Invisalign is a brand of Clear Aligner Therapy (CAT), much like Coca-Cola is a brand of soda. They happen to be the largest brand in the CAT market, so CAT is often referred to as “Invisalign,” much like you order a “coke” to get a soda (at least in the South).  There are other brands of CAT, but I believe that Invisalign is the best CAT brand out there. . . So just like “coke” refers to Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Dr Pepper, etc., let’s unpack the question: what is Invisalign?What is invisalign?

It is the following:

  1. An algorithm to predict tooth movement.  It’s a better algorithm than its competitors, but read this blog post to see what I think about the algorithm. In short, a doctor prescribes tooth movement, the algorithm spits back a plan, and the doctor can then alter that plan right down to 0.1 degree of movement in all 3 planes of space.  Some doctors do not alter the plan that comes back (poor choice); others alter the plans dramatically. I’ll typically go through 4-5 iterations of a plan before I’m happy. Once the doctor is happy with the plan, they approve the plan.
  2. A printer of clear aligners.  After the plan is approved, the clear aligners used to move the teeth are printed.  The company is an amazing manufacturer of clear aligners. After the aligners are manufactured, they are sent to the doctor’s office for delivery to the patient.
  3. A marketing expert.  As a company, they understand the value of a beautiful smile.  Creating beautiful smiles is one of the best parts of being an orthodontist.  They’ve taken that idea directly to the public in a very powerful way, and now over 5 million people have had their orthodontic treatment  done with their clear aligners. That is amazing.

As I stated, I believe that Invisalign is the best brand out there for orthodontic treatment with clear aligners. Following my core principles of service to others, excellence, and integrity, I’m committed to treating my patients with only the products/brands that I believe will give the best results.  So, when it comes to orthodontics with clear aligners, I use Invisalign. But, you must understand, that they are a very good brand, but Invisalign is NOT a DOCTOR! 

Dr. Joosse