Clear Aligners vs Invisalign: A Comparison Guide for Patients

If you’re interested in straightening your teeth without braces, you may be exploring options like clear aligners and Invisalign. But things can get confusing once you do a bit of research.

What’s the difference between other brands of clear aligners and Invisalign? Do they do the same thing? And what’s the best option for you? Let’s get into the details, clear up the confusion, and help you make the right choice for a straight, beautiful smile.

Clear Aligners Are a Type of Orthodontic Treatment

First, let’s get some terminology straight. The term “clear aligners” is used to refer to a specific type of orthodontic treatment. This is an alternative treatment to braces where patients wear sets of thin, strong, clear plastic “aligners” that look similar to a retainer for 20-22 hours per day.

Over time, each set of clear aligners places pressure on the teeth, moving them into a healthier position. Patients switch to a new set of aligners every couple of weeks to keep their teeth moving. Eventually, this results in a healthy, straight smile, usually within 12-18 months.

There are lots of different brands that offer clear aligners. Some of the top brands offered by dentists usually include Invisalign, ClearCorrect, Candid, and SureSmile. Some dentists also offer their own “in-house” brand of aligners.

The important thing to understand is that, for the most part, these products are very similar. All clear aligners are meant to do the same thing (correct the position of your teeth and jaw). There are some subtle differences, but they are all very similar, at least when it comes to the eventual outcome of your treatment.

Invisalign Is the Original Brand of Clear Aligners

Invisalign is the original brand of clear aligners. Its parent company was founded in 1997, and the first set was approved by the FDA and brought to market in 1998.  

Since then, Invisalign has straightened the teeth of more than 14 million patients in the United States and worldwide. Though many different brands are available today, Invisalign has the longest history of success, which is why it’s our preferred choice for clear aligners at Seva Dental.

How Is Invisalign Different from Other Clear Aligner Brands?

As mentioned earlier, all clear aligners work in mostly the same way. However, because of its long history, Invisalign has some benefits that distinguish it from other brands like ClearCorrect and SureSmile.

• Advanced plastic – Invisalign uses a very strong, yet light and thin material called SmartTrack to help patients feel comfortable and reduce the visibility of their aligners when worn.

• Options – There are many different options for treatment with Invisalign. Invisalign Express, for example, offers results in just six months for patients with mild crowding. This gives dentists like Dr. Nimisha Somaiya more flexibility when planning treatment.

• Enhanced versatility — Most clear aligners are limited to minor-to-moderate orthodontic issues. However, Invisalign can be used in a wider variety of cases thanks to its technology, such as SmartForce attachments, sophisticated treatment planning software, and advanced aligner manufacturing.

For all of these reasons and many others, Invisalign is our preferred clear aligner provider at Seva Dental. If you’d like to learn more, you can schedule an orthodontic consultation with us.

Understanding The Benefits of Invisalign Treatment

Compared to traditional orthodontic treatment with braces, Invisalign offers many benefits that make it more comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable.

• Invisible when worn – This is the reason that most patients choose clear aligners like Invisalign. While braces have an obvious effect on your appearance, Invisalign doesn’t. Your aligners will fit perfectly onto your teeth and will be made of clear, thin plastic. Unless someone looks really closely, it will be almost impossible to tell that you’re wearing Invisalign.

• No dietary restrictions – Invisalign is removable, which means that you don’t need to worry about dietary restrictions, unlike with braces. You can eat chips, popcorn, gummy candies, bagels, and whatever else you like. This makes it easier to fit Invisalign into your lifestyle.

• Easy to care for your teeth – Since you can remove your Invisalign trays, you can take them out to brush and floss normally. There’s no need to struggle with brushing around brackets or with learning how to floss around braces wires.

• Shorter treatment times – For most patients, Invisalign can provide results within 12-18 months. In contrast, braces typically have a longer treatment time of 18-24 months, so you can get faster results with clear aligners like Invisalign.

Along with their similar cost to traditional braces, these benefits have made Invisalign and similar aligner-based products a top choice for patients who want a straighter smile.

Do Clear Aligners Have Any Drawbacks or Limitations?

Yes. Although clear aligners like Invisalign are very powerful and versatile, there are some limitations you may want to keep in mind when you’re choosing the right orthodontic treatment for your needs. Here are some of the limitations and disadvantages of Invisalign that you may want to think about:

• Not ideal for complex cases – Although Invisalign is very powerful and versatile, there are still situations where it may not be the right choice. If you have very severe or complicated orthodontic issues (especially if any surgery is necessary as part of your treatment), traditional braces and orthodontics may still be a better choice.

• Look out for accidental loss/damage – Clear aligners like Invisalign also require more personal responsibility and good habits than braces. Because they're removable, it’s possible to misplace or accidentally damage your aligner, which can set back your treatment. You’ll need to take good care of your aligners, clean them regularly, and store them in the provided carrying case whenever they're not in your mouth.

• You need to be diligent about your treatment – Similar to the above point, since Invisalign is removable, you must make sure that you don’t accidentally leave your aligners out after you eat or brush and floss. If you’re not diligent about wearing your aligners for 20-22 hours per day or longer, you also may experience delays and setbacks in your treatment plan. This isn’t usually a problem with adults, though it can be an issue with younger teenagers.

Qualifying For Treatment with Clear Aligners

Invisalign is appropriate for most patients with mild or moderate orthodontic issues, including crooked teeth, gaps between teeth, uneven teeth, and bite problems like an open bite or underbite.  

To qualify for clear aligners, you must also have a healthy mouth. That means you can’t have cavities, gum disease, an infected tooth, or any other major oral health problems. These can interfere with treatment and must be resolved before you start straightening your teeth.

Also, despite what some people may think, there’s no age limit on aligners. Teenagers can get them instead of braces in some cases. Adults of all ages can get Invisalign treatment, and even seniors can qualify if their mouths are healthy enough. There’s no age limit on a straighter smile!

Interested In Invisalign? Contact Seva Dental for a Consultation!

Whether you’ve done extensive research and are comparing Invisalign to clear aligners from other brands, or you’re just getting started and wondering if Invisalign is right for you, you’re welcome to come in for a consultation at Seva Dental.

Dr. Somaiya is a certified Invisalign provider in Bellbrook, OH. With her credentials, training, and years of experience, she can help you get the straight smile you’ve always wanted. Schedule your appointment now to learn more about Invisalign’s benefits today, how it stacks up vs. other types of clear aligners, and to see if you’re a good candidate for treatment.

‍