Dental Forum

I know that Invisalign is the big product for invisible aligners. I'd love to find out how many out there are using Orthoclear.

My ortho is known for his Invisalign treatments. I went in expecting to get Invisalign. My ortho told me about Orthoclear, and what he'd seen at the Orthoclear convention in San Francisco earlier this year. He was so excited about this new product that he was almost giddy! His enthusiasm was hard to resist; he sold me on Orthoclear.

I'm on my first set of Orthoclear trays, and from what I've read, they're a lot like Invisalign. My treatment- 20 trays upper and lower- cost $5,800 (I live in So. Cal), and includes whitening at the end.

My Ortho is making me his first candidate for Orthoclear too. I hear that you can change them every three weeks as opposed to the two weeks invisalign does. So do you know anything more enlightening about the OrthoClear brand or is it basically the same? I am sooo curious. I had done my impressions about two weeks ago. My Ortho was going to call me when he gets the graphics or the whole process so we can both go over it. He's great. I don't know about after the fact.

This is definitely an interesting experience. Any advice on the OrthoClear brand would be helpful...thanks!

Changing the trays every three weeks is accurate. I am scheduled for an appointment on week 2 of my treatment to make sure everything is going along as it should. At that time, they will give me my second tray to be put in on week 3. Then I make a visit to my ortho every six weeks for new trays and checkups.

One of the big advantages to Orthoclear (according to my ortho) is that adjustments can be made along the way if necessary at no additional charge (the trays are only made 2 at a time). I was told that if one or more of my teeth aren't moving according to their computer models, they will make the necessary adjustments in the other future trays to accomodate the change.

My ortho said that if new adjustments need to be made along the way with Invisalign (all the trays are made at once), the patient is charged for new trays. I'd be quite annoyed if I was told that I needed to pay MORE for this quite expensive treatment because my teeth weren't doing what the computer thought they would.

Also, I was told that Orthoclear doesn't get cloudy over time. I read on a few online reviews that the Invisalign trays get cloudy towards the second week of use. Opinions, anyone? So far (going into week 2 for me) my trays are as clear as when I first received them.

I clean my trays with my electric Braun toothbrush. It has a "between the teeth" adaptor head that gets into all the narrow parts of the tray. It makes it easy to keep them clean without much effort.

Christine, what your doctor said about being able to make adjustments as we go is a major plus for both the orthodontist and the patient!

As far as the differences for the patient, instead of wearing the Invisalign for 2 weeks, you wear the Orthoclear for 3 weeks (keep in mind that some orthodontists do recommend Invisalign be worn for 3 weeks but most do not).

They are a little crisper than Invisalign. And yes, there is a digital before and after just like Invisalign.

I'm a little frustrated with my progress so far. When I went in for my first progress check (week 2), I was told that my impressions weren't taken correctly. I had to get new impressions taken, and I wasn't allowed to use my second set of trays!

I'm going into week 4, wearing the same set of first trays. I was told that it's going to be at least 2 more weeks until my new trays arrive (making it a total of 6 weeks on the same set of trays)!

On top of that the trays I'm currently wearing are uncomfortable- they feel 'big' and 'squishy' on my molars. To top it off, the trays are beginning to crack on the surface area and at the edges of the molars.

If they crack apart, I was told to come in to have another set of impressions made for a temporary retainer. Then I'd have to wait around for a few hours for it to be made (I live 90 minutes from my ortho).

I think it's very important that you notify your ortho about the tearing/cracking in your trays. My ortho's office didn't seem that concerned with when my trays began cracking/tearing, simply saying, "Well, they're not meant to last forever."

That answer wasn't good enough for me. I contacted Orthoclear's Director of Customer Relations, Adam Kadleck. Here is his reply to my concern about the cracking aligners:

"Thank you for your inquiry. Im sorry youve had difficulty with your OrthoClear aligners. Unfortunately, the anatomy of certain patients teeth may result in the aligners cracking. When this occurs, we use a different material in replacement aligners to minimize the problem."

Moral of the story? MAKE SURE your ortho reports the cracking/tearing to Orthoclear! Mine didn't because they didn't think it was important. It IS.

I went in for a temporary retainer to help keep my teeth in place since my OrthoClear trays finally cracked to bits. Still waiting for my second set of trays to arrive- very frustrating!!! It's been over 3 weeks now.

While I was waiting for my retainers to be created, I got to see my digital 'before' and 'after' teeth. Very cool! I had no idea that they could get so straight! The bad news is that I have to get those dreaded 'bumps' put on my teeth- 6 on top, 4 on bottom.

I mentioned to my ortho about other people's annoyance about the 'sandpaper' feeling of the bumps. She said that they should never feel rough. She assured me that once the bumps are put on my teeth, she wouldn't let me leave the office until I felt like the bumps were smooth enough.

I had my 6 week appointment yesterday, everything went great. My second set of aligners did not tear. My ortho told me that OrthoClear is now using a different material due to that problem. (I think you mentioned it as well.) I too was able to see a before & after, I can't believe it!

