Clear Aligners · Specialist-Led · Last reviewed May 2026
Clear Aligners, Without the Invisalign Premium.
Picasso Dental offers certified non-Invisalign clear aligner systems in Vietnam, planned by specialist orthodontists with iTero digital scanning, full case planning and in-person supervision. A budget-friendly alternative to Invisalign for mild to moderate cases. Same removable, discreet treatment, less paid for the brand premium.
What Are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are removable, custom-moulded plastic trays worn over the teeth to gradually move them into a planned position. Each aligner in the series is worn 22 hours per day for one to two weeks before progressing to the next. Treatment looks identical to Invisalign and works on the same biomechanical principles. The differences are in planning software, manufacturing facility, brand premium and case range.
Why Choose Non-Invisalign Aligners?
Lower Cost
Non-Invisalign clear aligner systems cost roughly 40 percent less than equivalent Invisalign treatment. The saving comes from lower brand premium and lower planning software costs, not lower clinical standards.
Same Removable Discretion
Aligners look the same in the mouth as Invisalign. The same near-invisibility, the same removability for eating and important social occasions, the same lifestyle profile.
Specialist Planning
Like Invisalign, every case is planned by a specialist orthodontist using iTero scanning and digital simulation. The clinical workflow is identical; only the back-end manufacturing differs.
Clear Aligner Pricing
Pricing is per case, including all aligners in the series, all check-in visits, attachments, and final retainers (one set per arch).
| Case Complexity | Typical Aligner Count | Treatment Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mild crowding / spacing | 10 to 18 aligners | 6 to 9 months |
| Mild to moderate alignment | 18 to 28 aligners | 9 to 12 months |
| Moderate alignment | 28 to 40 aligners | 12 to 14 months |
| Moderate with refinements | 40+ aligners + refinements | 12 to 14 months |
For severe rotations, complex extraction patterns or deep skeletal bite issues, we typically recommend Invisalign Comprehensive or fixed braces, where the documented case range is broader.
The Procedure, Step by Step
From your first specialist consultation to your final retainer.
Specialist Consultation
Specialist orthodontist examines your bite and discusses options. Confirms whether non-Invisalign aligners fit, or whether Invisalign or braces would do a better job.
Day 1 · 60 miniTero Scan + Plan
Digital scan, photographs, and treatment plan with simulation. You review the predicted outcome before any aligners are manufactured.
Day 1–14Aligners & Attachments
Aligner series arrives. Composite attachments bonded to specific teeth. First aligners fitted with wear and care guidance.
Visit · 60 minProgress Check-Ins
Every 10 weeks: tracking review against the plan, next aligners handed over. Most visits are short.
6–14 monthsRefinements + Retention
If the final result needs touch-ups, refinement aligners produced. Once finished, retainers fitted and worn nightly.
2–4 weeksNon-Invisalign vs Invisalign: Honest Comparison
The clinical and practical differences. Both are valid; the right choice depends on case complexity and budget.
| Criterion | Non-Invisalign Aligners | Invisalign |
|---|---|---|
| Best Case Range | Mild to moderate | Mild to severe (Comprehensive) |
| Planning Software | Manufacturer-specific | ClinCheck (industry-leading) |
| Aligner Material | Standard PETG / similar | SmartTrack proprietary |
| Refinements Included | Limited | Up to unlimited (Comprehensive) |
| International Portability | Limited (provider-specific) | Excellent (worldwide network) |
| Documented Track Record | Manufacturer-dependent | Largest aligner database globally |
For mild cases where you live in Vietnam: non-Invisalign aligners are a sensible value choice. For complex cases or international patients: Invisalign is usually the better fit.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Non-Invisalign clear aligners suit specific case types. Decided after specialist consultation and iTero scan.
You're a Strong Candidate If
You have mild to moderate crowding, spacing, or rotation.
You want removable, discreet treatment.
You can commit to wearing aligners 22 hours daily.
Your bite is largely correct (no significant skeletal issues).
You are based in Vietnam or returning regularly for check-ins.
You are budget-conscious but want professional supervision.
You May Need Invisalign or Braces If
You have significant rotations or impacted teeth.
Your case requires extractions and complex space closure.
You have substantial bite issues (overbite, underbite, crossbite, deep bite, open bite).
You are travelling internationally and need worldwide adjustment access.
You cannot reliably wear removable appliances 20+ hours per day.
Daily Life with Clear Aligners
What changes, what doesn't. The practical day-to-day reality.
22 Hours Daily
Aligners must stay in for 22 hours per day to work. The 4 hours out are for eating and brushing. This is the single biggest lifestyle change, treat it like a non-negotiable.
Eating
Take aligners out before any food or drink other than water. Tea, coffee, juice, alcohol, all stain or warp the plastic. Rinse aligners while you eat; brush teeth before reinserting if possible.
Speaking
A slight lisp during the first 3 days of each new aligner is common as your tongue adjusts. Speech returns to normal quickly. Most patients report no one notices in everyday conversation.
Cleaning Aligners
Rinse with cool water after eating. Brush aligners gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap (not toothpaste, which scratches). Soak in denture solution or a designated aligner cleaning tablet daily.
Travelling
Carry your current and next aligner sets when travelling. Keep them in their case (not loose in a napkin, this is the #1 way aligners are accidentally thrown away).
Important Social Occasions
Aligners can be removed for short events (a wedding, a job interview, a presentation), then put back in. Removed time still counts against the 4 hours daily limit, do not exceed it.
The Specialist Orthodontic Team
Both specialist orthodontists hold formal specialist qualifications and supervise every clear aligner case personally.
