ClearCorrect is a transparent, removable aligner system used to straighten minor teeth misalignment. It is popular among patients who want to avoid the appearance of metal and wire braces. But many wonder if it is cheaper than other orthodontic treatments.
Read on to find out more.
Content Navigation
- 1 What Is ClearCorrect?
- 2 Is ClearCorrect Cheaper Than Other Orthodontic Treatments?
- 3 How Does ClearCorrect Compare To Other Orthodontic Treatments?
- 4 Which Can Correct Crooked Teeth Quicker?
- 5 How Do Invisalign And ClearCorrect Aligners Compare?
- 6 What Are The Limitations Of ClearCorrect?
- 7 Is ClearCorrect Worth Its Cost?
- 8 Final Thoughts
- 9 FAQs
What Is ClearCorrect?
ClearCorrect is an orthodontic treatment involving a series of plastic aligners. Its main function is to move your misaligned teeth into a straighter position slowly. You must wear these almost invisible aligners for at least 22 hours per day for two weeks. Afterwards, you can move on to the next one until you reach the correct position.
Depending on your treatment plan, you will receive several sets of aligners from your dentist. You can complete the entire treatment process within 8 to 14 months. In some cases, it takes six months to finish minor treatments. More severe conditions can take more than 14 months.
If it’s necessary, you may need to wear a retainer for six months to one year. This is to prevent your newly straightened teeth from returning to their previous position.
Is ClearCorrect Cheaper Than Other Orthodontic Treatments?
The cost of ClearCorrect aligner treatment is different from person to person. It depends on your location, how severe the misalignment is, and your dental insurance. Overall, ClearCorrect is cheaper than another aligner option called Invisalign and traditional braces.
Here’s a quick comparison:
- ClearCorrect.
In Australia, you can expect to pay from $2,000 to $5,500. - Invisalign.
The cost of minor Invisalign treatment may start from $4,500, while you can spend from $6,000 to $9,000 for full treatments. - Traditional braces.
Traditional metal braces can cost around $4,500 to $8,000, $5000 to $8,500 for ceramic braces, from $7,225 for lingual braces (single arch) and approximately $12,500 for full lingual braces treatment.
How Does ClearCorrect Compare To Other Orthodontic Treatments?
Below is a comparison of ClearCorrect to traditional braces and another aligner option called Invisalign:
- It is less visible.
ClearCorrect’s clear aligners are made of thin, translucent plastic. This makes them less noticeable than Invisalign’s clear aligners. However, ClearCorrect’s aligners are more prone to breakage and damage. Also, this thinner plastic is sharper around the edges near your gums. - It is more comfortable.
ClearCorrect’s aligners are less likely to irritate your gums and cheeks than metal braces. But the materials of Invisalign may be more gentle and more comfortable. They are also easier to take on and off. - It is removable.
Like Invisalign, you can take out your ClearCorrect aligners when eating, drinking, brushing or flossing your teeth. This is not possible with traditional braces since they are permanently attached to your teeth.
Which Can Correct Crooked Teeth Quicker?
The time it takes to fix crooked teeth depends on every patient, regardless of the orthodontic treatment used. But in general, Invisalign and ClearCorrect can do this quicker than traditional braces.
How Do Invisalign And ClearCorrect Aligners Compare?
While both “invisible braces” have the same purpose, they still have a few differences. Here are the significant ones:
- The thickness of aligners.
As mentioned earlier, Invisalign’s aligners are thicker than ClearCorrect’s. This makes them more durable and flexible but also more noticeable. - Materials.
The materials used for both aligners might look similar. However, ClearCorrect uses ClearQuartz™ tri-layer material, while Invisalign aligners are made of a patented material by Align Technology called SmartTrack, which is more gentle to the mouth. - Cuts.
Invisalign aligners are customised and are cut in a scalloped fashion to fit the gum line, while ClearCorrect cuts their aligners straight across. But this also overlaps your gums, making them more visible. - Clarity.
Invisalign aligners are made of frosted, textured plastic that matches tooth surfaces, while ClearCorrect’s aligners are slightly more opaque that may look more natural. - Costs.
Overall, Invisalign treatment cost is higher than ClearCorrect. But the price still depends on many factors, such as your location, the severity of your teeth’s misalignment, and your dental insurance. Also, both dental treatments might be covered by your private health fund.
What Are The Limitations Of ClearCorrect?
Similar to other orthodontic treatments, there are also a few limitations to ClearCorrect. These include:
- Severe teeth misalignment.
ClearCorrect is designed for patients with minor to moderate teeth crowding or spacing. If you have more severe teeth misalignment, you might need to consider other orthodontic treatments, such as traditional braces. - Severe underbite or openbite.
An underbite is an orthodontic issue when your lower teeth protrude in front of your upper teeth, while an openbite is when there’s a space between your upper and lower teeth when you bite down. ClearCorrect is not recommended for patients with severe bite problems since they need more force for tooth movement, which ClearCorrect might not be able to provide. - Anterior open bite.
Anterior open bite is a condition when the front teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed, and there is no overlap between the upper and lower incisor. This is a relatively complex problem to correct and might require another type of orthodontic treatment. - Time frame.
ClearCorrect’s average treatment time is about 12 to 18 months. But this will still depend on the severity of your teeth misalignment. - Large tooth gaps.
This is another orthodontic issue that can also be difficult to correct with ClearCorrect. If the spaces between your teeth are too big, you might need another type of orthodontic treatment. - Previous dental work.
If you have had previous dental work such as bonding, veneers or crowns, ClearCorrect might not work for you.
Is ClearCorrect Worth Its Cost?
ClearCorrect may be worth the cost because it is a more affordable option to help you achieve straighter teeth in a shorter period than other orthodontic options like traditional braces without people noticing. If you have minor teeth misalignment and are not comfortable with metal wires, ClearCorrect may help improve your quality of life.
Final Thoughts
ClearCorrect is a much more affordable alternative to braces and Invisalign to help you achieve a more beautiful smile. However, it has limitations and might not be the right treatment if you have severe teeth misalignment, large gaps between teeth, or major bite problems.
Call us at 03 7003 2004 if you are unsure if ClearCorrect is suitable for you.
Burwood Dental Care is equipped with the latest technology to provide you with favourable outcomes. The licensed dentists here have years of experience performing ClearCorrect treatment, as well as Invisalign and traditional braces. At your appointment, one of the dentists will assess your oral condition by taking X-rays, impressions and photos of your teeth. They will let you know if you are eligible for ClearCorrect. They will also discuss the procedure and our available payment plans and give you an accurate estimate.
FAQs
There are a few benefits of ClearCorrect, including improving your self-confidence by correcting minor teeth misalignment and crowded teeth without anyone knowing. This is especially beneficial for adult patients who are reluctant to wear traditional braces with metals and wires. It can also help improve your chewing abilities and oral health by closing minor gaps that can trap food and bacteria, causing gum disease. Finally, it is easier to maintain good oral hygiene than traditional braces since they are removable, so you can brush and floss your teeth as usual.
ClearCorrect aligners don’t hurt, but you may feel mild discomfort for the first week or two after wearing them.
There are no food restrictions with ClearCorrect since you have to remove them when eating and drinking.
Some potential risks of ClearCorrect are swelling of the lips since the teeth aligners put pressure on them. Gum irritation can also occur, and some people find it difficult to speak clearly when wearing the aligners. Other patients report difficulty breathing, as well, because the aligners cover the mouth opening. Additionally, hypersensitivity reactions may also occur due to the materials used in the aligners.