Good luck with your temporary retainer, hopefully your aligner comes in soon. My ortho was only able to give me one set, so I have to go back in 3 weeks. I hope that OrthoClear is not having trouble meeting the patient deadlines. Yikes!

My ortho offered me a $250 discount for being one of the first in his office to try Orthoclear. The total I was quoted for Invisalign or Orthoclear was the same amount- $6,000. My total with discount was $5,750 (top and bottom), and includes all retainers as well as a professional whitening when I'm done with treatment.

I was quoted $8,500 for Invisalign at another orthodontist's office. It really does pay to shop around! :O

quote:

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Originally posted by $$$:
How much are you paying, guys and gals? Is it competitive to Invisalign's $4-6k dollar figure?

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In regards to $$$, my orthodontist charged me an up-front fee of $4699. I was quoted a up-front fee of $5439 for Invisalign treatment. The great thing is that she is also one of the top 100 Invisalign providers in the nation, but was excited to tell me about the Ortho Clear treatment she had learned about at the San Francisco conference! I think i got Ortho Clear at a special introductory price. Oh, I live in Honolulu, HI.

I had just started my treatment 5 days ago, after about a 2-month waiting period between the initial consultation, coming back to make the molds of my teeth, and the arrival of the trays. So far I havn't had any trouble with the trays, although I had noticed that they tend to bend and are likely to tear where I use my fingernails to pry them off my teeth. I will be more careful at removing them from now on. The trays are still as clear as the day I got them, as long as I keep them clean When I remove the trays to eat, I can tell that my teeth are shifting because they feel like they are in a different position when I clench my teeth. There is also some sensitivity and tenderness when chewing. My mouth has adjusted to having the trays in and my lisp is nearly gone.

One thing I'm a little confused about is my current set of trays have holes in them on certain teeth for the "warts", but my ortho hasnt suggested that we go ahead and put them on at all. I was just instructed to wear the aligners for the full three week period and to come in for my next set of trays and a check up at the end of the period. So... why do my trays have the holes in them (2 on top 3 on the bottom) if they are unnecessary at this time? I also dont like the use of large holes. The invisalign trays had little bumps on them where the "warts" were placed on the teeth instead of holes. Anyone have insight as to why this is?

I'm glad that some of you have mentioned being able to see a before and after digital presentation. I had asked my ortho if I was going to be able to see that as well, and she said she would look in to that. I think I'll remind her

All in all, I would say I'm satisfied at how the treatment is going thus far, and am excited to continue!

Mer, my ortho offered me the option to pay 25% up front and then to make monthly payments for 18 mos. w/no interest. I think that a lot of orthos do in house financing.

I'm now on my 3rd set of trays and another tear. I was not supposed to go in for my new set until next Tuesday. I called my ortho this morning about the tear and they're having me come in over lunch today for impressions. I guess they're going to make me a retainer to wear for the next couple of weeks, as OthoClear does not have my next aligners ready and won't for a couple of weeks either. (a week late) I'm a little concerned, but trying not to over-react. The treatment is definitely changing my teeth, which is exciting...

Mer, I paid only $500 up front, with 13 months to pay the remainder with no interest. Very good deal, IMO. Some orthos offer free consultations, whereas others charge. Be sure you ask before you make an appointment if there is a fee.

Micah, aloha! I grew up on Kauai. I'm also a graduate from UH Manoa (currently in So. Cal). As far as the holes on your trays, I just got mine with the same type of holes (6 on top, 4 on bottom). I don't like to think of them as warts, but rather 'buttons'. Creeps me out to think I've got some weird growth on my teeth.

My ortho chose to go with the button treatment starting on my second tray. They said it would help with the rotation and movement of the 'buttoned' teeth. They weren't seeing the progress they'd hoped for on the first tray w/o the buttons.

One day into my buttoned trays, and I've already had one button come off. According to my ortho, if one button comes off, it's no problem. I'm hoping that no more pop off!

The buttons feel fine when the trays are in, but awful when the trays are out. Dental wax really helps make them comfortable when I have to take out the trays to eat.

Bad news... I'm only into my 5th day of treatment and my top aligner cracked in the middle of my front left tooth... Ugh! I think it happened when I took it out to brush. Shouldn't the material be able to withstand the everyday wear and tear of removal and replacement? This bothers me that cracking/tearing trays seem to be pretty common And now hearing about the 'buttons' popping off makes me wonder if I've made the wrong choice in appliance. I have an appointment this friday. I'll keep y'alls posted as to what happens.

On financing, my ortho did have "interest-free" 18 month payment plans available too, but I opted for the one-time payment in full because it saved me about $200 overall.

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For those interested in what my ortho was offering in regards to Invisalign and OrthoClear financing, this is what I was quoted:

It's important that everyone who has had problems with cracking/tearing aligners tell OrthoClear DIRECTLY about the tearing/cracking and how much of an inconvenience it has been.

