Clear Aligners, also known as clear braces, offer a discreet and comfortable way to straighten your teeth. They use a series of clear plastic trays to gradually move your teeth into the desired position. Unlike traditional metal braces, clear braces are removable, invisible, and easy to clean. In this article, we’ll explore the most popular types of clear braces, Invisalign, ClearCorrect, and SmileDirectClub, and how they differ.
You can check also here the difference between clear braces vs metal braces
Types of Clear Aligners:
1- Invisalign
Invisalign is the most widely recognized brand of clear aligners, with over 10 million customers worldwide. It uses custom-made trays that fit snugly over your teeth and apply gentle pressure to shift your teeth gradually. You wear each tray for about two weeks, then switch to the next one in the series. Invisalign can treat various dental issues, such as crowding, spacing, overbite, underbite, and crossbite. It is suitable for most adults and teens who have healthy teeth and gums.
The cost of Invisalign varies based on the complexity of your case and the number of trays you need. The average cost in the US is between $3,000 and $7,000, but it can be higher or lower depending on your location and insurance coverage. The duration of Invisalign treatment depends on how much your teeth need to move and how well you follow the instructions. The average treatment time is 12 to 18 months, but it can be shorter or longer depending on your individual case.
2- ClearCorrect
ClearCorrect is similar to Invisalign in that it uses custom-made trays that you change every two weeks. The trays apply gentle pressure to move your teeth gradually. The main difference between ClearCorrect and Invisalign is that ClearCorrect trays are thinner and more flexible, which may make them more comfortable to wear. ClearCorrect makes the trays in batches, and you receive only a few sets of aligners at a time. Your dentist or orthodontist monitors your progress and orders more aligners as needed.
The cost of ClearCorrect is usually lower than Invisalign, ranging from $2,000 to $6,000 on average in the US. However, this also depends on your case complexity, location, and insurance coverage. The duration of ClearCorrect treatment is similar to Invisalign, averaging 12 to 18 months, depending on your case and compliance.
3- SmileDirectClub
SmileDirectClub is an online service that offers clear aligners without requiring you to visit a dentist or orthodontist. You take an impression of your teeth at home using a kit they send you or visit one of their SmileShops to get a 3D scan of your teeth. They create a treatment plan for you and ship the aligners to your door. You wear the aligners for 22 hours a day and change them every week or two, as instructed. You also check in with a dentist or orthodontist remotely every 90 days to track your progress.
SmileDirectClub is designed for mild to moderate cases of misaligned teeth. The cost of SmileDirectClub is lower than Invisalign and ClearCorrect, starting at $1,950 for a complete treatment plan. However, this depends on your case complexity and location. The duration of SmileDirectClub treatment is also shorter, averaging six to eight months.
Conclusion
Choosing the right type of clear braces depends on your dental needs, budget, and preference. Invisalign, ClearCorrect, and SmileDirectClub offer similar treatment goals but differ in cost, duration, and the level of supervision required. Consult with your dentist or orthodontist to determine which option is best for you. Clear braces can help
