Invisalign Reviews

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Are you looking for real, raw, unbiased Invisalign reviews? If the answer is yes, then here is a good place to start.

Invisalign aligners truly changed the landscape of orthodontics. This modern alternative to conventional braces really hit all the right spots when it comes to solving all sorts of dental problems, from tooth crowding, crooked teeth, overbite, underbite, etc., all while providing comfort and being virtually invisible. If you are considering this aligner treatment, then you have come to the right page. This entry will give you everything you need to know about the Invisalign process; from the Invisalign system, treatment plan, estimated treatment time, and of course, accurate and honest Invisalign reviews.

Do you ever look at your high school yearbook and just cringe? You know, those photos where you and most of your batch mates looked you guys were forced to smile, doing awkward poses while donning unspeakable haircuts? Odds are some of your batch mates have mouths full of metal braces too. Traditional metal braces back then were more of a necessity for teeth straightening than an aesthetic fix.

Fortunately for kids today, they are no longer limited to regular braces, as there are many options for treating teeth misalignment and bite problems than ever before. One of the best teeth orthodontic treatments out there is the Invisalign clear aligners.

So how does Invisalign work?

A quick anatomy lesson

While the specifics of one’s malocclusion may be different from the others, the Invisalign journey of every patient is generally the same.

To better understand how Invisalign retainers work, you need to learn the basics of orthodontics, particularly the process of straightening teeth, and a little bit of periodontal anatomy. These words may sound like jargon, but they simply refer to the composition of your mouth, jaw, and teeth.

The human jaw contains a thick ride of bone called the “alveolar bone.” Found in both the upper (maxilla) and lower (mandible) jaw, this bone holds tooth sockets and secures all the teeth in place. Subsequently, it provides cushion and support from the pressure you exert every time you bite and chew food.

Connecting the teeth to the alveolar bone are tiny ligaments called “periodontal ligaments”. For healthy and proper mouth function, there should always be a strong attachment between these three components. However, infections and inflammations in the gums and bones that holds and supports the teeth can compromise the attachment, this is called periodontal disease.

For the teeth to move effectively, enough force or consistent pressure must be applied to the bone surrounding the roots of the teeth, all while keeping the attachment of the teeth, ligaments, and the jaw bone. For this to happen, there should be activation of cells to move the teeth from the bone into the direction and position you want the tooth to go. This is the idea of orthodontic treatment for accurate teeth alignment. In other words, orthodontists bank on this cell activation to fix malocclusions. This is what wearing braces and invisible braces like Invisalign are for.

Overview: How Invisalign moves and straightens teeth

Like braces, Invisalign work by applying consistent pressure to and triggers cell activation at the roots of the teeth. However, they differ in execution and mechanism.

Rather than attaching to the teeth and using brackets, wires, and elastics to apply consistent pressure to each tooth, Invisalign braces cover and move the entire row of teeth at once.

Every Invisalign provider works with a partner orthodontic lab technician to make the perfect impression on your mouth and teeth. Your mouth impression will be used to make 3D models for the clear aligners, along with the precise movement in each tooth, from start to finish. Each Invisalign tray is precisely designed and crafted to fit your teeth snugly at each stage of the treatment. Each tray puts pressure on the teeth to push them gradually to their desired direction and position by an average of half a millimeter at a time.

Here’s a complete and comprehensive guide to the Invisalign treatment process.

Invisalign Benefits

Clear aligners like Invisalign provide excellent alternative to straighten teeth without the added inconvenience and embarrassment of conventional metal braces.

• Practical, if not affordable – while Invisalign cost is comparable to traditional braces, faster treatment time means fewer visits to the dental office, making it more affordable in the long run. Moreover, Invisalign is cheaper compared to other types of braces like ceramic braces, lingual braces, and self-litigating braces

• Convenient and practical – clear aligner braces like Invisalign are removable. This means you can easily take off to eat or drink, brush and floss your teeth, and clean the aligners. This is incredibly convenient if you are preparing for a special day (attend a wedding, have a photoshoot), or if you play contact sports or martial arts.

Also, there are fewer food and beverage restrictions with clear aligners, as you don’t have to deal with food debris being trapped in the brackets and wires.

• Virtually invisible – This is easily the biggest selling point of invisible aligners like Invisalign. Aligner trays are clear and almost invisible; this means your smile will never be cluttered with brackets and wires, making them more aesthetically pleasing than standard braces.

