Which Clear Aligners Are the Best?
There are now several types of clear orthodontic aligners available on the global market. The first company to establish itself in this field was “Invisalign”, which remains the world’s leading provider of this type of orthodontic appliance. Invisalign’s success was so significant that its name became synonymous with clear aligners; however, it is not a distinct treatment method but rather a commercial brand.
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In recent years, many other companies have entered the clear aligner space with notable success. Most major manufacturers of general orthodontic appliances now also have dedicated divisions focused exclusively on clear aligners. Notable examples include ClearCorrect (Straumann), Spark Aligners (Ormco), Clarity Aligners (3M), SureSmile, and Angel Aligner, among others. There are also in-house aligners produced by some orthodontists using 3D printing technology. These are often more affordable but are typically supported by less clinical documentation and research. The ongoing advancement of digital technologies, 3D imaging and printing, and the development of innovative materials is continually increasing competition in the field – a trend that benefits both orthodontists and, most importantly, patients. All of these companies – along with several smaller providers – offer reliable solutions that enable orthodontists to deliver effective treatments and beautiful smiles. Since the responsibility for designing and executing the treatment lies solely with the orthodontist, it is up to them to select the provider that best meets their clinical needs.
For orthodontic treatment with clear aligners to be effective – allowing crooked teeth to move and align properly within the planned treatment timeframe – the aligners must be worn 20 to 22 hours per day. The greatest advantage of this method is that aligners are much less visible than traditional metal braces (brackets), although they are not completely invisible like lingual braces. This is mainly because small, tooth-colored attachments must be bonded to the teeth to increase the precision and effectiveness of tooth movements.
A second major advantage of this method is that, since aligners are removable, they allow for easier brushing and more effective oral hygiene. The duration of treatment with aligners can be shorter or longer than with traditional braces, depending on the case and the treatment plan.
The orthodontist’s experience and the appropriate selection of cases for clear aligner treatment are critical factors that influence treatment duration. The overall cost is typically higher compared to metal braces, while the final result depends – once again – on the orthodontist’s expertise, accurate diagnosis, proper case selection, and of course, the patient’s cooperation.
Clear aligners represent a promising treatment method, particularly due to the significant potential for future advancements driven by ongoing technological innovation.