In this article
If you have been researching teeth straightening options, you have almost certainly come across Invisalign. It is by far the most recognised name in clear aligners. But Invisalign is not the only clear aligner system available, and for most people in Australia, it is not the most cost-effective one either.
Here is a plain-language breakdown of what Invisalign actually is, how it compares to other clear aligner options, and whether the price difference is justified.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a brand of clear aligner treatment developed by Align Technology, an American company founded in 1997. It was one of the first clear aligner systems to reach widespread commercial adoption and has since become the dominant brand in the category globally.
Invisalign aligners are manufactured from a proprietary thermoplastic material called SmartTrack. Treatment is planned using Align Technology's ClinCheck software, which creates a 3D simulation of tooth movement. Invisalign is available exclusively through orthodontists and dentists who have been trained and certified by Align Technology.
The brand recognition of Invisalign is significant. Most people who search for clear aligners know the Invisalign name, which is why it commands a price premium and why competitors are often described as Invisalign alternatives even when they predate or match it technically.
What Are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners is the generic term for any transparent removable orthodontic appliance that moves teeth through a series of custom-made trays. Invisalign is one brand of clear aligner. There are many others, both clinic-based and at-home, that use the same fundamental technology.
All clear aligner systems work on the same basic principle: a series of trays, each slightly different from the last, apply controlled progressive force to move teeth toward a planned end position. The differences between systems lie in the materials used, the treatment planning software, the level of clinical oversight, and the price.
Key Differences
Price
This is where the difference is most stark. Invisalign in Australia typically costs $6,000 to $9,000 depending on the complexity of the case and the provider. Jawology's clear aligner treatment starts from $1,945 for single arch and $2,435 for dual arch. For a comparable mild to moderate case, the Jawology option is three to four times less expensive.
Where You Access Treatment
Invisalign is only available through certified orthodontists and dentists. This means multiple in-person clinic appointments throughout treatment. Jawology treatment can be started from home using an at-home impression kit, or via a 3D scan at a partner clinic, with remote monitoring throughout rather than regular clinic visits.
Clinical Oversight Model
Invisalign treatment involves in-person consultations, regular check-up appointments, and direct hands-on management by an orthodontist or dentist. Jawology uses a remote oversight model where Australian-registered dental professionals review every case and monitor progress through the DentalMonitoring ScanBox, without requiring clinic visits for most cases.
Materials
Invisalign uses its proprietary SmartTrack material. Jawology uses dental-grade thermoplastic materials manufactured to the same clinical standards. Both produce effective tooth movement. The proprietary nature of SmartTrack is a key part of Invisalign's brand positioning but does not represent a meaningful clinical advantage for mild to moderate cases.
Case Range
Invisalign can handle a wider range of case complexity than most at-home aligner systems, including severe cases that benefit from in-person management and complex attachments. For mild to moderate cases, which represent the majority of adults seeking teeth straightening, the clinical outcomes from a well-designed at-home system are comparable.
Is Invisalign Better Than Other Clear Aligners?
For mild to moderate cases, not meaningfully. The fundamental technology behind clear aligner treatment is not proprietary to Invisalign. Custom-fitted trays that move teeth through progressive stages are the core of every aligner system. Invisalign's SmartTrack material and ClinCheck software are well-regarded, but they do not produce clinically superior outcomes for straightforward cases compared to other quality aligner systems.
Where Invisalign does have an advantage is in highly complex cases that require sophisticated attachment systems, significant vertical movement, or cases that need the level of precision only available through in-person management by an experienced orthodontist. For these cases, Invisalign through a specialist is often the right choice.
For the majority of people seeking to correct mild to moderate crowding, spacing or bite issues, the clinical outcomes from Jawology's treatment are comparable to Invisalign at a fraction of the price.
Jawology vs Invisalign
- Price: Jawology from $1,945 vs Invisalign $6,000 to $9,000
- Clinic visits required: Jawology — none for most cases vs Invisalign — multiple throughout treatment
- Dental oversight: Both include review by qualified dental professionals
- Monitoring: Jawology via remote ScanBox app vs Invisalign via in-person appointments
- Case range: Jawology — mild to moderate cases vs Invisalign — mild to complex
- Payment plans: Jawology — Afterpay (6 fortnightly, 0% interest) and Humm (6 or 12 months, 0% interest)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Invisalign better than other clear aligners?
For mild to moderate cases, not meaningfully. The core technology is the same across quality aligner systems. Invisalign has advantages in complex cases requiring in-person management, but for most adults seeking to straighten their teeth, comparable outcomes are achievable at significantly lower cost with other providers.
Why is Invisalign so much more expensive?
Invisalign's price reflects brand positioning, clinic overheads, multiple in-person appointments built into the treatment model, and licensing fees that providers pay to Align Technology per case. These costs are passed on to the patient. They do not reflect a clinical difference in outcomes for mild to moderate cases.
Can Jawology treat the same cases as Invisalign?
Jawology is suitable for mild to moderate cases including crowding, spacing, overbite, underbite, crossbite and open bite. Cases that require in-person management, complex attachments or surgical intervention are better suited to clinic-based treatment. Jawology's case assessment process identifies which category your case falls into before treatment is confirmed.
Are Jawology aligners as good as Invisalign?
For suitable cases, yes. Jawology's aligners are made from dental-grade materials, planned by qualified dental professionals, and monitored throughout treatment. For mild to moderate cases the clinical outcomes are comparable to Invisalign at a significantly lower cost.
Does Invisalign work faster than other aligners?
Not inherently. Treatment duration depends primarily on the complexity of the case and patient compliance rather than the brand of aligner used. Mild to moderate cases take broadly similar timeframes across quality aligner systems.
How do I know if Jawology is right for my case?
Take the free suitability assessment on the Jawology website. If your case is suitable, you will receive a personalised 3D treatment plan reviewed by an Australian-registered dental professional before any aligners are made. If your case is better suited to clinic-based treatment, you will be told that upfront.
Ready to Straighten Your Teeth?
Take our free 2-minute assessment and find out if Jawology's clear aligners are right for you. Treatment from $1,945.
Take the Free Assessment
