ClearCorrect Aligners

Clear aligners, also called invisible braces or clear braces, are discreet orthodontic devices that correct crooked or misaligned teeth. They provide a convenient, removable, and almost invisible alternative to metal braces.

There are two types of invisible aligners available: 

• In-office aligners, like Invisalign and ClearCorrect, are a more conservative option. To start and throughout treatment, you’ll have in-person appointments with a qualified dentist or orthodontist.
• At-home aligners, also referred to as direct-to-consumer aligners, can be ordered online. Treatment is monitored remotely, which means you don’t have to visit an orthodontist in person for checkups.

SmileDirectClub, byte, and ALIGNERCO are examples of at-home aligners. At-home aligners are more convenient and cheaper than in-office options but have a higher risk for complications.

In general, in-office aligners will be able to handle more complex issues than at-home aligners. And for the most complex cases, braces can be more effective than any kind of clear aligners.

About ClearCorrect

ClearCorrect is an advanced system of clear aligner therapy that uses digital technologies to treat various types of misalignment, ranging from simple to severe.

For more than 14 years, ClearCorrect has helped hundreds of thousands of people achieve straighter smiles. The main benefit of ClearCorrect aligners is that they are virtually invisible. And unlike traditional metal braces, you can remove the trays for eating, drinking, and flossing. 

The aligners provide controlled single-tooth movement. They are made of .030” polyurethane, a material that can handle challenging tooth movements. The aligners are also stain- and crack-resistant, hand-checked by a qualified dentist, and laser-marked to ensure traceability. 

To begin treatment, patients have to visit a qualified ClearCorrect provider. You cannot order these aligners online, and treatment is monitored in person. 

How Does ClearCorrect Work?

ClearCorrect treatment consists of the following steps:

1. You’ll set up an appointment with a qualified ClearCorrect dentist or orthodontist for a consultation. Dentists have to complete training to become ClearCorrect providers.
2. During the initial appointment, your provider will take x-rays and examine your mouth. Then you’ll discuss needs and treatment options. 
3. After you approve the treatment plan, ClearCorrect specialists will make the aligners and ship out the first set. They ship the aligners four sets at a time, and each shipment is known as a “phase.” Separating treatment into phases allows for any mid-treatment changes, if necessary. The number of phases varies and depends on each patient's needs. 
4. Your dentist will apply any elastics or buttons needed to help your teeth move correctly. 
5. You’ll visit your provider in person throughout treatment to track progress. They will make adjustments to ensure your teeth are moving correctly and safely. 
6. Treatment is complete after 4 to 18 months. You’ll receive a custom-made retainer to keep your teeth straight. 

How Long Does ClearCorrect Treatment Take?

ClearCorrect treatment takes between 4 and 18 months. Mild cases are fixed within 4 to 6 months, while more complex cases are fixed within 12 to 18 months.

ClearCorrect Treatment Options

ClearCorrect offers six different treatment plans that cover a wide range of possible orthodontic needs. From the mildest to the most severe, these include:

1. Flex — This plan allows patients to pay per aligner and is best for minor cases of misalignment. 
2. Mini — This plan is best for very mild cases of misalignment. It includes 12 sets of aligners. 
3. One — For cases on the mild side, this plan includes 24 sets of aligners.
4. Two — This plan doubles the number of aligners to 48. It’s geared toward moderate alignment issues.
5. Three — With triple the aligners of One (72 total), this plan is intended for moderate to severe cases.
6. Unlimited — This plan is best for severe cases of misalignment and is the most expensive option. It allows patients to pay one flat rate for five years of aligners. You’ll get as many as you need until treatment is complete. The unlimited plan also includes one set of retainers.

Are ClearCorrect Aligners Safe & Effective?

In short, yes. When monitored correctly, ClearCorrect is safe and effective for many cases of teeth misalignment.

ClearCorrect’s website includes links to over 15 case studies that outline the effectiveness of the aligners.¹ Unlike at-home aligners that only treat mild to moderate cases, ClearCorrect can fix more severe misalignment issues. 

