Invisalign vs Zenyum: Which One Is Right For You?

Clear aligners have become a popular alternative to traditional braces. Among the many options available today, Invisalign and Zenyum have emerged as two popular clear aligner brands.
Invisalign, a globally recognised brand, is the world’s first clear aligner system. Invented in 1997, it uses ClinCheck®, a proprietary software which draws data from over 11 million patients to customise treatment plans. The aligners are created using SmartTrack®, a medical-grade polymer developed after 8 years of intensive research and testing over 260 materials.
On the other hand, the local brand Zenyum has a shorter history than Invisalign. Founded in 2018, it leverages 3D printing technology to create clear aligners tailored to the individual’s dental anatomy. While Zenyum may not yet match the breadth of treatment offered by more established brands like Invisalign, its focus on affordability makes it a strong contender.
Learn more about these 2 types of clear aligners and the factors to consider when choosing between them.
Invisalign | Zenyum | |
---|---|---|
Cost* | $3,499 - $9,180 | $2,650 - $4,490 |
Treatment complexity | Mild to severe cases of teeth alignment issues | Mild to severe cases of teeth alignment issues |
Treatment time* | 6 months - 2 years | |
Age requirements | Suitable for adults and teens (at least 16 years old) | |
Monitoring | ||
Comfort | Custom-made to fit over your teeth snugly | Custom-made to fit over your teeth snugly |
Aligner design and material | Made from a medical-grade polymer known as SmartTrack® | BPA-free plastic |
Certification | Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) | No information available |
Experience | A global leader with more than 25 years of experience in the dental industry | A relatively young company founded in 2018 |
What is Invisalign?
The Invisalign system uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth. It offers an alternative to traditional metal braces, providing a more discreet and comfortable option for achieving a straighter smile.
The treatment process with Invisalign typically begins with a consultation with an orthodontist or a dentist trained in Invisalign. They’ll assess your teeth and determine if you’re a suitable candidate for the treatment.
If you’re eligible for Invisalign, a customised treatment plan will be created for you. Advanced 3D imaging technology is used to create a digital representation of your teeth, allowing your orthodontist to plan the precise movements required to achieve the desired alignment.
Based on this plan, a series of clear aligners will be custom-made for you. Each set of aligners is worn for about 2 weeks before moving on to the next set. The aligners are designed to exert gentle, controlled pressure on the teeth, gradually shifting them into the desired positions.
Invisalign can treat mild to severe teeth alignment problems, including:
Types of Invisalign
A variety of Invisalign treatment options are available, each designed to address different orthodontic needs.
Invisalign (Full)
Invisalign (Full) is a treatment specifically designed to correct alignment issues in both your upper and lower teeth. It’s an advanced version of the Invisalign system that offers a complete solution for comprehensive orthodontic correction.
The number of aligners needed and treatment costs depend on the condition of your teeth. Here are the types of Invisalign plans available:
Types of Invisalign plans | Suitable for | Number of aligners |
---|---|---|
Invisalign Comprehensive | Severe malocclusion | Many sets of aligners |
Invisalign Moderate | Less complex misalignment issues | Up to 26 sets |
Invisalign Lite | Mild spacing or crowding where no extraction is needed | Up to 14 sets |
Invisalign Express | Very minor issues or relapse cases | Up to 7 sets |
If you’re in your teenage years or a parent looking to improve your child’s oral health, Invisalign First and Invisalign Teen are 2 other options you can consider.
Invisalign First
Invisalign First is a specialised clear aligner system designed for children between the ages of 6 and 10. This treatment can address early orthodontic issues in young patients and create a healthy foundation for permanent teeth.
There are many benefits of getting Invisalign at a young age, including:
- Early intervention and treatment of orthodontic issues, preventing complex problems from developing later
- Enhance a child’s self-esteem and confidence
Invisalign Teen
Invisalign Teen is a version of the Invisalign system designed for teenagers. It offers all the benefits of Invisalign aligners, with added features to cater to the needs and lifestyle of teenagers undergoing orthodontic treatments, such as:
- Compliance indicators – small blue dots that fade over time, helping dentists and parents monitor how long the aligners have been worn
- Eruption tabs – small spaces left in the aligners to accommodate for the growth of new teeth, particularly the second molars
- Mandibular advancement to treat patients with retrognathic Class II malocclusions
What Is Zenyum?
Zenyum is another option for those who want to improve the alignment of their teeth without using traditional braces. Interested individuals can begin by taking a free online assessment to check if they are suitable candidates for Zenyum.
If you’re eligible, the next step is to book a consultation with a Zenyum-partnered dentist. The dentist will perform a thorough examination of your oral health and take impressions or 3D scans of your teeth. Using this information, they will create a custom treatment plan for you.
Once you’ve agreed to the treatment plan, Zenyum will start producing your custom aligners which will be used to move your teeth into the desired position.
Types of Zenyum
Different types of Zenyum aligners are available to meet the unique needs of each patient.
ZenyumClear
Zenyum Clear aligners are suitable for mild to moderate cases of overbite, crowding, and gaps where no extractions are needed. This treatment focuses on correcting your front eight teeth, gradually shifting them into the desired position.
ZenyumClear Plus
ZenyumClear Plus is effective in treating a broader spectrum of dental issues, such as tipped teeth and severe crowding. It’s designed to accommodate complex movement of all teeth, including your back teeth.
