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Achieving A Beautiful Smile: ClearCorrect Vs Invisalign
ClearCorrect and Invisalign are two orthodontic treatments using aligner systems to help you achieve a straighter smile. If you have misaligned and crooked teeth, you can opt for either of these orthodontic aligners. While they have the same purpose, they have differences that can make one better than the other, depending on your needs and preferences.
Read on to learn more and make an informed decision about which treatment option is better for you.
How Does Invisalign Differ From ClearCorrect?
Here’s a quick comparison between these two orthodontic treatments:
- Cost
Though this depends on every situation, including your location, the severity of your teeth’s misalignment, and other factors, ClearCorrect price is lower than Invisalign’s. - The thickness of aligners
Both orthodontic treatments use clear, plastic aligners. But ClearCorrect’s aligners are thinner, making them less noticeable. - Durability
Because the aligners of Invisalign are thicker, they are more resistant to breakage and wear. This means that they may last longer than ClearCorrect aligners. - Comfort when worn
ClearCorrect uses plastic materials that Invisalign used in the past, which are not as flexible as what Invisalign uses today. Invisalign uses a patented thermoplastic material, which is called SmartTrack®. According to the aligner company called Align Technology, this has undergone 8 years of study and was tried and tested on 300 materials. They claim that these Aligners are more gentle and comfortable when worn because they exert less dental pressure. They are also easier to take on and off, which means that Invisalign aligners may be more comfortable in the mouth. - Cut of aligners
ClearCorrect trims their aligners straight across the top while Invisalign scallops theirs. This means that ClearCorrect aligners may encourage tooth movement quicker as they can leverage the gums to exert more force. - The treatment time
According to Invisalign, their average treatment time is 12 to 18 months. While ClearCorrect didn’t mention a specific average treatment timeline, they offer 12, 24, 48 and 72 sets of aligner trays. This means their shortest treatment is six weeks, and the longest is 36 weeks or nine months. - How they create their aligners
Invisalign uses a computer to obtain an exact model of your teeth and a 3D printer to create their aligners. This means that the sets of aligner trays are accurately calculated to fit your teeth. ClearCorrect also scans your mouth and uses 3D printing technology to create models. Then, they manually cut their aligners to fit over your teeth. However, they don’t use an advanced algorithm that Invisalign uses to calculate the progression path of your teeth. This may make ClearCorrect aligners relatively less accurate when it comes to their fitting.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of ClearCorrect?
The following are the benefits and drawbacks of ClearCorrect:
Benefits
- They are more affordable than Invisalign
While all in-office aligners are relatively expensive, you can pay lesser with ClearCorrect. As mentioned, ClearCorrect price is lower than Invisalign and even traditional braces. - They are less noticeable
ClearCorrect aligners are almost invisible; nobody can tell you are wearing them. So, this is a good way to straighten crooked and misaligned teeth without feeling the discomfort of brackets and wires from traditional metal braces. This is also beneficial for adult patients who are sceptical of metal braces. - It’s easier to maintain good dental hygiene
While getting straighter teeth, it’s not hard to maintain good oral health because you can remove them when brushing and flossing your teeth. With traditional braces, keeping healthier teeth may be more challenging. - No food restrictions
Since they use removable aligners, you can eat and drink any food or beverages you want without worrying about damaging or staining them. With traditional braces, you must be more careful with what you eat and drink as some food and drinks can get stuck in the wires and brackets or discolour them. - The treatment process is relatively straightforward
After taking impressions and digital images or 3D models of your teeth so they could custom fit, you just have to wait for your sets of aligner trays to be created. Once you have them, wear them and change to the next one in the series every two weeks. There are no invasive procedures you need to undergo.
Drawbacks
- They cannot straighten severe misaligned or crooked teeth
While they are a good alternative to metal braces, they cannot address severe misalignment issues. In this case, traditional braces may be your better treatment option. - They may not be as durable as Invisalign or traditional braces
Since the aligners of ClearCorrect are thinner, they can break more easily and may not last as long as Invisalign’s and traditional braces. - You have to commit to wearing them 22 hours per day
While braces are attached to your teeth, and you don’t need to take them off when necessary, you have to be responsible for wearing the aligners of ClearCorrect for almost the entire day. - You have to be more careful with them.
Because they are removable, you might accidentally lose or break them.
When Is ClearCorrect For Me?
The following are a wide range of situations wherein ClearCorrect may be a better treatment option:
- Patients with mild to moderately crowded teeth
- Patients with minor spacing issues
- Patients with minor misaligned teeth
- Patients who have had previous orthodontic treatment but their teeth have shifted back
- Patients with minor teeth gaps
- Patients with minor bite problems or malocclusion
What Is the Cost Comparison Of ClearCorrect And Invisalign Look Like?
As mentioned, ClearCorrect price is lower than Invisalign’s. In Australia, the average cost of ClearCorrect is around $2,000 to $5,500. On the other hand, Invisalign’s minor treatments start from $4,500, and the full treatment cost ranges from $6,000 to $9,000.
Both have treatment plans and packages at different prices. For instance, Invisalign has Invisalign Lite, Invisalign Express 5, Invisalign Teen, etc. While ClearCorrect has a mini plan, Flex, etc. Also, both can be covered by your private health fund, depending on your dental insurance type.
Final Thoughts
ClearCorrect and Invisalign are two invisible braces that can address minor teeth misalignment, crooked teeth, spacing issues, teeth crowding and teeth gaps. Both are popular options that use plastic, transparent aligners that you have to wear 22 hours a day. While they have the same function, they have differences in durability and cost. If you are looking for a more affordable option to achieve straight teeth, ClearCorrect may be the better aligner treatment.
If you are unsure if ClearCorrect is for you or which teeth straightening option fits your needs, call us at 03 7003 2004 to book a consultation.
Burwood Dental Care has a team of dental professionals who can weigh your overall considerations, including your teeth condition. One of them will gently examine your teeth to determine if you are a good candidate for this dental treatment. If you are, they will create a personalised treatment plan just for you.They will also let you understand what it takes to get ClearCorrect, including the benefits and disadvantages. Ultimately, they will be able to give you an accurate estimate of your treatment costs and explain our available payment plans. This way, you can prepare financially ahead of time.
FAQs
You should brush your aligners with a soft toothbrush and mild, unscented soap. You can also clean them with ClearCorrect’s cleaning crystals. After brushing or cleaning your aligners, rinse them thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth. In addition, keep in mind to avoid drinking hot beverages while wearing your aligners, as they can warp the shape of the aligners. Ultimately, you have to follow regular appointments with your dentist to help monitor your progress.
ClearCorrect aligners may hurt a little for a week or two after wearing them, but they should go away as you get used to them. If the pain persists, call your dentist.
Since these invisible aligners are removable, you don’t need to avoid any foods that may stain them. However, it’s always best to avoid sugary, acidic and hard and chewy foods that may damage your teeth.
The risks associated with ClearCorrect are the same as Invisalign. These include tooth decay, root resorption and gum disease. But overall, ClearCorrect is a safe treatment.