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Angel Align­ers vs Invisalign: Pros, Cons and How to Choose

If you’re think­ing about pri­vate ortho­don­tic treat­ment at any point in your life, you will like­ly come across Invisalign align­ers dur­ing your research. While this brand has become syn­ony­mous with the clear and remov­able align­er treat­ment plan, it’s not the only brand out there.

Other options include the Angel Aligner, which offers a similar treatment plan but with some key differences. Before you make a decision based on trends, it’s vital that you understand the pros and cons of each treatment, as you might miss out on some benefits that are better suited to your needs.

In this guide, we’re exploring the key features and benefits of both Invisalign and Angel Aligner, and then looking at the pros and cons of each so you can decide which is right for you.

What is Angel Aligner

What is Angel Aligner?

The Angel Aligner treatment plan is a clear and removable orthodontic system. Rather than use brackets and wires like traditional treatment, we can now use plastic aligners that apply gentle and even pressure to your teeth.

The key difference in the Angel Aligner treatment plan is the use of different materials throughout treatment to accelerate the timeline. This plan uses the “7+3” approach, where you wear a flexible aligner for 7 days to apply gentle pressure to the teeth, and then a firmer aligner for 3 days.

Varying the pressure in this way can help to speed up treatment times. This system also uses attachments and has a frosted finish, so it is barely visible when wearing it.

Pros of Angel Aligner

  • Faster treatment times due to the 7+3 method

  • Frosted finish makes them less shiny and visible

  • Uses oral scans to plan treatment

Cons of Angel Aligner

  • The firmer material can be uncomfortable, even if only for 3 days

  • Not everyone is suited to removable aligners

  • It’s possible to derail your treatment by losing or forgetting to wear an aligner

What is Invisalign

What is Invisalign?

Like Angel Aligner, Invisalign also uses clear and removable aligners to straighten your teeth. The treatment starts with a scan of your teeth and then each tooth is isolated and the ideal path of movement is planned.

At the start of treatment, you’ll receive a case of aligners that are all the same. You’ll start with your first aligner and wear this for 10-14 days, and then switch to the next aligner in the case.

Unlike Angel Aligner, there is no difference in the aligners used. The pressure on your teeth remains the same throughout treatment. These aligners also have wear indicators, so your dentist will be able to see if you’re wearing them for long enough each day.

Pros of Invisalign

  • Clear and removable aligners which simplify treatment

  • Patients change aligners at home for fewer dental checkups

  • Treatment plan is simple to follow

Cons of Invisalign

  • Not suitable for every patient

  • Treatment will be unsuccessful if the patient doesn’t wear their aligners

  • Easy to lose or forget to wear aligners, which could derail treatment

  • Aligners can become stained and more visible

How to choose the right system for you

How to choose the right system for you

Before making a choice about which system you would like to use, it’s best to consult with an orthodontist. They will be able to tell you which systems are suitable for your case, so you don’t become attached to one that is ultimately not right for your needs.

It’s common for patients to arrive with a clear idea about which treatment they want, but it could be that their case would be better approached with an entirely different plan.

For example, if you know you are forgetful or likely to misplace things, you might not want to choose a removable aligner system in the end, as this is more likely to result in treatment failure. Instead, you might be steered towards a fixed orthodontic system that uses tooth-coloured brackets and clear wires to achieve the same results.

If speed is important to you, the Angel Aligner might be right for you, but Invisalign could also be ideal. The severity of your orthodontic case will also have a big impact on the final choice for treatment. Rather than choosing before you know which is right for you, we recommend booking an appointment with our orthodontics team to learn more.