Comparing Invisalign vs Zenyum
Both treatments involve wearing a series of custom-made aligners that gradually shift your teeth into the desired positions. However, there are some differences between them.
Cost
In Singapore, the cost of Invisalign ranges from $3,000 to $9,000+. On the other hand, the cost of Zenyum is more affordable, ranging from $2,650 to $4,490.
Here’s a breakdown of the cost of Invisalign at i.Dental (prices are inclusive of GST):
Initial consultation package: | $237.60 |
Invisalign (Full) | $4,320 - $9,180 |
Invisalign First | $4,320 - $5,940 |
Invisalign Teen | $5,184 - $9,180 |
*Prices do not include the cost of retainers and other dental treatments such as extractions, fillings and cleaning
And here’s what you can expect to be paying for Zenyum:
ZenyumClear | $2,650 |
ZenyumClear Plus | $3,990 - $4,490 |
Wondering why Zenyum is cheaper? One reason for this is that the treatment progress is fully monitored through the app, which reduces the number of dental visits. However, the downside is that you don’t get a dentist to conduct a more detailed examination of your progress and provide advice based on your individual needs.
In contrast, Invisalign patients are evaluated by their dentist in the clinic during follow-up appointments. You’ll receive advice on how to wear your aligners properly and have any questions or doubts promptly addressed. You’re also free to research and choose a clinic and dentist you prefer.
Treatment Complexity
Invisalign is a well-established and widely used clear aligner system that can handle a broad range of orthodontic cases, including mild to severe issues. In contrast, Zenyum is typically recommended for milder cases, such as mild to moderate crowding, gaps or overjet. If you have more complex orthodontic needs, Invisalign may be a more suitable option.
Treatment time
The treatment time varies for each individual’s case. Complex dental issues will require a longer treatment time. Your dentist will advise you on what to expect during the consultation.
In general, here’s the treatment duration for Invisalign and Zenyum:
Invisalign | 6 months - 2 years |
ZenyumClear | 3 - 9 months |
ZenyumClear Plus | 9 - 15 months |
Age Requirements
Zenyum doesn’t recommend their clear aligner treatment for individuals under the age of 16 because your teeth and jaw are still developing.
In contrast, there aren’t any specific age requirements for wearing Invisalign. It offers different types of clear aligners to cater to the needs of different age groups, making it a versatile choice for a broader range of patients.
Monitoring
For Invisalign patients, your dentist will schedule follow-up appointments every 4 to 6 weeks. You can also opt for remote monitoring via Dental Monitoring or Invisalign Virtual Care.
Dental Monitoring uses AI-powered technology to monitor the state of your aligners and oral hygiene. The AI will analyse your scans after you submit them. If any issues related to your oral health are detected, the system will promptly notify you. The dentists on standby will send you a message and advise you on the next step to take.
Developed by Align, Invisalign Virtual Care allows you to self-monitor your Invisalign journey. Using the My Invisalign app, you can take photos and monitor your treatment progress at no additional cost. The app will also remind you when to switch to a new set of aligners and helps you keep track of any adjustments made during your treatment.
As for Zenyum patients, treatment monitoring is conducted remotely using the Zenyum app, which is mainly used to track progress and remind you to change your aligners on time. The app’s features may not be as advanced compared to Dental Monitoring and Invisalign Virtual Care.
Comfort
Both Invisalign and Zenyum are designed to be comfortable for patients to wear. They are removable and custom-made to fit snugly over your teeth.
In terms of comfort levels, Invisalign may offer a better experience as the aligners are made with proprietary SmartTrack material and laser-trimmed for a more comfortable result. With data backed by over 11 million patients, it can also straighten your teeth with more predictability. Furthermore, it’s also customised to fit your gum line.
Aligner Design and Material
Invisalign aligners are made from a patented, multilayer SmartTrack material, which offers a high degree of flexibility, durability and control over tooth movement. Zenyum aligners are made from BPA-free plastic. The specific design and material properties can affect the overall treatment experience and effectiveness.
Certification and Experience
Invisalign has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998. It has also been recommended by doctors in more than 100 countries.
As for Zenyum, there’s currently no available information regarding its certification. It’s a relatively young company established in 2018, making it a new player in the clear aligner industry.
Which Type of Invisible Braces Should You Get?
This depends on several factors such as your treatment needs and budget.
If you’re looking for a cheaper and more convenient option, you can consider going for Zenyum. But Invisalign may be the more appropriate choice if you’re seeking treatment for simple to complex orthodontic issues and prefer to have a dentist who can assess and monitor your progress,
It’s best to seek advice from a dentist on which option is best suited for you.
FAQs About Invisalign vs Zenyum
FAQs
As both Invisalign and Zenyum are aesthetic treatments, they are not eligible for dental subsidies.
Some dental clinics such as i.Dental offer Invisalign packages for students and NSF. If you fall into this category, you’re eligible for our Invisalign Student and NSF plan which ranges from $4,860 – $9,180 (inclusive of 8% GST).
Both of them are effective clear aligner treatments that can help to fix teeth alignment issues. Your dentist will be able to advise which one is more suitable for you after assessing the condition of your teeth and your needs.
Zenyum is more affordable because the treatment progress is fully monitored through the app, which reduces the number of dental visits required.