Specialist Orthodontist
Dr. Thuan Phung
Specialist orthodontist with comprehensive experience across Invisalign, non-Invisalign aligners and fixed braces. Platinum Elite Invisalign Provider, treating mild to severe cases across the full clear-aligner spectrum.
Specialist Orthodontist
Dr. Toan Le (Dr. Mathew)
Specialist orthodontist with broad experience across fixed and clear-aligner systems. Adult and teen treatment, with particular focus on case selection and aligner-vs-braces decisions.
Founding Clinical Director
Dr. Emily Nguyen
Founder of the original clinic in 2013. Sets clinical standards for orthodontic case selection, treatment protocols and quality benchmarks group-wide.
Risks & Limitations: Honestly
Non-Invisalign clear aligners are clinically valid but not unlimited. Here is the honest scope.
Compliance Dependent
Aligners only work when worn 22 hours per day. Patients who cannot or do not stick to this see slow progress or no progress. We do not start patients we suspect will struggle with compliance.
Limited Complex Case Range
Severe rotations, large extraction movements, complex finishing details are typically harder to predict and produce reliably with non-Invisalign systems than with Invisalign Comprehensive or fixed braces.
Refinements May Be Limited
Many non-Invisalign systems include limited refinement aligners; Invisalign Comprehensive includes unlimited refinements. We discuss the trade-off at planning.
International Portability
If you move abroad mid-treatment, finding a local provider familiar with the same non-Invisalign system can be harder than finding an Invisalign provider. International patients are usually better served by Invisalign.
Aligner Damage and Loss
Aligners can crack, warp from heat (do not leave in cars or near hot drinks), or be lost. Replacement aligners typically cost each. Most patients have at most one or two losses through a full course.
Mail-Order DIY Systems Are Not Equivalent
At-home, no-clinic mail-order aligners (sold direct-to-consumer with no in-person clinical exam) are not the same as supervised clear aligner treatment. We do not offer these and do not recommend them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are clear aligners?
Clear aligners are removable, custom-moulded plastic trays worn over the teeth to gradually move them into a planned position. Each aligner in the series is worn for one to two weeks before progressing to the next. Treatment looks similar to Invisalign but uses non-Invisalign aligner systems at typically lower cost, suitable for mild to moderate cases.
How are clear aligners different from Invisalign?
Invisalign is a specific clear aligner brand made by Align Technology, with the most extensive global clinical documentation and the ClinCheck planning software. Other clear aligners use the same general principle but with different planning software, manufacturing facilities and clinical track record. They are typically more affordable but better suited to mild to moderate cases.
How much do non-Invisalign clear aligners cost in Vietnam?
At Picasso Dental, non-Invisalign clear aligner courses start at for mild cases and rise to for moderate cases requiring extended series. The price includes consultation, iTero scan, planning, full aligner series, attachment placement and final retainers.
Are non-Invisalign clear aligners as good as Invisalign?
For simple to mild cases, the clinical outcome can be very similar. For moderate to severe cases, Invisalign is usually preferred for its more sophisticated planning software and broader documented case range. Our specialist orthodontists recommend honestly based on your specific case.
How long does clear aligner treatment take?
Most non-Invisalign clear aligner cases take 14 months. Mild crowding or minor spacing: 9 months. Moderate alignment cases: 14 months. Anything more complex than this we typically recommend Invisalign or fixed braces.
Will clear aligners hurt?
Most patients describe pressure or tightness for the first 3 days after switching to a new aligner, easing through the wear cycle. It is not painless, teeth are being moved, but it is generally less uncomfortable than after a fixed-brace adjustment.
Can I eat with clear aligners in?
No. You take them out to eat and to drink anything other than water. This protects the aligners from staining and cracking, and prevents food from being pressed against your teeth for hours. Brush before reinserting whenever possible.
Will I need attachments?
Often yes. Composite attachments (small tooth-coloured bumps bonded to specific teeth) help aligners grip and produce certain movements. They are placed at the start of treatment and removed at the end. They are visible up close but generally less noticeable than fixed brackets.
What if I lose an aligner?
Contact us promptly. The replacement is usually the next aligner in the series rather than a re-make of the lost one, this avoids slowing the treatment. For multiple losses or compliance issues, we may need to re-scan and re-plan.
Can I have non-Invisalign clear aligners as an international patient?
Possible but more limited than with Invisalign. Non-Invisalign aligners are less universally supported worldwide, meaning if you need adjustments while back home, finding a local provider familiar with the same system can be harder. For international patients we generally recommend Invisalign.
Do you offer cheap mail-order clear aligners?
No. We do not offer or recommend at-home mail-order aligner systems (no in-person clinical exam, no specialist supervision). Every aligner case at Picasso Dental is planned and supervised by a specialist orthodontist with iTero scanning and in-person check-ins.
Will I need retainers afterwards?
Yes, long-term. Teeth naturally drift, especially in the first year. We supply Vivera or thermoplastic retainers at the end of treatment and recommend nightly wear indefinitely to preserve your result.
Related Treatments
Invisalign
The premium aligner option. Picasso is a Platinum Elite Provider with the complete tier range from Essentials to Comprehensive, suitable for the broadest case range.
Invisalign vs Braces
The decision page comparing aligner-style treatment to fixed braces, cost, time, lifestyle, case suitability.
Dental Braces
Fixed brackets and wires. Most affordable option for complex cases. Traditional metal, ceramic and self-ligating variants.
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Find Out If Clear Aligners Fit Your Case
Within 24 Hours.
Tell us your concerns and timeline. Our specialist orthodontists review every request and tell you honestly whether non-Invisalign aligners suit your case, or whether Invisalign or braces would be the better choice, with treatment plan and pricing at no cost and no obligation.