Orthodontic treatment often brings to mind metal braces that can be uncomfortable and make eating difficult.
Today, there are other options, such as clear aligners.
Clear aligners are basically customized, clear plastic trays that slide over your teeth to help straighten them out.
Two popular choices are Invisalign and Smile Direct Club.
Both promise straighter teeth and more confident smiles, but they differ in important ways like treatment supervision, cost, complexity, and overall results.
In this article, we will explore whether Invisalign vs Smile Direct Club is the right treatment option for your smile.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a leading brand in clear braces.
Since its launch in the late 90s, it has helped millions of people around the world.
But what is it? In short, clear aligners made from SmartTrack material.
Invisalign uses a set of custom-made, clear aligners to move teeth into the right place gently.
These aligners are made of smooth, comfortable plastic designed for orthodontic care.
On the other hand, you can eat, drink, brush, and floss your teeth normally during treatment, as these aligners are removable. However, you should still avoid smoking and poor oral care.
The best? They’re low-key, so you won’t feel self-conscious while you’re getting your orthodontic treatment.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign operates in a completely different way than traditional braces do.
This treatment starts with a consultation at an orthodontist or dentist’s office.
The provider will take a 3D scan of your teeth and create a personalized treatment plan.
You will receive a series of custom aligners to wear for 20 to 22 hours each day.
Then, you’ll switch to a new set of aligners every 1 to 2 weeks.
The orthodontist will check your progress with in-person appointments every 6 to 8 weeks.
When your treatment ends, your orthodontist may tell you to wear a retainer. This will help keep your teeth in their new positions.
Pros and Cons
Invisalign has several advantages:
- The clear plastic makes Invisalign less noticeable than traditional braces.
- They are easy to put on, take off, clean, and help you maintain good oral hygiene.
- Invisalign can fix more complex issues, like crowding, spacing, overbites, and underbites.
- Regular in-person visits let your dentist adjust your treatment and keep an eye on your progress.
- With many years of research and success, Invisalign is a leader in clear aligners.
However, there are also some disadvantages:
- Since you need to visit a dental clinic for treatment, Invisalign can be more expensive.
- Some people may find regular appointments a hassle.
- Depending on your situation, it might take longer to achieve results than with traditional braces, as teeth move more slowly.
What is Smile Direct Club?
When people compare Invisalign vs Smile Direct Club, they often think they are the same, but they are quite different.
Smile Direct Club is a teledentistry company that provides services online.
They focus on creating and distributing clear aligners, which are custom-made to straighten teeth.
Smile Direct Club uses advanced 3D imaging tech, and instead of the usual orthodontist visits, they offer a mostly appointment-free way to straighten your teeth with aligners made from BPA-free plastic.
How Does Smile Direct Club Work?
Smile Direct Club offers teeth straightening treatment you can do at home.
First, you create a 3D scan of your mouth at one of their SmileShops or by using an at-home impression kit.
This scan is used to make custom aligners that fit your smile correction needs.
After you approve the plan, a full set of aligners will be sent to your home.
You should wear them as instructed, usually around 22 hours a day.
Then, you’ll change these aligners every week or two, based on what is recommended, until your treatment is complete, which usually takes about six months.
Finally, be ready to visit the SmileDirectClub website every 90 days to check in with your provider and get new aligners if needed.
After finishing your treatment, you will receive a retainer to help keep your teeth in place.
As you can see, the goal is similar to Invisalign: to straighten your teeth.
Pros and Cons
Smile Direct Club, like Invisalign, has both advantages and disadvantages that you should know before starting treatment.
Advantages:
- Treatments are more affordable than Invisalign.
- You don’t need to go to in-person appointments; everything is done online or by mail.
- Many users see results in 4 to 6 months.
Disadvantages:
- This method works well for minor to moderate teeth misalignment, but it may not be effective for severe cases.
- Without regular check-ups from a dentist or orthodontist during treatment, problems might go unnoticed until they become serious.
Key Differences Between Invisalign vs Smile Direct Club
Picking the best teeth alignment option for you means really getting to know how Invisalign and Smile Direct Club are different.
Suitability
Invisalign’s treatment uses a special material called SmartTrack for its aligners, which helps move teeth accurately and allows for better adjustments to your bite and jaw.
That’s why Invisalign can help with mild to severe dental issues, especially for patients with overbites or crowded teeth.
SmileDirectClub is better suited for those with mild to moderate misalignments because it uses BPA-free plastic aligners that are meant for fixing minor to moderate problems.
Level of Dental Care
Invisalign involves personalized dental care.
A dentist will check your bite, may take X-rays, and examine your gums.
SmileDirectClub provides services online and offers 24/7 customer support, but not assistance from a dentist.
Cost
Invisalign treatments are more expensive because they require in-person visits to a dental clinic.
SmileDirectClub is more affordable because the process is entirely online without the direct service of a dentist in their clinic.
Treatment Time
Invisalign treatments take longer due to the need for customized plans and regular dentist visits.
SmileDirectClub generally has a shorter treatment time, taking about four to six months, since it deals with minor issues.
Start Your Treatment at City Orthodontics
So, which is better?
There is no single answer.
The best choice depends on your dental needs, budget, and personal preferences.
Choose Invisalign if you want expert guidance, have complex dental issues, and want the most complete treatment.
Now that you understand the difference between Invisalign vs Smile Direct Club, you can start your treatment at our clinic, which specializes in fixing teeth for children, teens, and adults.