3M Clarity Aligners vs. Invisalign: What You Should Know

For a long time, orthodontic treatment meant metal, highly visible appliances affixed to your teeth — not ideal for working adults. But when Invisalign introduced the first mainstream clear aligner system, it changed everything. They remained the only clear aligner company for a long time, but the past several years have seen a wave of competitors creating high-quality products, and one of the most notable is 3M Clarity Aligners.

So, which is the ideal treatment for you: the industry giant or the innovative newcomer? We’ve researched both products to compile all the facts you need to make a confident decision.

Company Overviews

3M Clarity Aligners vs. Invisalign is a battle of industry giants. Invisalign remains the biggest and most well-known clear aligner company in the world. However, Clarity Aligners is backed by 3M — a widely trusted and respected company.

3M launched the Clarity brand with Clarity Clear Braces. In 2018, they added clear aligners, then redesigned them in 2021, adding a second type of plastic and changing the treatment planning process.

Despite the fierce competition that’s emerged among aligner producers today, Invisalign is still the only household name. They also have more than 100,000 partner dentists and orthodontists in 90 countries, and they’ve perfected over 15 million smiles to date.

Scope of Treatment Comparison

3M Clarity and Invisalign are two of the biggest names in clear aligner therapy. They’re known for delivering high-quality treatment that can address a wide range of conditions. Still, not every type of misalignment is within their reach, and to see success, your case must be one they can treat.

What 3M Clarity and Invisalign Treat

3M Clarity is proud of its wide treatment scope, which includes all classes of malocclusions. They’ve documented their aligners’ ability to treat the following conditions, whether mild or severe:

• Crowded teeth
• Gapped teeth
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite
• Open bite
• Snaggletooth
• Midline misalignment

According to Invisalign, their aligners have “​​demonstrated success in treating Class I, II, and III malocclusions,” including:

• Crowded teeth
• Gapped teeth
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite
• Open bite
• Snaggletooth
• Midline misalignment

As you can see, the two companies can treat a similar range of conditions. In some cases, though, 3M Clarity might be able to make slightly more nuanced movements thanks to how they use attachments. They’re lower profile and their software also accommodates placement on the backs of the teeth, allowing the system to direct force in different ways.

What 3M Clarity and Invisalign Customers Say

Lots of patients have posted their 3M Clarity reviews online — mainly as video reviews on YouTube and TikTok. On the whole, patients back up the company’s claims regarding treatment scope, showing dramatic changes to alignment, jaw position, and even facial balance.

With over 15 million patients behind them, it’s easy to find Invisalign reviews, too. Some patients have even shared theirs directly with us! Even complex cases often see high success rates, and patients who sent us reviews gave Invisalign 4 or 5 stars almost across the board.

Clinical Oversight

As in-office aligner companies, both 3M Clarity and Invisalign revolve around hands-on care. Only orthodontists are allowed to administer 3M Clarity, not general dentists. Plus, 3M encourages orthodontists to engage in continuing education specifically focused on their products. This means that every around 4–10 weeks, you’ll meet with a genuine expert in 3M Clarity and dentofacial orthopedics as a whole.

Invisalign can be offered by general dentists or orthodontists. The company also places an emphasis on continuing education in their system. You’ll see your provider every 4–10 weeks on average, just like with Clarity.

Quality of Materials

Attachments can increase aligners’ range of tooth movement, but most of their force comes from their shape, so materials play a significant role in treatment scope. 3M Clarity stands out from other providers by using two different materials.

Flex is made from five unique layers, resulting in the flexibility that gives it its name. Force is the original plastic and is stiffer. 3M Clarity notes that the two types of plastic are better at different types of movements:

• Flex is better at correcting rotations and incorrect angles.
• Force is better at expansion, torque, and raising or lowering teeth

Your orthodontist can switch plastics with each aligner based on which movements you need in every stage of treatment.

Invisalign uses a proprietary plastic called SmartTrack. It’s a multilayer aromatic thermoplastic polyurethane/copolyester blend that multiple studies have shown to work well at making simple and complex tooth shifts.

Affordability Comparison

A straighter smile can give you better oral health, boost confidence, and even reduce jaw pain. Those are all great things, but you don’t want to sacrifice your financial well-being to get them. We think Clarity Aligners and Invisalign both offer a lot of value — but they also carry price tags that aren’t just higher than at-home aligners, but higher than some of their in-office competitors too.

Sticker Price

In-office clear aligners pretty much never come with a set price. That’s because your cost will vary based on the system you choose or how many aligners you need — and sometimes, both. Plus, doctors need to build their overhead costs and labor into their prices, and still make a profit. These costs can change based on your doctor’s experience, their location, how many office visits you need, and more.

Clarity Aligners and Invisalign both have a typical price range of $3,000–$8,000, with most treatments falling around the $5,000 mark. This makes them two of the most expensive clear aligners on the market.

What About Insurance?

Even at their most affordable, Clarity Aligners and Invisalign represent a significant investment. We can’t speak to your financial situation, but we know that $3,000 is more than just pocket change for us. If you have dental insurance with orthodontic benefits, it can help reduce the financial burden.

Orthodontic benefits typically either cover a percentage of your expenses or have a lifetime limit, usually around $1,000–$3,000. Most plans that include orthodontic benefits will cover Clarity Aligners or Invisalign, although it’s often only partial coverage.

