What are clear aligners?

Clear aligners (also known as invisible braces) are a modern orthodontic treatment designed to straighten teeth without brackets, wires, or the visual baggage of traditional braces. Instead, they use a series of removable, transparent trays, with each custom-made to fit your teeth and gradually shift them into alignment over time.

You’ll wear each set of aligners for around two weeks before switching to the next in the series. Every set is slightly different, moving your teeth step by step toward a straighter smile. The full treatment is planned in advance, so you’ll know what to expect at every stage.

Because the aligners are clear and fit snugly over your teeth, they’re barely noticeable. You can take them out to eat, brush, floss, or take a quick selfie without a mouth full of brackets. That means fewer food restrictions, easier oral hygiene, and a lot more flexibility in your day-to-day routine.

For people with mild to moderate alignment issues, clear aligners can be just as effective as braces. The key is wearing them as instructed and following the treatment plan your provider gives you.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a type of clear aligner used for orthodontic treatment. It works by using a series of custom-fitted, removable plastic trays to gradually straighten your teeth over time.

To put it simply, all Invisalign aligners are clear aligners, but not all clear aligners are Invisalign. It’s one of the most recognised brand names in the space, and for many people, it’s become a default term. Kind of like how we say “Band-Aid” instead of adhesive bandage, or “Esky” instead of cooler.

So while Invisalign treatment might be the most familiar name, they’re just one option among many. Today, there’s a growing range of clear aligner brands available, each offering different technologies, treatment models, and price points.

How clear aligner brands can differ

Scanning and treatment planning technology

Every clear aligner journey starts with capturing a replica of your smile. But how that’s done can make a big difference.

Some providers still rely on old-school dental moulds. If you’ve had one before, you probably remember the moment (and probably not in a good way). That oversized tray of putty, the awkward bite-down, the strange pressure on your teeth, and that faint, chalky aftertaste if they didn’t use a flavoured mix.

Luckily, there’s a better way. The more modern approach is 3D scanning, which captures a digital model of your teeth quickly, comfortably, and with more precision.
At Dr Wondersmile, we use advanced 3D scanning to map your smile and build a personalised treatment plan from the very start. That accuracy helps ensure your aligners fit properly and deliver the results you’re aiming for, often in as little as 6 to 9 months.

Remote vs in-clinic treatment

Another big difference between clear aligner brands is how the treatment is delivered and how involved you need to be in-person.

Some providers follow a traditional model where you visit a clinic regularly for scans, check-ups, and aligner handovers. That approach can be reassuring for some, but also time-consuming, especially if your schedule is already full or if you don’t live near a clinic.

Other brands are fully remote, with everything handled online or through the mail. While convenient, that approach can sometimes feel a little hands-off, especially if you hit a bump in the road or need help mid-treatment. It can also commonly result in errors in treatment, as you’re not being monitored by a dental professional.
This is where our hybrid model makes all the difference. You’ll visit us once for an advanced 3D scan, then your custom clear aligners are delivered straight to your door. From there, your progress is monitored remotely by a team of licensed dental professionals. If anything needs adjusting or you want in-person support, you can book a check-in at one of our locations.

Ongoing monitoring and support

Wearing aligners isn’t a set-and-forget kind of treatment. Your teeth are constantly shifting, and things don’t always move exactly as planned. That’s why ongoing monitoring is so important.

Some providers offer little to no follow-up once your aligners are delivered. Others leave the responsibility up to you, which can be stressful if you’re not sure whether your treatment is staying on track.
With us, your progress is reviewed remotely by licensed dentists throughout your treatment. You’ll receive notifications and updates if anything needs attention, and your plan can be reassessed or adjusted to keep everything moving in the right direction.

Suitability for different cases

Clear aligners are a great option for many people, especially if your teeth are crowded, crooked, or have visible gaps. These types of mild to moderate alignment issues respond well to clear aligner treatment and can often be corrected without the need for braces.

That said, aligners aren’t always suitable for more complex orthodontic cases. Some brands try to offer a one-size-fits-all solution, but that can lead to underwhelming results or longer treatment times.

At Dr Wondersmile, we’re upfront about what we can treat and what we can’t. If aligners aren’t the right choice for your smile, we’ll let you know early and way before you commit to anything. You can even start with our online Smile Quiz to see if you’re a good candidate in just a few minutes!

Cost, clarity, and convenience

The cost of clear aligner treatment can vary widely depending on the brand, treatment model, and level of ongoing support. Some providers offer bundled packages, while others add on extra fees for check-ins, refinements, or replacements along the way.

It’s worth looking closely at what’s included, what’s not, and how flexible the payment options are.

Our treatments start from as little as $2,500 total, with no hidden fees and no surprises, which makes achieving a straighter smile more accessible than most people expect.

It’s all about the right fit

Clear aligners all aim to do the same thing, but how they get you there can vary. It comes down to how your treatment is planned, how it fits into your life, and how supported you are along the way.

Dr Wondersmile offers invisible braces that are affordable, easy to get started with, and backed by real dental professionals. The process is clear from day one, and built to suit real people with real lives.

Now that’s a Wondersmile kind of smile.