Invisalign vs Clear Aligner Tech: Are They Different??

POsitively Awesome Ortho with Pachter Orthodontics

But Invisalign is also a frequent subject dental patients encounter, and they sound super similar! Are they two separate things? What exactly are aligners?

Luckily, Dr. P and Dr. K, your favorite ortho experts, are here to clear up the confusion with a clear-align technology breakdown!

What’s Up with Invisalign Aligners & Clear Aligners?

Let’s get this out of the way first: Invisalign treatment is a type of clear aligner. It’s an aligner brand name for specific clear aligners!

Invisalign removable aligners were the original clear aligner to hit the smile-straightening scene in the 1990s, and they revolutionized the world of orthodontics. It’s no surprise that “Invisalign” has become synonymous with “clear aligners” – kind of like Kleenex or Band-Aid.

All About Aligners

Every clear aligner and Invisalign works the same way. Unlike traditional metal braces, the trays are removable! Patients wear trays for 20 to 22 hours, but they’re the only treatment option that you can take out for meals, drinks, and cleaning. Smooth, virtually invisible plastic is used to create the aligners, They’re incredibly hard to see, and a detailed scan of a patient’s teeth ensures the custom-made aligners fit tightly against the teeth. They apply gentle pressure to create more predictable tooth movements over time, correcting bite issues, spacing issues, crowding, gaps, misaligned teeth, and more.

Invisalign – The #1 Invisible Orthodontic Treatment Plan

When people think of clear aligners and invisible braces, they think, “Invisalign.” Invisalign aligners have gained widespread popularity due to the advanced technology’s effectiveness, invisibility superpower, and comfort. Over the decades, the company used its years in the industry to perfect the process – they even use a unique patented thermoplastic material called SmartTrack. SmartTrack technology uses a multi-layer polymer with a higher elasticity, allowing for a closer fit, faster treatment process, and more comfortable tooth movement. Innovation rocks!

Is Invisalign Treatment the Best Clear Aligner?

While Invisalign is still the leading brand of clear aligners, it’s not the only option. There are other clear aligner treatments to help patients achieve a confident smile. So, what makes other clear aligners different from the Invisalign brand?

Typically, the price point is the most significant difference between Invisalign and its competitors. It makes sense. Invisalign is the boss of the clear aligner market, but their fantastic tech comes at a higher cost, depending on your treatment needs. Complex cases need more treatment time and special techniques for straightening teeth.

It’s essential to understand that while other brands may be less expensive, they usually treat smaller ranges of orthodontic issues. Some companies even offer at-home clear aligner solutions, where patients take their own impressions and receive aligners in the mail. This is convenient, but we recommend getting the personal touch and expertise of an orthodontist (unless your goals are just cosmetic).

The Clear Difference of Invisalign

Conversely, Invisalign provides comprehensive treatment plans created by an experienced orthodontist. Their aligners can treat more complex problems, and your orthodontist monitors your progress from start to finish. This in-person care ensures your treatment is tailored to your needs and goals! Plus, they can make tweaks during your smile transformation to correct course if you ever get off-track.

Get Positively Stoked for Your Smile Transformation

So, that’s your answer: Invisalign trays are always clear aligners, but not all clear aligner trays are Invisalign. Like squares and rectangles!
If you’re looking for more awesome stuff about Invisalign or other orthodontic options, we’re the people to chat with! Better yet, why don’t you visit our office for a complimentary evaluation? Schedule your smile assessment with Pachter Orthodontics in Paramus, NJ, and Middletown, NY. We’d love to meet your grin!