You’ve decided to invest in Invisalign treatment. You’ve researched providers, compared prices, and found a clinic offering what seems like a reasonable rate. But before you sign any contracts or pay any deposits, there’s one critical question you must answer: Are you actually getting genuine Invisalign, or a cheaper substitute marketed as “Invisalign”?
With Dubai’s dental market increasingly flooded with generic clear aligner alternatives deceptively marketed as Invisalign, patient vigilance is essential. The good news: Invisalign includes multiple authentication features that make verification straightforward—if you know what to look for.
This comprehensive authentication guide provides step-by-step instructions for verifying you’re receiving genuine Invisalign treatment at every stage: before signing contracts, when your aligners arrive, and throughout treatment. By following these verification methods, you protect yourself from wasting thousands of dirhams on inferior alternatives sold under misleading marketing.
At myPediaClinic Dubai, we welcome patient scrutiny. Dr. Mohamed Hasab encourages every patient to verify they’re receiving authentic Invisalign—we have nothing to hide and everything to prove. That’s the confidence that comes with providing only genuine Invisalign aligners manufactured by Align Technology.
Why Authentication Matters: The Cost of Getting It Wrong
Before diving into authentication methods, understand what’s at stake:
Financial loss: If you pay AED 10,000-15,000 for “Invisalign” but receive generic alternatives worth AED 3,000-5,000, you’ve overpaid by AED 7,000-10,000—money you’ll never recover.
Treatment failure: Generic aligners have unpredictable outcomes. Poor material quality, inconsistent manufacturing, and inadequate treatment planning lead to suboptimal results or complete failure. You may need to start over with genuine Invisalign or braces—paying twice.
Health risks: Unregulated aligner materials may contain substances unsafe for continuous oral wear, causing allergic reactions, oral irritation, or unknown long-term health effects.
Time wasted: Ineffective generic treatment can waste 12-18 months of your life with minimal tooth movement—time you’ll never get back.
Five minutes of verification before starting treatment can save you thousands of dirhams, months of wasted time, and significant disappointment. It’s worth the effort.
Pre-Treatment Verification: Before You Sign Anything
The best time to verify authenticity is before committing to treatment. Once you’ve paid deposits and started, you have less leverage. Use these verification steps during your consultation phase:
Step 1: Ask Direct, Explicit Questions
Don’t assume. Don’t hint. Ask directly:
“Will I receive genuine Invisalign aligners manufactured by Align Technology?”
This question requires a yes/no answer. Legitimate Invisalign providers respond confidently: “Yes, absolutely. We only use genuine Invisalign.”
Red flag responses:
“We use aligners that work just like Invisalign”
“Our system is equivalent to Invisalign”
“We use the same technology as Invisalign”
“It’s the same thing, just different branding”
“We use premium clear aligners”
None of these answers mean you’re getting Invisalign. They’re evasive language designed to mislead without technically lying. Press for a direct answer: “So is that a yes or no—will these be genuine Invisalign aligners with the Invisalign logo?”
If they still won’t give a straight “yes,” walk away. Legitimate providers have no reason to be evasive.
Step 2: Verify Provider Certification on Invisalign’s Website
Invisalign maintains an official provider directory. Here’s how to verify your provider:
Visit: invisalign.com or invisalign.ae (Middle East site)
Navigate to: “Find a Doctor” or provider locator section
Enter: Your location (Dubai) and the provider’s name or clinic name
Check results: If your provider appears with certification details, they’re legitimate. If they don’t appear, they’re either not certified or not actively using Invisalign.
Provider certification proves they’ve completed Invisalign training and maintain active partnership with Align Technology. While certification alone doesn’t guarantee they actually provide Invisalign (some certified providers switched to cheaper alternatives), absence from the directory is a definite red flag.
Take a screenshot of the directory listing showing your provider’s name—documentation for your records.
Step 3: Insist on Seeing Your ClinCheck Treatment Plan
ClinCheck is Invisalign’s proprietary digital treatment planning software. Genuine Invisalign treatment includes a ClinCheck simulation showing your entire treatment from current smile to final result.
During your consultation (or before starting treatment), ask: “Can I see my ClinCheck treatment plan?”
