Clear aligners, otherwise known as invisible aligners, are removable and transparent. They’re able to fix teeth misalignments and are customised to address each patient’s dental condition.
Invisible aligners have been growing in popularity as an alternative to braces, with Invisalign being one of the most popular brands.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to some of the most common brands of clear aligners available in Singapore as well as their pros and cons so you can better understand your treatment options!
Note: All prices mentioned are general estimates and may vary depending on various factors such as the complexity of your dental condition and shipping charges. You’re advised to visit the respective websites for the exact prices of the aligners.
Types of Clear Aligner Systems
In-clinic/in-office aligner systems are administered in person by licensed dentists or orthodontists. They’ll take dental impressions and/or images of your teeth before the treatment begins.
They’ll track and monitor your entire treatment progress and make adjustments where necessary. This offers greater peace of mind and an easier point of contact for emergencies or enquiries. Certain brands, however, do offer the option of virtual monitoring for greater convenience.
In-clinic/in-office aligner brands include Invisalign, Angel Aligner, ClearCorrect, Aurora Aligner and Candid.
- Treatment effectiveness: For mild to complex cases, including 6 types of malocclusions*
- Attachments: Available when clinically required
- Estimated price: $2,400 - $9,500
*The 6 types of malocclusions include overcrowding, overjet, underbite, crossbite, open bite and teeth spacing.
Direct-to-consumer aligners can be purchased online and are typically administered remotely by a team of dentists. Patients can either visit a nearby partner clinic to do the dental impressions and/or scans or use a do-it-yourself kit at home. This may result in aligners that don’t fit accurately.
Unlike in-clinic systems, treatment progress for DTC aligners is usually monitored via teledentistry. Physical follow-up consultations are only available upon request and an additional fee may be required. However, DTC aligner systems are usually cheaper as compared to their in-clinic counterparts.
Examples of DTC aligner brands include Zenyum and WonderSmile.
- Treatment effectiveness: For mild to moderate cases; mainly to correct the alignment of the 6 front teeth
- Attachments: Not available for DTC treatments
- Estimated price: $1,950 - $4,990
Brands of Clear Aligners
Type of clear aligner system: In-clinic
Estimated price: $4,000 - $9,500
Invisalign is the leading brand for clear aligners in the world.
They’ve treated over 13 million patients* globally and use innovative technology to help patients achieve their desired smiles.
Pros
- Supported by more than 20 years of research and development
- Up to 50% shorter treatment time*
- Up to 75% more predictability with regards to teeth straightening**
- Greater comfort due to SmartTrack® material
- Aligners are guided by SmartForce attachments to apply an adequate amount of force in the correct direction
- Treatment progress is physically monitored and directed by a dentist at a clinic
- Remote monitoring is available for patients who prefer virtual follow-ups
*Statistics retrieved from Align Technology
**Statistics retrieved from Invisalign Singapore website
Cons
- More expensive than other clear aligner brands available in Singapore
Type of clear aligner system: In-clinic
Estimated price: $2,000 - $9,800
Angel Aligner is an orthodontic clear aligner system developed by AngelAlign Technology, founded in 2003. The aligners use a dual-material approach with multilayer composite technology, designed to balance comfort, stain resistance and effective orthodontic force.
Pros
- Suitable for mild to complex teeth alignment issues
- Different treatment options available for children (at least 6 years old), teens and adults
- Remote monitoring and digital progress tracking available
- 70% of cases treated are complex*
*Statistics retrieved from Angel Aligner’s global website
Cons
- Less globally established compared to Invisalign
Type of clear aligner system: In-clinic
Estimated price: $2,500 – $3,500
ClearCorrect was founded in 2006 and is a member of the Straumann Group, a leading group for aesthetic dentistry around the world.
Pros
- Aligners are resistant to stains and cracks
- Generally cheaper than Invisalign
- Treatment progress is physically monitored and directed by a dentist at a clinic
- Remote monitoring is available for patients who prefer virtual follow-ups
Cons
- Material of aligners is thinner and therefore less durable than Invisalign aligners
- Material of aligners is not as updated as that of Invisalign aligners
Type of clear aligner system: In-clinic
Estimated price: $2,400 – $4,900
Aurora Aligner is a clear aligner brand established in 2014 and based in Singapore.
Depending on your dental condition, they offer 3 different plans:
- Aurora E: For upper and lower front teeth (mild cases)
- Aurora M: For all teeth (moderate cases)
- Aurora X: For all teeth (moderate to complex cases)
Pros
- Aligners are made of medical-grade thermoplastics approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Generally cheaper than Invisalign
- Treatment progress is physically monitored and directed by a dentist at a clinic
Cons
- May require a longer treatment time
Type of clear aligner system: In-clinic
Estimated price: $3,000 - $5,000
At Candid, their team of orthodontists are equipped with a minimum of 20 years of teeth-straightening experience.
