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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:
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.
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.
Clear aligners can save you thousands of dollars compared to braces. Learn about clear aligners.
ClearCorrect treatment consists of the following steps:
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 offers six different treatment plans that cover a wide range of possible orthodontic needs. From the mildest to the most severe, these include:
We recommend at-home clear aligners if you have mild teeth misalignment. View our top recommendations.
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.
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)
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:
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.
Yes, ClearCorrect offers payment plans. Talk with your provider to determine the best option for your treatment case and length.
Interested in straightening your teeth at home? Here are the best clear aligner companies.
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 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 | Invisalign | |
Candidacy | Simple to complex | Simple to complex |
Type of Material | ClearQuartz thermoplastic | SmartTrack thermoplastic (more comfortable) |
FDA-Approved | Yes | Yes |
BPA-Free Plastic | Yes | Yes |
Treatment Duration | 4 to 18 months | 4 to 18 months |
Cost | $1,500 to $8,000 | $2,000 to $8,500 |
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.
ClearCorrect (In-Office Aligner) | At-Home Aligners | |
Candidacy | Simple to complex | Simple to moderate |
Remote Treatment | No | Yes |
FDA-Approved | Yes | Depends |
BPA-Free Plastic | Yes | Yes |
Treatment Duration | 4 to 18 months | 3 to 12 months |
Cost | $1,500 to $8,000 | $1,200 to $2,500 |
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:
However, you will likely be ineligible for treatment if you have:
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.
Clear aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day for maximum effectiveness and safety. If you don’t wear them consistently, your treatment could take longer, and the results could be affected.
Only remove your clear aligners for:
-Eating and drinking
-Brushing and flossing
-Regular aligner cleaning
ClearCorrect treatment will take an average of 6 to 12 months. Treatment may be as short as 4 months for the mildest cases and may take up to 18 months for more complex cases.
It may take 1 to 2 weeks to fully get used to wearing your aligners. By that time, you shouldn’t feel any significant discomfort. By wearing your aligners consistently and as directed, you’ll adjust to them faster.
For Flex and Mini plans, aligners will be shipped to your dentist all at once. For other plans, you’ll receive them in phases (up to 12 at a time).
ClearCorrect aligners are made from three-layer ClearQuartz™ material. The inner layer provides comfort and flexibility, while the outer layers add strength and stain resistance. This material is BPA- and phthalate-free.
ClearCorrect is a very close treatment option to Invisalign and may be the best alternative. Like Invisalign, ClearCorrect is an in-office aligner treatment. It provides a similar level of effectiveness for complex cases at a potentially more affordable price.
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What’s Next?
The most popular at-home clear aligner kits can be found right here: