Aligner Analysis: What’re the Differences Between Invisalign and ClearCorrect?

A close-up of a hand holding clear alignersClear aligner treatments often work well, but you may struggle to choose the right kind. More than one type exists, with Invisalign and ClearCorrect being some of the most prominent. Just deciding between those two options can feel like a complex matter. Luckily, your local dentist in Orange is here to help you find the best aligner service. Read on to learn the differences between Invisalign and ClearCorrect, as well as which treatment would be ideal for you.

How Does Invisalign Work?

There’s a good chance you’ve already heard of Invisalign. For many people, it’s the most well-known example of clear aligner treatment.

In essence, Invisalign is a set of clear trays (“aligners”) that a patient wears over their teeth. These aligners are made to fit snugly and use micromovements to straighten your smile over a year or so. By wearing them in your mouth for roughly 20-22 hours a day, they gradually align your grin until it looks gorgeous.

Overall, Invisalign is considered the premier aligner procedure. It uses a well-researched material – SmartTrack – that’s reportedly comfier and easier to take out and insert. At the same time, the treatment has a longer track record; the FDA approved it back in 1998. It’s only natural that Invisalign is also a tad pricy compared to other aligner options.

What About ClearCorrect?

As you consider aligner services, maybe you’ve found out about ClearCorrect. This option is similar to Invisalign but has its own traits and qualities.

Like Invisalign, ClearCorrect is a set of clear trays for your teeth. Its aligners are transparent, worn for 22 hours a day, and regularly replaced during the treatment process. These trays also use the same kinds of micromovements as Invisalign, slowly aligning your smile until it’s nice and straight.

At the same time, ClearCorrect differs from Invisalign in several ways. The most notable is that it’s often less expensive, often being advertised at $2,000 compared to the first option’s $5,000 price tag. ClearCorrect trays also use thinner and lighter plastic, so they aren’t as durable.

Which One is Right for You?

When deciding between Invisalign and ClearCorrect, the best option is the one that suits your needs. You should pick the treatment that works best for your situation.

As an example, say that you want treatment to be as smooth and safe as possible. You should probably choose Invisalign – it’s more established and promises fewer aches and pains. In contrast, ClearCorrect’s more fragile material may lead to broken aligners at some point.

On the other hand, you may want treatment to be cheap and fast. ClearCorrect would meet that criteria by costing less and offering six-month trays. Meanwhile, Invisalign would put a greater strain on your budget and potentially take longer.

Hopefully, you now see the differences between Invisalign and ClearCorrect. Keep them in mind as you consult your dentist about aligners!

About the Practice

Michelsen Dental is based in Orange, CA. Led by Drs. Michelsen, Tran, Karia, and Yu, our practice provides each patient with the quality dental care they deserve. That means we offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services, as well as emergency dentistry for urgent cases. Our office is also a certified provider of Invisalign clear aligners. For more details or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (714)-492-1169.