Clear aligners have completely transformed the orthodontics game, delivering a discreet and comfortable way to straighten teeth. That’s right–you can now improve your smile while keeping your treatment tightly under wraps! And it has proven to be a fantastic way for our patients to finally pursue their dream smile without sporting a mouthful of metal.
Over the past few years, there has been a substantial increase in the popularity of clear aligner orthodontics, with an even more significant surge since the pandemic. Invisalign is undoubtedly the most recognised clear aligner system today, but with the rise of other companies providing their at-home straightening kits, the competition is heating up. So, what sets Invisalign apart from the rest? In this blog post, we’ll delve into why Invisalign continues to be one of the most reliable options for teeth straightening.
As mentioned, numerous at-home aligner systems have marketed themselves as a convenient option for discreetly straightening teeth without needing orthodontist visits. By removing the “middle-man,” these systems appear more affordable than Invisalign, prompting many to opt for this service. However, having an orthodontist oversee your tooth straightening journey is why Invisalign delivers such outstanding results. Invisalign is among the few clear aligner systems that offer both at-home convenience and in-office services supervised by dental experts to ensure you have healthy and beautiful teeth during and after treatment.
Invisalign aligners are also made from a patented thermoplastic material that is robust, comfortable, and virtually invisible. Although other brands may use similar methods and materials, they don’t match Invisalign’s patented technology precisely. These key differences can lead to vastly different treatment outcomes, which we will explore in greater detail below.
Invisalign vs Other At-Home Clear Aligners
1) Customisation
We know no two smiles are alike, which is why we love Invisalign because it’s highly customisable. During your initial consultation, we’ll create a 3D model of your teeth using advanced digital scanning technology. From there, our team will create a custom treatment plan and series of aligners tailored to your needs. It’s all about ensuring you get the best possible results! Other at-home aligner systems will probably ask you to take an impression of your own smile, but there’s more room for error when doing it yourself. If done incorrectly, this can lead to discomfort when wearing the aligners and less effective results. With Invisalign, you can trust that your smile is in the hands of experts who prioritise your comfort and success.
2) Materials
Let’s talk about materials! Invisalign’s patented ‘SmartTrack’ material takes tooth movement to the next level. In fact, studies show that SmartTrack provides 75% improvement in the predictability of overall tooth movement compared to the materials found in other aligners. But that’s not all–the SmartTrack material is also incredibly durable, so you can rest easy knowing your aligners won’t break or get damaged and slow down your progress.
3) Power
Invisalign’s advanced precision attachments allow us to apply targeted pressure to specific teeth that need a little extra attention. This means we can tackle severe misalignment and bite problems, making Invisalign the best choice for those needing serious realignment work.
4) Treatment & Monitoring Process
Depending on the brand, the treatment process can vary. But with Invisalign, things are pretty straightforward. After your initial consultation, you’ll receive your custom aligners in the post to wear for 22 hours a day. You’ll switch to a new set every one-to-two weeks, and our orthodontist will monitor your progress to ensure that the aligners are doing its job. And with Invisalign’s handy smile app, you can take regular photos to track your straightening journey! Of course, not all at-home aligner brands are created equal, and there can be differences in the level of control and monitoring provided. Having an orthodontist oversee the process is crucial to ensure that your aligners are working correctly and that you’re getting results for your money.
5) Cost
While other aligner brands may seem more affordable than Invisalign at first glance, it’s important to keep the big picture in mind. If you don’t get the results you’re hoping for, these treatments can still end up costing you a pretty penny. That’s why we believe it’s worth investing in Invisalign and discussing finance options with your provider. With our flexible payment plans, you can split the cost of treatment into manageable monthly instalments, making it easier to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted without breaking the bank.
6) Success Rate
Several factors determine the efficacy of clear aligner treatment, such as the gravity of dental problems being addressed, your compliance with the treatment plan and process, and the quality of the aligners. Invisalign has a documented history of providing successful treatment for millions of patients globally within the expected treatment period. In contrast, other brands have fewer success stories, likely due to the greater possibility of error with these DIY aligners.
Final Thoughts
While there are now several at-home clear aligner systems available on the market, Invisalign continues to stand out as one of the most reliable options for teeth straightening. Invisalign’s patented technology, personalised treatment plans, advanced precision attachments, and the monitoring process by orthodontic experts all contribute to its high success rate. Although other brands may seem more affordable at first, the potential for error with at-home aligners can result in less effective outcomes and end up costing more in the long run. Investing in Invisalign with flexible payment plans can be a worthy investment in achieving a healthy and beautiful smile without compromising on quality and efficacy.
Invisalign at Corner House, Norwich.
At Corner House Dental, we proudly offer Invisalign to give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of. Dr Layla Taidi-Danino is our expert in providing fixed and removable orthodontics in Norwich. She loves to see people smile and strives to make every patient who enters our clinic feel as confident as possible in doing so.
To book an Invisalign consultation with us in Norwich, call our Corner House team at 01603 621613 or contact us online.