• Easy cleaning and maintenance – Since they are removable, you can easily keep them clean. Moreover, you can brush and floss your teeth as normally as before.

• In-person checkups – Patients need to check in with their dental service provider every six weeks during the treatment period. Your dental professional will keep track of your progress through scheduled in-person checkups, detect, and address any possible issues before they become problems.

• Comfortable – The aligners looked like slim mouth guards, making them way more comfortable to have on your teeth than the metal brackets and wires in traditional braces. They are also trimmed on the gum line for maximum comfort.

• Compatible with children and teenagers too – Kids hate traditional metal braces; they are not only painful, uncomfortable, and cumbersome, they are hideous (at least that is what most kids describe them). Since the aligners are virtually invisible, kids will not feel ashamed to wear them.

Disadvantages of Invisalign

• Expensive compared to other aligners – Invisalign treatment is probably the most expensive clear aligner treatment on the market. The average total cost is comparable to traditional braces. However, the cost is easily justifiable; from the initial consultation with a dental professional, impression scans with pinpoint accuracy, quality of aligners, and effectiveness of the treatment, you get your money’s worth with Invisalign.

• Not designed for the most complex issues – As with most clear aligners, Invisalign is not meant for fixing severe malocclusions, large gaps, and rotated teeth. This is where traditional orthodontic treatment methods like braces come in.

• Requires maximum compliance – As said earlier, the aligners must be worn for at least 22 hours a day, every day for maximum benefits.

• Some food limitations – There will be some discomfort and soreness as your teeth are being forced to move while wearing the aligners. Thus, there will be some food restrictions to help manage the effects of wearing Invisalign. For one, hard foods should be avoided, as well as chewy and sticky foods. Biting too hard may cause irritation to the sore gums.

• Maximum oral hygiene – You will need to brush your teeth every meal when wearing aligners like Invisalign. This is because food debris between your teeth can easily thrive when trapped with the aligners, increasing the risk of infection, tooth decay, and periodontal diseases. Also, you cannot drink anything other than water when wearing the aligners. Should you drink fruit juice, soda, etc., you will need to take off the aligners first, and then rinse your mouth with water before putting them back again.

How Does Invisalign Works?

Now that you have a good understanding of the science behind teeth alignment, it is time to dive deeper into the Invisalign treatment.

Consultation and Prep Work

The first step is consultation with a dental professional. Note that not all dentists in the country have partnered with Invisalign and can provide their service. Thus, the only legitimate dental professionals can provide offer clear aligner treatment. The good news is there are more than 40,000 Invisalign providers all over the U.S. That means there is a good chance you have a couple of more options in your city. You can even ask your regular dentist or orthodontist if he/she offers such treatment.

Your dental provider will discuss the whole Invisalign process with you in your initial consultation. From how the treatment works, what to expect from the start to the end of the treatment, the average treatment time, when to see noticeable results, etc.

To have a good picture of the situation inside your mouth, your dentist will take scans, x-rays, and a series of dental photographs of your mouth from different angles. The most commonly used scan is the iTero scanner. Some dentists may also take an impression of your mouth using a potty mold.

On some occasions, dentists may use lateral cephalometric x-ray to see how the condition and situation of the cheekbone in relation to the jaw of the patient.

These digital images will give the aligner manufacturers the blueprint to work on. Your scans and impression will be sent to the lab where your clear aligners will be made.

Some patients may need preparatory work to make their conducive for the treatment. One common prep work used for Invisalign treatment is the use of small composite patches.

Made with composite materials similar to tooth fillings, composite patches are attached to each tooth to give them a better grip on the clear aligners.

Another prep work for Invisalign is called interproximal reduction, or the reduction (sanding away) of tooth enamel of some teeth to create space and allow tooth movements. This is usually done for Invisalign patients with crowded teeth problems. In most cases, patients will have to wear the aligners the first time their preparatory work is done.

It takes approximately 2 weeks for the lab to process your trays and send them to the practice.

Fitting the invisible aligners

This is where the exciting part begins. As soon as your aligner trays are ready, the dentist’s office will contact you for a fitting and give you your aligners.

While the aligners are modeled from the impression of your mouth, their goal is to apply constant pressure to each of your teeth to trigger movement. Thus they will feel tight, and snug on your teeth the first time you put them on. From here, your dentist (or orthodontist) will make necessary adjustments to make sure the first set of aligners is working and doing its job.

