ClearCorrect vs. Invisalign
If you need orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth, you may be wondering about alternatives to traditional metal braces. Clear aligners are a great way to straighten misaligned teeth without the downsides of traditional braces, like their obvious look.
There are a number of different aligner companies that have come on the market recently for clear aligners. Some are in-office treatments, and others are offered through a mail-order kit that is delivered to your home. Two companies stand out amongst the competition when it comes to invisible aligners: Invisalign and ClearCorrect.
Invisalign has long been the gold standard when it comes to in-office aligners to straighten crooked teeth. If you’re considering either Invisalign or ClearCorrect for your orthodontic treatment, take a close look at the differences between the two treatment options.
ClearCorrect vs. Invisalign
ClearCorrect and Invisalign both offer the same basic concept for an orthodontic treatment plan: the patient wears sets of aligners that gradually shift teeth into the desired position over time. Aligners are switched out every two weeks or so throughout the treatment process. Many dental professionals have switched to offering these aligner systems over traditional metal braces for patients who have mild to moderate misalignment issues.
We’ll compare ClearCorrect vs Invisalign based on the following factors so you can see which will work best for you:
Technology
Treatment Time
Cost & Treatment Options
Comfort
But first, let’s go over some of the similarities between the two brands:
both can be used as an alternative to braces for mild to moderate misalignment issues
both will give you straighter teeth in less time than traditional braces
both aligner options provide removable aligners that can be taken out for eating, drinking, and brushing
both types of aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours per day
both must be provided by a licensed dentist (no at-home or mail-order options)
both gradually move teeth over time to their desired position
Technology
Invisalign uses state-of-the-art technology and a patented material called SmartTrack® to create the aligners. It has a greater elasticity than other aligners, and provides a more constant force to control teeth movement. Invisalign has been proven to be an exceptionally effective treatment because it uses a gentle, constant force to guide the teeth into their desired position. Studies showed that the mouth tissue responds better to this type of force, which results in a healthier treatment plan and no painful adjustments.
ClearCorrect uses a thinner plastic material to create the aligners. While this thinner material may be less visible than Invisalign, it’s also less durable. The 3-D printer used to make the ClearCorrect aligners doesn’t have the same advanced algorithm that Invisalign uses to determine the developmental path of your teeth. This means that ClearCorrect aligners aren’t as precise in their fit and durability as Invisalign.
Cost & Treatment Options
ClearCorrect advertises its cost to start at around $2,000, while Invisalign typically starts at around $3,000. While it may seem like ClearCorrect is the cheaper option initially, you must consider what you’re getting for the price with each company. Each brand offers different levels of care, and each will start at a different price. Pricing is difficult to determine because it will be dependent on the number of plastic aligners the patient needs and how severe their misalignment is.
Both ClearCorrect and Invisalign offer limited treatment plans as well as plans that include unlimited aligners.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the different aligner treatment plans that each company offers:
ClearCorrect | Invisalign |
Flex: used for revisions and relapses | Express: 6-month program with 7 sets of aligners |
Mini: 12 sets of aligners | i7: 7 aligner trays for mild cases |
One: 24 sets of aligners | Lite: 6-month program with 14 sets of aligners |
Two: 48 sets of aligners | Full: as many as needed |
Three: 72 sets of aligners | Teen: specific treatment plan for teens |
Unlimited: as many as needed |
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Treatment Time
Similar to the cost, the average treatment time will be different for each patient depending on their needs. With Invisalign, straight teeth can be achieved in an average of 12-18 months. ClearCorrect’s timeline is similar, although for both companies it will depend on which treatment plan you choose. Invisalign Express and ClearCorrect Flex will both be shorter treatment times than the full or unlimited plans.
Comfort
Invisalign’s SmartTrack® thermoplastic material makes them not only more durable than ClearCorrect invisible aligners, but they’re also much more comfortable because they are custom-made to fit precisely over your teeth. Invisalign aligners are easier to put in and take out, and they don’t have the sharp edges that many patients complain about with ClearCorrect.
Not sure which is right for you? Contact us for help!
If you know you want invisible aligners but aren’t sure which brand might be the best for you, contact our office. We’re here to help you achieve a beautiful smile, and we’re happy to answer any questions that you have about ClearCorrect vs Invisalign.