What Are The Main Differences Between the Available Clear Aligners?

Clear aligners can be the perfect tool to straighten your smile

When we think of Orthodontic Appliances, they’ve passed through an extraordinary “evolution” process in the last decades. However, going back in time, braces weren’t that sophisticated.

For a long time, orthodontic systems consisted of placing metal bands around teeth and attaching an archwire to guide the alignment system. As you might be wondering, these braces were uncomfortable and painful.

Also, getting teeth aligned used to take a long time, and practicing good oral hygiene was challenging. However, in the seventies decade, orthodontists adopted a new approach, “cementing braces” in teeth, and that revolution in orthodontics remains active today.

One part of the process, aligning teeth, seemed completed, or at least that was what we thought. However, to fully complete a treatment, patients needed to wear retainers after teeth straightening to avoid regression.

In the nineties, an orthodontic patient Zia Chishti, a Stanford student, stopped using the retainers for a while and started noticing his teeth receded to a previous position.

He resumed using the retainers, and his teeth straightened up. This event made Chisti reconfigure the idea of retainers’ purpose. With the help of a friend, Kelsey Wirth, they developed computerized models with a series of 3D designs of staged appliances patients could use to align teeth progressively.

Furthermore, today, when you think of braces before the seventies and tech developments, you can notice a sophisticated orthodontic system that comprises:

  • State-of-the-art, 3D dental structure scanning:
  • State-of-the-art, 3D appliances modeling;
  • Nanotech materials developments;
  • Discreteness;
  • Enhanced comfort;
  • Improved hygiene and;
  • Treatment effectiveness.

During this time, an array of competitors entered the market with Clear Alignment Devices offers seeking to obtain a portion of the pie. As competitors grow in size, the competitive advantages also increase in number. Therefore, this article addresses the main differences between clear alignment appliances.

Is Straightening My Teeth Really Important?

Yes, getting your teeth aligned is imperiously important. We include several reasons that will make you make up your mind about it:

Improves Dental Hygiene

Crooked teeth form entrenched spaces in which debris and food residues get stuck. Also, brushing and flossing are less effective in removing these particles because getting to these areas becomes challenging. Also, aligned teeth are allied to prevent halitosis, which we know as bad breath. All this makes it easier to improve your dental hygiene.

“It is easier to brush and floss straight teeth.”

Improves Dental Health

As food and debris accumulate, bacteria also increase in the same spots eroding the outer layer of teeth (enamel) and could get into further layers, producing tooth decay.

Also, bacteria might infiltrate the gums producing periodontitis (gum disease). Patients might risk intense pain in both cases, up to losing denture pieces.

“It is less expensive orthodontics preventive treatment than curative treatment on damaged teeth.”

Improves Overall Health

Enid Orthodontic treatment is auxiliary in treating obstructive sleep apnea caused by misaligned teeth. In addition, orthodontics improves digestion and nutrient absorption. Finally, proper dental help minimizes the incidence of infections in the gums and jawbone that could spread to other parts of the body.

“The mouth is the gateway to the whole body.”

What Are the Different Types of Clear Aligners?

Since its inception with Invisalign, there has been an increase in companies offering Clear Aligning Devices with different variables. The most relevant factor is at-home and In-office alignment systems.

At-Home Alignment Systems

They come with an impression kit that allows patients to make dental prints at the convenience of their homes. In addition, these clear alignment systems are affordable compared to In-office alignment systems.

“They are also known as Direct-To Consumer or DTC.”

In-Office Alignment Systems

The main In-office alignment systems advantage is the care quality they provide. Patients must attend the first visit for an evaluation, a professionally taken 3D scan, and, in some cases, follow-up visits.

“Comprehensive care includes the possibility of solving complex malocclusions cases.”

Here we list some of the most popular at-home or Direct-to-consumer aligner brands Systems:

Byte

One of the most important value proposals of Byte Aligners is its strength in customer support and accelerated treatment delivery times of six months. In short, Byte offers an affordable, quick and effective treatment.

Byte Clear Alignment Systems divide in two.

All-Day Aligners

As its name implies, patients must wear them for at least twenty-two hours a day, as most systems, and it is more effective with treatment times of four months on average.

At-Night Aligners

Patients must wear these devices at night, which might not be the most recommended option.

SmileDirectClub

The most renowned brand of at-home aligners is known for its dual mode in which patients can attend a state-licensed dentist or orthodontist office managing the process, and patients might also get a 3D at-home scan.

In addition to having a professional backing up the treatment, patients will also have access through different channels, from e-mail to video and messages to assistance 24/7.

Here we list some of the most popular In-Office Systems:

Invisalign®

Align Technology’s Invisalign is the most accepted and in-demand system in the Clear Alignment Devices Market. Invisalign developed a system that comprises:

  • Highly accurate and effective, sophisticated 3D intraoral scanning computer technology;
  • Intense nanomaterials developments (thermoplastic materials) to make aligners stain-free and comfortable, with enhanced traction that makes them highly efficient for soft tooth movements;
  • Invisalign is an outstanding option for many patients that can treat a variety of complex tooth movements (malocclusions) and;
  • Has specific products designed to solve malocclusions in kids, teens, and adults.

Spark

Clear aligners with highly effective material compounds with a promise of stain-free and scalloped edges that enhance traction while making the appliances comfortable. The Spark aligners system includes a proprietary scanning system.

Clarity

The most prevalent offer value of Clarity is the effect of improved materials developments by 3M and the possibility of real-time tracking of treatment progress.

Treatment starts with a custom, digital treatment plan created by your orthodontist that shows you how your teeth will move and how long it will take to reshape your smile.

Which Clear Aligner Company Straightens Teeth the Best?

At Rose Rock Orthodontics, patients ask for the best system to get their smiles straight. Although all the systems provide optimal results, comprehensive orthodontic care combines solving complex malocclusions cases with professional orthodontic care treated by an American Board of Orthodontists – ABO certified doctor, which stands for a high quality of care.

Also, at Rose Rock Orthodontics, we use only state-of-the-art orthodontic materials, including Invisalign clear aligners. So, schedule an appointment for a complimentary consultation. Dr. Williams and his team will achieve total patient satisfaction treatment for a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile.