Invisalign and Smile Direct Club are two popular options for people looking to straighten their teeth without traditional metal braces.
While both options have similarities, there are some key differences between the two that patients should be aware of when making their decision.
Invisalign is a brand of clear aligners that are custom-made for each patient. The aligners are made of a smooth, comfortable plastic that fits over the teeth and gradually moves them into the desired position.
Treatment with Invisalign typically takes 12-18 months, depending on the severity of the case.
Invisalign aligners are worn for 20-22 hours per day and are removed for eating and brushing.
Treatment progress is monitored by a dentist or orthodontist.
Smile Direct Club, on the other hand, is a direct-to-consumer clear aligner company that offers a more affordable option for patients.
Treatment with Smile Direct Club typically takes 4-6 months and involves wearing aligners for 22 hours per day.
The company offers two types of aligners: daytime aligners and nighttime aligners.
The daytime aligners are worn for 22 hours per day, while the nighttime aligners are worn for 10 hours per night.
Smile Direct Club also offers 100% virtual care management, which means that patients can communicate with a licensed dentist or orthodontist online throughout their treatment.
Invisalign: An Overview
Invisalign is a popular brand of clear aligners that are used to straighten teeth. These aligners are made of a clear, flexible plastic material that is custom-fitted to the patient’s teeth.
They are designed to gradually move the teeth into the desired position over a period of several months.
One of the main advantages of Invisalign is that they are virtually invisible, making them a popular choice for adults who are self-conscious about wearing traditional metal braces.
In addition, Invisalign aligners are removable, which means that patients can take them out to eat, brush, and floss. This makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene during treatment.
Invisalign treatment typically involves a series of aligners that are worn for two weeks at a time.
Each set of aligners is slightly different, which means that they gradually move the teeth into the desired position.
The length of treatment depends on the complexity of the case, but most patients can expect to wear Invisalign aligners for 12 to 18 months.
While Invisalign is generally considered to be a safe and effective treatment option, there are some potential drawbacks to consider.
For example, Invisalign aligners can be more expensive than traditional metal braces, and they may not be covered by insurance.
In addition, some patients may experience discomfort or soreness during treatment, particularly during the first few days of wearing a new set of aligners.
Smile Direct Club: An Overview
Smile Direct Club is a company that offers clear aligners for teeth straightening. Founded in 2014, it is a relatively new player in the orthodontics market.
The company’s clear aligners are designed to be an affordable and convenient alternative to traditional braces and Invisalign.
One of the key features of Smile Direct Club is that it offers remote teledentistry services.
This means that customers can receive treatment without ever having to visit a dentist or orthodontist in person.
Instead, they can take an impression of their teeth at home using a kit provided by the company.
This kit is then sent to a licensed dentist or orthodontist who creates a treatment plan and oversees the customer’s progress remotely.
Smile Direct Club’s clear aligners are made from a BPA-free plastic material that is designed to be comfortable and discreet.
The aligners are custom-made to fit each customer’s teeth and are replaced every two weeks as the teeth gradually shift into their desired position.
One potential drawback of Smile Direct Club is that it may not be suitable for everyone.
The company’s clear aligners are designed to treat mild to moderate orthodontic issues, such as gaps, crowding, and minor bite problems.
Customers with more severe orthodontic issues may not be eligible for treatment with Smile Direct Club and may need to explore other options such as traditional braces or Invisalign.
Overall, Smile Direct Club is a convenient and affordable option for customers looking to straighten their teeth with clear aligners.
However, it is important to carefully consider whether it is the right choice for your individual orthodontic needs.
Comparing Treatment Process
When comparing Invisalign and Smile Direct Club, it’s important to consider the treatment process for each option.
Here are the key factors to keep in mind:
Consultation Process
Both Invisalign and Smile Direct Club require an initial consultation with a dental professional.
However, the process for this consultation can vary between the two options.
Invisalign consultations are typically done in-person with a licensed orthodontist.
During this consultation, the orthodontist will examine the patient’s teeth and take X-rays to determine if Invisalign is a good fit for their needs.
They will also discuss the treatment plan and answer any questions the patient may have.
