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. 2022 Oct 20;22:384–403. doi: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2022.10.006

Table 1.

Aligner material specifications, properties and commercial claims.

No Clear Aligner Brand Name Commercial Manufacturer Aligner Material Composition Aligner Material Thickness Aligner Material Properties and Commercial Claims Associated Software
1. Invisalign
https://www.aligntech.com/solutions
Align Technology Inc,
San Jose,
USA
SmartTrack™ Material: LD30
A multi-layer aromatic thermoplastic polyurethane from methylene diphenyl diisocyanate and 1,6-hexanediol plus additives
Aligner
thickness stated by the manufacturer after thermoforming is 0.75 mm.
SmartTrack™ material: applies gentle, constant force to improve control of tooth movement
Comfortable and fits snugly around the teeth
In comparison to EX30 used previously, LD30 exhibits a more amorphous structure and a greater elastic recovery
SmartForce™: customized attachments, bite ramps and power ridges
SmartStage™ technology: programs sequential tooth movement to straighten teeth more predictably
ClinCheck
Global cloud-based treatment visualization
2. Clarity
https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/orthodontics-us/featured-products/clarity-eos/clear-aligners/
3 M ESPE Maplewood, USA 3 M™ Clarity™ Aligners Flex
Flexible 5-layer material
3 M™ Clarity™ Aligners Force:
Rigid material
Proprietary 5-layer copolymer blend
Flex: 0.625 mm
Force: 0.75 mm
Clarity Aligners Flex indicated a wire-sequencing approach
Recommended for correction of rotation and proclination, when used in two-material
Clarity Aligners Force indicated for a segmental mechanical approach
Recommended for expansion, torque, sequential bodily movement, and segmental intrusion, when used in two-material treatment designs
Outer layers resist staining and scratching,
inner layers provide flexibility and resilience
Overall structure provides durability even with reduced thickness
Tx Design (TxD) Oral Care portal
3. Clear Correct
https://www.straumann.com/clearcorrect/en/patients/about-the-aligners.html
Institut Straumann AG,
Basel, Switzerland
ClearQuartz Material:
Zendura Polyurethane
Tri-layer proprietary material
0.75 mm ClearQuartz material features an elastomeric layer between two resilient, low-porosity shells
The outer layers allow the aligner to be tough and stain-resistant owing to its low porosity
The shells also help grip the teeth firmly
The inner layer is engineered to provide consistent and continual force due to its enhanced elasticity and enhances patient comfort
ClearQuartz retains 10x more of its initial force than other aligners and retains its shape throughout the wear time of the aligner
Clear Pilot
ClearComm portal
4. Spark
https://ormco.com/spark/
Ormco Corporation,
Brea,
USA
TruGEN™ and TruGEN XR Material: 0.75 mm More sustained force retention
Better surface contact area with the tooth
More efficient and effective tooth movement
Clearer, more comfortable and stains less
Approver
5. SureSmile
https://www.dentsplysirona.com/en-us/categories/orthodontics/suresmile-aligner.html
Dentsply
Sirona,
York,
USA
Essix Plastics:
Plus, C plus
Polypropylene/ethylene copolymer (>95%), stabilizers (<5%)
Plus: 0.035 and 0.040
C plus: 0.040 inches/1 mm
Essix Plus Plastic combines clarity with durability
It is effortlessly removed from models and trims with ease
Essix C plus: When making retainers and aligners for bruxers, a more flexible plastic provides additional strength to help withstand mastication pressure
SureSmile Aligner
6. Argen Clear Aligners
https://argen.com-clear-aligners
Argen
Corporation,
San Diego,
USA
Argen Clear Aligners are made from premium thermoformed plastic material consisting of
elastomeric layer encased in a dual shell construction
Unspecified Engineered for a precise fit, ongoing force retention, and exceptional durability
Premium Material – a continual force for faster treatment and greater comfort for patients
Improved Stain Resistance – starts clear, stays clear
The consistent pressure produced by the dual-shell construction accurately moves teeth over the prescribed period of time
Unspecified
7. Reveal
https://www.henryschein.com/us-en/dental/supplies/reveal.aspx
Henry Schein,
Melville,
USA
Proprietary ClearWear™ material Unspecified Provides ultimate in aesthetics with precise force levels for speed of treatment
Superior clarity compared to other aligners
Guaranteed not to stain or cloud
Zero to minimal unsightly attachments
DDX SLX Approver portal
8. Nuvola
https://www.nuvolaworld.com/nuvola-clear-aligners
GEO Srl
Rome,
Italy
Polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PET-G) 0.75 mm Tough and elastic
Resistant to the aggressive chemical agent
Proof against wear and tear
Precisely designed to fit firmly
Easy to wear and maintain
Fidelity to their original conformation
Long-lasting transparency and hygiene
Unspecified
9. F22
https://www.f22aligner.com/en/
Sweden and Martina Company,
Padua,
Italy
F22 Polyurethane:
Evoflex:
0.75 mm An innovative polymer that ensures up to 17% greater transparency than other aligners on the market Unspecified