In recent years, at-home clear aligner services like Byte, EZ Smile, and SmilePath have garnered serious hype in Australia. However, if you’re looking for the most powerful, versatile, personalized treatment, you want aligners administered in-person.
And in the in-office clear aligner industry, two giants stand above the rest: Invisalign and ClearCorrect. Invisalign is the innovator and the biggest name in the game, while ClearCorrect is their top competitor. They’re incredibly similar, but a few key differences separate these two treatment systems. That’s what we’re here to discuss.
Table of Contents
Company Overviews
Invisalign
Believe it or not, Invisalign didn’t invent clear aligner technology. In fact, the first models appeared in 1959. Still, many people think of them as the originator because they were the first company to take clear orthodontic aligners mainstream.
When Invisalign launched its products in the U.S. in 1998 after earning FDA approval, it was the first time most people had heard of a teeth-straightening alternative to metal braces. For roughly ten years, they stood alone, and their marketing ensured that their product became a household name.
Today, Invisalign is still the biggest name in orthodontic treatment. They partner with over 100,000 dentists and orthodontists in more than 90 countries and have straightened over 13 million smiles.
ClearCorrect
ClearCorrect started like most Invisalign competitors of the era: as a small operation by an individual doctor. In 2006, Dr. Willis Pumphrey wanted to offer more affordable clear aligners to his 400 patients and began handcrafting his own. Soon enough, he realized there was a real demand for Invisalign alternatives, and in 2008, he transitioned into mechanized manufacturing.
This move allowed ClearCorrect to compete directly with Invisalign. Since then, the company has changed its product lines, improved its plastics, and expanded its doctor-company partnerships to ensure that ClearCorrect isn’t just another clear aligner company, but one that truly rivals Invisalign in all categories.
Effectiveness Comparison
Effectiveness might be the single most important criteria when evaluating teeth-straightening options. Fortunately, this is where both Invisalign and ClearCorrect excel, especially compared to remote companies like Byte that only correct mild cases. In-person oversight from a dentist ensures that you can make significant alterations to both tooth and jaw alignment.
Of course, there are a few differences between these companies’ processes and aligner design that can influence effectiveness.
Invisalign
ClearCorrect
- Can address nearly the full range of orthodontic conditions, including certain jaw irregularities.
- Made by Align Technology, the first large-scale aligner producer.
- Uses scalloped aligners that match the gum line.
- Invisalign’s software, ClinCheck, allows for back and forth between Invisalign’s team and your doctor.
- Can correct most orthodontic concerns, though it is somewhat more limited than braces.
- Made by Straumann using ClearQuartz plastic.
- Uses straight-cut aligners that generate extra force.
- ClearCorrect’s software, ClearPilot, assists in every step of the treatment planning process.
Aligner Material
In the past, both Invisalign and ClearCorrect obtained the plastic for their aligners from Zendura, a well-known dental materials company. However, in 2013, Invisalign shifted to a proprietary plastic called SmartTrack, designed specifically for clear aligners.
According to Invisalign, making this change allowed them to offer 50% faster treatment times, 75% more predictability of tooth movement, and increased patient comfort.
Not to be outdone, ClearCorrect created their proprietary material: ClearQuartz. They’ve used this material in their aligners since 2020, and they say it’s more flexible than their previous plastics while still generating enough force to encourage tooth shifts.
Technology
Both companies use photographs of your teeth and digital scans of your dental anatomy (though ClearCorrect occasionally uses physical impressions) to develop your treatment plan. Invisalign requires that the orthodontists and dentists offering their system use the iTero scanner and their ClinCheck software. Both have long track records of delivering incredible results, but they’re more expensive than other options (specifically iTero) — this can impact your doctor’s overhead expenses and, in turn, their prices.
ClearCorrect also requires that doctors use proprietary software, called ClearPilot. However, they’re happy to accept 3D dental mapping from pretty much all digital scanners, which allows your doctor to select one that is more affordable than iTero and pass those savings on to you. ClearCorrect will also sometimes accept physical impressions, making their service more accessible to smaller practices.
Additional Attachments
In-office aligners can make bigger changes to your tooth alignment than at-home options, primarily because they can incorporate attachments.
Dentists can apply attachments to either Invisalign and ClearCorrect aligners if it’s necessary. They affix these small, tooth-colored shapes to the teeth, giving the aligners something to leverage so they can generate additional force and make more precise movements. Invisalign calls them SmartForce attachments, while ClearCorrect calls theirs Engagers, although they’re essentially the same thing.
