Historically, the only treatment for crooked teeth was metal braces. While they are extremely effective in straightening out smiles, people often report discomfort and embarrassment. All this has been changed by the advent of clear aligners like Invisalign. They offer the same powerful teeth straightening benefits sans the metal wires and brackets while improving your smile discreetly.
The advancements in the clear aligner industry continue to offer better solutions. Newer brands like AlignerCoClear have revolutionised the way people achieve perfect smiles. An at-home brand, it is also more convenient and affordable.
In this blog, we will get to know these two brands better to see which one is the best choice for you.
Invisalign and AlignerCoClear: An Overview
Both Invisalign and AlignerCoClear address structural dental problems. These may include issues such as crossbite, underbite, overbite, gapped teeth and crowded teeth. They are invisible and detachable orthodontic appliances that straighten your teeth.
This is where their similarities end.
Both brands are different in the way they make teeth straightening accessible to people.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a series of clear aligners that are created through virtual modelling software that allows for quick processing and precise customisation. They were created almost 25 years ago by Zia Chishti who formed Align Technology, the company behind Invisalign.
These aligners are only worn during the day. Since they are removable, they allow you to go about your day eating, brushing, and flossing normally and are used by more than 5 million people worldwide as verified in this Grand View Research paper.
Anyone who wishes to get Invisalign can only do so by visiting a dentist or orthodontist who is trained in providing this treatment.
What is AlignerCoClear?
AlignerCoClear, established in 2019, is a company that remotely facilitates aligner treatment. It utilises teledentistry to help you straighten your teeth without stepping inside a dental clinic.
The company offers fixed-price clear aligners created by an expert team including a US-trained and licensed orthodontist. AlignerCoClear also offers NightOnly aligners, perfect for people who don’t prefer to wear aligners during the day.
What Is Involved in the Invisalign Process?
Pros and Cons of At-Home and In-Office Treatments
At-Home Treatment
| Pros | No dental office visits, hence more convenient | More affordable | Shorter treatment time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cons | Can treat only milder cases of misalignment | No personalised support |
In-Office Treatment
| Pros | Can treat serious cases of misalignment | Easier to monitor progress due to dental office visits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cons | More expensive | More time-consuming | Longer treatment time |
Here is what you can expect in the Invisalign treatment process:
- Consultation: Your orthodontist will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth to determine your Invisalign candidature. You will also get to know the duration of your treatment, the cost, and what to expect.
- Impressions: Your orthodontist will make digital impressions of your teeth and mouth. They may either use the traditional putty or digitally scan your teeth. These scans are then sent to the lab for creating your customised trays.
- Treatment: You will be called for the next appointment to check the fitment of the tray on your gums and teeth. Small attachments may be fitted on your teeth to help the tray stay in place and move your teeth to the desired position gradually. You will wear the first tray for about two weeks.
- Follow-up appointment: Your dentist will check the tray’s fitment and movement of your teeth. If there is good progress, you will be given the next set. This is followed by visits to your dental office every six to eight weeks.
- Treatment completion: Once you are through your last tray, you are ready with your new perfect smile! In some cases, to maintain the new position of the teeth, some patients may be advised to wear removable retainers to be worn at night.
What is Involved in the AlignerCoClear Process?
AlignerCoClear aligners process involves three easy steps in helping you transform your smile:
- Consultation: The process of getting AlignerCoClear aligners is completely online without the need to schedule a physical appointment.
- Impressions: You need to order an impression kit on the website. This allows you to take the impression in the comfort of your home. These are then submitted to the company.
- Treatment: The specialised team of experts at AlignerCoClear will then create a personalised aligners treatment plan for you. You can either choose from the All-Day aligners or NightOnly aligners depending on your preference.
- Follow-up appointment: No in-person appointments are needed. The series of aligners that you receive begin gradually moving your teeth into the required position. Each subsequent tray get straighter to mimic your original smile and should be worn for a minimum of 10-15 days.
- Treatment Completion: After the completion of four to six months, you will begin to see results. After the term of your treatment, you may be given a night retainer. This is important to maintain your results.
Invisalign and AlignerCoClear: In-depth Comparison
What Can they Treat?
Invisalign: Invisalign can treat almost any degree of misalignment of teeth and a wide variety of conditions. Whether you have overbites, tooth gaps, crowding, or crossbites, these aligners can help in most cases.
AlignerCoClear: They are suitable only for mild to moderate cases of structural problems with your teeth.
Individualised Care
Invisalign: You receive personalised treatment at your orthodontist’s office. Right from consultation to after-care post-treatment, your dental office manages your case personally. Since there are digital scans involved, other underlying issues with your teeth can get detected and treated.
AlignerCoClear: The teeth straightening process is 100 per cent remote without any in-office visits. This may also lead to missing out on issues such as cavities or gum disease that need to be treated before getting aligners.
Affordability
Invisalign: Invisalign treatment may cost anywhere between £2,500-£6,700. This is because you end up paying for in-office visits. This excludes the cost of retainers, which can range anywhere between £83-£250.
AlignerCoClear: Since there is no expense of in-office visits, this is a significantly affordable option. The first kit plan starts at as low as £50. The aligners cost around £747. This also includes the cost of aftercare retainers.
Treatment Speed
Invisalign: Invisalign corrects more serious dental issues that take longer to treat. It may take any time between 12-18 months to achieve your desired results.
AlignerCoClear: Since you are treating only mild issues, the treatment length is between 2-6 months.
Invisalign vs AlignerCO Clear Aligners: Which One to Choose?
Both Invisalign vs AlignerCO Clear Aligners offer effective teeth straightening solutions. The decision about which one to choose completely depends on your specific dental problem and its seriousness, goals, and budget.
If you have a more serious condition of crowding or bite misalignment, you may want to choose Invisalign.
If you have a milder case, are short on time, or want a more affordable treatment, then AlignerCO Clear Aligners will be your best bet.
Conclusion
Both Invisalign and AlignerCO Clear Aligners are excellent solutions to achieving that perfect smile. To know more about both these orthodontic solutions and decide which one would be the best option for you, feel free to get in touch with us.