The differences: Invisalign vs. bestsmile

What are transparent braces?

The basic idea behind aligner braces was to create a modern and comfortable orthodontic appliance that would lead to beautiful straight teeth in a quick and particularly discreet manner. Conventional braces, as well as other types of braces with brackets and wires, are clearly visible and not removable. More comfort and improved aesthetics make aligners an increasingly popular orthodontic treatment.

Tooth gaps, crowded teeth, crooked teeth and other mild to moderate malocclusions can be corrected within a relatively short treatment time, and in such a way that hardly anyone notices, thanks to transparent plastic aligners. There are now several providers of transparent braces – and Invisalign is an internationally well-known one. But what exactly are the differences between what Invisalign offers and bestsmile Aligners?

Who invented aligner treatment?

The American company Align Technology invented removable braces and protected its Invisalign system by means of various patents. The patent expiry date was in 2017, so other companies can now also produce and offer transparent removable braces.

Even before the Invisalign treatment emerged, the process of correcting malocclusions with transparent braces did already exist in orthodontics. It dates back to 1945, when it was developed by an orthodontist named Kesling. This treatment method has kept evolving ever since and various production methods have been established.

Invisalign: disadvantages and alternatives

There are now many aligner providers. Some are frequently criticised, because they often refrain from having patients regularly examined and advised by a specialist medical team with dentists and orthodontists. Experts recommend that anyone choosing an alternative to Invisalign should avoid providers who work exclusively online and without direct consultations.

One disadvantage of the transparent braces from Invisalign is the production route. The manufacturer of Invisalign is still Align Technology in the USA, so Invisalign aligners are produced in America and shipped to the respective locations.

bestsmile, the Swiss alternative to Invisalign

In Switzerland too, there are various providers and Invisalign alternatives. Many general dental practices are Invisalign partners and offer Invisalign treatment. At bestsmile, on the other hand, everything comes from a single source. We manufacture in our own Swiss production facility and offer the treatment exclusively in our practices.

Moreover, at bestsmile, trained dentists are with you from the first appointment to the final check-up. Should any questions arise during the treatment, we are on hand for you at 36 locations, or will gladly advise you via our customer service. This means that you can get your new smile without any worries.

Costs: bestsmile vs. Invisalign

With Invisalign aligners, the costs are calculated according to the complexity of your teeth and the number of braces. With bestsmile, on the other hand, it doesn’t matter how many check-ups you need – the price remains the same. During the course of treatment, there are no additional charges for dental services and no extra costs.

Costs of Invisalign

The costs of Invisalign treatment vary greatly. Most Invisalign treatments amount to between CHF 5,000 and CHF 11,000. Depending on the complexity of the tooth position, the number of aligners needed and the treatment time, the costs can turn out very differently. Furthermore, the costs are determined by the respective orthodontists and providers, which leads to more price variation.

Costs of bestsmile Aligners

At bestsmile, teeth straightening is available at a fixed price, which you already know at the beginning of the treatment.

• One jaw: from CHF 3,490
• Both jaws: from CHF 3,990
• Additional services: from CHF 150

You also have the option of monthly instalments, starting from CHF 70 per month.

Are there any additional costs at bestsmile?

There are additional services that can be charged for individually, for example a panoramic X-ray, attachments or a wire retainer. You will discuss whether you need any of these with your dentist. There are no additional charges for any appointments or services during your treatment. You will know the price of your treatment right from the start. On our pricing page, you will find everything you need to know about the price of a bestsmile Aligner treatment.

Why are bestsmile Aligners cheaper than Invisalign?

Our mission is to give everyone a beautiful smile at a fair price. We actively pursue this goal. Having our own production facility in Switzerland means that we work particularly efficiently and can pass on the resulting cost advantages to our customers.

Treatable cases

In general, many different tooth corrections can be performed using transparent braces. However, Invisalign and bestsmile Aligners differ in some respects.

What can Invisalign treat?

Invisalign transparent braces come in different types, each suitable for different malocclusions and cases. For instance, there is Invisalign Lite, which is mainly used for mild to moderate corrections, or Invisalign Comprehensive, which covers the entire treatment spectrum.

Why are there different Invisalign systems?

The different systems, 5 in total, allow Invisalign to correct a wide range of malocclusions and thus treat more cases. Invisalign also involves taking more scans during treatment, and usually the treatment comprises many more aligners than at bestsmile. This also explains the higher price for more complex malocclusions.

Can Invisalign treat more cases than bestsmile Aligners?

Unlike bestsmile Aligners, Invisalign can also shift the back teeth, although this is not aesthetically relevant. At bestsmile, we focus on aesthetic tooth straightening, which means that the back teeth and the bite (the so-called ‘occlusion’) basically don’t change.

What can bestsmile treat?

