What's the difference between Invisalign and Clearstep?

[Lily]

Hi

I have crowded teeth and want my teeth to be more straight and whiter. I have looked at the various invisible braces systems and came across Invisalign and the Clearstep systems as the best two that I could find.

I would like to know what's the difference between Invisalign and Clearstep? Is any of them quicker than the other? If I decide to go ahead with Invisalign or Clearstep, how quickly can my treatment begin?

[Dr Ehsan J. Esfahani]

Hello Lily,

Invisalign is an orthodontic system which mainly uses clear aligners as the active appliance. Clearstep is not a completely invisible brace system. It uses a patented expansion device called CODA and a closing screw and sectional fixed appliance for space closure. It uses the FORD appliance for finishing and detailing. The range of cases which can be treated with clearstep is possibly greater however the system is not nearly invisible like invisalign.

Each case is individual and the case time will vary. The average invisalign case takes 1 year to complete but it can be much less for mild cases. Clearstep is possibly quicker than invisalign but the appliances used will not be as comfortable and clear as invisalign. Generally if the case is not suitable for invisalign we would recommend you consider aesthetic fixed appliances and lingual braces.

Following the invisalign consultation and record taking it takes 4 weeks to recieve the invisalign video and 2 weeks following this the aligners are ready and treatment begins. Generally treatment can be started within 5-6 weeks.