Affordability Comparison
Orthodontic care boasts many benefits, but affordability isn’t one of them. Many adults look into orthodontic treatment because their parents simply couldn’t afford it when they were kids.
In-office treatments are almost always more expensive than at-home aligners, but they can still offer value. Either way, you may be worried about making Invisalign or ClearCorrect treatment work within your budget, and overall, ClearCorrect is often slightly more affordable.
Invisalign
ClearCorrect
- Most people pay somewhere between $6,000 and $8,500.
- Invisalign’s base lab fees are higher than ClearCorrect’s, but higher-tier providers get discounts.
- Medicare only covers dental treatments if they will improve your overall health. If not, you can use the Medicare rebate or a private policy.
- You’ll need to wear retainers forever, and they can cost anywhere from $150 to $350 per set.
- Invisalign does not offer financing, but your doctor might have their own payment plans.
- They offer multiple plans with different costs. The full range is between $3,000 and $6,500.
- ClearCorrect has lower lab fees than Invisalign, and most doctors pass these savings on to their patients.
- Medicare only covers dental treatments if they will improve your overall health. If not, you can use the Medicare rebate or a private policy.
- You’ll need to wear retainers forever, and they can cost anywhere from $150 to $350 per set.
- ClearCorrect does not offer financing, but your doctor might have in-house payment plans.
Average Cost
In-office treatments rarely have a set price because numerous elements can influence what you pay, such as:
- The cost of the equipment your doctor needs.
- Lab fees from the clear aligner company.
- The complexity of your case and how many office visits you need.
- How well you follow your treatment plan.
- Your dentist’s other overhead expenses.
We recommend gauging affordability by first looking at the average range of treatment costs, then getting an accurate quote from providers near you. Don’t be afraid to get treatment estimates from multiple doctors before you select one.
So, what are the average costs for Invisalign and ClearCorrect?
Most Invisalign patients spend somewhere between $6,000–$9,000 on treatment, though Invisalign Express — which has ten or fewer aligners sets — averages just $1,500-$4,500. ClearCorrect also has a wide price range, between $3,000 and $6,500. They have plans that are similar to Invisalign Express and come with an equally low price.
How Plans Impact Pricing
Invisalign offers two main plans: Invisalign Express and the full treatment. Express only uses up to ten aligners, so it’s a lot cheaper, while the full system provides as many aligners as you need — and goes up in price accordingly.
Not to be outdone, ClearCorrect also offers shorter, less expensive treatment options. Their Mini plan gives you 12 aligners, One gives you up to 24, Two provides up to 48, and Three includes up to 72. Plus, they have a more flexible alternative appropriately named “Flex,” which charges per aligner.
ClearCorrect’s Unlimited plan occasionally surpasses Invisalign in price, but for good reason. Unlimited provides as many aligners as you need for five years, including those for making corrections if you wear your retainers incorrectly. Because there is no cap on how many aligners you can get through this plan, the cost can be high, but for some people, it’s worth it.
What About Insurance?
Medicare only covers dental expenses when they can improve your overall health. For example, if your jaw alignment makes it difficult to chew — impacting your nutrition and digestion — it might cover braces, aligners, and other appliances. But these cases are pretty rare.
This is why many Australians carry supplemental dental insurance policies. If you have one, you should get at least partial coverage for most Invisalign and ClearCorrect treatments. The exception is if you are making strictly cosmetic adjustments.
Financing Options
Even the most affordable form of orthodontic treatment usually costs more than what most people can pay out of pocket. Financing can break the cost up into monthly installments, making it easier to work into your budget.
Like other in-office orthodontic systems, Invisalign and ClearCorrect do not offer their own financing plans. Instead, you’ll go through your doctor or a third-party financing company, so the terms will vary. Some plans may require a credit check, others a down payment, and others will require both. Be sure to check the interest on every financing plan you consider. Most will include interest, though some doctors offer interest-free financing.
Convenience Comparison
As a removable appliance, aligners are more convenient than braces. They don’t require significant lifestyle or diet changes, and they need fewer office visits. However, in-office aligners like Invisalign and ClearCorrect aren’t quite as convenient as at-home aligners, which require no trips to the dentist or orthodontist.