Normal bestsmile Aligners correct mild to moderate malocclusions. The bestsmile Night Aligners, which you only wear at night, are particularly suitable for relatively mild malocclusions.

At bestsmile, we focus in particular on the front teeth in the visible area. We can treat the following malocclusions with bestsmile Aligners or Night Aligners:

• End-to-end bite
• Overbite
• Tipped teeth
• Tooth gap
• Open bite
• Deep bite
• Crossbite
• Crowded teeth

Treatment time and procedure

How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign treatment works much like other treatments involving transparent braces. A set of different aligners is used to move the teeth into the correct position, step by step. Malocclusions can thus be corrected by steadily shifting the teeth.

Invisalign treatment comprises multiple steps:

1. In a consultation with a dentist or orthodontist, all the important information is explained to you. Before the Invisalign treatment begins, a cavities check and professional tooth cleaning are necessary.
2. The tooth position is determined using various methods (X-rays, photos, 3D scan) as a basis for defining a treatment plan, which includes the treatment goal.
3. A digital animation showing the intended tooth correction is created using ClinCheck software. If there are no objections, the aligners are ordered and the treatment can begin.
4. Once the Invisalign treatment is complete, the new tooth position then has to be secured and stabilised. With the aid of a wire or night retainer, the new tooth position is maintained in the long term.

How long does Invisalign treatment take?

With Invisalign aligners, the treatment time can vary, depending on the malocclusion and the complexity of the case. Even though initial results are visible relatively soon, the treatment is usually expected to take 12–18 months. Achievement of the treatment goal can also be delayed if the aligners are not worn for the full recommended wearing time.

How does bestsmile Aligner treatment work?

Your bestsmile Aligner treatment is simple and uncomplicated. In just a few steps, you can achieve the smile of your dreams:

1. The Aligners are produced in-house in Winterthur.
2. They are sent directly to our practices and are ready for you to pick up there.
3. Your Aligner treatment can begin!

How long does the treatment take at bestsmile?

At bestsmile, you are told how long the treatment will take at the beginning. It is usually a matter of 3–12 months. You not only see your treatment goal in a simulation, but you also find out everything you need to know about it – right at the start.

What needs to be taken into consideration regarding bestsmile or Invisalign treatment?

With both bestsmile and Invisalign, additional steps may be necessary for successful treatment, such as:

• Attachments
• Minimal interdental tooth shaving
• Retainers

Attachments

Attachments may be necessary for a successful correction, regardless of the provider. These small composite elements are fixed to the teeth at the beginning, to optimally aid the transfer of force. After treatment, they can be removed easily and without leaving any residue.

Minimal interdental tooth shaving

In cases of crowded teeth, minimal interdental tooth shaving may be necessary, in order to gain enough space between the teeth for the upcoming tooth movement.

Retainers

No matter which type of tooth correction you choose, the new tooth position should also stay put afterwards in the long term. With a wireattached to the back of the teeth, or with a retainer aligner that you only wear at night, your new tooth position is maintained.

Production and material

Aligners from both Invisalign and bestsmile are made of medical-grade plastic. This is biocompatible, transparent and stable. The production technology is also the same: For the production of aligners from both Invisalign and bestsmile, a 3D scan of the teeth is made, which serves as the basis of a 3D model.

The biggest difference in production is the production location, which has an impact on the price. At bestsmile, everything comes from a single source. This leads to price advantages that we gladly pass on to our customers.

Where is Invisalign made?

Many dentists worldwide offer Invisalign treatments. The manufacturer, Align Technology from the USA, produces its aligners in Mexico. Its 3D scanners come from Cadent, a company located in Israel and acquired in 2011. Thus, Invisalign aligners travel from the USA via Mexico to Switzerland.

Where are bestsmile Aligners made?

At bestsmile, all production steps take place in Switzerland. You can get personal advice at any of our 36 locations throughout Switzerland. The treatment plans are prepared on the basis of 3D scans. bestsmile Aligners are then produced directly in the company’s own laboratories in Winterthur. In these laboratories, the dental models are 3D printed, PET films are pressed onto the models, quality checks are carried out and finally the Aligner sets are sent to the practices – everything from a single source.

The advantages of bestsmile

Thanks to bestsmile, anyone who wants to have their teeth straightened these days can do so with a regional product and at a fair price. Efficiency and Swiss quality are the top priority. Here is a brief summary of the advantages:

• Dense network of practices throughout Switzerland – from Zurich to Bellinzona
• Payment by instalments
• Professional team of dentists and orthodontists
• Swiss product manufactured with state-of-the-art technology
• The entire value chain from a single source
• Fair price
• Already over 35,000 satisfied customers

Thanks to bestsmile Aligners, many of our customers have rediscovered the joy of smiling and now feel more confident. Take a moment to check out the stories of their experiences with bestsmile Aligners and Veneers.