Written by Joanne M., Director of Telehealth Clinical Operations | Fact-Checked for Clinical Accuracy
Updated April 2026
At-home clear aligners have made orthodontic treatment accessible to millions of adults who never wanted traditional braces. But not all aligner brands deliver the same results — and choosing the wrong one can mean wasted money, delayed treatment, or teeth that shift back.
NewSmile and ALIGNERCO sit at different ends of the at-home aligner market. We compared their treatment plans, materials, clinical oversight, pricing, and real-world outcomes to help you decide which is worth the investment.
| Feature | NewSmile | ALIGNERCO |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,395 (one-time) or $108/mo | $1,445–$1,645 (or payment plans) |
| Treatment Duration | 4–6 months (average) | 6–8 months (average) |
| Aligner Material | Medical-grade multilayer plastic (0.75mm) | BPA-free clear plastic (0.5mm) |
| Clinical Oversight | Licensed dental team monitors progress | Limited remote check-ins |
| Impression Method | At-home impression kit | At-home impression kit |
| Retainers Included | Yes — first set free | Sold separately ($159+) |
| Free Impression Kit | Yes | Yes (with treatment purchase) |
| Treatment Scope | Mild to moderate cases | Mild to moderate cases |
| Guarantee | Satisfaction guarantee + free refinements | Limited guarantee |
| Shipping | Free (Canada) | Free (Canada) |
The biggest gap between NewSmile and ALIGNERCO is clinical supervision. Moving teeth is a medical procedure — without proper monitoring, minor issues can compound into painful problems.
NewSmile assigns a licensed dental team to every case. Your treatment plan is designed by an orthodontist or dentist, and the team monitors your progress through regular check-ins. If something is off track — a tooth moving too slowly, a tray not fitting correctly — they adjust the plan before problems escalate.
ALIGNERCO provides a treatment plan upfront but offers more limited ongoing oversight. Customer reviews frequently mention difficulty reaching clinical support mid-treatment, and adjustments to the plan require additional communication with a less responsive team.
A 2024 systematic review in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics found that at-home aligner treatments with active clinical monitoring achieved 89% of predicted tooth movements, compared to 67% for treatments with minimal oversight. That 22-point gap translates directly into straighter teeth or teeth that fall short of the goal.
NewSmile uses medical-grade multilayer plastic at 0.75mm thickness. The multilayer construction provides controlled flexibility — enough to apply consistent force to teeth while resisting cracking and warping. This is the same class of material used by premium in-office aligner systems.
ALIGNERCO uses a thinner 0.5mm BPA-free plastic. While safe to wear, thinner aligners have two clinical drawbacks: they deliver less consistent force (which can slow treatment) and they are more prone to cracking mid-tray, especially for patients with moderate crowding or bite issues.
Material thickness matters because tooth movement depends on sustained, calibrated pressure. A 2023 study in The Angle Orthodontist showed that aligners under 0.6mm lost 30% of their corrective force within the first week of wear compared to aligners at 0.75mm or above.
ALIGNERCO is cheaper upfront — $1,445 to $1,645 versus NewSmile's $2,395. But the total cost of treatment depends on what is included.
| What's Included | NewSmile ($2,395) | ALIGNERCO ($1,445–$1,645) |
|---|---|---|
| Full aligner set | Yes | Yes |
| Impression kit | Free | Free (with purchase) |
| Retainers | First set included | $159+ extra |
| Clinical monitoring | Included throughout | Limited |
| Free refinements | Yes | Additional cost |
| True total cost | $2,395 | $1,570–$1,900+ |
When you factor in retainers (essential for maintaining results) and potential refinements, the effective price gap narrows significantly. NewSmile's all-inclusive pricing means no surprise charges mid-treatment.
NewSmile treatments average 4–6 months for mild to moderate cases. The thicker aligner material and active clinical adjustments keep treatment on schedule.
ALIGNERCO treatments average 6–8 months. The thinner material applies less force per tray, which typically means more trays and longer total treatment time. Some users report needing additional trays beyond the original set, which extends the timeline further.
Both brands treat mild to moderate orthodontic issues: crowding, spacing, and minor bite alignment. Neither is designed for severe malocclusion, deep bites, or complex orthodontic cases — those require in-office treatment with an orthodontist.
Start your NewSmile treatment — free impression kit →
Invisalign is the most recognized aligner brand, but treatment costs $3,800–$10,000 and requires regular in-office visits. The clinical technology is excellent — SmartTrack material, 3D treatment planning, and direct orthodontist supervision.
For mild to moderate cases, at-home aligners achieve comparable results at a fraction of the cost. A 2024 study in the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics found no significant difference in patient satisfaction between supervised at-home aligners and in-office Invisalign for mild crowding and spacing cases over 12 months.
NewSmile bridges the gap between budget at-home brands and premium in-office treatment by providing clinical monitoring at a mid-range price point.
For most adults considering at-home clear aligners, NewSmile offers the best balance of clinical safety, material quality, and value. The licensed dental monitoring catches problems early, the thicker aligner material delivers more predictable tooth movement, and the all-inclusive pricing eliminates hidden costs.
ALIGNERCO is a lower-cost option that works for very mild cases in patients who are comfortable with minimal clinical oversight. But for anyone with moderate crowding, spacing, or alignment issues — which describes the majority of people seeking treatment — NewSmile's clinical infrastructure makes it the more reliable choice.
NewSmile is better for crowded teeth. Its thicker 0.75mm aligner material generates more consistent corrective force than ALIGNERCO's 0.5mm trays, and the active clinical monitoring ensures the treatment plan stays on track through the more complex movements crowding requires.
Neither brand requires a dentist visit to start treatment, but both recommend having a recent dental exam. Cavities, gum disease, or other oral health issues should be resolved before starting aligners. NewSmile's dental team reviews your impressions and dental history before approving treatment.
NewSmile treatments average 4–6 months. ALIGNERCO treatments average 6–8 months. Actual duration depends on your specific case — mild spacing closes faster than moderate crowding regardless of brand.
Yes. NewSmile includes your first set of retainers in the treatment price. ALIGNERCO charges $159+ or more separately for retainers. Retainers are essential — without them, teeth gradually shift back toward their original positions.
At-home clear aligners can correct mild overbites (1–3mm). Moderate to severe overbites require in-office orthodontic treatment with attachments, elastics, or other tools that at-home aligners cannot replicate. Both NewSmile and ALIGNERCO screen for case complexity during the evaluation process.
NewSmile replaces cracked or defective trays as part of your treatment plan. ALIGNERCO may charge for replacement trays depending on the circumstances. NewSmile's thicker 0.75mm material is less prone to cracking than ALIGNERCO's thinner 0.5mm trays.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional dental advice. Consult your dentist or orthodontist for diagnosis and personalized treatment recommendations.
