Invisalign vs Zenyum: Treatment, Cost and FAQs (2024)

If you are looking to straighten your teeth in Singapore, you might have come across two brands more frequently – Invisalign vs Zenyum. While both clear aligner brands might appear similar, there are some key differences that might impact your suitability for treatment. 

This article has been written from a dentist to patient perspective to help you have an educated comparison on Invisalign vs Zenyum before you head in for a dental consultation. 

Interested in exploring other teeth straightening alternatives?

Key Takeaways

• The average cost of Invisalign in Singapore is $5,800 – $6,800 for moderate cases, while the average cost of Zenyum in Singapore is $3,900 – $4,900 for the same case. The cost differs due to lab costs, the complexity of your dental alignment, and the experience of the providers. 
• Invisalign has a premium price point because of the robust infrastructure that they offer to both clinicians and patients. When you take up Invisalign treatment, you can be sure of the quality of clear aligners, predictability of tooth movement and treatment outcomes. 
• When you take up Invisalign treatment, you are able to choose your preferred dental provider. Zenyum, on the other hand, allocates a dental provider to you. If you would like to work with a preferred provider, Invisalign might be a preferred choice. 

The TDLR: What are Invisible Braces?

Invisible braces or clear aligners are thin and almost transparent plastic trays that are used to gently push your teeth into the desired position. They are an alternative to braces. Both Invisalign and Zenyum are popular clear aligner brands in Singapore. 

Patients who choose invisible braces often cite the following as reasons why they choose invisible braces: 

• More discreet and aesthetically pleasing. 
• Less painful and uncomfortable than braces. 
• Removable which allows them to retain their existing diets without compromise. 

Invisalign vs Zenyum: The Main Differences 

Besides the cost range, one of the biggest differences between Invisalign and Zenyum is the amount of autonomy that you have in choosing your treatment provider. 

There are no restrictions on which clinician you can visit for Invisalign treatment. Zenyum, on the other hand, assigns dentists to you. If you are not satisfied with the service rendered by a clinician, there is a transfer fee to switch over to another Zenyum provider. The transfer fee varies and is not publicly published on the Zenyum site. 

If you would like a full breakdown on the differences between Invisalign vs Zenyum, please refer to the table below: 

Book an orthodontic assessment with an Invisalign dentist.

Pros and Cons of Invisalign 

Invisalign is the market leader of clear aligners and popular with both young adults and adults. As an Invisalign dentist, I am a huge fan of the clear aligner system. 

However, before you visit any dental clinic for Invisalign treatment, you might be interested in the pros and cons of Invisalign. Here are some of them: 

Advantages 

• Clear braces that allow you to straighten your teeth discreetly.
• Able to treat moderate to severe bite issues. 
• No need for dietary changes or restrictions as you can remove Invisalign aligners. 
• Removable for easy cleaning. 
• No worry of food particles stuck between braces and teeth. 
• Less orthodontic visits which means less visits to your dental clinic. 
• Less discomfort and pain. 
• Strong infrastructure for both patients and clinicians. 
• Predictability of teeth movement. 
• High-quality clear aligner (invisible braces) system.
• Able to work with the right Invisalign dentist for your needs and requirements. 

Disadvantages

• Requires strict discipline as the aligners need to be worn for a minimum of 22 hours everyday. 
• Might require enamel coloured attachments to move your teeth into the desired position. 
• Usually more expensive than braces or most orthodontic clear aligner systems. 

Pros and Cons of Zenyum 

At less than half the cost of Invisalign, Zenyum can be appealing due to the low cost. Here are some pros and cons of Zenyum that you should be aware of: 

Advantages 

• Almost invisible braces that help you look aesthetically pleasing while straightening your teeth discreetly. 
• Low cost. 
• Little to no lifestyle changes. 

Disadvantages

• Only able to treat easy to moderate bite issues. 
• Do not have the ability to choose which Zenyum provider you can work with. 
• Will need to be worn for a minimum of 22 hours everyday for results. 

Invisalign vs Zenyum: Treatment Costs 

Most dental information sites and dental clinics will list the cost range of Invisalign to be around $3,000 – $9,000 plus, while Zenyum ranges from $2,500 – $4,500. The huge range is because the total cost will differ based on the following reasons: 

• The complexity of your dental alignment.
• The duration required to treat your dental alignment case. 
• The amount of pre-treatments you require. 
• Your current oral hygiene. 
• The experience of your dentist. 
• The clear aligner system you have chosen. 

