Do clear aligner brands work on different principles?
The principle is the same. Clear aligners are orthodontics that move teeth little by little by switching to a new removable clear tray at each stage. “Isn't a well-known brand better?” is a question I hear very often in the treatment room, but although the place of manufacture and the name of the design software differ, force is applied only while the trays are worn in every case. The name doesn't decide the result.
It's true that some systems have long-accumulated data and name recognition. But there isn't enough evidence to conclude that trays made in Korea are technically inferior. I don't say a result is guaranteed just by looking at the name.
What's the difference between aligners made overseas and those made in Korea?
The supply route and revision speed are different.
| Point | Made overseas | Made in Korea |
|---|---|---|
| Supply | Often involves international logistics and distribution | Made domestically |
| Cost structure | Logistics and distribution costs are easily added | The route is short |
| Remakes | The round trip takes longer | Getting new trays usually takes less time |
| Principle | Force is applied only while worn | Force is applied only while worn |
It's not rare for teeth not to move as originally planned. This is because wear time was insufficient, or rotation, intrusion (moving a tooth into the gum), or root movement happened less than expected. That's why how quickly you can get new trays when things go off track matters. I summarized what to look for at the consultation in How to choose clear aligners.
Can clear aligners handle difficult movements?
With auxiliary devices, more cases have become possible. Some movements are less predictable with trays alone than with brackets, and in those cases two things are used.
| Auxiliary device | What it is | When it's used |
|---|---|---|
| Attachment | A small tooth-colored composite resin grip bonded to the tooth surface | Rotation, intrusion, extrusion (moving a tooth out of the gum), root movement |
| Mini-screw | A small screw placed in the jawbone (an anchor point) | To pull the front teeth back while keeping the molars from coming forward, to move molars back, or to move teeth into the gum |
Having auxiliary devices doesn't mean the name guarantees the result. It's the planning and check-ups that complete the movement. I covered mini-screws in detail in Orthodontic mini-screws.
Attachments are removed and the surface is polished when orthodontics ends, and mini-screws are also removed once their job is done. Both are used only when needed, and how many to place is decided by the movement plan.
What makes more difference to the result than the brand?
Wearing time and check-ups. You need to wear them around 20 hours a day, excluding meals and brushing, and if you leave them out, any brand stops at the same spot.
If the next tray lifts or doesn't seat all the way, I don't move on to the next stage arbitrarily. I extend the wear of the current tray or check the fit and attachments, and rescan if needed. If one tray is passed over while off track, everything after it keeps going off.
When asked about brands at the consultation, I ask in return: how many hours a day can you wear them, and can you contact us right away if a tray lifts? These two answers predict the result better than the name of the appliance.
How we do it at Wonjin Dental
I do clear aligners with Seraphin, and if the movement isn't suited to trays, I recommend switching to braces with brackets. If something can't be done, I tell you so. The appliance is a tool; the diagnosis decides where the teeth should move. Clear aligners (Seraphin) are ₩2,500,000 (as of September 2026, the full fee list).
Frequently asked questions
How often are clear aligner trays changed?
Usually you move on to the next stage every 1–2 weeks. The exact interval is set by the dental clinic according to the appliance and the movement plan.
How do I eat during clear aligner treatment?
Take the trays out when you eat, brush after eating, and put them back in. If you drink anything other than water with them in, sugar and pigments pool inside the trays, raising the risk of cavities and staining.
Do I need a retainer after clear aligners?
Yes. Teeth that have been moved tend to go back to their original position, so as with braces, you wear a retainer.
Does the price of clear aligners differ by brand?
Prices can differ because of different manufacturing costs and distribution routes. When comparing, check whether the conditions are the same, including the number of trays, whether remakes are included, and retainers.
