Dreaming of a million-dollar smile? Thinking about pursuing one? Odds are, you’ve heard of Invisalign.
And that’s not surprising: they were the first company to introduce clear aligners as an alternative to traditional braces.
Like so many pioneering businesses, though, Invisalign soon found itself with some competitors, like ClearCorrect. After hearing a lot of people complain about the high price of Invisalign treatment, ClearCorrect decided to fill that gap.
Let’s be clear, though: cost is not the only factor to consider when choosing a clear aligner treatment. There’s treatment length, quality, financing, patient support, and so much more. Fortunately, that’s what we’re here to cover. This guide contains everything you need to know about ClearCorrect, so you can make the decision that’s best for you.
Is ClearCorrect Legit?
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ClearCorrect got its start in 2006 when Dr. William Pumphrey had over 400 patients who needed clear aligners but he didn’t have a good aligner manufacturer.
Instead of letting that awkward situation stall his treatment pipeline, Dr. Pumphrey decided to start his own aligner company. And so ClearCorrect was born. They quickly became a more affordable alternative to Invisalign, with hundreds of providers across the country.
One of the biggest advantages of in-office treatments like ClearCorrect is their versatility. Long story short, ClearCorrect can handle tough and mild cases alike thanks to direct dentist oversight and tooth-colored attachments called “engagers.” This means that the majority of people are good candidates for treatment with ClearCorrect.
That said, you’ll need to have a consultation with your local provider to know for sure. These consultations are usually pretty affordable with no strings attached, so it’s worth considering.
How Does ClearCorrect Work?
Since a dentist or orthodontist oversees your ClearCorrect treatment, the entire process is relatively simple. To get the ball rolling, you’ll need to schedule a consultation with your dentist or orthodontist of choice. After you kick off your treatment, here’s a fly-by of what you can expect with ClearCorrect:
Step 1: You schedule and attend a consultation with your local ClearCorrect provider. The dentist will take a 3D scan of your teeth; if it looks like you’ll be a good candidate for treatment, they will take impressions, too.
Step 2: ClearCorrect analyzes those impressions and uses them to design your custom clear aligners. Then, they collaborate with your dentist to design your unique treatment plan, which you’ll have the chance to review before starting treatment.
Step 3: Pay for your treatment all in one go, or arrange a payment plan with your dentist.
Step 4: ClearCorrect creates your custom aligners and sends them back to your dentist. You schedule a pick-up appointment where your dentist will brief you on all the ins and outs of aligner wear.
Step 5: You wear your aligners for 22+ hours per day and go to an office visit every 4-6 weeks, and your teeth gradually shift into place.
Advantages and Disadvantages of ClearCorrect
ClearCorrect is pretty versatile and, compared to Invisalign, they’re a bit more affordable. But there are other perks, too. Here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of using ClearCorrect to straighten your teeth:
ClearCorrect Advantages
✔ Since ClearCorrect is administered in person, there is a high degree of versatility to your treatment. More importantly, though, ClearCorrect has a high satisfaction rate.
✔ While the details vary depending on your individual provider, you can likely get a financing plan so you don’t have to pay it all at once.
✔ You get to choose your treatment provider yourself, allowing you to pick someone who fits your personality, your budget, and more.
✔ ClearCorrect offers a variety of treatment options that allow you to customize your treatment to some extent, including pricing and payments.
ClearCorrect Disadvantages
✖ ClearCorrect may be more affordable than Invisalign, but only by a little bit. And compared to other treatment options, they’re pretty pricey.
✖ ClearCorrect treatment usually lasts between 12 to 18 months, which is average for an in-office treatment method but slow compared to at-home aligner services.
✖ Aftercare retainers are a necessity for any teeth straightening treatment, but with ClearCorrect, they cost extra. The exact price depends on your provider, but typically it’s around $100.
✖ Some customers report that ClearCorrect’s aligners are a bit more uncomfortable than Invisalign’s. This isn’t a big difference, but it’s caused by the plastics each company uses. The discomfort is worth noting if you want to use the most comfortable method possible.
Still curious about ClearCorrect? Check out our in-depth review below.
ClearCorrect: Treatment Efficiency
Everyone will have a slightly different ClearCorrect experience because everyone’s smile is different. The total timing of your treatment depends on a couple of factors:
- The severity of your teeth crowding or spacing
- The number of aligners in your treatment plan
- How long you wear your aligners each day
ClearCorrect’s average treatment time is between 12 to 18 months. But that largely depends on what version of ClearCorrect you use: Limited 6, Limited 12, Flex, or Unlimited. You’ll get 6 aligners with Limited 6 and 12 with Limited 12—hence the name. If your case is tougher, you’ll use Unlimited instead. The Flex plan allows you to pay per aligner, which can save money if your condition only requires a few.