Smile Direct Club consultations, on the other hand, can be done either in-person or virtually. If done in-person, the patient will visit a SmileShop where a 3D scan will be taken of their teeth.
If done virtually, the patient will take an at-home impression kit and send it back to Smile Direct Club for analysis.
A licensed dentist or orthodontist will then review the scan or impression and determine if the patient is a good candidate for Smile Direct Club.
Treatment Plan
Once the initial consultation is complete, both Invisalign and Smile Direct Club will create a custom treatment plan for the patient. However, there are some differences in how this is done.
Invisalign treatment plans are created by a licensed orthodontist who will create a 3D model of the patient’s teeth.
This model will be used to create a series of custom aligners that will gradually shift the teeth into the desired position.
The orthodontist will also provide instructions on how long to wear each aligner and when to switch to the next one.
Smile Direct Club treatment plans are created by a team of dentists and orthodontists who will review the 3D scan or impression and create a custom set of aligners.
The aligners will be shipped directly to the patient’s home and the patient will be provided with instructions on how to wear them.
Duration of Treatment
The duration of treatment can vary depending on the patient’s needs and the severity of their dental issues.
However, there are some general differences between Invisalign and Smile Direct Club when it comes to treatment duration.
Invisalign treatment typically takes between 12 and 18 months, although some patients may see results in as little as six months.
Smile Direct Club treatment, on the other hand, typically takes between four and six months, although this can vary depending on the patient’s needs.
It’s important to note that both options require the patient to wear their aligners for at least 22 hours a day, removing them only to eat and brush their teeth.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in longer treatment times or less effective results.
Overall, the treatment process for Invisalign and Smile Direct Club is similar in many ways, but there are some key differences to keep in mind.
It’s important to consult with a dental professional to determine which option is best for your needs.
Evaluating Cost
Cost of Invisalign
Invisalign treatment typically costs between $3,000 and $7,000. The cost can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the location of the provider, and the length of treatment.
Some dental insurance plans may cover a portion of the cost of Invisalign treatment, so it’s worth checking with your insurance provider to see what your plan covers.
It’s also worth noting that Invisalign treatment is typically done in-office, meaning you’ll need to make regular appointments with your orthodontist to check on progress and make adjustments to your aligners.
This can add to the overall cost of treatment, as you may need to take time off work or school for these appointments.
Cost of Smile Direct Club
Smile Direct Club, on the other hand, offers at-home aligner treatment at a lower cost than Invisalign.
Smile Direct Club treatment typically costs between $1,950 and $2,450.
This lower cost is due in part to the fact that Smile Direct Club doesn’t require in-office visits, instead relying on remote monitoring of progress through the company’s app.
However, it’s important to note that not everyone is a candidate for Smile Direct Club treatment.
People with more complex orthodontic issues may not be eligible for treatment with Smile Direct Club, and may require more extensive treatment with Invisalign or traditional braces.
Additionally, Smile Direct Club doesn’t accept insurance, so you’ll need to pay for treatment out of pocket.
Overall, while Invisalign treatment may be more expensive, it offers more personalized care and may be a better option for people with more complex orthodontic issues.
Smile Direct Club may be a more affordable option for people with mild to moderate orthodontic issues, but it’s important to do your research and talk to your orthodontist to determine which treatment is best for you.
Effectiveness and Results
Invisalign Results
Invisalign has been proven to be effective in treating a wide range of orthodontic issues, including overcrowding, gaps, and misaligned teeth.
According to a study published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Invisalign treatment was found to be just as effective as traditional metal braces in correcting mild to moderate orthodontic issues.
The length of treatment varies depending on the severity of the case, but on average, Invisalign treatment takes about 12 to 18 months.
Patients are typically required to wear their aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day, removing them only to eat, brush, and floss.
Smile Direct Club Results
Smile Direct Club also claims to be effective in treating mild to moderate orthodontic issues.
However, since Smile Direct Club treatment is done remotely, without in-person visits to a dentist or orthodontist, it may not be suitable for more complex cases.
The length of treatment with Smile Direct Club can vary, but typically takes around 4 to 6 months.
Patients are required to wear their aligners for 22 hours a day, removing them only to eat, brush, and floss.
