment like braces or Invisalign.
How Does it Work: AlignerCo Treatment Process
The teeth straightening process is simple and straightforward.
Fewer startup options to get you started
Compared to the leading brands in the market today, AlignerCo offers fewer startup options to get you started. While having multiple options is good, in many cases, people get confused and overwhelmed, making the first step the most difficult part of the treatment process.
AlignerCo recognize this dilemma. Thus, they offer in-person teeth scans at their one and only location in Long Island New York. Those who couldn’t get to New York however, will have to start their treatment with impressions.
Step 1 – teeth impressions
The teeth strengthening process starts by getting the impression of your mouth, jaw, and teeth taken with the use of an impression kit. The kits are sold for just $39.99. The impression process is quick and easy; simply follow the instructions from the packaging.
The impression kit comes with a special putty; you need to mix it, bite down on it, and create the mold. If you are not sure how to do your own mold, you can contact their chat support. A customer support representative will help walk you through the whole process step by step.
When taking impressions, it is extremely crucial that you take your time and get it right. Any mistakes when doing impressions can definitely affect your aligners.
Step 2 – treatment process
You will then have to submit the mould to AlignerCo dental team. They will determine whether you are a good candidate for their treatment. As soon as AlignerCo receives your mouth impressions, their licensed orthodontist will then review the mould in great detail. If the orthodontist suggests you are not a candidate for the treatment plan, you will receive a refund for the starter kit.
If, on the other hand,you are a good candidate for the treatment, they will then design your treatment plan, which could take a couple of weeks to finalize. The treatment preview shows the current state of your teeth, as well as a step-by-step progression showing you how your teeth will move and how they will end up looking at the end of your treatment. You will not be charged until you approve the plan.
Note that you have no obligation to move forward with the treatment. It is entirely up to you to proceed with the treatment plan. Should you like the look of your teeth (and smile) in their preview, you can go for it.
Step 3 – Remote monitoring
As soon as you agree and approve the plan, they will then send the aligners straight to your doorsteps. This is the biggest advantage of at-home aligners like AlignerCo – no need for you to schedule and visit an appointment to your orthodontist before the treatment. As soon as you receive your custom-fit aligners, you are good to go.
You will switch your aligners every few weeks until the treatment process is completed. The average treatment duration usually lasts 8 to 12 months. You will also be required to send photo progress reports to your assigned dentist or orthodontist. This will ensure your treatment stays on the right track. Their customer support team will walk you through this process and forward them to your assigned dentist/orthodontist.
Throughout the whole AlignerCo teeth straightening process, you will be required to send progress photos so they can track the movements of your teeth. If you experience any problems along the way, you can easily each out to the team via email, chatbot, or through phone.
Orthodontic Treatment is 6-11 Months (on average)
The whole AlignerCo treatment plan usually lasts six to 11 months. This falls in line with the average time in the industry. The fastest in the market could go as quick as 3-month treatment time. Obviously, the determining factor for the overall length of the treatment is the condition of your teeth. More complex cases can take longer to correct.
Also, this is assuming you followed all the guidelines for the prescribed treatment and stayed consistent on wearing the aligners 20-22 hours a day. Failure to follow the guidelines will cause the treatment to take longer.
AlignerCo Invisible Aligners Plans: How Much Does it Cost?
Since each patient has their own unique needs and preferences when it comes to their treatment plan, AlignerCo offers multiple plans to meet these differences. Here are some of the basic treatment plans you need to know:
AlignerCo Pricing
There are a couple of different monthly payment choices available for AlingnerCo, giving patients the freedom to choose the best option for their financial situation.
SmileAdvantage
In this plan, patients are required to wear their aligners at least 20 hours (up to 22) a day. The plan includes an impression kit, invisible aligners, and retainers. Under SmileAdvantage are SmileFlex and SmileFlex Easy.
- SmileFlex– In this plan, patients pay for the treatment through 12-month installment, for $81/month, rather than for the whole procedure.
- SmileFlex Easy – For this plan, patients need to pay a $275 down payment and a $95 per month for 11 months. That’s a total of $1,320 for the whole at-home teeth straightening treatment.
NightAdvantage
This plan offers nighttime aligners must only be worn while you sleep. With this plan, patients will only need to wear their aligners 8 to 10 hours each night.
- NightFlex – This costs $99 per months for 12 months.
- NightFlex Easy – This plan has a down payment of $345 and a monthly payment of $105 for the next 11 months.
Also, there’s a chance they may have a coupon available on the company’s website. Check them out to get good deals and discounts.