Send a non-emotional, fact-based account of your problem with their aligners. Here's the contact information for the Director of OrthoClear's Customer Relation Department:

Adam Kadleck
adam.kadleck@orthoclear.com
Director of Customer Relations
OrthoClear, Inc.
Phone: (415) 420-1255
Fax: (415) 362-4840

The response he gave me sounded genuine and concerned. It's worth the five minutes to compose an email and let them know about how their product is performing. It could help to improve the product for others.

I just went in for a third consultation today (after having shopped around at different orthodondists), and this ortho didn't seem too thrilled about Orthoclear. I was wondering whether any of you, given your experiences with the cracking aligners, would have chosen Invisalign instead?

I'm trying to decide which to pick. I'd rather get Orthoclear because of the discount if the two are basically similar. Does anyone know about complaints about Invisalign?

quote:

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Originally posted by Stephanie:
Well I think the trays come from Pakistan so that might be a reason why it is taking so long for you to get them.

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Yesterday I sent an email to Adam, the Customer Service Rep. at OrthoClear, as recommended by Chritine (Thanks for the contact info!) describing my cracked aligner situation. This morning I received a reply from him and it went as follows:
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Dear Micah,

I appreciate your taking time to let me know about your experience with OrthoClear aligners, and genuinely apologize for the difficulty youve had. Unfortunately, the anatomy of certain patients teeth may result in the aligners cracking. When this occurs, we use a different material in replacement aligners to minimize the problem.

We received the request from Dr. Caswell to rebuild your aligners, and have expedited your case. Your new aligners are being fabricated right now and will be shipped to the doctors office tomorrow. Im sure you will be contacted by Dr. Caswells office as soon as they arrive.

Your experience with our aligners is exceptional, making your feedback particularly useful. I would appreciate any additional feedback you may have as your treatment proceeds, and hope it goes smoothly. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Adam Kadleck
Director of Customer Relations
OrthoClear, Inc.
Phone: (415) 420-1255
Fax: (415) 362-4840
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I will be tracking the time it takes for my aligners to arrive starting "tomorrow." I will also be looking forward to better quality aligners since a "different material" will be used. Again, I will keep you all posted.

I also took a look at the FDA site (thanks, Mer) and it does appear that there is an OrthoClear establishment in Lahore, Pakistan (ORTHOCLEAR PAKISTAN PVT. LTD.), and it is listed as "manufacturer" under ownership of ORTHOCLEAR HOLDINGS, INC. based in Palo Alto, CA.

In other events, I had contacted my Ortho via email asking about installation of my 'speedbumps,' and she had responded saying that they will be installed with my second set of aligners at my Sept 30th apptmnt. Also at that visit I can watch the "before & after" animation too! Apparently, you have to be logged in as a doctor to view the images, so patients aren't able to view it on their own.

Great to hear that you contacted OrthoClear! I sure hope they get your aligners out to you faster than my 'expedited' trays (I was told 18-20 days- it took 6 weeks). Mr. Kadleck has provided me with very good customer support despite all the problems I've had with OC (he responds to email in a very timely manner!). Without going into specifics, I'm quite optimistic that I won't have any future problems with this product or the company.

The improved material (for those whose trays fall apart) is indeed thicker. My new trays were made with the new stuff, and I've had ZERO problems with them so far (three days no tears/cracks).

My thought is that all the trays should be made with the thicker material in the first place. How difficult would that be?

Hello Happy Invisaling Patient! OrthoClear also has a ClinCheck which shows the movement in the same way as Invisalign. I like the ability to 'rotate' the view, so you can see it from any angle.

I think I drove my ortho crazy the first time I saw my digital teeth. I kept having her replay it over and over again from every possible angle. When I went in the next time, I asked for another show. She laughed at me, but let me see it again. They're really nice at my ortho's office.

quote:

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Originally posted by Happy Invisaling Patient:
What I want to know is, if your situation is so "exceptional" why does it seem like the majority of people on this site have experienced cracking aligners with a product so new? I started Invisalign last year and never had problems with cracking or delivery time. It has been so easy. I wouldn't even mind paying a little extra for a product that's been around longer and been used by so many patients. That would scare me to be the first Ortho Clear patient. Plus, with my clincheck, it doesn't just show a before and after movie, but goes through the entire stage from start to finish so I know how my teeth are moving every 2 weeks- very cool!

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I only wanted to help those OrthoClear patients to know that maybe they just had one bad experience, and not to get discouraged. One of the things OrthoClear is more advanced with is the clarity of the aligners. This is a plus over Invisalign. But I'm sure both are equally good at the final result. So, my intentions were good and not to be anything else.

I'm surprised that your ortho didn't make you a temporary retainer to tide you over until your new aligners arrive. Mine did just that. They were clear, just like the OrthoClear trays. My ortho's office made them for me in about an hour. Then again, my aligners actually fell apart completely...

As far as the sensitivity goes, I haven't experienced it. I use Sensodyne toothpaste as recommended to me by my dentist when I got my crowns put in a few years ago. It really does work to reduce/eliminate hot/cold sensitivity. Hang in there!