Other Clear Aligners vs. Invisalign: What Sets Them Apart

If you’ve been researching teeth straightening options, you’ve probably noticed something confusing: some sources talk about “clear aligners” while others focus specifically on “Invisalign.” Are they the same thing?

The short answer is no, and understanding this distinction could save you thousands of dollars and months of treatment time. All Invisalign treatments use clear aligners, but not all orthodontic care with clear aligners is Invisalign. This distinction matters when choosing your path to straighter teeth.

What Are Clear Aligners?

Clear aligners revolutionized how people approach straightening teeth. These transparent, removable trays apply gentle pressure to gradually move misaligned teeth into proper position, without the metal brackets or wires of traditional metal braces.

According to a 2025 systematic review published in the Dentistry Journal, current indications for clear aligner treatment are mild to moderate malocclusions, while severe malocclusions with impactions or severe craniofacial skeletal deviations are contraindications.

How Does the Treatment Process Work?

Your smile transformation starts with detailed scans of your teeth, creating a digital model that shows exactly where each tooth needs to move. Advanced software maps out your entire treatment plan, revealing what your confident smile will look like at completion.

You’ll receive a series of custom-made aligner trays designed to make small adjustments over 1-2 weeks. The beauty lies in the flexibility. Unlike traditional braces, you can remove them for eating, brushing, and special occasions.

Clear Aligner Brands Available

Several established companies offer clear aligner solutions:

• Invisalign is the market leader in terms of the most extensive clinical data and global provider network.
• ClearCorrect targets moderate orthodontic issues with competitive pricing and dentist supervision.
• Angel Aligners brings global proprietary technology with growing US availability.
• SureSmile leverages Dentsply Sirona’s dental expertise to help with precise treatment planning.

Some direct-to-consumer brands have faced challenges. SmileDirectClub ceased operations in December 2023 after filing for bankruptcy, while Byte paused North American sales in October 2024 while reviewing regulatory requirements with the FDA.

Published analyses of the FDA MAUDE database show numerous adverse events tied to DTC aligners, with one study finding 104 DTC-related reports among 651 sequential-aligner reports. MAUDE data provide useful safety signals but are subject to reporting bias and cannot establish population rates.

How Did Invisalign Start the Clear Aligner Revolution?

Align Technology was founded in 1997, received FDA 510(k) clearance in 1998, and launched Invisalign commercially in 1999, essentially creating the clear aligner category. Over two decades later, it remains the most recognized name in invisible orthodontic care, with millions of patients treated worldwide.

What Makes Invisalign’s Technology Different?

• SmartTrack Material: Align markets SmartTrack as a multilayer thermoplastic engineered for improved force consistency and patient comfort in laboratory testing; however, independent head-to-head clinical evidence showing overall superiority of one brand’s material over others is limited.
• Advanced Planning Software: Align Technology reports over 20 million cumulative patients treated with the Invisalign system and its ClinCheck planning software. However, claims about predictive superiority versus other systems lack independent, peer-reviewed confirmation.
• SmartForce Attachments: Bonded composite attachments (Invisalign’s branded “SmartForce”) are a commonly used biomechanical aid across modern aligner systems; attachments improve control of certain tooth movements, but outcomes depend on the overall treatment plan and clinician technique rather than attachments alone.

Invisalign Options Available

Invisalign offers specialized programs:

• Comprehensive: For complex cases requiring 12+ months
• Moderate: For cases needing 6-18 months
• Express: Quick fixes for minor crowding in 3-6 months
• Teen: Includes compliance indicators and replacement coverage

Each addresses specific dental issues while providing the flexibility that makes Invisalign appealing to patients wanting to avoid traditional metal braces.

What Is the Difference Between Other Clear Aligners and Invisalign?

Here’s a brief comparison table of the differences between Invisalign and other clear aligners:

 

Feature	Invisalign	Other Clear Aligners
Technology	Patented SmartTrack material; advanced ClinCheck software	Varies by brand; fewer proprietary materials and software
Clinical Data	Over 20 million patients treated; extensive research	Limited clinical data; newer products with less published evidence
Treatment Complexity	Effective for mild to complex cases with advanced planning	Typically suitable for mild to moderate cases; complex case effectiveness varies
Refinements	Included as needed during treatment	May be limited or not included, depending on brand and model
FDA Clearance	Yes, FDA 510(k) clearance required	Should have FDA 510(k) clearance; not all brands comply
Attachment Use	SmartForce attachments available	Attachments are also used, but may vary in quality or use
Suitability for Complex Movements	Good, with expert clinician involvement	Mixed results; depends heavily on provider expertise
Patient Compliance Importance	High; 20-22 hours daily wear recommended	Equally important, but monitoring may be less strict
Warranty and Support	Comprehensive refinement and warranty policies	Varies; often more limited

 

Are Invisalign and Other Clear Aligners the Same in Terms of Professional Care? 