Your orthodontist should display the ClinCheck simulation on a screen or tablet. Look for:
✓ Invisalign branding/logos prominently displayed in the software interface
✓ 3D animation showing tooth movement at each aligner stage
✓ ClinCheck-specific features like timeline, aligner numbers, treatment milestones
✓ Professional presentation—ClinCheck has a distinctive, polished interface
Red flags:
✗ Generic 3D simulations without Invisalign branding
✗ Static before-and-after images instead of interactive animation
✗ Refusal to show treatment planning software
✗ Vague explanations: “We’ll show you the plan later” or “We use our own planning system”
If shown planning software without Invisalign branding, it’s not Invisalign. ClinCheck is the gold standard—no legitimate Invisalign provider would use substitute software.
Ask to take photos of the ClinCheck screen showing Invisalign branding and your treatment plan. Legitimate providers have no issue with this; it’s your medical information.
Step 4: Review Contract Language Carefully
Before signing any treatment contract, read every word. Specifically look for:
✓ Explicit mention of “Invisalign” by name
✓ Reference to Align Technology as aligner manufacturer
✓ Specific product: “Invisalign Full,” “Invisalign Teen,” “Invisalign First”
If the contract says:
“Clear aligner orthodontic treatment”
“Invisible braces treatment”
“Transparent aligner therapy”
…without mentioning Invisalign by name, you have no legal proof you’re entitled to Invisalign. The clinic can provide any clear aligner system and technically fulfill the contract.
Request contract amendment: “Please add specific language stating I will receive Invisalign aligners manufactured by Align Technology.” If they refuse, that’s a massive red flag.
Step 5: Get Written Confirmation
Even with good contract language, get additional written confirmation via email or WhatsApp:
“Hi [Provider Name], confirming our discussion today: my treatment will use genuine Invisalign aligners manufactured by Align Technology, correct? Please confirm in writing.”
Their written response becomes documentation. If they later provide generic alternatives, you have proof they misrepresented the treatment—strengthening any legal case for refund.
Legitimate providers respond quickly: “Yes, confirmed—you’ll receive genuine Invisalign.” Providers offering alternatives will either not respond or give evasive answers.
Step 6: Verify Pricing Makes Sense
Genuine Invisalign from certified providers in Dubai costs AED 12,000-25,000 depending on case complexity. This pricing reflects:
What clinics pay Align Technology for aligners (AED 4,000-6,000)
Orthodontist expertise and time
Clinic overhead and operating costs
Technology costs (iTero scanners, ClinCheck software)
Reasonable profit margin
If quoted AED 6,000-9,000 for “Invisalign,” the math doesn’t work. Clinics can’t sell genuine Invisalign profitably at those prices. They’re either:
Using cheaper alternatives
Charging separately for components later
Providing inexperienced providers to cut costs
AED 15,000-22,000 is the realistic range for genuine Invisalign. Prices significantly below this warrant investigation.
When Aligners Arrive: Physical Authentication Features
When you receive your first set of aligners, this is your moment of truth. Genuine Invisalign aligners include multiple authentication features you can verify immediately:
Authentication Feature 1: Invisalign Logo on Each Aligner
Every genuine Invisalign aligner has “Invisalign” printed on the aligner itself, typically on the outside near the back molars (buccal surface). The logo is small but clearly visible when you look for it.
How to check: Remove the aligner, hold it up to good light, and look at the outer surface near the back teeth. You’ll see “Invisalign” printed in small letters.
✓ Genuine Invisalign: Logo clearly printed on every single aligner (both upper and lower)
✗ Generic aligner: No logo, or generic branding (“SmileClear,” clinic name, or no branding at all)
If the Invisalign logo is missing, you’re not receiving Invisalign—period. No exceptions, no explanations excuse this.
Authentication Feature 2: Aligner Numbers and Batch Codes
Each Invisalign aligner is numbered sequentially and includes a batch/lot code identifying when and where it was manufactured.
How to check: Look on the aligner near where the logo is printed. You’ll see:
“U1” (upper aligner #1), “U2” (upper aligner #2), etc.
“L1” (lower aligner #1), “L2” (lower aligner #2), etc.