Overall, these companies don’t have any notable differences in their convenience. However, it is still important that you know what to expect.
Invisalign
ClearCorrect
- To get started, your doctor will use the iTero scanner to take digital images of your teeth.
- You visit your doctor every 4–10 weeks, depending on your needs.
- Treatment usually takes 12–18 months.
- You must wear your aligners 22 hours a day.
- SmartTrack material is thick but smooth and flexible.
- Your dentist begins the ClearCorrect process by examining and taking scans of your teeth.
- You attend check-ups every 4–10 weeks.
- Treatment takes 6–18 months on average.
- You must wear your aligners for 22 hours a day.
- ClearQuartz is a thick and somewhat flexible material.
Getting Started
No matter which system you choose, getting started is pretty simple: schedule your appointment, show up, and get examined. If your doctor feels you are well-suited to treatment, they will take the necessary diagnostics and provide a price estimate before you leave. There is one caveat here: Invisalign has a lot more providers, so you might struggle to find a ClearCorrect provider if you don’t live in or near a city.
Treatment Time
Invisalign says its treatment takes 12–18 months on average, while their Express system generally takes 4–6 months. ClearCorrect can take as few as six months for simple cases, and up to 18 months for more complex ones, although its Mini and One plans can be even shorter.
By comparison, most at-home clear aligner treatments take around six months — but remember that Invisalign and ClearCorrect normally handle more severe misalignments, which take more time to correct.
Comfort
Each company uses its own type of plastic and different aligner cuts, both of which can impact your comfort during treatment.
Invisalign’s SmartTrack plastic is more flexible than ClearCorrect’s ClearQuartz. This means that it is less likely to cause soreness, though you will experience some with either system.
However, ClearCorrect’s straight-cut aligners slightly overlap the gum line, which prevents them from digging into the area where the teeth and gums meet. Invisalign, in contrast, can cause discomfort here.
Appearance Comparison
You will need to wear your aligners everywhere — work, home, social gatherings, dates, etc. So, you likely want the least noticeable ones available. Even though all clear aligners are less visible than traditional braces, aligner aesthetics can differ from company to company.
Most people think clear aligners are more attractive than metal appliances. However, there are differences between manufacturers that can impact their aesthetics. While they look very similar, there are some subtle differences between Invisalign and ClearCorrect aligners.
Invisalign
ClearCorrect
- Aligners have a frosted appearance.
- Textures the plastic to match naturally porous teeth surfaces.
- Trims the aligners to follow the gum line.
- Uses fairly stain-resistant plastic.
- Using SmartForce attachments and other appliances increases the visibility of the aligners.
- Aligners are smooth and translucent.
- Cuts their aligners straight across, so they overlap with the gum line.
- Uses fairly stain-resistant plastic.
- Using engagers on the teeth can make the aligners more visible.
Aligner Thickness
Invisalign and ClearCorrect don’t make particularly thick aligners. However, Invisalign’s SmartTrack plastic is slightly thicker than ClearCorrect’s ClearQuartz. This thickness makes them sturdier, but depending on the angle, it could make them slightly more visible as well.
Aligner Clarity
Invisalign uses textured, slightly frosted plastic, which better matches the matte, porous surfaces of your teeth. ClearCorrect’s ClearQuartz plastic is smoother and translucent, which can sometimes make teeth appear unnaturally shiny. Some patients, however, prefer the shininess of smooth, clear aligners, so it’s really a matter of personal preference.
Aligner Cut
There are two ways to cut clear aligners: scalloped to match the gum line or straight across the top, overlapping the gums. Scalloped aligners like Invisalign’s run along the gum line, so there is no visible edge.
Straight-cut aligners overlap the gums, creating a slightly noticeable line. However, this isn’t obvious for most people; usually, it’s just a concern for people who show their gums when they smile. And even in those cases, most people will not notice your aligners unless they are very close.
Attachments
Invisalign’s SmartForce attachments and ClearCorrect’s Engagers increase the power of their aligners, empowering more complex dental shifts. But since dentists affix them to the front surfaces of your teeth, they also increase visibility. Attachments are often tooth-colored, so they don’t stand out too much, but observant bystanders might still notice them.
Patient Experience Comparison
You want to have a pleasant experience with any purchase. And when that purchase is a medical treatment, your satisfaction should be a top priority.