The answer varies dramatically by brand and provider model.

 

Invisalign’s Approach	Other Clear Aligner Brands
A certified Invisalign provider manages your entire journey	Professional-supervised brands (ClearCorrect, uLab, etc.) offer similar oversight to Invisalign
Regular in-person checkups and adjustments	Some newer brands use remote monitoring with varying levels of oversight
Refinements included when needed	Direct-to-consumer models may lack adequate professional involvement
Immediate access to care for problems	Limited ability to address complications varies significantly by brand

 

The American Association of Orthodontists has urged dentists to report adverse events with clear, direct-to-consumer aligners to the FDA, highlighting ongoing safety concerns with minimal supervision models.

What Does Research Say About Effectiveness?

A 2020 systematic review found a ‘low to moderate level’ of certainty regarding the efficiency of specific clear aligner therapy tooth movements. The results showed that aligners could produce acceptable outcomes comparable to traditional braces for certain movements in mild to moderate cases.

Research found that extrusion was the most difficult movement to control, achieving only 30% accuracy. The study analyzed 11 relevant articles and found that clear aligner treatment effectively controls anterior intrusion but not anterior extrusion.

Success depends on several critical factors:

• Accurate initial diagnosis by a licensed dentist
• Appropriate case selection for the chosen system
• Quality planning development
• Monitoring throughout care
• Patient compliance

Supervision becomes even more critical for patients with gum disease or other dental issues to ensure care doesn’t compromise oral health.

How Do Materials Impact Treatment Success?

The materials used in clear plastic aligners significantly impact outcomes and comfort. Invisalign’s patented thermoplastic material undergoes extensive testing for stress resistance, color stability, and consistent force delivery.

Studies on the differential stability of orthodontic aligner blends under thermocycling show that aligner material composition significantly impacts clinical durability. While both Invisalign and other clear aligners use clear plastic, the specific formulations vary considerably, affecting predictability, comfort levels, and resistance to staining.

Invisalign vs. Other Clear Aligners: What’s the Cost Difference?

Pricing reflects several factors beyond just the aligners themselves:

Invisalign Investment ($3,000-$8,000 range varies widely by region and case complexity):

• Advanced proprietary technology and materials
• Comprehensive supervision throughout care
• Proven clinical outcomes with extensive research
• Extensive refinement and warranty policies

Alternative Options ($1,500-$4,500 range varies widely by region and case complexity):

• Simpler technology and material systems
• Variable levels of oversight
• More limited refinement policies
• Newer companies with less clinical data

Disclaimer: Treatment costs vary significantly based on individual case complexity, geographic location, insurance coverage, and provider experience. The price ranges listed are estimates and may not reflect current market pricing. Patients should consult with qualified orthodontic professionals to receive accurate treatment estimates and determine the most appropriate aligner system for their specific needs. Treatment success depends on proper case selection, professional supervision, and patient compliance, regardless of the aligner brand chosen.

When Should You Choose Invisalign?

Choose Invisalign if you have:

• Complex orthodontic issues requiring advanced proprietary technology
• Previous care needing refinement
• Preference for proven technology with extensive research backing
• Desire for comprehensive supervision from a certified Invisalign provider
• Budget accommodating premium investment

When Might Other Clear Aligners Work?

Consider other clear aligner brands if you have:

• Simple alignment issues with straightforward needs
• Budget constraints requiring more economical approaches
• Access to quality supervision with alternative systems
• Mild cases where advanced technology isn’t necessary

Experience Excellence at Grant Family Dentistry

At Grant Family Dentistry, Dr. Trevor Grant and Dr. Blake Alexander combine advanced orthodontic training with exceptional patient care. Dr. Grant brings specialized Level One and Two Orthodontic Training through Rondeau Seminars, while Dr. Alexander has completed comprehensive Clear Aligner certification.

With convenient locations in Meeker and Rangely, Colorado, Grant Family Dentistry creates impact through excellence, authenticity, and selfless service. Their mission centers on providing care that exceeds expectations, giving you confidence in your smile while achieving optimal dental health. You’ll receive personalized attention from professionals who understand that your smile transformation deserves exceptional care.

Your journey to a confident, beautifully aligned smile starts with one call. Call (970) 450-5829 now to schedule your appointment.