Patient Experiences

One patient said they had no difficulties with the aligners regarding discomfort or speech. The treatment plan was also completed on time.² 

Another patient experienced consistent treatment during the second and third phases. However, by the fourth phase, the aligners weren’t sitting correctly. The orthodontist took new photos and impressions to make minor adjustments. Even with these revisions, the patient finished treatment after 20 aligners (with no additional fees).³ 

A 15-year-old patient used ClearCorrect to fix an anterior crossbite. This is a more complex bite issue where some bottom teeth are located outside the upper teeth when the jaw is closed.

According to the case study, “treatment involved six phases for a total of 24 aligners and 16 months of treatment. Treatment results were very good, with only a minor midline discrepancy present.”⁴ 

“ClearCorrect clear aligners are a valuable tool in today’s orthodontic practice.”

Julie Ann Staggers, DDS, MS Orthodontics (ClearCorrect Case Study Report)

How Much Do ClearCorrect Aligners Cost?

The cost of ClearCorrect treatment can vary widely but averages between $4,000 and $6,000. This makes it more expensive than any at-home clear aligner system but potentially less expensive than Invisalign.

The following factors can affect the price you’ll ultimately pay for ClearCorrect:

• The severity/complexity of your case — More complex alignment issues will require a longer treatment process, which will be more expensive.
• Lab fees — In-office aligner providers charge dentists lab fees, which they pass on to you as a patient to cover costs. ClearCorrect is no exception–however, its lab fees are less than Invisalign’s.
• Your location — Dental and orthodontic procedures tend to cost more in major urban areas, for example.
• Your dentist or orthodontist — Individual practitioners vary in experience, expertise, and preferences, which can all affect what they end up charging you.
• Insurance coverage — The total out-of-pocket cost may be lower if you have applicable insurance.

Is Treatment Covered by Dental Insurance?

If you meet your policy's eligibility requirements, a portion of your ClearCorrect treatment may be covered. How much is covered depends on your lifetime maximum for orthodontic services. 

Do They Offer a Payment Plan?

Yes, ClearCorrect offers payment plans. Talk with your provider to determine the best option for your treatment case and length.

ClearCorrect vs. Other Aligners

ClearCorrect is different from competitors because they offer revisions, replacements, and refinements at a lower cost. They also send you the aligners in “phases” instead of all at once. This allows the provider to check progress between phases and change your treatment plan if needed. 

Read below to compare ClearCorrect to other popular aligner brands:

ClearCorrect vs. Invisalign

ClearCorrect treatment may be the best alternative to Invisalign (the most well-known aligner brand). Both treatments require in-office evaluations before beginning treatment. You also have to visit your provider for check-ups throughout the process. 

ClearCorrect vs. At-Home Aligners

SmileDirectClub, byte, and ALIGNERCO are three popular brands of at-home (direct-to-consumer) aligners. These aligners are usually cheaper than traditional braces, ceramic or lingual braces, and in-office aligners like Invisalign and ClearCorrect. For milder alignment issues, they can be the most cost-effective options.

In addition, at-home aligners do not require in-office visits before, during, or after treatment. All check-ups are completed remotely with a licensed orthodontist or dentist. Treatment is also significantly faster.

However, these aligners can only treat mild to moderate cases of teeth misalignment. You won’t be eligible for them if your issues are more complex. However, hybrid aligners like Candid include a limited number of in-office visits to help expand the range of treatable cases.

At-home aligners have a slightly higher risk of complications because treatment is less predictable without in-office visits. However, when monitored by an experienced orthodontist, remote invisible aligner treatment is effective and safe.

Who is a Candidate for ClearCorrect?

As an in-office aligner option, ClearCorrect can treat more complex cases than most at-home aligners but still can’t address every case that braces can. You may be eligible for ClearCorrect treatment if you have: 

• Crowded teeth
• Gapped teeth (diastema)
• A malocclusion such as an overbite, underbite, or crossbite

However, you will likely be ineligible for treatment if you have:

• Very complex misalignment issues, especially if they are skeletal (involving the jaw itself and not just the teeth)
• Existing dental restorations such as dental implants, which can affect the results of clear aligner treatment
• Oral health needs that haven’t been addressed, like gum disease or tooth decay

You may be eligible for ClearCorrect once you’ve received treatment for any other oral health conditions. If your specific situation still doesn’t make ClearCorrect a good option, you may still be able to get braces.

Teenagers and adults can both use ClearCorrect. However, younger children may be recommended braces (possibly with headgear) instead.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)