Angel Aligners and Invisalign both straighten teeth with clear, removable trays, and for most patients they reach the same goal. The real differences come down to how each brand builds its aligners and the tools it gives your orthodontist. If you know the name Invisalign and wonder why our Castro Valley office talks about Angel Aligners, this guide walks you through both, side by side.
Quick Facts
| Item | Angel Aligners | Invisalign |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | Angelalign Technology, founded in China in 2003 | Align Technology |
| FDA status | 510(k) cleared, January 2018 | 510(k) cleared |
| Tray material | master Control S, a multi-layered polymer | SmartTrack |
| Rubber-band hooks | angelButton, built into the tray | Usually bonded to the teeth |
| Planning software | iOrtho | ClinCheck |
| Offered at our office | Yes | No |
What Are Angel Aligners?
Angel Aligners are custom clear aligners made by Angelalign Technology. The company started in China in 2003, reports more than 1 million smiles treated, and brought Angel Aligners to the U.S. market in recent years.
Like any clear aligner, Angel Aligners move your teeth in small steps. You wear each set of trays for about 1 to 2 weeks, then switch to the next set. The FDA cleared the Angel Align System for treating malocclusion, which means crooked teeth and bite problems, and it compared the system to Invisalign in that review.
At Castro Valley Orthodontics, Angel Aligners treat the same range of problems as our other aligner options: crowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, open bites and crossbites.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is the clear aligner brand most people know by name. Align Technology makes it, and its trays use a material the company calls SmartTrack.
Invisalign helped make clear aligners mainstream, so many patients use the word “Invisalign” for any clear tray. That habit makes sense, but it can hide a useful fact: you have more than one well-tested aligner brand to choose from.
Castro Valley Orthodontics offers Angel Aligners rather than Invisalign.
How Are Angel Aligners and Invisalign Different?
The two brands differ in three areas: the tray material, how they handle rubber bands, and the software your orthodontist uses to plan your smile. None of these makes one brand right for everyone.
- Tray material. Angel Aligners use master Control S, a soft, multi-layered polymer designed to apply gentle, steady force. Invisalign uses SmartTrack. Both aim for a snug fit and predictable tooth movement.
- Rubber-band hooks. Many aligner cases need small rubber bands, called elastics, to correct how your top and bottom teeth meet. Angel Aligners can include an angelButton, a hook built right into the tray. With many other systems, your orthodontist bonds a small button to the tooth instead.
- Planning software. Dr. So designs every tooth movement on a computer before your first tray exists. Angel Aligners use iOrtho, which lets the doctor adjust and review each step in 3D. Invisalign uses its own planning software, ClinCheck.
Do Angel Aligners Work as Well as Invisalign?
For most cases, yes. Both systems carry FDA clearance, both treat a wide range of bite problems, and both depend on the same thing for results: a skilled orthodontist and a patient who wears the trays as directed.
The FDA reviewed the Angel Align System against Invisalign and found it substantially equivalent. That means the agency judged it as safe and effective as a device already on the market.
Brand matters less than three other factors:
- Who plans your treatment. A board-certified orthodontist knows which cases aligners handle well and which ones need braces.
- How many hours you wear your trays. Aligners only work while they sit on your teeth. We recommend 22 hours a day.
- Whether you keep your check-ups. We see aligner patients about every 8 weeks to confirm each step stays on track.
Which Aligner Is Right for You?
The right aligner is the one your orthodontist can plan most precisely for your teeth. At your consultation, Dr. So looks at your bite, your goals and your schedule, then recommends a plan.
Your visit includes an exam with X-rays, a 3D iTero scan and a Smile Simulator preview, and Dr. So explains whether Angel Aligners, another aligner option or braces fit you best. See what happens during a first orthodontic consultation for the full step-by-step.
Some bites respond better to braces. If yours does, Dr. So will tell you plainly and show you why. You can read how aligners compare with braces before your visit.
Does the Brand Change the Cost?
Your fee depends mostly on how complex your case is and how long treatment lasts, not the logo on the box.
Most of our patients spread the cost over time with Cherry, which offers 0% APR options for those who qualify. We also accept most major insurance plans and flex spending cards. For a full breakdown, read what clear aligners cost in Castro Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Angel Aligners FDA cleared?
Yes. The FDA cleared the Angel Align System through the 510(k) process in January 2018.
Who makes Angel Aligners?
Angelalign Technology makes Angel Aligners. The company started in China in 2003.
Do Angel Aligners need attachments?
Sometimes. Many aligner cases use small tooth-colored attachments to help the trays grip. Angel Aligners can also include built-in angelButton hooks for rubber bands.
How long does clear aligner treatment take?
Most cases take 12 to 18 months. Read how long clear aligner treatment takes for the full picture.
Find Your Best Fit in Castro Valley
You do not need to pick a brand before your first visit. Bring your questions to Dr. Susan So, and she will match you with the aligner that fits your smile. Families from Castro Valley, Hayward, Fairview and the Lake Chabot area visit us at 20406 Redwood Rd. Call or text (510) 537-4900, or request your free consult online. Learn more about clear aligner treatment in Castro Valley, our iTero scanner and Smile Simulator, and Dr. Susan So.