Invisalign vs. Other Clear Aligners: What’s the Difference?

If you are someone who has already explored the different options that can help to align your teeth and straighten your smile, then you’ll likely have already heard the terms ‘Invisalign’ and ‘clear aligners’ banded around.

The truth is that exist in the same industry of orthodontics and do broadly the same thing. That is, Invisalign is just one brand – albeit it a prevalent and very well-known one – that falls into the clear aligner market. So, what’s the difference between this and other clear aligner brands?

A clear aligner does what it suggests in the name: it helps to straighten and align your teeth, via a type of brace that is as close to invisible as it is possible to get. These aligners are crafted from a clear plastic-like material, that slots over the teeth and gradually but consistently pushes them into the desired shape.

Invisalign is one form of clear aligner that combines this end result with a series of additional services as part of a more comprehensive package. Mapping technology that encompasses 5D scanning allows dentists to gain a better understanding of oral hygiene and projected results, while the virtual care app that top dentists use as part of the Invisalign experience enables tailored advice and check-ups without visiting the practice.

By contrast, other clear aligner providers and solutions use much the same process and technology as Invisalign when it comes to the creation of the aligners themselves – but often don’t encompass quite so many extras to optimise the experience.

Invisalign is renowned as being the first and original clear aligner brand on the market, brought to life in 1997. The aim of Invisalign, and the subsequent brands and market that has followed the rollout of this brand, is a desire to give clients a more flexible way of straightening their teeth and perfecting their smile.

Working to counteract all the drawbacks to fixed braces, from their look to the discomfort and inconvenience experienced by clients, Invisalign and other clear aligners all seek to make the process easier.

Some benefits of other brands include more of an at-home and online supported package, and potentially more affordable options. Online packages, for example, invite clients to send a mould of their teeth off in the post and receive aligners that are tailor-made for them.

Again, alternative brands that don’t encompass as many extra services within the aligner package may also come out at a more affordable price.

So, should you opt for the reputation of Invisalign or choose from one of the other alternative brands?

It all depends on your personal preference and on the availability of different aligning treatments in your area. Invisalign is carried out by trained dentists and is one of the best options for those with complex alignment issues that they want to address. However, you may find alternatives such as online aligners more accessible and affordable.

Speak to your local dentist if you want bespoke advice.