Zenyum vs Invisalign vs WonderSmile vs Smile Direct Club: Which Clear Aligners Are For You?

Clear aligners are comfortable, easy to use, and offer a better alternative to conventional braces. We look at the similarities and differences between the top clear aligners.

Many people benefit from teeth alignment and straightening. Whether as an adult or a teenager, a perfect smile is a huge asset for your confidence. The good news is that there are several options for invisible braces and clear aligners you can use to align and straighten your teeth.

You have probably come across one or a few of the aligners in this review, and are wondering which method suits you. We’ll compare the various invisible braces and clear aligner options so you can choose the ideal method for you.

What are "clear braces"?

Clear braces are made of medical-grade plastic and work by exerting pressure on teeth, straightening and aligning them over time. Unlike traditional metal braces, they are easily removable and invisible.

The invisible aligners use 3D scanning technology and specialised software to curate the perfect smile and map out treatment. The dentist will digitally scan your teeth to produce aligners that suit your condition. You will have to wear these custom-made aligners for a period of time to straighten your teeth.

To help you decide which of the aligners suits you best, we will review each in terms of price, comfort when wearing them, and the treatment process.

Invisalign

Align Technology Inc.'s Invisalign, a pioneering teeth alignment product, has served over 9 million perfect smiles. It uses 3D visualisation and computer-aided design software to create custom-made aligners to suit individual needs. Let us look at the benefits of Invisalign in terms of comfort, treatment process, price, and pros and cons.

Comfort

Invisalign clear braces are smooth with no sharp edges, making them extremely comfortable to wear. When wearing them, you will not struggle while you chew or eat. They are also easy to attach and detach.

Invisalign treatment process

The treatment process for Invisalign is fast. The patient will have to replace the aligners every week and visit the dentist every 6 to 8 weeks. They treat severe overbite and underbite, overcrowding, crooked and protruding teeth. Depending on the severity of the issue, you can begin to see results in around six months. Here is the Invisalign treatment process:

• You will need to visit the dentist for an assessment.
• The dentist will take a digital scan that will be used to create a custom treatment plan.
• Custom aligners are made and sent to the dentist for fixing.
• Regular checks to monitor progress.
• Wearing of refiners after the treatment process.

Price of Invisalign

The price of Invisalign is high as compared to other clear aligners. This is because you get the supervision and care of a licensed dentist. The cost of Invisalign treatment in Singapore varies from one clinic to another. However, the average cost of the treatment is $4,500 to $9,000.

Advantages of Invisalign

• Invisalign is supported by more than 20 years of research, ensuring its effectiveness.
• Shorter treatment time.
• The predictability rate of teeth straightening exceeds 75%.
• High levels of comfort due to the smart track material.
• Aligners have a smart force attachment that applies the necessary force in the right direction.
• The treatment process is monitored and directed by a dentist.
• Remote monitoring is available.

Disadvantages of Invisalign

Invisalign is more expensive than any other aligner in Singapore.

Zenyum

Zenyum is a relatively new teeth-aligner brand in Singapore. It’s more affordable than Invisalign and works on mild and moderate cases. It has two treatment plans:

• ZenyumClear is suitable for mild to moderate cases involving the movement of upper and bottom eight teeth.
• ZenyumClear Plus is used for complex cases involving movement of all teeth.

Comfort

Zenyum is comfortable to wear. However, you may experience minimal pain as the tray applies pressure to your teeth to shift them. It’s easy to take off the braces during meal times, so you don’t have to worry about food getting stuck.

Zenyum treatment process

The treatment process is straightforward. All you need to do is fill out the online survey form and then upload a photo. They will send the photo to a specialist. You will be advised which clinic you should visit for a 3D scan and an X-ray.

After the aligners are custom made, they will install the braces and guide you on how to take care of them. Zenyum has an app where you can upload photos and discuss your progress with a specialist.

Price of Zenyum

Zenyum will cost you S$2,400 to S$3,900, and you will need to visit the dentist two to three times in the course of treatment.

