The Differences of Clean Aligners and Invisalign Braces

Orthodontics has become increasingly popular over the last couple of decades as consumers have come to understand its impact on oral health. Metal braces have long been the most recommended orthodontic treatment.

Now, clear aligners are used by cosmetic dentists to treat malocclusion. Orthodontic clear aligners have become popular because they are practical and aesthetically pleasing. Our family dentistry in Seattle has embraced clear orthodontic aligners, given their effectiveness and popularity.

Most people use Invisalign® and orthodontic clear aligners interchangeably, assuming they are similar. Much can get lost or confused in terminology, trademarks, and treatment jargon. Let’s see how clear orthodontic aligners differ from Invisalign.

Clear Aligners and Invisalign

Aligners, or clear aligner therapy (CAT), use clear plastic trays to correct different orthodontic issues. Patients wear these trays almost 22 hours each day for the specified time until the treatment is done. CAT works by gently moving teeth to the desired position.

Invisalign is the product's name, while its manufacturer is Align Technology. Despite this fact, Invisalign has been around for 20 years and has improved every year. And even if this technology has been around for quite some time, Invisalign is still the brand name for clear aligner therapy.

Their Differences

While the term "Invisalign" is the name of a specific invisible brace system, it differs from other kinds of invisible braces in the following ways:

• Innovative: Invisalign is improving daily to enhance your treatment outcome. They have a different approach as compared to the other types of aligners. The thin material that makes Invisalign unique is called SmartTrack®; this material improves the predictability of your treatment by retaining the design while your teeth move.

Your treatment will be safer and more comfortable than any other type of aligner, which tends to break easily and frequently interrupt your treatment. Other aligners use the same plastic that Invisalign used in the past; those materials are generally less sturdy and do not stay rigid as long as SmartTrack.

• Integratable: When using Invisalign, it is possible to use alternative treatments to get the best results possible. At times, Invisalign can be used with a dental implant to create, maintain, or close arch space.

• More Complete Functions: Although orthodontics patients have the option of using Invisalign for tooth alignment, there is a unique difference between Invisalign aligners and other clear aligners. One of the notable things that Invisalign aligners do not have are attachments used to control the results.

Instead, tiny attachments called trays are made out of tooth-colored material and placed on your teeth to give the aligners something to push against as you move your teeth into place. These trays let you control the speed and amount of traction during movement.

Even though other clear orthodontic aligners can be used the same way as Invisalign, they are not identical. When you choose Invisalign, make sure to let our cosmetic dentist know so that we can set up a plan for your specific case.

• Tested: Invisalign has been trusted by customers and dentists because it's well known that it provides predictable and accurate results. Its 3D ClinCheck software helps you understand your treatment plan to see how your teeth will move due to wearing the aligners. The software eliminates guesswork and ensures that you're getting the proper treatment for your unique situation.

The Conclusion

Invisalign and (CAT) are relatively similar in the original concept: you wear clear plastic trays over your teeth to correct your malocclusion. Since both of the products are produced by the same company, we can say that they are almost comparable. This is why people usually get these two confused. Thus, we hope what you read above makes the distinction between these brace types even more apparent for your oral health.

For Invisalign in Ypsilanti, book an appointment with Dental House MI today! We have expert dentists who provide patients with a straight smile and perfect jaw alignment. Whether it’s traditional braces or Invisalign you want, please give us a call today at (947) 999-9909 or email us at waterford@dentalhousemi.com!