*Disclaimer – While night teeth aligners may sound convenient and definitely cheaper, many dentists and orthodontist don’t recommend them over traditional aligners due to their effectiveness and safety issues. As a matter of fact, there are currently no scientific papers that prove their efficacy and safety. And they may even do more harm than good.
From a clinical perspective, many orthodontists are not sold in the idea that wearing aligners for less than 20 to 22 hours a day can actually straighten your teeth. This is because each hour you are not wearing your aligners increases the chance of your teeth moving and shifting into undesired positions and wrong directions. Subsequently, not wearing the aligners for longer period and on a more consistent schedule can leave the teeth in limbo, leaving the gums in a constant state of inflammation. This means it takes longer time for the gums to heal and for the teeth to move in the right spots.
Aftercare Expenses
Once you get the straight teeth and smile that you wanted, you need to take extra care to keep them. Most orthodontist will recommend wearing nightly retainers for an indefinite amount of time to keep your teeth in their desired positions. AlignerCo actually provides retainers (for both upper and lower teeth) as part of their aligner package. As with the teeth straighteners, these retainers must be replaced (this time, every 6 months). This will be an ongoing process, which means it will be an ongoing expense.
Fortunately, AlignerCo offers all of their customers a WorryFree Protection Plan. This plan provides patients with 12 set of retainers for only $599 (though it is always on sale at $499). That means each retainer costs just $49, much cheaper than other aftercare retainers from other brands (which is around $99/retainer).
The WorryFree plan isn’t only for retainers though. It also lives up to its name, as you definitely don’t have to worry about keeping track of your retainers for the next six years. This is because AlignerCo will mail you your 12 retainers every six months, for the next six years. AlignerCo also ensures your retainers are ready made and sent out on schedule. And if you lose one, you don’t need to wait for the next one to be manufactured, which usually takes a long time, giving your teeth a window of opportunity to move and shift out of their positions. Other brands don’t have this kind of deal, leaving patients to pay around $200 a year on retainers only, for an indefinite amount of time.
Accepts HAS or FSA to Finance your invisible aligners
They accept payments from the Health Savings Account (HAS) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for their invisible aligner/teeth straightening plans.
Is it effective? Is it safe?
As with other at-home teeth straighteners, the efficacy of AlignerCo straighteners are only as good as how diligently the patient wears them. With that said, they also take all necessary precautions to provide each patient clear and detailed instructions to ensure the efficacy and safety of use.
They also work with licensed dentists and orthodontists, who check and design the treatment plans.
Subsequently, they have partnered with an established and reputable dental supply manufacturer named Raintree Essix Inc, based in New Orleans, Louisiana, to make safe, comfortable, BPA-free plastic aligners that fit their patients perfectly. They have been in the industry since 2005, and their products are known to be sturdy and long-lasting. As a matter of fact, multiple aligner companies use their plastic products for their invisible aligners.
Also, they seem to have good customer service based on multiple reviews online. This means that, should you encounter any problems, or if you have any questions, you can easily reach them through email, phone, and messaging chatbot to talk to an AlignerCo representative.
AlignerCo Pros and Cons
There’s no doubt that AlignerCo have one of the most competitive price tag in the industry, but it is always best to inspect both sides of the coin before jumping into treatment. Here are the pros and cons of the brand that you need to consider.
Pros
- Affordable – as low as $3/day. By far, this at-home aligner is more affordable than traditional braces and Invisalign. , It is also the most affordable option in the market today, plus they offer sales and price drop from time to time
- Remote impressions for your convenience
- Directed by licensed dentists and orthodontists
- Aligners are made by Essix plastic, one of the leading brands in dental materials
- Multiple monthly payment plan options
- A couple of comfortable aligner options
- Refunds for starter kit (for non-candidates)
- 24/7 live chat support
- Accepts HAS/FSA
Cons
- No physical locations that offers free teeth scans
- Treatment takes longer than the leading brand in the market (6-11 months, compared to the average of 3 months)
- They take slightly longer time to prepare the treatment plans and ship out their aligners compared to their competition
What Science Say About AlignerCo
While most dentists and orthodontists will prefer (and recommend) in-office orthodontic treatments (braces and Invisaligns), it is no secret that at-home aligners are making a buzz in the aesthetic dentistry industry. This is because they can easily and closely monitor their patients for any adjustments throughout the whole treatment process.
With that said, at-home teeth straighteners are generally considered effective and safe if patients follow the instructions and recommendations by the dot.
A recent survey even show 87.5% of out of 470 respondents were satisfied with their at-home aligner treatments and only 6.6% of them had to see a dentist after treatment due to adverse side-effects.
