Smile Direct Club and Candid are two of the most popular clear aligner companies in the market.
Both companies offer at-home teeth straightening solutions that are more affordable and convenient than traditional orthodontic treatment.
However, there are some differences between the two that patients should consider before choosing one over the other.
Smile Direct Club is known for its affordable pricing and easy-to-use aligners. The company offers a range of treatment options for mild to moderate teeth alignment issues.
Their aligners are made from BPA-free plastic and are designed to be worn for 22 hours a day.
Smile Direct Club also has a network of licensed dentists and orthodontists who remotely oversee the treatment process.
However, it is important to note that Smile Direct Club does not offer in-person consultations or treatments. All communication with patients is done online or over the phone.
On the other hand, Candid is a newer player in the clear aligner market but has quickly gained popularity for its advanced technology and personalized treatment plans.
Candid uses 3D imaging and AI technology to create custom aligners that are specifically tailored to each patient’s teeth.
The company also has a network of licensed orthodontists who oversee the entire treatment process, from start to finish.
Candid aligners are designed to be worn for 22 hours a day and are made from a patented material that is more comfortable and durable than traditional aligners.
However, Candid’s treatment plans are generally more expensive than Smile Direct Club’s.
Overview of Smile Direct Club
Smile Direct Club is a company that provides clear aligners for teeth straightening.
The company was founded in 2014 and has since become one of the most popular options for at-home teeth straightening.
Smile Direct Club’s aligners are made from BPA-free plastic and are custom-made for each individual’s teeth.
One of the biggest selling points of Smile Direct Club is its affordability.
The company’s aligners are significantly cheaper than traditional braces or Invisalign. Smile Direct Club offers two payment options: a one-time payment of $1,950 or a monthly payment plan of $89 per month for 24 months.
Smile Direct Club’s aligners are designed to be worn for 22 hours per day, and treatment typically lasts between 4 and 6 months.
The company also offers a nighttime-only option for those who only need minor adjustments.
Smile Direct Club’s aligners are shipped directly to the customer’s home, and the company offers remote monitoring to ensure that treatment is progressing as planned.
Customers can also visit one of Smile Direct Club’s physical locations for in-person consultations and check-ins.
It is important to note that Smile Direct Club’s aligners are only suitable for those with minor to moderate teeth misalignment.
Those with more severe issues may require traditional braces or Invisalign.
Overall, Smile Direct Club is a convenient and affordable option for those looking to improve the appearance of their smile.
Overview of Candid
Candid is an orthodontics company that offers clear aligners to straighten teeth. The company was founded in 2017 and is based in New York City.
Candid’s clear aligners are made of a material that is BPA-free, latex-free, and phthalate-free. The aligners are designed to be comfortable and easy to wear.
One of the unique features of Candid is their AI monitoring system.
The system tracks the progress of a patient’s treatment and alerts the orthodontist if any adjustments need to be made. This allows for more efficient treatment and better results.
Candid offers both in-person and remote treatment options.
In-person treatment involves visiting a Candid studio, where a 3D scan of the patient’s teeth is taken. The aligners are then custom-made based on the scan.
Remote treatment involves taking an impression of the patient’s teeth at home and sending it to Candid. The aligners are then custom-made based on the impression.
Candid’s treatment plans typically last between 6 and 11 months, depending on the complexity of the case.
The cost of Candid’s treatment starts at $1,995, which includes the clear aligners, remote monitoring by an orthodontist, and teeth whitening. Candid also accepts HSA and FSA payments.
Overall, Candid is a reputable and innovative orthodontics company that offers clear aligners and remote treatment options.
Their AI monitoring system and commitment to customer satisfaction make them a popular choice for those seeking orthodontic treatment.
Treatment Process
Smile Direct Club
Smile Direct Club is a teledentistry company that provides clear aligners to straighten teeth.
The treatment process begins with an online assessment, where the patient fills out a questionnaire about their dental history and takes photos of their teeth.
The photos are then reviewed by a licensed dentist or orthodontist, who determines if the patient is a good candidate for clear aligners.
If the patient is approved, they are sent an impression kit to create molds of their teeth.
Once the molds are received and approved, the patient is sent a series of clear aligners that are custom-made to fit their teeth.
The aligners are worn for 22 hours a day and need to be changed every two weeks.
The length of treatment varies depending on the severity of the case, but most patients can expect to wear the aligners for six to twelve months.
