Invisalign, explained.

Invisalign is often mistakenly used as a general term for clear aligners. While they all may look identical, there are big differences to point out. 

What it is and how it works 

Invisalign is a brand of clear removable aligners created by the American company Align Technology. Stanford graduate Zia Chishti co-founded the company in 1997 alongside three other partners and launched Invisalign in 1998.

Like Basma aligners, orthodontists use moulds of teeth to customize the shape of an Invisalign tray. Eventually, the patient wears the plastic device to gradually straighten their teeth. First, they’ll need to visit their orthodontist who’ll either take their impressions with putty or conduct a 3D scan to get the exact anatomy of their teeth. From there, he or she will digitally design the treatment plan. If the patient approves of the plan, the orthodontist will create different sets of aligners that’ll need to be replaced every 2 weeks, for as long as the treatment lasts. Every new piece will help the teeth shift closer to the final result.

How it all started

It was in 1945 that American orthodontist, Dr. Harold Kesling, pioneered the craft of straightening teeth without using metal braces. He’d invented what was called the “Positioner”[1] to help teeth shift gradually out of a malocclusion. As revolutionary as it may have been, there were limits to the potential of early technologies. For example, when it came to teeth impressions, patients had to visit their orthodontist every time to take a new mould for the next set of Positioners.

In 1997, however, Align Technology truly popularized and optimized the use of clear aligners. [2] Thanks to advancements in 3D printing and software technology, the company was able to digitize the process of taking impressions. This of course helped launch invisible aligners into mass production.

How much it costs

As popular as it became, Invisalign doesn’t come cheap.

On average, it costs USD 5,700 to get an Invisalign treatment. In other words, the price range goes anywhere between USD 3500-USD 9,500 [3]. The final cost depends on the country, the severity of the case, the doctor, and whether or not the patient is covered by insurance.

How Invisalign and Basma aligners are different

Price
While Invisalign treatments have a price range of USD 3500-USD 9,500, a full Basma aligner treatment has a set price of only USD 1,699.

Access
Invisalign treatments require patients to schedule regular visits to their orthodontist who’ll track their progress and provide them with their next set of aligners. In contrast, Basma is a tele-dentistry platform – meaning it offers 100% at-home treatments with remote guidance by orthodontists, wherever patients may be. This also means that we deliver all sets of aligners in one package straight to patients, at no extra cost.

Severity of case
Invisalign can treat more severe cases of teeth misalignment thanks to some added features (buttons and attachments). Basma, on the other hand, treats mild to moderate cases.

Sources:
[1] Harold D. Kesling (1901–1979). American Journal of Orthodontics. 77 (5): 574–575. 1980-05-01
[2] Gemmi, C. (2015). A Complete History of Invisalign. Orthodontics Limited. [online]
[3] Szatanik, S. (2020). How much does Invisalign cost? Authority Dental. [online].