You will also feel discomfort (with a little bit of pain, probably, depending on your pain tolerance), but Invisalign aligners should not feel unbearably painful. Moreover, they will feel better after a couple of days. Thus, if the pain is distressing, or if you notice anything strange, make sure you tell your dentist about it.

The clear aligners may feel awkward at first, and you may also notice some changes in the way you speak. This is because you are still getting used to that feeling. This should subside after a few days.

From here, your dentist will give you instructions on how to wear the aligners, how long to wear them every day, how to clean them, etc. Invisalign aligners must be worn for at least 22 hours a day.

New aligner change

Depending on the specifics of your malocclusion, you will be advised to replace your aligner every week or two. Each aligner is designed to move your teeth in tiny increments. However, each new aligner tray will feel tighter than the previous one. This is because your teeth have already moved for the past couple of weeks, and the new set of aligners is designed to move your teeth further to their desired directions and positions.

Again, you will feel the same discomfort when you replace your aligner with a new one. But again, this only lasts a couple of days or more until your teeth move again.

Treatment completion

This whole process takes around 12 to 18 months, or around 20 to 50 aligner trays, depending on the complexity and severity of your malocclusion.

After you have finished all your clear aligners, your teeth will be straighter than ever before, and your bite will be better. Congratulations, but you are not done yet.

As with other orthodontic teeth-straightening treatments, you will be required to wear retainers to keep your teeth in their position during the “retention phase”. Again, depending on the specifics of your case, you will be required to wear retainers for 6 to 18 months, or even longer.

Some people are required to wear nightly retainers for the rest of their lives to ensure their teeth remain straight. This is because the human body changes as it age; this includes shifting of the teeth. Retainers are designed to counteract these changes in your teeth.

How Invisalign fixes different types of malocclusions

While traditional braces are still considered the gold standard of orthodontics, especially when it comes to complex and severe cases of malocclusions and misalignments, Invisalign I the closes thing when it comes to efficiency. Invisalign claims to correct a wide range of orthodontic problems, such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, gap teeth, crooked teeth, and overcrowding. Thus, it is by far, the best clear aligner in the market when it comes to fixing different types of malocclusions. It even claims to fix severe orthodontic issues.

Invisalign versus overbite – Sometimes referred to as a deep bite, an overbite is when the upper teeth sit too far forward and over the lower teeth. Invisalign can easily push and move the top row teeth to align properly to the bottom teeth for a healthy and correct bite.

Invisalign versus underbite – It is called underbite when the bottom row of front teeth sits too far from the upper teeth. Invisalign can fix this malocclusion by moving the lower teeth back so they sit nicely behind the front teeth for a correct bite.

In some severe cases, orthodontic treatments like Invisalign may be combined with more complex treatments such as braces, or even surgery.

Invisalign versus crossbite – A malocclusion is called crossbite if the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth, rather than outside. Invisalign can fix this problem by pushing the upper teeth in the right direction.

Invisalign versus open bite ¬– When the top row and bottom row of the front teeth do not meet or touch when the mouth is closed, it is called an open bite. Invisalign can fix this by moving both the upper and lower teeth into the right position simultaneously, so the mouth can be closed correctly.

Invisalign versus gap teeth – It is called gap teeth if there is too much space between teeth. Food can get caught and trapped to these spaces, increasing the risk of cavities, which may lead to infection and gum disease. Invisalign can easily close these gaps to a healthier and more beautiful smile. However, there is a limit in how much the clear aligners can actually close.

Invisalign versus tooth crowding – Crowded teeth happen when there is not enough room or space in the jaw to accommodate all of the teeth. This causes teeth to twist and/or overlap. Moreover, food can easily get stuck to the tight spaces between teeth, leading to plaque buildup, tartar, and periodontal disease. Invisalign can push and pull teeth to their desired position and solve overcrowding.

Invisalign versus overjet – Better known as “bucktooth”, overjet happens when one or two of the upper front teeth protrude horizontally, past the bottom of the teeth, causing a gap between the upper teeth and lower teeth. Invisalign aligners can help push the out-of-position teeth to reduce the degree of space between the upper and lower arch.

Invisalign versus generally crooked teeth – Invisalign can help straighten crooked teeth by applying constant pressure on the affected teeth, and forming them into a correct shape and position.