A batch code: letters and numbers like “AB12345” or similar
✓ Genuine Invisalign: Clear aligner numbers (U1, U2, L1, L2) and batch codes
✗ Generic aligner: No numbers, or generic numbering like “1, 2, 3” without U/L designation
Aligner numbers help you track which aligner you’re wearing and ensure proper sequence. Batch codes provide traceability if quality issues arise.
Authentication Feature 3: The Starflower Pattern (Anti-Counterfeiting)
This is Invisalign’s most distinctive anti-counterfeiting feature. Genuine Invisalign aligners have a “starflower” or dotted pattern embedded throughout the material—visible when you hold the aligner up to bright light.
How to check:
1. Remove an aligner
2. Hold it up to a bright light source (sunlight, bright lamp, phone flashlight)
3. Look closely at the aligner material
4. You’ll see a subtle dotted or starflower pattern throughout the plastic
✓ Genuine Invisalign: Distinctive pattern visible in bright light (looks like tiny dots or flowers)
✗ Generic aligner: Completely uniform clear plastic with no pattern
The starflower pattern is incredibly difficult to counterfeit—it’s embedded during manufacturing. If you don’t see it, the aligners aren’t Invisalign.
Authentication Feature 4: Official Invisalign Packaging
Genuine Invisalign aligners arrive in official Invisalign-branded packaging:
✓ Branded bags/boxes with Invisalign logo and branding
✓ Individual packets for each aligner pair clearly labeled with aligner numbers
✓ Professional presentation with instructions and Align Technology information
✓ Consistent design—Invisalign packaging has a recognizable, standardized look
Red flags:
✗ Generic clear bags with no branding
✗ Packaging branded with clinic name instead of Invisalign
✗ Cheap, unprofessional packaging
✗ Aligners loose in a box without individual packets
While packaging is easier to counterfeit than aligner features, it’s another data point. Legitimate Invisalign comes in professional Invisalign-branded packaging—always.
Authentication Feature 5: Aligner Material Quality
While subjective, Invisalign’s SmartTrack material has distinctive qualities:
✓ Smooth texture with precisely trimmed, comfortable edges
✓ Slight elasticity when you flex the aligner (not rigid, not flimsy)
✓ Consistent thickness throughout (no thin spots or thick areas)
✓ Durable—doesn’t crack or tear with normal wear
✓ Clear appearance—highly transparent, minimal cloudiness
Generic aligners often have:
✗ Rough edges causing gum irritation
✗ Either too rigid (uncomfortable) or too soft (ineffective)
✗ Inconsistent thickness
✗ Cracking or warping easily
✗ Cloudier appearance or yellowing quickly
While not definitive on its own, poor material quality combined with missing authentication features confirms generic aligners.
During Treatment: Ongoing Verification
Authentication doesn’t stop when treatment begins. Continue verifying throughout:
Check Each New Set of Aligners
Every time you receive new aligner sets, verify:
✓ Invisalign logo present on each aligner
✓ Correct aligner numbers (sequential from where you left off)
✓ Starflower pattern visible
✓ Official Invisalign packaging
Some unethical clinics start with genuine Invisalign (to establish trust), then switch to generic alternatives mid-treatment (to save money). Checking every set protects against this bait-and-switch tactic.
Monitor Treatment Progress
If your teeth aren’t moving as planned, it may indicate inferior aligners:
✗ Minimal tooth movement after 3-4 months
✗ Aligners feeling loose (not fitting properly)
✗ Aligners cracking or breaking frequently
✗ Your orthodontist seeming unsure why progress is slow
While slow progress can occur even with genuine Invisalign (due to biology, compliance issues, or poor treatment planning), it’s more common with generic systems. If progress is poor AND authentication features are missing, you’re likely experiencing generic aligner failure.
Request Updated ClinCheck Plans
If mid-course corrections or refinements are needed, your orthodontist should update your ClinCheck plan showing adjustments. This updated plan should still display Invisalign branding.
If mid-treatment adjustments don’t involve ClinCheck (just generic digital simulations or no digital planning at all), question whether you’re still receiving Invisalign.