Throughout the treatment process, Smile Direct Club provides remote monitoring through their SmileCheck app.
The app allows patients to track their progress and communicate with their assigned dentist or orthodontist.
If any issues arise during treatment, the patient can contact their assigned dentist or orthodontist for assistance.
It is important to note that Smile Direct Club’s treatment process does not involve in-person visits to a dental office.
While this can be more convenient for some patients, it also means that there is no in-person supervision of the treatment process.
Patients must be diligent about following the treatment plan and communicating with their assigned dentist or orthodontist if any issues arise.
Candid
Candid’s treatment process starts with an at-home impression kit that is sent to the patient.
The kit includes everything needed to take impressions of the patient’s teeth, including putty, trays, and instructions.
Once the impressions are taken, the patient sends them back to Candid’s dental team for review.
After the dental team reviews the impressions and approves the patient for treatment, the patient will receive a customized treatment plan that outlines the expected timeline and results.
The treatment plan includes a series of clear aligners that are worn for 22 hours a day, with each aligner being worn for two weeks before being replaced with the next one in the series.
Candid’s aligners are made from a BPA-free plastic that is comfortable and easy to wear.
The aligners are also trimmed to fit the patient’s gum line, which helps to reduce irritation and discomfort.
Throughout the treatment process, the patient will have access to Candid’s dental team, who can answer any questions and provide support as needed.
The dental team will also monitor the patient’s progress through regular check-ins and will make adjustments to the treatment plan if necessary.
Overall, Candid’s treatment process is designed to be convenient and effective, with most patients seeing results in six to twelve months.
Cost Comparison
When it comes to the cost of treatment, Smile Direct Club and Candid offer different pricing plans.
Smile Direct Club aligners are priced from $1,895 to $3,300, while Candid aligners cost an average of $3,300 depending on the provider and location.
Smile Direct Club also offers a payment plan option, which makes it more affordable for some patients.
Candid, on the other hand, does not provide any information on payment plans on their website.
It’s important to note that the actual cost of treatment may vary depending on the complexity of the case, the length of treatment required, and other factors.
Candid’s website states that costs for their treatment vary depending on what the CandidPro doctor decides to charge and whether the patient has insurance.
Hypothetical costs provided by Candid range from $3,500 to $5,500.
Ultimately, the cost of treatment can be a significant factor in a patient’s decision-making process.
Patients should consider the overall cost, payment options, and any additional fees or expenses when comparing Smile Direct Club and Candid.
Effectiveness and Results
Both Smile Direct Club and Candid have been shown to be effective at straightening teeth, but the results can vary depending on the severity of the individual’s orthodontic issues.
Smile Direct Club claims that their aligners can straighten teeth in an average of 4-6 months, while Candid claims that their treatment takes an average of 6 months.
However, it is important to note that these are averages and individual results may vary.
Both companies use clear aligners that are designed to gradually shift teeth into their desired position. The aligners are custom-made for each individual and are replaced every few weeks as the teeth move.
Smile Direct Club offers a nighttime aligner option, which can be more convenient for those who do not want to wear aligners during the day.
However, Candid includes AI monitoring with their treatment, which can help ensure that the aligners are being worn correctly and that the teeth are moving as planned.
Overall, both Smile Direct Club and Candid have been shown to be effective at straightening teeth, but individual results may vary.
It is important to consult with a licensed orthodontist to determine if clear aligners are the best treatment option for your specific orthodontic needs.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Both Smile Direct Club and Candid have received mixed reviews from customers.
Smile Direct Club has many customers reporting positive experiences with the company’s customer service and the effectiveness of the aligners.
However, some customers have reported issues with the fit of the aligners and delays in shipping.
Candid has received a slightly higher rating of 4.1 stars, many customers praising the company’s customer service and the effectiveness of the aligners. However, some customers have reported issues with the aligners breaking or not fitting properly.
On HonestBrandReviews.com, Smile Direct Club has an overall rating of 4.3 stars, with many customers reporting positive experiences with the company’s customer service, the effectiveness of the aligners, and the affordability of the treatment.
However, some customers have reported issues with the aligners not fitting properly or causing discomfort.
Candid has an overall rating of 4.4 stars on HonestBrandReviews.com, with many customers praising the company’s customer service, the effectiveness of the aligners, and the convenience of the treatment.
However, some customers have reported issues with the aligners not fitting properly or causing discomfort.