At-home teeth aligner treatments are still relatively new. This means more research and studies are needed to fully understand this treatment. Nevertheless, most patients are satisfied with the results of their at-home aligner treatment and would choose it over traditional orthodontic treatments.
Also, current research shows at-home straightener risks are generally mild and moderate cases of malocclusions.
Obviously, in-office treatment has significantly lower risks, and can treat severe cases of misalignment and other orthodontic problems. For severe cases, you are better off with traditional braces or Invisaligns.
AlignerCo Return and Refund Policy
As part of their commitment to customer service, AlignerCo provides detailed outline for the refund and return policy in their website.
AlignerCo will only accept cancellation for the entire order within 24-48 hours after you place the order. As soon as the order is processed (after the given timeframe), you are no longer eligible for a refund.
For safety reasons, they do not accept returns of impression kits. However, if you feel your aligner don’t fit right, they will review your case and may send back new set of aligners to you.
If after following all the instruction provided by the treatment plan
If by the end of the treatment you feel unhappy and dissatisfied with the results, even after thoroughly following the provided guidelines, you may be eligible for extra aligners to continue the treatment, free of charge. If you don’t meet their criteria for additional free aligners, then you can request for “refinement” aligners for only $200.
Moreover, if the professional orthodontist at AlignerCo determines you aren’t qualified for a treatment plan for clear teeth straighteners, the impression kit will be refunded entirely.
Worry-Free protection
AlignerCo offers WorryFree Protection plan for $500, this is to ensure each patient will have a peace of mind with their treatment plan. This plan includes six-year supply of aligners to make sure your teeth are straightened up to their desired spots. They make sure you get regular supply of aligners by delivering the aligners every six months.
If you are concerned about the plan’s longevity, then you can consider getting a protection plan. It comes with a more expensive price, but it could be worth considering as it will ensure your teeth will not shift back to their previous positions following a successful treatment plan.
AlingerCo Advantage: Why You Should Choose This Teeth Straightener
What makes AlignerCo a good teeth straightening option? Here are some of their biggest advantages:
• Quick and easy cleaning – One of the biggest complaints in getting braces is it is notoriously problematic to clean. People with braces, especially those with poor oral hygiene habits, become more susceptible to oral health problems like cavities due to the innate design of the braces. With aligners and straighteners on the other hand, you can easily and quickly remove them for cleaning. Also, there are no obstructions when brushing and cleaning your teeth.
- Aesthetically pleasing and removable – Traditional braces are fixed and bonded to your teeth. They need to stay this way throughout the whole treatment process. This means they cannot be removed, whether you are eating, brushing your teeth, or sleeping. They can also be adjusted and removed by your licensed orthodontist. Teeth aligners on the other hand, can be removed at your convenience. Although of course, you need to wear them for as long as possible, or for recommended duration of time per day for it to be effective. If you want to look good for a photoshoot, or you need to attend a special event, you can take off your aligners.
- No food restrictions – Traditional metal braces are not only difficult to clean, they can also alter your diet and restrict you from eating specific food. Orthodontist actually recommend eating soft food at the first week of the treatment, this is because your teeth and gums are extra sensitive. Not to mention you will experience discomfort and pain for at least a week.
Orthodontists also recommend avoiding eating certain food that gets caught in the braces and damage them. This includes chips, apples, corn, popcorn, hard candies, etc. You also need to avoid overly sweet foods as bacteria in your mouth loves sugar, making your teeth more susceptible to damage.
If you don’t want to be restricted to any of your favorite food, then an invisible aligner is your best option.
Is AlignerCo the Right Invisible Aligner for You?
While you cannot go wrong with AlignerCo, each person will have his/her own slightly different experience with different brands of invisible aligners and teeth straighteners. This is simply because each person has his/her own preferences, has different teeth, jaw, and mouth conditions, and orthodontic needs.
Speaking of your teeth conditions, the complexity of your case can also directly impact the efficacy of the aligners. Not to mention AlignerCo orthodontists also need to determine whether you are a good candidate for the treatment plan or not.
AlignerCo can fix wide range of orthodontic problems, mild cases such as underbite and overbite, fixing gap teeth, and even overcrowding. For people with more complex dental problems, you are better off with an in-house dental treatment with your own dentist/orthodontist. Fortunately, AlignerCo makes it easy and convenient for people to find out whether they are good candidate for the treatment plan. Check out their “Free Assessment” page to know more.
AlignerCo Invisible aligners are Aesthetically Pleasing
If you don’t like the idea of wearing highly visible brackets of metal and wires on your teeth on your everyday life, and especially on special occasions, but you want a straighter teeth and more beautiful smile, then you are not alone in this dilemma. That is why a lot of people opt for more discreet alternatives out there when it comes to orthodontic treatment like teeth straightening. This is where the advantage of wearing invisible teeth aligners like AlignerCo gets into the picture. One of its biggest selling point is it is by far, more aesthetically pleasing than traditional metal braces.