What to Do If Authentication Fails: Action Steps
If your verification reveals you’re not receiving genuine Invisalign, act immediately:
Step 1: Document Everything
Before confronting the provider:
Take clear photos of aligners showing missing Invisalign logos
Photograph packaging showing lack of Invisalign branding
Document the absence of starflower pattern (photo showing plain plastic vs. genuine Invisalign with pattern)
Screenshot your contract sections mentioning “Invisalign” (if any)
Save all communications (emails, WhatsApp) discussing treatment
Keep all payment receipts
Comprehensive documentation strengthens your case if legal action becomes necessary.
Step 2: Confront the Provider Professionally
Schedule an appointment (don’t do this over phone/message—face-to-face is better). Calmly present your evidence:
“I was told I’d receive Invisalign treatment. These aligners don’t have Invisalign authentication features—no logo, no starflower pattern, no official packaging. What brand are these aligners?”
Their response reveals intent:
Honest mistake scenario: “I apologize for the confusion. We use [Alternative Brand]. I’ll immediately refund you/switch you to genuine Invisalign at no additional cost.”
Deceptive scenario: Defensive, evasive responses like “the aligners work the same,” “Invisalign is just a brand name,” “you’re getting equivalent treatment,” or outright denial.
If they’re honest and rectify immediately, you may choose to continue with clarified expectations. If they’re defensive or refuse to address the issue, prepare for next steps.
Step 3: Request Full Refund in Writing
Send formal written request (email with delivery confirmation or registered mail):
“Dear [Provider Name],
I contracted for Invisalign treatment on [date]. I have now discovered the aligners provided are not genuine Invisalign manufactured by Align Technology. [List specific authentication features missing].
This constitutes misrepresentation of services. I am requesting immediate full refund of all payments totaling AED [amount]. Please confirm receipt of this request and refund timeline within 7 business days.
If satisfactory resolution is not provided, I will proceed with formal complaints to Dubai Health Authority and legal action to recover payments plus damages.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]”
Professional tone, clear demands, consequences stated. This letter documents your attempt at resolution before escalating.
Step 4: File Regulatory Complaints
If the provider refuses refund or resolution, file complaints with:
Dubai Health Authority (DHA):
Website: dha.gov.ae
Phone: 800 342 (800 DHA)
Complaint type: Healthcare provider misconduct, false advertising, consumer protection
Provide: All documentation, photos, contract, communications
Dubai Economy – Consumer Protection:
Website: consumerrights.ae
Phone: 600 545 555
Complaint type: Fraudulent business practices, false advertising
Provide: Same documentation
Dubai Police – Consumer Protection Department:
For cases involving clear fraud or large financial loss
Visit: Nearest police station to file formal complaint
Regulatory action protects other patients and pressures the clinic to resolve.
Step 5: Seek Legal Advice
Consult a lawyer specializing in consumer protection or medical malpractice. If your contract explicitly promises Invisalign but you received substitutes, you have strong grounds for legal action to recover:
Full refund of payments
Damages for time wasted and emotional distress
Legal fees
UAE consumer protection laws prohibit false advertising and fraudulent practices. A lawyer assesses your case and advises on proceedings.
Step 6: Share Your Experience
Leave honest, detailed reviews on:
Google Reviews
Facebook
Healthcare review sites (Okadoc, Vezeeta, etc.)
Expatriate forums (Dubai Expats, Expat Woman, etc.)
Honest reviews warn other patients and damage the clinic’s reputation—incentivizing them to change practices or offer resolution to remove negative reviews.
How myPediaClinic Guarantees Authenticity
At myPediaClinic Dubai Healthcare City, we welcome verification because we have nothing to hide:
✓ Dr. Mohamed Hasab appears in Invisalign’s official provider directory (verified Invisalign certification)
✓ Every patient sees their ClinCheck treatment plan with full Invisalign branding before starting
✓ Contracts explicitly state “Invisalign treatment by Align Technology”
✓ All aligners have Invisalign logos, aligner numbers, and starflower patterns
✓ Official Invisalign packaging—always
✓ Transparent pricing starting at AED 15,000 (no suspiciously low prices)
✓ We encourage patients to verify authentication features
We don’t just tolerate verification—we encourage it. That’s the confidence of providing only genuine Invisalign.
Frequently Asked Questions About Verifying Invisalign
How can I tell if my Invisalign aligners are genuine?