To ensure peace of mind, the same orthodontist who designed your treatment plan will be in charge of your dental monitoring.
Pros
- Aligners are resistant to stains and free of BPA and phthalates
- Generally cheaper than Invisalign
Cons
- Fewer providers in Singapore compared to more established aligner brands
Type of clear aligner system: Direct-to-consumer
Estimated price: $2,790 - $4,990
Founded in 2018, Zenyum is one of the youngest brands of clear aligner systems.
They offer 2 types of treatment plans depending on your condition:
- ZenyumClear™: For upper and lower 8 teeth (mild to moderate cases)
- ZenyumClear™ Plus: For all teeth (moderate to complex cases)
Pros
- Treatment time is generally shorter*
- Generally cheaper than Invisalign
- Treatment progress is monitored remotely by a dentist at one of Zenyum’s partner clinics
*Subject to the complexity of your dental condition.
Cons
- Treatment isn’t suitable for patients with severe malocclusions
Type of clear aligner system: Direct-to-consumer
Estimated price: $1,950 - $2,700
WonderSmile’s dental team is equipped with an average of 20 years of experience and is led by head orthodontist, Dr Richard Schechtman, a Board Certified Orthodontist.
WonderSmile aligners typically treat patients with the following dental conditions:
- Protrusion
- Spacing
- Crowding
- Gap between teeth
Pros
- Aligners are resistant to stains and free of BPA and phthalates
- All-day and night-time aligners are available
- Treatment package includes different sets of aligners for each stage of the teeth straightening process
Cons
- After the initial consultation, physical consultations are only available upon request
Choosing a Clear Aligner Treatment
There are often multiple considerations such as your budget and personal schedule when it comes to selecting a clear aligner treatment.
Here are some things to consider when deciding which brand is more suitable for you:
Case Complexity
Different clear aligner systems may be suitable for different orthodontic needs. While some brands are designed primarily for mild to moderate crowding or spacing issues, others can be used for more complex bite and alignment corrections.
A consultation with a dentist can help determine which treatment options are suitable for your case.
Budget
Cost of clear aligners can vary depending on the brand, treatment complexity and level of clinical supervision involved. When comparing costs, consider what is included in the treatment package, such as consultations, scans, follow-up appointments and retainers.
Monitoring and Clinical Supervision
The level of clinical supervision can vary between clear aligner systems. Some treatments involve more frequent in-clinic reviews, while others incorporate remote monitoring and virtual check-ins. Before choosing a treatment, consider whether you prefer closer face-to-face supervision or a more flexible treatment experience with fewer clinic visits.
Aligner Material and Technology
Many clear aligner brands use their own proprietary materials and manufacturing technologies. These may include differences in aligner composition, digital treatment planning software and production processes used to create the aligners.
Such differences can influence factors such as aligner fit, comfort, durability and stain resistance.
Note: You’re advised to consult your dentist for professional advice regarding the type of clear aligner treatment that is best suited for your dental condition.
FAQs About Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are typically as effective as traditional metal braces with regards to teeth straightening. However, this depends on the type of aligner system chosen as DTC aligners are often unable to treat malocclusions and complex conditions.
Clear aligners do offer certain benefits over traditional braces, namely
- more discreet treatment,
- lack of dietary restrictions,
- fewer follow-up appointments,
- greater comfort,
- suitable for individuals with an active lifestyle and
- fewer emergencies during treatment.
Clear aligners are suitable for patients with malocclusions including
- overjet,
- underbite,
- overcrowding,
- open bite,
- crossbite and
- teeth spacing.
Certain brands of clear aligners such as Invisalign also allow for the treatment of severely rotated or tipped teeth with the help of attachments.
However, as clear aligners require discipline, they may not be suitable for all patients.
Alternatives to Invisalign include the following:
- Other in-clinic aligners (e.g. Angel Aligner, ClearCorrect, Aurora Aligners, and Candid)
- Direct-to-consumer aligners (e.g. WonderSmile and Zenyum)
- Braces: Traditional or self-ligating; metal or ceramic
You’re advised to consult your dentist regarding the type of treatment that’s suitable for your dental condition.
As a general estimate, this is the cost of clear aligners in Singapore:
- Direct-to-consumer: $1,950 - $4,990
- In-clinic aligners: $2,400 - $9,500
You won’t be able to use MediSave for aesthetic or cosmetic dental treatments including clear aligner treatments.
