Red/blue dots on RWB trays visible on teeth? Life after?

[jc123]

Hi,

My orthodontist seems intent on doing the least work for the most profit. So, I went and started my own info search.

I compared different brands of clear orth trays. It seems Invisalign is its own company, but there are two others in competition with them: AOA orthodontics (Red White & Blue, Simpli5 and RWII products) and the makers of Clearcorrect. The importance of this competition to me is that while Invisalign seems out to monopolize the market and charge what they wish, these other products may offer much the same treatment at lower cost. So, my 1st question:

Can anyone say for sure whether any of these other brands produces the same results at lower cost?

Also, I have seen AOA's product photos online. My 2nd question is:

Are the blue/red dots on the RWB/Simpli5/RW II trays actually visible on teeth when you are wearing them?

My 3rd question has to do with life after treatment:

I have been told that I will have to wear my final trays every night for life after treatment is complete. Is there any alternative to this? Might a permanent retainer (metal reinforcement wire) behind the front teeth work to keep them in place instead?

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give.

[DrJasonKTam]

The systems you mentioned have different lab costs and while the trays themselves work the same in principle, the way the planning behind the teeth is not the same. Therefore, it is possible, but unlikely that you receive the same results.

RWB is a system of 3 trays and Simpli5 is 5 trays. Therefore, the amount of movement is extremely limited. As stated on their website, the doctor does not control the movement. A lab tech with little training in tooth movement makes the decisions.

Invisalign has over one million patients treated. When used properly by experienced doctors, it is a fantastic treatment and can produce results like those of fixed braces. Unfortunately, there are many certified doctors and few experienced providers. Do your research to find the orthodontist you feel most comfortable with.

ClearCorrect is a relatively new system and the product is most similar to Invisalign, but it is a yet unproven company. They have recently become popular since Invisalign mandated a certain competency requirement amongst their docs. There are a variety of reasons for this move, but many of the doctors who have switched to ClearCorrect are doctors who might treat 1-2 patients with clear aligners a year and would be decertified by Invisalign.

There was another very similar company to ClearCorrect, OrthoClear, a few years back. This company promised lower pricing to doctors with what they felt was better service. They were unable to stay in the market, and all patients had to cease treatment and switch to Invisalign.

Good luck!