As in-office treatments, Invisalign and ClearCorrect deliver a highly personalized patient experience. Unlike remote aligner services, you’ll interact in person with dentists and office staff who know you and your teeth intimately. Choose either option and you’ll get responsiveness, individualized care, and robust clinical oversight.
Invisalign
ClearCorrect
- Your doctor and their staff are your customer support team.
- Most communication happens in person or over the phone.
- Regular appointments help monitor even the more nuanced elements of treatment.
- The initial price may or may not cover refinements.
- You’ll rely on your doctor and their staff for customer support.
- You typically get in touch over the phone or speak in person.
- Routine check-ups help make sure that all elements of your treatment are progressing.
- Your original payment may or may not cover refinements, depending on your plan.
Customer Service
At some point during treatment, you’ll probably have a question or concern. When this happens, you need to know who to contact.
For both Invisalign and ClearCorrect, that person is your doctor, or at least their support staff. In most cases, you’ll get a quick response, assuming you contact them during the week and within their office hours. For an emergency, they might even get back to you when they aren’t in the office.
Oversight
In-person check-ins might be tough to fit into your schedule, but they make sure you get regular examinations and face time with your dentist. This helps keep your treatment on track, and it allows your doctor to employ simple adjustments and modifications that might even speed up your treatment timeline.
It’s much more robust than the remote oversight you’ll get from some at-home aligner companies, who only require that you send photos of your teeth every few weeks. That might be easier and more streamlined, but it lacks the personal touch you’ll get from an in-office treatment.
Satisfaction Guarantee
It rarely happens, but sometimes a patient will reach the end of treatment and find that their results do not match their expectations or the original treatment preview.
With Invisalign, your dentist may or may not include refinements in your treatment price, so ask them to find out. With ClearCorrect, it depends more on the plan you select. The Mini and Flex plans don’t include any refinements, the One plan includes one, Two includes two, and Three includes three. If you opt for the Unlimited plan, however, you get all the aligners you need for five years, including refinements. And if your teeth shift even a few years after treatment is complete, you can get more aligners to fix them.
Which Should You Choose?
Ultimately, Invisalign and ClearCorrect are so similar that you could flip a coin and end up with fantastic clear aligner treatment. However, there are some cases where one might be slightly better than the other.
Choose Invisalign If:
You feel most comfortable choosing the company with the greatest wealth of experience and don’t mind paying extra for it.
Choose ClearCorrect If:
You want the benefits of in-office treatment but are looking to pay as little as possible — or want an option where you can pay per aligner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Invisalign or ClearCorrect?
Each has its pros and cons, and each is ideal for different situations. We think Invisalign has better materials and attachments, while ClearCorrect has greater flexibility and a lower price.
What are the first steps to getting started with treatment?
With either company, the first steps are locating a provider near you and scheduling an appointment. During this visit, the doctor will examine your teeth and take the diagnostics necessary to create your treatment plan.
How are Invisalign and ClearCorrect different?
For us, the biggest difference is price. Both have wide price ranges, but if you were to compare identical treatment plans between the two brands, ClearCorrect would almost always be cheaper.
Which takes longer: Invisalign or ClearCorrect?
For patients with similar needs, there is no meaningful difference between Invisalign and ClearCorrect’s treatment timelines.
Does Invisalign correct more significant orthodontic irregularities than ClearCorrect?
Yes, but not by much. Because Invisalign can incorporate items like elastics and its plastics are slightly more state-of-the-art, it can address more jaw misalignments than ClearCorrect. However, these cases are somewhat rare, so you probably won’t need to consider them when making your decision.
How do Invisalign and ClearCorrect compare to at-home clear aligner companies?
At-home clear aligners are almost always more affordable and convenient. However, they can’t treat severe misalignments like in-office options can. If you are looking to make smaller, more cosmetic changes, you might be better off with a remote treatment.
What are the best at-home clear aligner companies in Australia?
The following companies made our list of the best at-home aligners in Australia:
- Byte
- EZ Smile
- SmileDirectClub
- SmilePath
Are home aligners considered safe?
Yes. You should always do your research before making a major purchase, especially one that will alter your smile, but we’ve researched numerous remote aligner companies and found nearly all of them to be highly reputable AND effective.
Do clear aligners hurt?
There is a difference between pain and discomfort. While your clear aligners might cause some sensitivity to biting pressure at first, they should never be truly painful. If your teeth are hurting more than they should, reach out to your doctor or customer service representative.
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