Advantages of Zenyum

• Affordable treatment.
• You will need to see the dentist only two to three times during treatment.
• Progress checks are done through apps.

Disadvantages of Zenyum 

• Requires longer treatment of 8 to 15 months.

Smile Direct Club

The Smile Direct Club offers 22-hour aligners that treat mild and moderate misalignments and bite problems. They don’t offer in-person clinic visits. 

Comfort

Smile Direct Club aligners are pain- and ulcer-free. The clear plastics move the teeth gently, and there is no discomfort even when worn all day.

Smile Direct Club treatment process

You will need to book a consultation for an assessment. The dentist will assess your teeth during the consultation, design treatment, and carry out a 3D dental scan.

After the invisible braces are ready, they will be mailed to you. You will wear the braces to treat the mis-positioned teeth. All the interactions with the dentist will be done virtually. Visit the dentist after four to six months for a review.

Price of Smile Direct Club

The Smile Direct Club clear aligners cost S$2,500 to S$3,100. The aligners will treat mild to moderate cases of tooth spacing and crowding.

Advantages of Smile Direct Club

• Day and nighttime time aligners are available.
• Support is available 24/7 through texts, phone calls, emails, and video chats.
• The treatment package includes different aligners you need at each teeth straightening stage.
• Aligners are BPA-free.

Disadvantages of Smile Direct Club

• Only virtual consultations are available after the initial consultation.

WonderSmile

WonderSmile aligners are considered some of the easiest to use in Singapore. The simple kit is designed by an orthodontist and shipped to your location. The aligners treat crooked, crowded, and gapped teeth and straighten them. You can choose all-day aligners or aligners for nighttime use. 

Comfort

WonderSmile aligners are pain-free and comfortable. The clear aligners are easy to put on and take off. All you need to do is choose between all-day or night aligners. You can expect to see results in six to nine months.

WonderSmile treatment process

To begin using the WonderSmile aligners, you must book a scan or order an impression kit. When you visit the clinic, it will carry out a 3D scan. The orthodontist will then design a custom treatment plan using the 3D scan. The aligner kit will be sent to your location, and your progress will be monitored remotely.

WonderSmile gives a lifetime guarantee on its kit, with an assurance that your teeth will not shift out of alignment.

Price of WonderSmile

WonderSmile costs approximately S$2,490 and caters for the 3D assessment, X-ray and aligners.

Advantages of WonderSmile

• Affordable and easy to use.
• The care team provides support throughout.
• Lifetime guarantee providing for the teeth to not shift out of alignment.
• No monthly clinic visits.

Disadvantages of WonderSmile

• It takes slightly longer to see results. It requires six to nine months for the teeth to align.
• There is only virtual monitoring.

The table below compares the different brands of clear aligners for your easy reference.

Which brand of invisible braces is right for me?

When choosing clear alignment braces, there are several factors that you should consider. Here are some things that you should look out for when selecting invisible braces in Singapore.

Cost of the clear braces

Clear aligners provide long-term benefits for your overall and oral health. You must consider your budget and select one that is affordable and suits your needs. Review your needs with your dentist and choose the brand that works for you.

The cost of aligners will depend on the complexity of your case, dentist’s fees, and the cost of customising the aligners.

Treatment time

Your teeth's current state and health will determine how long it takes to get the perfect smile. The aligners you choose also determine how long it takes for your teeth to shift into alignment. Simple cases will need fewer aligners and take less time. Review your case with an expert, and he/she will guide you on the most appropriate aligners that take the least amount of time.

Maintenance of the aligners

You may need to soak the aligners at least once per day to keep them clean and kill bacteria. You need to discuss the maintenance procedure for the aligners you choose with the dentist. 

Complexity of your issue

The type of aligner you choose can depend on the complexity of your issue. Brands like Zenyum may not cover very complex cases. On the other hand, Invisalign will treat even complex cases.

Conclusion: Which one of the clear aligners is the best?

At the end of the day, the best aligner suits your needs and is within your budget. You need to assess the complexity of your teeth issues and select the aligners that work for you. To ensure that you have the right aligners, you can start off by visiting your dentist for an assessment.

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