While Smile Direct Club does offer a more affordable and convenient option for those seeking orthodontic treatment, it is important to note that the effectiveness of treatment may vary depending on the individual case.
It is recommended to consult with a dentist or orthodontist to determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs.
Pros & Cons
When considering Invisalign vs. Smile Direct Club, there are advantages and disadvantages to both options.
Here are some of the key points to consider when deciding which option is best for you.
Advantages of Invisalign
- Invisalign is a well-established brand with a proven track record of success.
- Invisalign aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth, providing a more precise fit and better results.
- Invisalign aligners are made from a smooth, comfortable material that is less likely to irritate your gums and cheeks.
- Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, making them a great option for people who are self-conscious about wearing braces.
Disadvantages of Invisalign
- Invisalign can be more expensive than Smile Direct Club, especially if you require more extensive treatment.
- Invisalign requires regular visits to the dentist, which can be inconvenient for people with busy schedules.
- Invisalign aligners must be worn for at least 22 hours a day, which can be challenging for some people.
Advantages of Smile Direct Club
- Smile Direct Club is generally less expensive than Invisalign.
- Smile Direct Club offers remote treatment options, which can be more convenient for people who live far from a dentist or have busy schedules.
- Smile Direct Club aligners are made from a BPA-free plastic that is safe and comfortable to wear.
Disadvantages of Smile Direct Club
- Smile Direct Club may not be suitable for people with more complex orthodontic issues.
- Smile Direct Club aligners may not fit as precisely as Invisalign aligners, which can result in less predictable results.
- Smile Direct Club treatment is not supervised by a dentist, which can be a concern for some people.
Overall, both Invisalign and Smile Direct Club offer advantages and disadvantages, and the best option for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Patient Experience
Invisalign Experience
Invisalign treatment involves a series of clear aligners that are custom-made for each patient.
The aligners are worn for 20-22 hours a day and changed every 1-2 weeks.
Patients typically experience some discomfort during the first few days of wearing a new aligner, but this usually subsides quickly.
Invisalign treatment typically takes 12-18 months, although this can vary depending on the severity of the case.
During treatment, patients will need to visit their orthodontist every 6-8 weeks to check progress and receive new aligners.
One of the benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners can be removed for eating, drinking, and brushing.
This means that patients can continue to eat their favorite foods and maintain good oral hygiene throughout treatment.
However, it is important to note that the aligners must be worn for the recommended amount of time each day to ensure that treatment is effective.
Smile Direct Club Experience
Smile Direct Club treatment also involves a series of clear aligners that are custom-made for each patient.
However, unlike Invisalign, Smile Direct Club aligners are sent directly to the patient and do not require in-person visits with an orthodontist.
Instead, patients are required to take their own impressions using a kit provided by Smile Direct Club or visit a SmileShop for a 3D scan.
During treatment, patients will need to wear their aligners for 22 hours a day and change them every 1-2 weeks.
While some patients may experience discomfort during the first few days of wearing a new aligner, this usually subsides quickly.
Smile Direct Club treatment typically takes 4-6 months, although this can vary depending on the severity of the case.
One of the benefits of Smile Direct Club is that it is more affordable than Invisalign.
However, patients should be aware that they will not have in-person visits with an orthodontist during treatment.
Instead, they will communicate with a licensed dentist or orthodontist remotely through the Smile Direct Club app.
Final Verdict
Invisalign and Smile Direct Club are both excellent options for people looking to straighten their teeth.
Choosing between the two comes down to personal preferences and the severity of the dental issue.
Invisalign is a more expensive option, but it is also more versatile. It can correct a wider range of dental issues, including more severe bite problems.
Invisalign also requires in-person visits with a dentist or orthodontist, which can be a plus for people who prefer more personalized attention.
Smile Direct Club, on the other hand, is a more affordable option that is best suited for people with minor dental issues. It is also a more convenient option since it does not require in-person visits.
However, it is important to note that Smile Direct Club’s remote treatment model may not be suitable for everyone. It is also important to follow the treatment plan closely to ensure the best possible results.
Ultimately, the decision between Invisalign and Smile Direct Club depends on the individual’s budget, dental needs, and treatment preferences.
It is recommended to consult with a dentist or orthodontist to determine the best course of action.