Different Invisalign Treatment Packages

Aside from the standard treatment, Invisalign also offers a long list of treatment packages in its portfolio. Each package is designed to address different types and severity of malocclusions, from very mild to mild (Invisalign Express 5 and Invisalign Express Package), mild to moderate (Invisalign Lite and Invisalign Moderate Package), and moderate to severe (Invisalign Comprehensive Package).

They also offer a special package for growing children (Invisalign First Comprehensive Package).

Their most affordable product Express 5 is specifically designed for treating minor orthodontic issues like mild spacing, overcrowding, or orthodontic relapse.

For mild to moderate cases, the packages come with 14 to 20 aligner trays, with a 1 to 2-year treatment time. Severe malocclusion cases have unlimited aligner trays with 18 months to 5 years or even an unlimited additional aligner policy.

Tips for the best Invisalign treatment: How to get the most out of Invisalign trays

On choosing an Invisalign Provider

Choosing a dental provider you trust is probably the most important part of the process. While the treatment plan is standardized, the biggest part of the success of the treatment lies in the expertise of the dentist or orthodontist you choose. Obviously, you want to choose someone that is not only qualified, experienced, and skilled, but also someone you feel comfortable asking questions and raising concerns with.

Scour the internet for reviews and ask people you know for their recommendations. Moreover, do not settle for the first dental professional you find. Rather, check out a few more clinics; get a good feel of their clinic, notice how they handle you and other customers, and take note of how helpful they are in answering your questions.

Wear your aligners at least 22 hours a day

For the best results, you are required to wear clear aligners for at least 22 hours a day. Failure to do can lead to delayed results. Moreover, skipping a day of Invisalign may cause the teeth to shift back to their previous and incorrect positions.

Change your aligners on time

Your Invisalign provider will give you a schedule beforehand for when to change your aligners and in which order they should be changed. Each aligner must be worn for two weeks. It is extremely important that you do not try to speed up the treatment by switching to the next set too soon, as this can only lead to a detrimental outcome.

The best time to replace your old aligner trays with new ones is at night, before bed. This will help reduce the stress on your teeth throughout the day and assist in keeping the right position of your teeth.

Brush, floss, and rinse regularly

Keep your teeth and whole mouth clean by observing proper hygiene daily to avoid dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease throughout your treatment. That means brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing your teeth thoroughly. Also, make sure you rinse your mouth with mouthwash to help get rid of bacteria.

Moreover, visit your dentist regularly for check-ups. Generally, you will need to visit your Invisalign provider every 6 weeks to monitor your progress and advise you on any changes or adjustments, when needed.

You can use whitening toothpaste

One of the best ways to get the most out of your Invisalign aligners is to whiten your teeth at the same time. While Invisalign offers professional-quality teeth whitening along with teeth straightening, you can also do your part and use whitening toothpaste to whiten your teeth a little bit by removing surface stains.

Clean your aligners regularly

Another incredibly important part of Invisalign treatment is taking care of your aligners, and that includes cleaning them regularly. Keep your aligners clean and fresh using mild soap and water mixture when cleaning.

If they start to look cloudy, fill a small bowl with half hydrogen peroxide and half water and soak your aligner trays for an hour or two to make them clear again. You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush the inside of the aligner tray gently.

Make sure you rinse them thoroughly before putting them back.

Ease the pain and tenderness

Discomfort and tenderness will be there every time you switch to new aligner sets. The good news is, you actually don’t need to suffer from it, as there are plenty of ways to combat discomfort and tenderness, and feel more comfortable with your Invisalign trays.

You can suck on an ice cube to help numb your gums. Avoid chewy, crunch, and hard foods when you experience some soreness on your teeth and gums.

Watch your diet

While there are not a lot of food restrictions in Invisalign treatment, you still need to maintain a balanced diet to help keep your teeth and bones strong. Also, keep your body well hydrated, as this can help your mouth’s saliva production, which is vital in washing off decay-causing bacteria in your mouth. Moreover, avoid sweet foods and acidic foods.

Keep your last set of Invisalign aligners

Do not throw your clear aligners when it’s time for the new set. Always keep them as you can use them in case you break or lose aligners. You can use these as a backup set while you wait for the replacement set to prevent your teeth from moving out of position.

When you receive your replacement aligners, restart the 2-week process to avoid delays in your treatment progress.