Check for: Invisalign logo printed on each aligner (near back molars), aligner numbers (U1, L1, etc.) and batch codes, starflower pattern visible when held to bright light, and official Invisalign-branded packaging. If any of these are missing, your aligners aren’t genuine Invisalign.
What does the starflower pattern look like?
Hold a genuine Invisalign aligner up to bright light (sunlight or bright lamp). Look closely at the plastic material and you’ll see a subtle dotted or flower-like pattern throughout. It looks like tiny dots arranged in a repetitive pattern—this is Invisalign’s proprietary anti-counterfeiting feature embedded during manufacturing. Generic aligners appear completely uniform and clear with no pattern.
Where exactly is the Invisalign logo on the aligner?
The Invisalign logo is printed on the outside (buccal/cheek side) of the aligner near the back molars. Remove the aligner, hold it up to light, and look at the outer surface toward the back teeth—you’ll see “Invisalign” printed in small letters. It’s on both upper and lower aligners.
Can I check if my provider is certified before my appointment?
Yes. Visit invisalign.com or invisalign.ae, use the “Find a Doctor” provider locator, enter Dubai and your provider’s name. If they’re certified and actively using Invisalign, they’ll appear in search results. Check this before even scheduling a consultation—saves time if they’re not legitimate.
What if my dentist says the starflower pattern isn’t always visible?
That’s false. The starflower pattern is present on every genuine Invisalign aligner manufactured by Align Technology—without exception. If your dentist claims it’s not always visible or that some batches don’t have it, they’re either misinformed or being deceptive. All genuine Invisalign aligners have this feature.
Can clinics fake the Invisalign logo on generic aligners?
Technically possible but illegal (trademark infringement) and rare. Most clinics using generic alternatives simply don’t put any logos on them, or use generic branding. If you see an Invisalign logo, it’s almost certainly genuine. The starflower pattern is much harder to counterfeit—that’s your most reliable authentication method.
What should I do if my contract doesn’t mention Invisalign by name?
Before signing, request the contract be amended to explicitly state “Invisalign treatment using aligners manufactured by Align Technology.” If the provider refuses this simple clarification, it’s a major red flag—walk away. Without explicit contract language, you have no legal proof you’re entitled to Invisalign if they provide alternatives.
Is ClearCorrect marked with a logo like Invisalign?
Yes, legitimate ClearCorrect aligners have “ClearCorrect” branding on them. If your aligners say “ClearCorrect” instead of “Invisalign,” you’re receiving ClearCorrect—not Invisalign. The question is whether the clinic disclosed this upfront or misled you into believing you were getting Invisalign.
What if I can’t find my provider on Invisalign’s website?
If your provider doesn’t appear in Invisalign’s official provider directory, they’re either not certified or not currently using Invisalign. This is a serious red flag. Ask them directly why they don’t appear in the directory. Legitimate reasons are rare—most likely they’re using alternative systems.
Can I ask to see the ClinCheck plan before paying a deposit?
Yes, though most orthodontists create the ClinCheck plan after initial records/scanning (which may require a small deposit). However, you can certainly request to see the ClinCheck plan before paying the full treatment cost. Legitimate Invisalign providers have no issue showing you the ClinCheck plan with Invisalign branding before you commit to full treatment.
What if my clinic claims they’re an Invisalign provider but pricing is unusually low?
Investigate carefully. Some certified Invisalign providers completed training years ago but switched to cheaper alternatives to increase profit margins—they keep “Invisalign Provider” credentials for marketing but don’t actually use Invisalign. Verify with all authentication steps before trusting low-priced “Invisalign.” If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
How much should I expect to pay for genuine Invisalign in Dubai?
Genuine Invisalign from certified providers typically costs AED 12,000-25,000 depending on case complexity. At myPediaClinic, treatment starts at AED 15,000 for straightforward cases. Prices significantly below AED 12,000 should raise questions—clinics can’t profitably provide genuine Invisalign at ultra-low prices (they pay Align Technology AED 4,000-6,000 per case).
What if I already started treatment and now realize it’s not Invisalign?
Document everything immediately (photos of aligners, packaging, contract), confront the provider requesting full refund or switch to genuine Invisalign, file complaints with Dubai Health Authority and consumer protection if they refuse, and consult a lawyer about recovering payments. The earlier you catch this, the better your chances of recovering money.
