When Invisalign introduced clear aligners to the masses, they transformed the world of orthodontics. For nearly a decade, it was the only company offering this innovative treatment on a large scale. Then, two competitors emerged: SureSmile and ClearCorrect.
Since then, we’ve seen a wave of new clear aligner producers, yet these two companies remain some of the most popular in-office Invisalign alternatives. But which one is the better fit for you? We’ve got all the info to help you make a confident, well-informed choice.
Table of Contents
Company Overviews
SureSmile and ClearCorrect aren’t household names like Invisalign, but we think they’re worthy competitors. Both companies are nipping at Invisalign’s heels in every category, treating all classes of malocclusions while saving many patients time and money.
Technically, SureSmile is the older company here. They started in 1998, but at that time, they only made specialized archwires for lingual braces. They didn’t start making clear aligners until 2007. Over the years, they’ve tweaked their products and planning software, making their system versatile and trustworthy.
ClearCorrect has been making clear aligners for one year longer. Dr. Willis Pumphrey launched the system in 2006 because he had 400 patients seeking a clear aligner substitute for Invisalign. The start was slow, with a grassroots network of dentists signing on, but within a few years, ClearCorrect became one of the largest, most established clear aligner companies. Today, they vie with SureSmile for the title of top Invisalign alternative.
Our Review Methodology
Smile Prep’s reviews are prepared and presented from the perspective of a well-informed consumer. Our starting point for all of our reviews is a careful survey of a company’s marketing claims and available third party customer reviews. We rely on the accuracy of company claims and do not independently verify them. Our reviews use this information to help our readers get information about the available options in a centralized location. You can learn more about our review process by checking out our publishing principles.
Scope of Treatment Comparison
SureSmile and ClearCorrect are both great aligner systems, and between the two, they’ve straightened millions of smiles. But just because a clear aligner system works for many doesn’t mean it will for all. To benefit from either company, you have to make sure their treatment can correct your specific misalignment.
SureSmile Treatment Scope
ClearCorrect Treatment Scope
- Treats all classes of malocclusions, including many skeletal components.
- Can move all the teeth, including the molars.
- Typically requires in-person check-ins every 4–10 weeks.
- Treats all classes of malocclusions, including many skeletal components.
- Can move all the teeth, including the molars.
- Typically requires in-person check-ins every 4–10 weeks.
What SureSmile and ClearCorrect Treat
Dentsply Sirona, the company that owns SureSmile, states their aligners can correct class I, II, and III malocclusions. Among the issues they treat are:
ClearCorrect’s treatment scope depends on which of their six treatment plans your dentist chooses. For example, Flex and Mini are for mild aesthetic corrections, much like remote aligners, while Unlimited can address even severe issues. Among the types of misalignments ClearCorrect can treat are:
As with all clear aligners, neither company is good at raising or lowering the teeth and both struggle to grip small or very pointed teeth. Both treatments’ versatility stems from their ability to incorporate attachments — which can improve their control and range of tooth movement. SureSmile also lets your doctor choose your aligner trim, and they may choose a straight cut, which some studies suggest can help improve an aligner’s force transfer (per review by our non-clinical team).
What SureSmile and ClearCorrect Customers Say
You can find some patient testimonials on the SureSmile website. ClearCorrect has a case gallery where you can see some of their results, use before-and-after sliders, and check out featured patient success stories showing both simple and complex cases. However, we suggest you head to other sources to hear unsponsored testimonials from previous patients. YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram are all great platforms to check. In our browsing, we found that most feedback supports the companies’ claims regarding treatment scope.
Clinical Oversight
By nature, in-office aligners incorporate hands-on treatment and individualized care, and SureSmile and ClearCorrect are no exception. In both cases, you’ll likely see your provider about once every 4–10 weeks — more frequently for complex cases, less often for the simple ones. At these appointments, your dentist can apply attachments, adjust your treatment plan, and catch problems before they can derail your results.