Wear the retainers as instructed

You will be required to wear retainers during your teeth’s “retention phase”. This is incredibly important to keep your teeth in their right positions as they start to settle in. Depending on the specifics of your case, you will be required to wear the retainers for 12 hours or more, for three to six months. Some are required to wear their retainers for as long as 12 months to 18 months. While others, especially older Invisalign patients may need to wear their retainers forever.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I know Invisalign is actually working?

If you switch to a new tray and they feel snug and tight, then your teeth are moving in the right direction and at the right pace. That means the Invisalign is really working. This is because aligners must remain tight. Sometimes providers will tell their patients to wear their aligners longer until their tooth catches up, before switching to a new set. Other times they will advise to move on and just address the issue using refinement trays.

Q. How much does Invisalign cost?

A standard Invisalign treatment plan can range from about $3,000 to $7,000.

The wide range is due to the different specifics in different cases. More complex and severe cases, of course, may require more aligner trays and a longer treatment period. This also means more dental office visits.

For mild to moderate malocclusions that require less treatment time and fewer aligner trays, your Invisalign provider may offer Invisalign Express treatment. This option is way cheaper, as it ranges from $1,800 to $3,500.

There is also the Invisalign Lite, which sits between standard treatment and Express in terms of treatment duration, number of aligner trays, and cost.

Other factors that may affect the prices though include your geographic area and the dental provider you choose.

Q. Can clear aligners cause damage to my teeth?

No, the aligners are generally safe. While there are some risks, as with other orthodontic treatments, your teeth can only get damaged if you fail to follow the care guidelines of wearing and taking care of your teeth and Invisalign (such as drinking beverages other than water while wearing the clear braces).

Q. Will wearing the aligners affect my speech?

No. While the aligners may feel awkward at first, which may require some learning curve, it should not greatly affect how you talk. You will eventually learn how to relax and speak naturally while wearing your clear aligners.

Q. Can I use Invisalign as a night guard?

In principle, you can. However, the aligner trays are made with plastic that is meant to gradually force your teeth to move. It is not rubberized, thus it doesn’t provide a cushion and will not reduce the pressure on your teeth and jaw when you grind your teeth or clench your jaw. If you are suffering from jaw clenching and teeth grinding-related problems, then it is best to speak to your dentist to get a prescribed and customized night guard for you.

Q. Does Invisalign treatment come with teeth whitening?

Yes, and Invisalign actually offers two choices for teeth whitening in their Professional Whitening System. Both options are designed to straighten and whiten teeth all at the same time. Ask your dental care provider for more details on this.

Q. Is it difficult to sleep with Invisalign?

Some patients experience sleeping issues while wearing Invisalign in the first few days, while some don’t have a problem sleeping with it in their mouths at all. The best way to sleep with clear aligners is to sleep facing up and have your head elevated. This position can help prevent drooling or salivating as you sleep.

Q. What are other ways to pay for Invisalign treatment?

Invisalign treatment is usually partially covered by most dental insurance (if your coverage includes orthodontics). You can check with your insurance provider just to be sure.

You can also use your HAS or FSA to pay for the treatment.

Many dental offices offer payment plans where you only have to pay for the downpayment and make monthly payments until you complete your treatment.

Invisalign Review: Breaking down reports from different reviews

Trustpilot’s Invisalign Reviews

Invisalign averaged 2.2 out of 5 stars. While many of the reviews report on bad experiences with the brand, the majority of these complaints were centered on customer service, which is mostly related to the patients’ dental service provider. Some also describe not seeing the results they expected, while just only halfway to their treatment.

This is why it is important to get your Invisalign from an orthodontist you completely trust. Moreover, comply with the instructions and be patient. It takes time for teeth to safely and properly move teeth. Most importantly, be realistic with your expectations. Invisalign is a good alternative for traditional braces, but it’s not meant for the most severe of cases.

So what’s the takeaway from these complaints and bad experiences in the reviews?

What separates Invisalign from other clear aligners in the market

There are many reasons why Invisalign just stands out from other aligners.

First, it is the material they used for the aligners. Their aligner trays are made with SmartTrack material, which is far more comfortable to wear and easier to remove when needed.

Second, their iTero Element scanner takes over 6,000 images of your mouth, teeth, and jaw, giving you the most complete and accurate impression for perfect aligner fitting.

Third, they use the ClinCheck software, a mapping application that helps them calculate the exact amount of force for every tooth, ensuring each of your teeth moves in the right direction, at the right time.