Also: Don’t forget to look into using your HSA or FSA funds. While some won’t cover clear aligners, others will. Talk to your account administrator to learn more.

Financing Options

If you’ve already used your insurance, HSA, and/or FSA and still have high out-of-pocket costs, financing can break them up into manageable chunks. To enroll, contact your doctor to see if they have any viable plans — if not, you can check out third-party financiers. In most cases, your doctor will offer better terms, though you may need to pass a credit check or make a down payment to qualify.

Convenience Comparison

Your life is busy. You have work projects, family responsibilities, social engagements, and barely any “me time” left over. When a rare moment of freedom pops up, you don’t want to fill it with a dental appointment. Clarity and Invisalign’s office visits are essential for your treatment’s effectiveness, but they may not be ideal for your schedule. That said, let’s see how the two treatment options stack up in terms of overall convenience.

Getting Started

The start-up process for either treatment is simple: you go to the 3M Clarity or Invisalign website, find their doctor directory, then search using your zip Code. Scroll through the list looking for doctors who offer the specific treatment you want (Clarity also makes braces and not all doctors offer the aligners, and Invisalign has multiple systems). Once you find a good fit, contact them to schedule your consultation. They’ll perform an exam, take the diagnostic images, and handle all the details.

How Long Does Treatment Take?

There is no set treatment timeline with either system because everyone is unique in how their body responds to treatment — and how well they follow their doctor’s instructions. However, average treatment times can give you a general idea.

Clarity Aligners treatment can last anywhere from six to 24 months, although the average is around 15. Invisalign often takes 12–18 months. Clarity is pretty similar, but it all depends on the severity of your condition and how diligently you follow your treatment plan.

Another factor to consider is how quickly you get your aligners. Invisalign often takes around a month to manufacture and send your aligners because they’re in high demand. Clarity Aligners aren’t quite as in-demand yet, so they say patients can get their aligners 2–3 weeks after approving their treatment plan.

What Are the Office Visits Like?

Both Invisalign and Clarity Aligners center their treatments on regular office visits, which are usually 4–10 weeks apart. During these appointments, your doctor will examine your teeth, add or adjust attachments, provide new aligners, and answer any questions you have. And if you have any concerns between appointments, you can always call to schedule an additional visit.

Appearance Comparison

Clear aligners have so many features to love, but the one that brought them fame is their appearance — they are essentially invisible in your mouth. In every case, clear aligners are less visible than braces, but certain design decisions can determine just how discreet they are, so Clarity Aligners and Invisalign will look slightly different. Which one looks better, however, is up to you.

Aligner Material

A clear aligner’s material can have a significant influence on its appearance. Clarity uses two types of plastics, but both look the same: ultra-clear, smooth, and matte. We prefer the matte finish since our teeth aren’t naturally shiny, but in our opinion, the smooth texture misses the mark since enamel is porous and slightly bumpy. Invisalign uses a frosted, matte, textured plastic, so we think their aligners better mimic natural teeth surfaces.

Aligner Cut

Good scalloped cuts will hide the aligner’s edge where the teeth and gums meet. Straight cuts overlap the gums, making a visual distinction that some people might notice in close quarters. For many patients, however, the upper edge remains hidden behind their lips even when smiling, so which is more attractive will depend on your anatomy and your doctor’s design choices. Invisalign always scallops their aligners, while Clarity lets your orthodontist choose if they want a straight or scalloped cut.

Supplemental Attachments

Elastics, buttons, spacers, and engagers can all improve orthodontic tooth movement, but they also increase visibility. While both companies’ aligners can incorporate attachments, Clarity Aligners makes them as small as possible. So small, in fact, that some doctors will apply them behind the teeth rather than in front, almost completely hiding them.

Patient Experience Comparison

So far, we discussed everything from how to find a doctor to the profile of attachments. Now, it’s time to examine smaller details that, while easily overlooked, play a big role in your satisfaction. This is the patient experience, and though the specifics will vary across practices, we think both Invisalign and Clarity Aligners typically come with excellent, personalized support.

Communication Channels

If you have an issue or question during Clarity Aligners or Invisalign treatment, contact your doctor’s office. Many offices will offer phone and email options, and some even have patient portals that accommodate texting and web chat services. Most dental offices are available during regular business hours, and many also have limited hours on the weekends.

When you call, you likely won’t speak with a remote customer service representative like you would with an at-home aligner treatment. You’ll get someone who knows you and your teeth personally, with access to the intricate details of your case.

Oversight

Direct oversight might not be ideal for your schedule, but it does a lot to enhance the patient experience. Your dentist or orthodontist will likely request that you schedule office visits every 4–10 weeks, although some might prefer to spread them out more. These check-ins are a great time to ask questions and talk about treatment.

Refund & Warranty Policies

Clarity Aligners and Invisalign don’t have any overarching satisfaction guarantees or warranties. Instead, they defer to your doctor. Most dentists and orthodontists will do everything they can to ensure that you get the results you want. Some may include refinements for free, while others might charge extra. Rarely will any dentist give you a refund after your treatment is complete, but they’ll work with you to perfect your smile.

Which Should You Choose?

We think it’s hard to go wrong with Clarity Aligners or Invisalign. Neither is inherently better than the other, but you might find that one is a better fit for you.