Quality of Materials
SureSmile uses Essix ACE plastic in their aligners. It’s known for being a solid dental plastic and is good at generating force and maintaining its shape. ClearCorrect uses a tri-layer plastic, called ClearQuartz, which the company claims “retains 10x more of its initial force than other competitors.”
SureSmile and ClearCorrect Technology
Both SureSmile and ClearCorrect use software to scan your teeth, create 3D models of your dental arches, and simulate your treatment plan. ClearCorrect uses a software called ClearPilot, which offers a variety of 3D editing tools to help your dentist customize your treatment — and SureSmile’s software is similar.
But SureSmile doesn’t stop at their software. They also include a high-frequency vibration device called VPro. It uses gentle micro-pulses to stimulate the bone structures in your mouth, and there’s evidence that using it for five minutes a day can encourage faster dental shifts. The device comes standard with SureSmile treatment, but how and when to use it is up to your doctor.
ClearCorrect’s treatment is compatible with similar devices, so your dentist or orthodontist might offer one as an add-on, but the company doesn’t include one with their aligners.
Affordability Comparison
A straighter smile can boost your confidence and your oral health. Those are tremendous benefits, but you shouldn’t have to trade your financial wellbeing to get them. Hands-on orthodontic care can be pretty expensive, and even though SureSmile and ClearCorrect aren’t as affordable as at-home services, they both often cost less than Invisalign.
SureSmile Affordability
ClearCorrect Affordability
- The cost varies, but most people will pay between $2,000 and $6,000.
- Has a Select plan where you pay per aligner, lowering the cost of treatment.
- Financing varies based on your doctor’s terms.
- No set sticker price, the average cost is $3,000-$6,000.
- Offers multiple payment models, including a Flex plan where you pay per aligner.
- Financing varies depending on the dentist.
Sticker Price
As in-office treatments, SureSmile and ClearCorrect don’t have a set price. While the companies themselves have standard fees for dentists, your dentist will charge slightly more to ensure they make a profit. Their rates, however, depend on their overhead costs, their location, how many office visits you need, and more.
SureSmile’s Complete plan ranges from $4,000 to $6,000; this is comparable to ClearCorrect Unlimited, which usually costs around the same. If you go for their Select plan, where you pay for each aligner, the average price is $2,000–$4,000, similar to ClearCorrect’s Flex plan, which also charges per aligner and averages $2,000–$4,000.
Some ClearCorrect providers may also offer limited plans for patients with milder misalignments. ClearCorrect’s Mini plan gives you 12 aligners, while the One plan provides up to 24, Two gives you up to 48, and Three provides up to 72. The more limited your plan, the less you’ll pay.
What About Insurance?
One benefit of choosing an in-office treatment over an at-home aligner service is that you’re more likely to receive insurance coverage. Both SureSmile and ClearCorrect are eligible for coverage under any plan that includes orthodontic benefits — however, it’s usually partial coverage, so you might still need to cover thousands out of pocket.
Make sure you select an in-network doctor for your treatment and bring your insurance card to your appointment. Also, if you have an FSA or HSA, contact your administrator to see if you can apply those funds to your aligner treatment.
Financing Options
SureSmile and ClearCorrect are among the most affordable in-office clear aligners — but they still usually cost thousands of dollars, and most people don’t have that kind of cash lying around. One way to fit aligner treatment into your budget is financing. Like most in-office aligner producers, SureSmile and ClearCorrect don’t offer financing directly to patients. However, your dentist’s office might have in-house plans or advice on third-party financing, so ask them about your options.
Convenience Comparison
Life is a juggling act of work, family, friends, chores, and (we hope) a little self-care. Whenever you have some free time, you don’t want to fill it with a dental appointment or complicated aligner care. Neither is as streamlined as at-home options like Byte — which don’t require any office visits — but on the whole, we find SureSmile and ClearCorrect to be equally convenient, with just a few minor differences.
SureSmile Convenience
ClearCorrect Convenience
- You select a provider and they handle the entire start-up process.