Can I get a refund if the contract doesn’t explicitly mention Invisalign?
More difficult but not impossible. If the provider’s advertising, verbal representations, or displayed materials led you to believe you were getting Invisalign, you may have grounds for fraud claims despite vague contract language. A lawyer can assess whether you have a case. This is why explicit contract language is so important—get it in writing upfront.
Are there legitimate reasons a provider might not use Invisalign?
Yes—many clinics honestly offer alternative clear aligner systems (ClearCorrect, SureSmile, etc.) and clearly disclose this to patients. That’s ethical business. The problem isn’t alternatives existing—it’s providers marketing alternatives as “Invisalign” or allowing patients to believe they’re getting Invisalign through ambiguous language. Honest providers clearly state which system they use.
How do I know myPediaClinic provides genuine Invisalign?
You can verify: search for Dr. Mohamed Hasab in Invisalign’s official provider directory (you’ll find our listing), visit for consultation and insist on seeing the ClinCheck plan with Invisalign branding, review our contract which explicitly states “Invisalign treatment,” and when aligners arrive, verify all authentication features. We welcome and encourage verification because we provide only genuine Invisalign—always.
What’s the single most reliable authentication feature?
The starflower pattern is the most reliable authentication feature because it’s: present on every genuine Invisalign aligner, visible with just a bright light source (no special equipment needed), nearly impossible to counterfeit, and easy for patients to check independently. If you see the starflower pattern when holding aligners to light, they’re almost certainly genuine Invisalign.
Can I bring printed authentication guides to my consultation?
Absolutely. Print this guide, bring it to consultations, and use it as a checklist. Ask providers each verification question. Legitimate Invisalign providers welcome informed patients and answer questions confidently. Providers offering alternatives become defensive or evasive when patients ask detailed authentication questions.
What if my dentist gets defensive when I ask about authentication?
Major red flag. Legitimate Invisalign providers have no reason to be defensive—they’re proud to provide genuine Invisalign and welcome verification. Defensiveness, irritation, or responses like “don’t you trust me?” or “you’re questioning my integrity?” suggest the provider has something to hide. Trust your instincts and consider finding a provider who welcomes transparency.
Should I verify authentication features at every appointment?
Check each new set of aligners you receive throughout treatment. While most providers won’t switch from genuine to fake mid-treatment, it happens. Taking 30 seconds to verify logos and patterns each time protects you completely. Make it routine—like checking expiration dates on food.
What legal protections do patients have against fake Invisalign in the UAE?
UAE consumer protection laws prohibit false advertising and fraudulent business practices. Dubai Health Authority regulates healthcare providers and can sanction those engaging in deceptive marketing. If your contract explicitly promises Invisalign but you received substitutes, you have grounds for civil action to recover payments. Strength of your case depends on contract language and documentation—which is why verification before signing is critical.
The Bottom Line: Trust, But Verify
Invisalign treatment is a significant investment in your smile and your health. You deserve authentic Invisalign—not cheaper substitutes sold through misleading marketing.
Authentication isn’t about lacking trust. It’s about being an informed consumer who verifies major purchases. You’d verify a luxury watch is genuine before paying thousands of dirhams—your orthodontic treatment deserves the same diligence.
Five minutes of verification protects thousands of dirhams and ensures you receive the treatment you’re paying for. Use this guide at every stage: before signing contracts, when aligners arrive, and throughout treatment.
At myPediaClinic Dubai, Dr. Mohamed Hasab welcomes your verification. We provide only genuine Invisalign manufactured by Align Technology, and we’re proud to prove it.
Schedule your complimentary Invisalign consultation today—and verify for yourself:
Call: +971-4-430-5926
WhatsApp: +971-4-430-5926
Visit: myPediaClinic, Dubai Healthcare City
Website: mypediaclinic.com
Dr. Mohamed Hasab will show you your ClinCheck plan with Invisalign branding, provide a contract explicitly stating Invisalign treatment, and when your aligners arrive, you’ll verify every authentication feature. Complete transparency, genuine Invisalign, expert care—guaranteed.
Don’t trust blindly. Verify intelligently. Your smile deserves authentic Invisalign.