Overall, both Smile Direct Club and Candid have received positive reviews from many customers, but there have also been some complaints about the fit of the aligners and delays in shipping.
It is important for customers to do their own research and read reviews before choosing a company for their orthodontic treatment.
Pros and Cons of Smile Direct Club
Smile Direct Club is a clear aligner service that allows individuals to straighten their teeth from the comfort of their own home.
Here are some pros and cons to consider when deciding if Smile Direct Club is the right choice for you.
Pros
-
Convenience: One of the biggest advantages of Smile Direct Club is the convenience it offers. Patients can complete the entire treatment process from home, without having to visit an orthodontist’s office. This can save a significant amount of time and money, especially for those who live in rural areas or have busy schedules.
-
Affordability: Smile Direct Club is often more affordable than traditional braces or Invisalign. The company offers flexible payment plans and accepts most dental insurance plans, making it more accessible to a wider range of patients.
-
Customization: Smile Direct Club uses advanced technology to create custom aligners that fit perfectly to each patient’s teeth. This ensures that the treatment is effective and comfortable.
Cons
-
Limited Treatment Options: Smile Direct Club is only able to treat minor to moderate dental issues, such as gaps or crowding. Patients with more severe dental issues may not be eligible for treatment and will need to seek other options.
-
Lack of In-Person Support: While Smile Direct Club does offer remote monitoring and support, some patients may prefer the in-person support and guidance of a traditional orthodontist.
-
Potential Risks: Like any dental treatment, there are potential risks associated with Smile Direct Club. Some patients may experience discomfort, soreness, or other side effects. It’s important to discuss these risks with a dental professional before beginning treatment.
Overall, Smile Direct Club can be a convenient and affordable option for those seeking a straighter smile. However, it’s important to carefully consider the pros and cons before making a decision.
Pros and Cons of Candid
Candid is a popular clear aligner company that offers remote teeth straightening treatment.
Here are some pros and cons to consider when choosing Candid for your orthodontic needs.
Pros
-
Effective Treatment: Candid aligners can treat more severe issues, including crowded teeth, gaps, and moderate bite issues. The company uses advanced technology to create custom aligners for each patient, ensuring an effective treatment plan.
-
Remote Treatment: Candid offers remote teeth straightening treatment, which means you don’t have to visit an orthodontist’s office frequently. You can complete the entire treatment process from the comfort of your own home.
-
Transparent Pricing: Candid has transparent pricing, which means the cost of treatment is clear from the beginning. The company charges a one-time fee of $2,400 for the entire treatment process, which includes the aligners, remote monitoring, and teeth whitening.
-
CandidPro Network: Candid has a nationwide network of CandidPro doctors who can provide in-person consultations and check-ins if necessary. This ensures that patients get the best possible treatment plan and care.
Cons
-
Not Suitable for Everyone: Candid aligners may not be suitable for everyone. The company only treats patients with mild to moderate orthodontic issues. If you have severe bite issues, you may need to visit an orthodontist’s office for treatment.
-
In-Person Visit Required: While Candid offers remote treatment, you still need to visit a Candid Studio or CandidPro network doctor for an in-person consultation before treatment begins. This may not be convenient for everyone.
-
Treatment Time: Candid treatment can take longer than other clear aligner companies. The average treatment time is around six months, but it can take up to a year in some cases.
Overall, Candid is an effective and convenient option for patients with mild to moderate orthodontic issues.
The company’s remote treatment process and transparent pricing make it an attractive choice for many patients.
However, it may not be suitable for everyone, and treatment time can be longer than other clear aligner companies.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, both Smile Direct Club and Candid offer affordable and convenient options for those seeking clear aligners.
Smile Direct Club has the advantage of a telemedicine option for treatment kickoff, which may be appealing to those who prefer virtual consultations.
Their aligners are also slightly less expensive than Candid’s, with a cost of $2,250 on average.
On the other hand, Candid offers a more personalized experience with the option of in-person appointments at their Candid Studios or partner locations.
Their aligners are slightly more expensive at an average cost of $3,300, but they also offer financing options and a free 3D scan at a Candid Studio or a mail-in starter kit for those who prefer to take their own impressions at home.
Ultimately, the choice between Smile Direct Club and Candid may come down to personal preference.
Those who value a more hands-on experience may prefer Candid, while those who prioritize convenience and cost may prefer Smile Direct Club.
It is important to do thorough research and consult with a dental professional before making a decision.