Based on personal experience with teeth alignment cases in Singapore, the average cost of Invisalign in Singapore is about $5,800 – $6,800 for moderate cases. The same case will cost about $3,900 – $4,900 for Zenyum. 

To help you have a better overview on how much Invisalign and Zenyum costs, I have broken them down into their individual categories: 

The following is what you can expect to pay for Zenyum: 

Why is Zenyum cheaper than Invisalign?

If you are wondering why Zenyum is much cheaper than Invisalign, the simple reason is the way the treatment is monitored. 

Zenyum relies on remote monitoring for your treatment progress. The progress is fully monitored on their app, which reduces the number of visits you have to pay to your dentist. 

While less dental visits is a good thing for most patients, the downside is that your dentist is unable to conduct a more thorough examination of your progress to make suitable adjustments. 

Invisalign patients, on the other hand, usually have their current progress evaluated by their dentist in the clinic during follow-up appointments with them. 

I always tell my patients that there is no significant downside to remote monitoring. In fact, I am all for making your clear aligner journey more convenient! 

If your main concern is about saving time, the following needs to be taken into consideration: 

• Are you disciplined enough to ensure that your clear aligners stay on for the required duration of time each day? 
• Are you able to ensure that your dental health stays in shape during clear aligner treatment? 
• Will you ensure that you chew on your chewies at least twice a day for a few minutes each time to help your clear aligners conform to your teeth. 

If your answer to the above is a resounding “yes,” then you are definitely suitable for conducting most of your follow-ups via remote monitoring. 

Find out more about Angel Aligners – the similar alternative to Invisalign. 

Invisalign vs Zenyum: Treatment Complexity 

Invisalign is able to handle a wide range of orthodontic cases. These can include mild to severe issues. 

Zenyum, however, is typically only used for milder cases. If you have more complex orthodontic issues, Invisalign will be a more suitable option. 

Ask me for before-and-after teeth straightening case studies. 

Invisalign vs Zenyum: Treatment Duration 

The amount of time required for your treatment will vary based on a case-by-case basis. 

Your teeth are unique and will require a personalised treatment plan based on them. Complex orthodontic issues will require a longer duration than mild alignment issues. 

Based on the patients I have worked with, the following is the average duration of time required: 

Invisalign vs Zenyum: Treatment Age Prerequisites  

Invisalign does not have a specific age requirement for their treatment. Their clear aligners work with all ages for their orthodontic problems making them one of the most versatile clear aligner brands. 

Depending on your age group, you will be recommended to use different Invisalign products. The following are a breakdown of Invisalign systems that you can expect based on your age. 

Zenyum does not recommend treatment before the age of 16. Their products are not made to work with patients who have not completely developed their teeth and jaw. 

Invisalign vs Zenyum: Treatment Monitoring 

When it comes to Invisalign, you can expect to have a scheduled follow-up with your preferred Invisalign accredited dentist every 4 to 6 weeks. In my practice, I usually meet patients who have a hectic schedule or are frequent work travellers. In such instances, you can opt for remote monitoring via the Dental Monitoring app or Invisalign Virtual Care. 

Dental Monitoring 

The Dental Monitoring app uses AI-powered technology to monitor your clear aligner care and general oral hygiene. If you are using Dental Monitoring, a tool called the Scanbox will be given to you. The Scanbox helps you to take correct photos and scans so that your dentist can monitor your treatment. 

Should there be any issues in either the alignment of your teeth or your oral health, Dental Monitoring will promptly notify you. In such instances, your dentist will send you a message and advise you what steps you need to take to rectify them. 

Invisalign Virtual Care

Invisalign Virtual Care is developed by the same company behind Invisalign – Align Technology. The program allows you to self-monitor your teeth alignment progress throughout your Invisalign journey. 

You will be able to take photos and monitor your progress for free using the My Invisalign app. It also reminds you when you should switch to another set of aligners. 

Zenyum 

If you prefer to use Zenyum, Zenyum has their own remote monitoring Zenyum app. While the app might not be as established or advanced as the tools that Dental Monitoring and Invisalign Virtual Care has, it is able to track the progress of your clear aligners journey and remind you to change to the next set of aligners on time. 

Invisalign vs Zenyum: Comfort 

Both Invisalign and Zenyum have designed their clear aligners to be comfortable to wear on a prolonged basis. This should be a big factor for consideration when you are shopping for the right clear aligners for you. This is because during treatment, you will be expected to wear your transparent braces for at least 22 hours each day. 