- You need to see your doctor in person about every 4–10 weeks.
- Treatment typically takes 6–18 months.
- You schedule an appointment with a provider and they take it from there.
- You see your doctor about every 4–10 weeks.
- Average treatment time is 12–18 months.
Getting Started
SureSmile and ClearCorrect both have the same start-up process: find a provider, schedule a consultation, then show up. At the appointment, your doctor will examine your smile and take various diagnostic images. If they feel you are a good fit, they’ll upload those images using the provider’s software and collaborate with the company’s team to design your treatment.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
Orthodontic treatment timelines vary, but for most people, aligners mean playing the waiting game. After all, the process involves loosening ligaments and remodeling bones. SureSmile takes 6–18 months on average and ClearCorrect often takes 12–18, although certain mild cases might take just a few months.
SureSmile also offers providers their VPro high-frequency vibration device, whose product description claims it may accelerate tooth movement. Of course, results can vary depending on the patient.
SureSmile and ClearCorrect patients can expect to schedule check-ups around once every 4–10 weeks during treatment, but that depends on your misalignment and your dentist’s preferences.
What About Nighttime-Only Treatment?
Clear aligners are appealing in part because they’re easy to use — no dietary restrictions, no relearning how to brush and floss. The trade-off is that you have to clean your aligners and your teeth multiple times a day and remove your aligners when you eat or drink anything besides plain water.
The only way around this is to wear aligners solely at night, putting them in after your last meal and not removing them for ten consecutive hours. A few at-home aligner companies offer this form of treatment, but right now, in-office providers do not. You might find a doctor who is open to creating a custom wear schedule, but you’ll most likely need to wear them for 20–22 hours per day.
Appearance Comparison
Ever since their debut, clear aligners have appealed to adults because of their near invisibility. For anyone who doesn’t want a mouth full of brackets and wires, that’s a big deal. But not all clear aligners look the same, and SureSmile and ClearCorrect each have unique features.
SureSmile Appearance
ClearCorrect Appearance
- Uses textured, shiny plastic.
- Might use a scalloped or straight aligner cut, depending on your needs.
- Can incorporate attachments, but they will make the aligners more noticeable.
- Aligners are slightly matte.
- Cuts their aligners straight across, which can make them more visible.
- Can use attachments, which increase the aligners’ visibility.
Aligner Material
Clear aligners can use either shiny or frosted plastic, with either slightly textured or completely smooth surfaces. Your teeth are porous and matte, so in our opinion, a frosted, textured finish looks the most natural, while a shiny, smooth finish can give your teeth an artificial sheen.
SureSmile uses a shiny plastic, but they texture it. The aligners might have a slightly noticeable luster, but some people like the way it makes their smile gleam. However, we think the texture helps it match the natural surfaces of your teeth. ClearCorrect uses a matte, textured plastic which we think mimics the surfaces of real teeth — but people who want to add some shine to their smile might not like that.
Aligner Cut
Your aligners’ cut doesn’t just influence their treatment scope; it also affects their appearance. A straight cut might improve aligners’ force transfer, but they overlap the gums, making them more visible — especially if your gums show when you smile. Scalloped aligners follow your unique gum line, so they might not be quite as powerful, but we think they’re slightly more discreet.
ClearCorrect only uses a straight cut, so observant friends nearby might notice them. SureSmile lets your dentist choose the cut, and they’ll choose the best one for your specific case.
Supplemental Attachments
Using supplemental attachments empowers clear aligners to correct more complex misalignments — but they also increase visibility. While most dentists use clear or tooth-colored attachments, they still are noticeable, especially at certain angles. Both SureSmile and ClearCorrect use attachments like elastics and buttons, but not every case requires them. So, you might not have them, but if you do, they’ll make your aligners slightly less discreet.