Understandably, the speed of your treatment will mirror the number of aligners you need.
ClearCorrect Patient Feedback
Normally, in our reviews, we like to include a summary of the reviews customers post on external websites to give you a feel for what others are saying.
Unfortunately, though, that’s not really possible for ClearCorrect because it’s a business-to-business company; they sell directly to your dentist, who administers them for you. So while there may be customer reviews for your dentist, you won’t really find reviews for ClearCorrect.
If you’d like someone’s opinion on ClearCorrect (aside from ours), we recommend asking your local provider or chatting with other patients (if you know any).
ClearCorrect Prices and Features
ClearCorrect is cheaper than Invisalign, but there’s still some cost involved. Here’s a quick glance of the impact ClearCorrect will have on your wallet:
1) Initial consultation, cost varies: To start your treatment, you’ll need to schedule a consultation with your local ClearCorrect provider. The provider will set the costs for this consultation, so it’s tough to give a “sticker price.”
2) Total cost of treatment, $4,000-6,000 (average): The price for your treatment will depend on the ClearCorrect product you’re using. Naturally, if you use Limited 6, your price will be lower than someone using Unlimited. Or, if you choose the Flex plan, the price will vary. On average, the price ranges between $4,000-6,000, but keep in mind that your price could be lower or higher. Thankfully, this price does include all of the aligners in your treatment, from start to finish.
3) Aftercare retainers, ~$100: Like your treatment, the exact price for your aftercare retainers will depend on your provider’s fees. The average price tag is about $100, though. That’s not a huge cost, but it is one you’ll want to plan for.
If you’re thinking $5,000 or so seems like too much to pay all at once, you’re not alone. Technically, you could pay the whole thing up front, but for in-office treatments, many people prefer financing options. Most likely, your ClearCorrect provider offers some sort of payment plan; you should inquire with them for the full details.
ClearCorrect charges dentists less than Invisalign for lab fees and this often allows dentists to charge less for treatment. But the difference isn’t earth-shattering.
Patient Support
ClearCorrect technically has a support team, but it’s largely reserved for the dentists and orthodontists who provide ClearCorrect to patients. For traditional support—questions about payment, a repair or replacement for a broken or lost aligner, and so on—you’ll need to talk with your treatment provider.
You’ll actually get very personal, customized support throughout your ClearCorrect treatment. With some other companies, you’ll talk with a remote customer service representative who doesn’t know the ins and outs of your case, which can cause some frustrations and misunderstandings.
Thankfully, that doesn’t really happen with ClearCorrect. Your dentist not only helps design your treatment but also checks in with you regularly. If you ever have questions or issues, you’ll get help from someone who truly understands your case.
Best ClearCorrect Alternatives
Is ClearCorrect right for you? Your smile is a big decision, and you get to keep it for life. So you should definitely take some time to consider all the available options. In-office treatments like ClearCorrect and Invisalign are the most traditional, but there are also at-home aligner companies.
As a general rule, people with more extreme cases will need to stick with in-office treatments. The in-person orthodontist oversight ensures that your condition gets the care it requires. That said, people with mild to moderate cases may be good candidates for at-home aligners. Knowing that, here are some of our favorite alternatives to ClearCorrect:
Invisalign
The top name in clear aligners deserves a spot on our list of top alternatives. They may be a bit more expensive than ClearCorrect, but many people report that their aligners are more comfortable than other options. They also offer Invisalign Express, which is faster and more affordable than traditional Invisalign for mild cases. They’re our top in-office treatment.
Byte
We’ve ranked Byte as our top at-home aligner company, and for good reason. They boast the industry’s shortest treatment times, they’re affordable, and they offer an unbeatable Byte-for-Life guarantee that prioritizes your satisfaction for all time.
AlignerCo
Orthodontic treatment is a lot of things, but it’s not affordable…usually. AlignerCo is an exception, though. They’re truly budget-friendly, but they don’t sacrifice quality in the name of low prices either.
Should You Use ClearCorrect?
ClearCorrect is a great option (especially if you want to avoid using Invisalign), but that doesn’t mean that they’re right for everyone. Let’s talk about when you should use ClearCorrect and when you should steer clear.
✔ When to use ClearCorrect:
Use ClearCorrect if you need the added power and versatility of in-office treatment but you don’t want to pay the same price tag as Invisalign.