Also, unlike other clear aligners in the market, Invisalign providers can use rubber bands and attachments called SmartForce attachments. These things increase the pressure applied on specific teeth or certain parts of the mouth. While traditional braces use brackets and wires to pull or push teeth to their desired positions, Invisalign can have rubber bands and attachments to do the same thing.

Are there bad experiences with Invisalign?

You may notice when you scour the internet for reviews, that most of the bad experiences people had with Invisalign talked about crooked teeth, cavities, jaw pain, extended treatment time, and even black triangles on their teeth. Obviously, these complaints could have been easily addressed by their orthodontists. This is why it is absolutely important to check in with your dental professional at least every six weeks throughout the treatment. Problems like cavities, crooked teeth, and jaw pain can be easily addressed by a dental professional.

Also, note that not all dentists are orthodontists. But all orthodontists are dentists. The former covers a broad range of dental issues, such as cavities, gum disease, broken teeth, missing teeth, etc. The latter on the other hand, went through continued schooling and training (for another 3 years) in an accredited dental school or university to specialize in tooth straightening and jaw alignment.

Also, it is important to note that black triangles following orthodontic treatments like braces and Invisalign are not caused by the treatment, rather, it exposes them. These things happen due to the shape of the teeth, not enough gum tissue, and/or gum disease due to poor dental hygiene. Aging causes the gums to recede; this is why black triangles often appear in adult patients. Also, bad habits like aggressive flossing, excessive tooth picking, and nail-biting can all lead to black triangles. Any qualified orthodontist can easily address this problem.

In the case of extended treatment time, there’s a good chance some patients are not religiously following the instructions, specifically on wearing the aligners for at least 22 hours a day. For the aligners to be effective, they should be able to do their job.

There is also an aspect called “Invisalign refinements”. These are extra tray sets meant to “refine” the treatment. There are many reasons why a patient may need this. Some teeth are just too stubborn to move, some move slower than predicted, and those who have undergone a different dental treatment before that altered the shape of their teeth.

The process is quite similar to the usual aligners – the teeth are scanned again using the iTero 3D scanner, then the orthodontist will order the new aligner trays again. Like the usual trays, refinement trays must be worn for at least 22 hours a day.

Your orthodontist matters

Though Invisalign’s treatment process and the system is standardized raga, the dental professional still plays the biggest role in your treatment’s success. One of the biggest misconceptions about the treatment is that results will be the same anywhere, with any dental service provider. The reality however is that, just as the results in conventional orthodontic treatment like traditional braces are not the same in every dental office, the results you can have from Invisalign treatment will differ based on your orthodontist’s expertise and experience.

A good orthodontist will not only make accurate scans, he/she will also help map out the right treatment plan for you, track your progress to make sure everything is going according to plan, make necessary changes along the way, or address any possible issues before they become problems.

Invisalign Alternatives

AlignerCo

AlignerCo is the cheapest Invisalign alternative you can find today. They also offer fast treatment time and they have established their name as one of the trusted brands out there today. However, they have no physical locations and the common complaint about them is their slow response time and their aligners taking a longer time to arrive.

Byte

Byte is one of the trusted brands of at-home clear aligners in the market. Designed with the principles of cosmetic dentistry in mind, Byte aligners use a vibrational seating device (HyperByte) to improve treatment quality, speed up treatment, and position the aligners more accurately. However, they have no physical locations, which means you will have to make your own impressions at home. The good news is they have superb customer service. Plus they are cheaper compared to.

ClearCorrect

ClearCorrect is widely considered the closest thing to Invisalign. They require an initial consultation with their partner dentist or orthodontist and in-person monitoring. This means your progress will be tracked to ensure your treatment goes according to plan. Their aligners are thinner too, making them more virtually invisible. However, they are the most expensive Invisalign alternative out there.

SmileDirectClub

SmileDirectClub offers two options to start: you can order an impression kit and make your own impression at home, or visit their SmileShop to get your teeth accurately scanned. Unlike other clear aligners, they will assign you to a dental professional to oversee your progress every 90 days. Their treatment scope, however, is limited to mild to moderate spacing and overcrowding problems.

Dr Febin Mary George - Editor

With more than 10 years as a dental surgeon, Dr Febin Mary George is passionate about educating consumers around the world to help look after their teeth.

She completed her Bachelor of Surgery at the Century Institute of Dental Science and Research Centre in 2010.

Alongside editing the International Journal of Dental Clinics she has also written for major publications including Thrive Global.