Patient Experience Comparison
Right now, you are probably feeling like a SureSmile and ClearCorrect expert. And while things like prices and manufacturers are important, they don’t always influence your ongoing patient experience. That’s built on little details like support team availability, dentist oversight, and satisfaction guarantees. From communication methods to oversight, we think in-person care from a dentist who knows you typically provides personalized and satisfactory support — although it may vary based on the dentist you choose.
SureSmile Patient Experience
ClearCorrect Patient Experience
- You’ll usually contact your dentist by phone, although some offices have other communication channels.
- In-person oversight gives you regular one-on-one time with your dentist.
- Refinements vary based on your plan, and refunds are between you and your dentist.
- You’ll most often speak with your dentist in-person or over the phone.
- In-person oversight gives you regular one-on-one time with your dentist.
- Refinements don’t typically cost extra with ClearCorrect’s full treatment. Refunds depend on the office.
Communication Channels
Most dental offices are only available over the phone during regular business hours — and some have weekend hours too. You might find a doctor with a patient portal featuring web chat, or an office with a texting option, but go with SureSmile or ClearCorrect and you’ll probably need to call in with any questions.
Oversight
No treatment is 100% perfect, 100% of the time. Even if your aligners do their job, your teeth and bones may not respond as expected. Or you might forget to wear them consistently. In-person oversight helps catch problems early so you and your doctor can correct course before things get too out of hand.
Both SureSmile and ClearCorrect providers might require office visits every 4–10 weeks, depending on your specific case.
Refund & Warranty Policies
We think it’s unlikely that you’ll reach the end of SureSmile or ClearCorrect treatment and feel unhappy with your results — but it’s possible. So, what happens if you are in that small minority?
It depends on your dentist’s policies. SureSmile Complete and ClearCorrect Unlimited provide unlimited aligners for several years (three with SureSmile, five with ClearCorrect). So, your dentist will take new scans, make a new plan, and order more aligners.
If your dentist chooses SureSmile Select or ClearCorrect Flex, you pay per aligner, so you might have to pay extra for refinements. If this is a big concern for you, talk to your dentist about it before you sign on for treatment.
Which Should You Choose?
Whether you opt for SureSmile or ClearCorrect, we think you’ll be working with an excellent company that delivers high-quality tooth alignment. Still, you might find that one fits your needs and priorities better than the other.
Who Should Consider SureSmile?
Anyone who wants:
- A high-frequency vibration device.
- A shiny smile during treatment.
- A customized aligner cut.
Who Should Consider ClearCorrect?
People who want:
- A plan that includes unlimited aligners for five years.
- A matte smile that mimics the look of your natural teeth.
- A lower cost for maximum treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started with SureSmile or ClearCorrect?
You just find a provider and schedule an appointment. Both companies have “Find a Doctor” webpages, or you can simply Google “SureSmile provider near me” or “ClearCorrect provider near me.”
How much do SureSmile and ClearCorrect cost?
They don’t have set prices. However, SureSmile and ClearCorrect usually fall somewhere between $2,000 and $6,000.
How long do SureSmile and ClearCorrect take?
It all depends on your specific case. Minor misalignments might take just a few months, while more severe ones could take 18 or more.
Can I wear my aligners only at night?
While dentists have some flexibility with your wear schedule, most recommend wearing your aligners for 20–22 hours per day.
What conditions can SureSmile and ClearCorrect treat?
They can treat nearly all misalignments, including those that involve the jaw. However, all clear aligners can have trouble treating severely rotated teeth, teeth that need to be raised or lowered, or significant deviation from the midline.
What clear aligner company has the broadest treatment scope?
SureSmile, ClearCorrect, 3M Clarity, and Invisalign represent the best of the best. If you want proven effective treatment, especially if you have severe misalignments, these are the companies to consider.
What is the cheapest clear aligner company?
AlignerCo is the cheapest clear aligner company we’ve reviewed. They cost $995 for all-day aligners or $1,195 for nighttime-only treatment.
Does insurance cover clear aligners?
In some cases, yes. They are more likely to cover in-office treatments than at-home services like Byte, but you should check with your insurance company for details.
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