What Is the Difference Between Invisalign and ClearCorrect?

Clear aligners allow adults and teens to achieve a straighter, healthier smile without the conspicuous wires and bands of traditional braces. Invisalign and ClearCorrect are two of the most recognized clear aligner treatments today. While both companies make a quality product, knowing the differences between them can help you decide which is right for you. Here’s what you should know about the differences between Invisalign and ClearCorrect.

What Do Invisalign and ClearCorrect Have in Common?

Orthodontic treatments using clear aligners work by providing a patient with a sequence of customized dental trays. The process treats malocclusions, or dental misalignments, by gradually pushing the teeth into straighter positions. Both Invisalign and ClearCorrect use a scanner to create a computerized model of a patient’s teeth before 3D printing the aligners.

Each tray is designed to be worn for 22 hours a day while being removed for hygiene and meals. Each tray lasts for two weeks before the patient moves on to the next one. By the end of the treatment, the smile will be in a straighter, healthier alignment requiring the long-term use of a retainer to preserve the results.

What’s So Incredible About Invisalign?

Align Technology was founded in 1997 and won FDA approval for Invisalign in 1998, making it the first producer of orthodontic clear aligners. The company has developed and patented its own thermoplastic material called SmartTrack®, making it easier to place and remove aligners within the mouth as well as gentler and more comfortable to wear. The material is also designed to reduce treatment time and improve overall results. Invisalign uses thicker aligners that are less likely to break than those of ClearCorrect, which can prevent significant setbacks for a patient’s course of orthodontic treatment.

Invisalign treatment plans include:

• Invisalign Full is the most prevalent option and treats the entire mouth for mild to severe malocclusions with as many aligners as necessary.
• Invisalign Lite includes up to fourteen aligners to treat mild malocclusions.
• Invisalign Express 10 is a more affordable option with up to ten aligners.
• Invisalign Express 5 and Invisalign i7 are the least expensive options for very minor cases coming with five or seven aligners respectively.

What’s So Copacetic About ClearCorrect?

ClearCorrect was founded in 2006 and won its FDA approval in 2009. ClearCorrect uses thinner aligners than Invisalign, which can make them less visible while using the same material as Invisalign when it was introduced.

ClearCorrect treatment plans include:

• ClearCorrect Limited 6 provides a patient with six aligners to treat minor alignment issues.
• ClearCorrect Limited 12 comes with twelve sets of aligners.
• ClearCorrect Unlimited provides as many aligners as are necessary to fully correct the misalignment. This option is the most expensive.

While Invisalign might be best for a patient with major alignment issues, ClearCorrect can be ideal for someone with a minor malocclusion who wants their orthodontic treatment to be as discreet as possible. Either treatment is a reliable way to straighten your teeth and have a more beautiful smile for life.  A consultation with your dentist help you decide which treatment is right for you.

About the Practice

Wethersfield Dental Group approaches dentistry from an educational angle to provide long-term dental solutions for the community of Wethersfield, CT. Led by Drs. Ukti Phadnis and Naima Javed, the skilled staff delivers high-quality care in a warm and comfortable environment. Areas of expertise include general, pediatric, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as clear aligner orthodontics. For more information about whether ClearCorrect or Invisalign is right for you, contact the office online or dial (860) 400-3007.