✖ When NOT to use ClearCorrect:
Avoid ClearCorrect if you need a speedy or a truly budget-friendly option. If your schedule makes it difficult to schedule and maintain appointments with your dentist, then you may want to pick an at-home aligner company instead, like Byte or AlignerCo.
Final Verdict:
All told, ClearCorrect is an excellent option. They may not be as proven or experienced as Invisalign, but they get the job done. And as an added plus, they’re more affordable. If your condition is tough enough to require in-office treatment, then ClearCorrect is one of your best bets for affordable treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between ClearCorrect and companies like Smile Direct?
ClearCorrect is administered in-person by a dentist or orthodontist. That means you’ll need to attend office visits (and pay the accompanying fee). Smile Direct is one of the biggest names in the at-home aligner scene, which is a bit different. At-home aligners don’t require office visits. They ship customized aligners directly to your home, and they’re generally cheaper, too. The downside is that you won’t get direct orthodontist oversight throughout your treatment.
What if I’m not happy with the outcome?
With ClearCorrect, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be dissatisfied with your results. That’s because your treatment provider will make any adjustments to correct minor issues long before they become major ones. That said, if you’re looking for a “satisfaction guarantee” or a “warranty” in the usual sense, you’ll need to touch base with your treatment provider. The individual dentists usually handle these issues.
Does ClearCorrect have a nighttime-only treatment option?
No. The success of your ClearCorrect treatment hinges on the fact that you wear your aligners for at least 22 hours per day. If you’re interested in nighttime-only treatment, you should look into Byte or AlignerCo.
Do I need an X-ray before getting treatment with ClearCorrect?
Usually, you do not need an X-ray before treatment with ClearCorrect. 3D scans and impressions are more important. However, your chosen dentist will make the final call on X-rays.
Is ClearCorrect better than traditional braces?
It depends on what you mean by “better.” In terms of power and versatility, braces are the be-all, end-all. Traditional brackets and wires haven’t ever met a case that they couldn’t handle. ClearCorrect is more versatile than basic clear aligners, but there are exceptions. That said, ClearCorrect is nearly invisible. Braces? Not so much. As for which is better, you’ll have to choose according to your priorities.
Is ClearCorrect cheaper than traditional braces?
Long story short: it depends. The average price for braces ranges between $5,000 to $7,000. ClearCorrect may be cheaper depending on your orthodontist or dentist’s fees, as well as the severity of your condition.
Do ClearCorrect results last forever?
Your ClearCorrect treatment should be pretty set in stone—provided you wear your aftercare retainers. Teeth tend to shift back to their original positions if you let them. Your retainers will keep that from happening. Provided you wear them as recommended by your dentist, your new, perfect smile will stay that way.
Can I whiten my teeth during ClearCorrect treatment?
It depends. If you have attachments installed, you’ll need to stay away from whitening until your treatment is finished. That will prevent any odd stains from forming on your teeth. If you’re using aligners alone, you may be able to whiten mid-treatment. The catch? Some whiteners can damage the plastic in your aligners. If you must whiten simultaneously, we suggest that you contact your dentist for recommendations on aligner-safe whitening formulas.
Is there an age requirement for ClearCorrect?
Technically speaking, ClearCorrect does not explicitly say what ages are eligible for treatment. Your dentist will make that call. As a general rule, though, if you need your wisdom teeth removed, you should do it before you begin treatment.
Will ClearCorrect make me talk funny?
With any clear aligner system, you have a foreign object in your mouth. That’s unavoidable. So, your mouth might feel a bit funny, and you could have the slightest hint of a lisp. For most people, though, the aligners are minimally invasive and practically imperceptible to others.
How many hours a day should I wear my ClearCorrect aligners?
ClearCorrect aligners need to be worn for a minimum of 22 hours per day. As a general rule, you should only take out your aligners to eat, drink, brush, or floss.
Can I drink coffee while using ClearCorrect?
With any aligners, you should not eat or drink anything (except water) with your aligners in. That said, you can remove them during meals and snacks, drink, replace them, and repeat as needed.
What happens if I lose my aligners (or retainers)?
If you lose an aligner or retainer, you should contact your ClearCorrect provider. They will help you sort through the situation. Your provider will also set the “rules” on how much it costs to replace an aligner or retainer. Some providers will give you one “free” to replace a lost or broken aligner, and some won’t.
Is ClearCorrect covered by insurance?
That depends on your policy. If you receive orthodontic benefits, then your insurance will likely reimburse you for your treatment. We recommend that you check with your provider before committing to treatment just to make sure.