Invisalign vs Zenyum: Design and Materials Used 

Invisalign clear aligners are made from SmartTrack – a patented material that offers flexibility, durability and control over how your teeth move. Zenyum aligners are made out of BPA-free plastic.

Invisalign vs Zenyum: Certification and Experience 

Invisalign is an established clear aligner company. The company was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998. They have close to 30 years of experience researching and developing clear aligners. They are also recommended by dentists and orthodontists as in more than 100 countries. 

Zenyum, on the other hand, does not have any publicly verifiable certification. The company is a startup that was established in 2018. That makes them a relatively new player in the clear aligner market. 

Invisalign vs Zenyum: Commonly Asked Questions 

I have consolidated a list of patient-asked questions to help answer your doubts about Invisalign vs Zenyum: 

Which clear aligner system is more suitable for me – Invisalign or Zenyum?

When it comes to choosing a clear aligner system, I always tell my patients that it depends on their needs and requirements as well as what their dentist recommends. 

Every dentist has their individual preferences on what system they are comfortable working with to deliver results. In addition, each of these invisible braces brands have their own pros and cons. There is no clear aligner system that is all positives.

With Invisalign, you pay for a premium in exchange for consistent results. Invisalign has a strong reputation of being a reliable and effective clear aligner system. The brand has been used to treat mild to severe alignment issues effectively. The only drawback to Invisalign is their higher price points. 

Zenyum is the more affordable clear aligner brand. While they are a dentist-directed treatment as well, the amount of support you receive is less during your treatment. You will also not be able to choose a dentist that you are comfortable with pre-treatment as the brand allocated a Zenyum-provider to you. 

To determine what is most suitable for you, I highly encourage you to do your own research to find out more about your suitability for either Invisalign or Zenyum. 

Book an appointment with me to assess your suitability for clear aligners. 

Which clear aligner system is the best – Invisalign or Zenyum? 

There is no best clear aligner system, but most dentists prefer introducing Invisalign to patients because of the predictability in teeth movement. 

Predictability in teeth alignment matters because of the following reasons: 

• Your dentist is able to accurately predict how your teeth will move. 
• Your treatment duration and treatment planning is more accurate. 
• Reduction in the number of refinements and adjustments needed. 
• You achieve the treatment outcome that you want. 

Looking for a reliable clear aligner system? Reach out to me for an Invisalign consultation.

Why is Invisalign more expensive than Zenyum? 

Invisalign is more expensive than Zenyum because of two main reasons: Lab costs and the number of times you are required to visit the dentist. 

Invisalign lab fees form a big part of your cost of treatment for Invisalign. Your dental clinic then places a small mark-up on the lab fees so that your Invisalign dentist gets paid for their treatment planning and administration to you. 

Invisalign is also a dentist-directed treatment at every step of your treatment plan. This makes them the most reliable when it comes to delivering consistent and predictable results. Zenyum is able to reduce the cost of treatment as only the consultative portion of the patient journey requires a dentist. 

Which hurts more – Invisalign or braces? 

As a previous braces patient and current Invisalign dentist, I am certain that braces typically hurt more than Invisalign does. While braces are effective and efficient at correcting moderate to severe teeth alignment issues, there is admittedly a steeper curve of adjustment when taking up braces. 

Patients who take up braces with me usually experience discomfort and soreness after adjustments. The metal brackets, wires and elastics (if you need any) can also irritate the insides of your mouth and cause abrasions. 

Most of my Invisalign patients complain of slight discomfort on two instances: the first when they have just put on their clear aligners and the second, when they remove their Invisalign trays from their teeth during meals. 

At the end of the day, the perception of pain is subjective. If you are sensitive to discomfort, do let your dentist know. They will be able to recommend solutions to help you reduce the discomfort and unpleasant sensations. 

What are the limitations of Zenyum?

I have not personally worked with Zenyum clear aligners and will not be able to give a first-hand account on the limitations of Zenyum. However, I have had some clinician colleagues who have. Based on prior experiences from other clinicians, Zenyum clear aligners used to be for less severe cases of misaligned teeth. 

The brand also seemed to work better only on front teeth. In the event you needed realignment of your molars, Zenyum would not have been suitable for you. Based on this, not everyone would have been a great candidate for Zenyum. 

Have another burning question about Invisalign vs Zenyum? Send me a message.