With that said, you also should know that not all clear teeth aligners are made equal when it comes to their aesthetic appeal. AlignerCo takes pride in their products; they go above and beyond to ensure they provide each patient not just quality and durable aligners, but more importantly good looking ones. AlignerCo teeth straighteners are made from transparent, BPA-free plastic. And they claim to have the “clearest invisible aligners in the world” – their words.
Well, they aren’t lying in their advertisements, as they definitely have the clearest and cleanest-looking aligners in the market today. But does that mean they have the best-looking aligners? Their aligners are actually smooth and translucent, almost shiny and reflective. If this is something you want, then you cannot go wrong with their straighteners. However, some people might find it “too perfect looking”, as it makes the teeth look artificially shiny. Other companies’ straighteners are textured, as they use “frosted” plastic for their aligners. This may seem counterintuitive, but they sure make the teeth look natural with the matte texture that mimics the look of natural teeth.
Obviously, this is a matter of personal preference. Some people want to have that pearly white perfect-looking set of teeth that gleams, while some prefer natural-looking teeth.
Nonetheless, all clear aligners are susceptible to stains (like real teeth) from beverages and food. This is why it is extremely important to take them off when eating or drinking (specially colored beverages) anything other than water. AlignerCo claims their aligners are stain-resistant. While this can be true, it is highly recommended that you remove them when drinking coffee or wine.
Handcrafted to perfection
There are two common ways to cut and make teeth straighteners; one is to scallop the gumline, second is across the top. Straigh-cut aligners cover the gum line slightly, which overlaps and can be visible when looked closely. Trimmer aligners on the other hand, do not overlap, making them a little more discreet. AlignerCo aligners are handcrafted to perfection and trimmed to match your gum line, making it look natural even at close quarters.
Frequently Asked Questions About AlignerCo
Q. How to talk to anyone from AlignerCo?
A. AlignerCo takes pride in its superb customer support. You can reach them via email at support@alignerco.com. They also have a live chat function on their website for quick 24/7 access.
Q. How fast can I get the aligners?
A. They can start making your smile projection as soon as they receive your impression. This will take about 3 weeks. If you approve the treatment plan, it will take 4-5 weeks to receive the aligners following payment.
Q. How much will be the total cost for the whole treatment plan?
A. For the SmileAdvantage package, expect to pay $1,145 for the whole treatment, including the retainers. However, this is only if you pay upfront. Should you choose SmileFlex or SmileFlex Easy payment plans, expect to pay around $1,320 over the next 12 months.
Q. Are the aligners insured?
A. This depends on your specific insurance company. Talk to your insurance provider to learn more about the insurance coverage for AlignerCo.
Q. Do they offer discounts?
A. Yes. While their starting price is already lower than the industry standard, they still offer discounts and run regular sales. They also offer special discounts for teens and veterans, plus they have a referral program where your referred friend can get $100 discount, and you get $100 cash (if a friend you refer purchase aligners).
Q. Can you get aligners for only lower or upper teeth?
A. Absolutely yes! You can choose aligners for only upper or lower teeth, or complete set. Their orthodontist will evaluate your case based on your impression. Additionally, the price for the treatment remains the same as if you get aligners for both bottom and top teeth.
Q. Do AlignerCo aligners hurt?
A. Expect to feel some discomfort the first time you wear the clear aligners. This typically lasts a couple of days. This is because the aligners are molded and designed to slowly and gradually move your teeth to their desired spots. Subsequently, you can also feel discomfort each time you switch to a new set of aligner.
Q. Can you get teeth aligners if you have missing wisdom teeth?
A. It is best to consult your dentist to find out if you need to remove the wisdom teeth before starting the treatment. If your dentists say you may need to remove your wisdom teeth in the future, then it would be better to have it removed before starting the treatment plan with AlignerCo. Otherwise, the wisdom teeth can affect other teeth by shifting their positions as your teeth grow.
Q. Are there activities you cannot do while wearing the aligners?
A. It may take some time to get used to on your invisible aligners. You can wear them while playing musical instruments. However, it is recommended that you take them off while playing contact sports (basketball, football, martial arts, etc.). This is because the aligners could break from high impact and cause damage to your teeth and mouth.
Q. Does the treatment plan include whitening?
A. Unfortunately, no. While most teeth straightening aligner brands offer free whitening products in their treatment plans, AlignerCo doesn’t. This is their way of cutting-down the price and keeping their products the cheapest in the market.