If you’re looking to gain a healthy, straighter smile, you’ve likely come across removable dental aligners while researching your orthodontic treatment options.
Plastic aligners are used to straighten teeth, offering a more discreet alternative to traditional braces with metal brackets and wires. Our dental clinic Kensington patients regularly choose clear aligners as their preferred orthodontic solution.These systems work by gradually shifting your teeth over time using a series of custom-made trays that are worn for most of the day.
Two of the most popular clear removable dental aligner brands are Angel Aligners and Invisalign. But how do they differ? And which is best for you? We explore both aligner systems in depth to help you to understand more about their similarities and differences.
What are Angel Aligners?
Angel Aligner is a brand of clear plastic aligners, and its systems have been used for over 22 years by dental professionals. Over 1.5 million smiles have been corrected using Angel Align technology. There are two types of Angel Aligners available here at Kai Dental: Angel Aligner Select and Pro.
Angel Aligner Select
Select is the standard aligner treatment used to treat simple to moderate misalignment. Patients receive a new bespoke aligner every few weeks to gently move the teeth into their new positions.
Pros of Angel Aligner Select
- Discreet, nearly invisible trays
- Proven results for mild to moderate crowding, spacing and rotations
- Removable for eating, enabling you to maintain a healthier smile
- Easy to clean
- Cost-effective
Cons of Angel Aligner Select
- Not wearing the aligners for the recommended 22 hours a day can derail straightening journeys
- Uses a single aligner per stage rather than the dual-layer system offered by Angel Aligner Pro
Angel Aligner Pro
Angel Aligner Pro is more advanced, designed to offer faster results and tackle more complex movements using a 7+3 dual aligner system.
During each stage, a first aligner created from MasterControl S is worn for 7 days. This flexible multi-layer polymer material ensures comfort and excellent alignment results by applying a gentle but consistent force.
After a week, this aligner is swapped out for a second aligner, made from MasterControl, which is worn for 3 days. This plastic is stiffer, providing more force to correct more complicated orthodontic issues and offering precise control.
Pros of Angel Aligner Pro
- Quick results
- Made from advanced materials for enhanced results
- Great for correcting complicated issues, like severe crowding, spacing, and complex bite alignment
- Offers comfort and better control over tooth movement
- Removable and discreet
- Easy to clean
Cons of Angel Aligner Pro
- More expensive than Angel Aligner Select
- The 7+3 system can be more difficult to follow than single aligner treatments
- You need to remember to wear the aligners, with a more complex set of usage instructions
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is one of the most recognised clear aligner brands and has been used to transform 22 million smiles across the globe. Treatment begins with a 3D scan of your teeth, and from this, your custom-made treatment plan will be made.
Every 10-14 days, you’ll receive a new bespoke plastic tray made from a thermoplastic polyurethane material known as SmartTrack, to be worn throughout the day and night, except when eating and brushing your teeth.
Pros of Invisalign
- Clear aligner trays are barely detectable
- Established brand with an excellent track record of proven results
- Ideal for mild to complex issues, including crowding and bite problems
- Removable for eating, and easy to keep clean
- Comfortable, smooth aligners
Cons of Invisalign
- It’s easy to forget to wear the aligners, impacting the final results
- Aligners may stain if not cared for correctly
- Can be more expensive than other treatments
- For complex cases, Invisalign often requires small tooth-coloured attachments to be bonded onto the teeth, which are noticeable up close.
Similarities with Invisalign vs Angel Aligners
While there are plenty of differences between these two treatments, there are also similarities based on how their processes work. Both Angel Aligners and Invisalign follow the same consultation and step-by-step procedure at your dentist.
At Kai Dental, Dr Jeet Parekh (GDC NO.211256) will assess your suitability for each treatment during a consultation and take 3D scans and X-rays of your mouth. These will be used to create a digital treatment plan, and advanced technology will provide a digital preview of your projected results. Your new aligners will be fabricated in a specialist lab. Once either treatment is complete, you’ll be instructed to wear a retainer to hold your brand-new smile in place.
Plus, as both guide tooth movement, you’ll also feel mild tenderness after swapping your aligners, which can be eased with over-the-counter painkillers.
Which clear aligners are best for you?
Both Invisalign and Angel Aligners offer impressive teeth alignment and reliable results, boasting countless smile transformations. It should also be said that consistent wear and sticking to a good oral hygiene routine are just as important as the brand name you choose.
Which is best suited to you completely depends on your dental needs and budget:
- The most affordable clear aligner treatment option is Angel Aligner Select, with prices starting from £3,750.
- If brand history and prestige are essential to you, Invisalign is the most popular, proven, and recognised.
- If you’re after faster results, Angel Aligner Pro makes the most sense for you.
Not sure which is right for you?
The best way to find out which aligner system is right for you is to book a teeth-straightening consultation here at Kai Dental. Our expertly trained orthodontists will examine your teeth and discuss your treatment goals with you, helping you to make a confident decision based on specialist, custom advice. Visit our dentist in Queensway to get started.
We’ll go through each treatment process thoroughly and explain the key differences between all our orthodontic options.
Or, you can get in touch with our helpful team for more information.
About The Author
Dr Jeet Parekh
BDS (MANC), MJDF RCS (ENG), MCLIDENT (ORTH), MORTH GDC NO.211526
Read more about Dr Jeet Parekh Dr Jeet Parekh is the owner of the practice and our clinical director. He qualified from the University of Manchester in 2011, before completing his orthodontic specialty training from the Royal London in 2017.
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