How to choose a clear aligner system for an orthodontic practice

Clear aligner therapy has become an essential part of modern orthodontics. As more systems come to market, choosing the right clear aligner system for your orthodontic practice requires a balance of clinical insight, workflow awareness and patient-centered decision making.

A strong clear aligner system should support predictable movement, fit naturally into your digital workflow and give your team the confidence to manage cases smoothly. The following criteria can help you evaluate systems with clarity and consistency, so you can make the right choice for your patients.

How do clear aligner systems differ clinically?

The most meaningful differences between clear aligner systems are often found in how predictably they move teeth, how well they translate digital plans into real-world performance and how consistently they support complex movements.

Predictability of outcomes

Predictable movement is the cornerstone of effective aligner therapy. Systems vary widely in how they stage movements, design attachments and deliver force. When you're evaluating options, consider how reliably each system performs across cases, operators and levels of complexity. The fewer refinements you need, the smoother your workflow becomes.

Attachment design & control

Attachments are invaluable tools in directing force and anchorage. Differences in shape, orientation, placement technique and material can all influence how closely your patient’s teeth follow your prescribed plan. Some systems use conventional chairside-formed attachments, while others incorporate pre-formed or digitally guided approaches intended to increase consistency.

Digital bonding workflows

Bonding attachments accurately is one of the most sensitive steps of aligner setup. Systems may offer different strategies, templates or digital bonding tools to help support precision. When evaluating clinical differences, consider how each system approaches attachment placement and how consistently your team can replicate the technique.

Material performance

Force retention, clarity, flexibility and comfort all tie back to the aligner’s material. Some materials may deliver more sustained force over a given wear period, while others prioritize patient comfort or esthetics. Understanding the behavior of the material over time helps you decide whether a system will meet your expectations during both simple and advanced cases.

What should you expect from aligner customer support?

Even with strong clinical tools, an aligner system is only as effective as the support behind it. Because aligner therapy involves planning, staging, adjustments and troubleshooting, access to clear support channels can make your workflow significantly more efficient.

Planning and clinical guidance

Support teams that understand biomechanics and treatment strategies can help you navigate unusual cases or refine complex staging. This is especially valuable for growing practices or teams with multiple providers.

Training and onboarding resources

Digital workflows, attachments, refinements and case submissions all require a learning curve. Systems that offer organized, accessible education can reduce onboarding time and help new staff gain confidence more quickly.

Troubleshooting and responsiveness

Delays in receiving support can lead to scheduling disruptions and patient frustration. When evaluating systems, consider whether customer support is available when you need it and whether they provide clear, actionable resolutions.

How long does case setup take with different systems?

Turnaround time affects everything from scheduling new starts to maintaining treatment momentum. Case setup typically includes record submission, digital planning, approval cycles and aligner manufacturing. Variability between systems can depend on automations within the digital platform, the clarity of the interface and the efficiency of the planning team.

Digital portal experience

A well-designed portal helps you track cases, review plans, request changes and manage communication with ease. Centralized visibility reduces the likelihood of overlooked details or bottlenecks.

Revision frequency

One often overlooked factor in turnaround time is how frequently you need to send cases back for adjustment. Systems that support predictable planning and provide clear visualization tools tend to reduce the number of revisions, which speeds up treatment starts overall.

Shipping and production timelines

Production speed varies across systems, so understanding expected ranges helps you plan your scheduling strategy. Faster is helpful — but only if the quality and accuracy support your long-term goals.

A simple aligner system evaluation checklist:

When comparing systems, this checklist can help you review them consistently.

1. Predictability

• How reliably does the system follow your digital plan?
• What attachment options support controlled, precise movement?
• How often are refinements typically required?

2. Material behavior

• How consistently does the aligner deliver force?
• How comfortable and clear is the material for patients?
• How durable is the material during typical wear intervals?

3. Portal usability

• How simple is case submission?
• How clear is visibility into staging and attachments?
• How easy is it to request and track modifications?

4. Support structure

• How available is planning assistance when you need it?
• What training resources are offered for your team?
• How responsive is the support team to clinical or technical questions?

5. Cost model

• How flexible are the pricing tiers?
• How predictable is the system for budgeting?
• How well does the pricing align with your case volume and practice goals?

6. Turnaround time

• How quickly can you expect planning and approval?
• What are the typical production and shipping windows?
• How much efficiency is gained from reduced revisions?

A neutral, criteria-based approach ensures you select a system that strengthens your workflow, supports your team and delivers consistent outcomes for patients.

Why many clinicians choose Clarity™ Aligners when evaluating these criteria

While every practice has its own priorities, many clinicians look for aligner systems that blend clinical precision, predictable outcomes and workflow simplicity. Clarity Aligners are designed to support those needs through coordinated digital tools and attachment innovations.

Precision in attachment control

Clarity™ Precision Grip Attachments were created to enhance predictability by offering pre-shaped, fully cured, 3D printed attachments with customized bases. Their design aims to reduce variability in bonding, improve force delivery and remove the need for flash cleanup — all factors that help support consistent outcomes and smoother chairside workflows.

A simplified, supportive portal experience

Clarity™ Portal is built to help you review treatments clearly, request modifications when needed and manage cases without unnecessary delays. For many practices, this transparency helps streamline both clinical and operational planning.

These advantages make Clarity Aligners a strong option for practices seeking a system that supports predictable results, efficient workflows and dependable day-to-day performance.

See how Clarity Portal fits into your workflow

If you’d like to explore the planning tools, digital workflow and attachment innovations in more detail, you can request a Clarity Portal demo. It’s a simple way to see how the system works in real time and decide whether it aligns with the clinical and business goals of your practice.

Experience the workflow for yourself and decide if it’s the support your team needs.