What’s The Difference Between Invisalign And Smile Direct Club?

Comparing “Smile Direct Club vs. Invisalign” showcases the differences between two popular clear aligner treatments.

Clear aligners are an innovative solution to straightening teeth while avoiding traditional braces’ visible metal brackets and wires.

Since their inception in 2000, they are transparent, removable braces designed to correct orthodontic issues like crooked teeth, overcrowding, and specific bite misalignments.

Invisalign has truly revolutionised the world of orthodontics with its widespread success. The growth and popularity of this treatment have paved the way for a range of alternatives to emerge, offering similar solutions at various price points and convenience levels.

One such competitor is Smile Direct Club, a teledentistry company with a direct-to-consumer model. This method eliminates the need for regular orthodontic office visits, providing customers with an entire treatment set of custom-made, clear aligners based on impressions that customers can take at home.

Despite these new players, potential users must understand that not all clear aligner treatments are the same. While alternatives like Smile Direct Club offer convenience and affordability, traditional orthodontic care via companies like Invisalign involves direct and regular supervision by dental professionals.

This involvement is necessary, especially in complex cases. Thus, consulting a dental professional before choosing a clear aligner treatment is strongly recommended. Let’s look closely and determine whether Invisalign comes out on top. “Invisalign vs. Smile Direct” raises questions about the best choice for achieving your desired smile transformation.

Understanding the Mechanics: How Do Clear Aligners Work?

Clear aligners work through custom-made, virtually invisible plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth. Each set of aligners applies gentle, controlled force to shift your teeth gradually into the desired position.

Every one to two weeks, you switch to a new set of aligners, which continues the straightening process. The intricacy of the individual case directly influences the length of the treatment.

Your dentist will monitor your progress to ensure everything moves as planned. The result is a beautifully straight smile, achieved without the discomfort and visibility of traditional braces. Read more on our blogs: Invisalign vs Braces.

Invisalign vs. Smile Direct Club: What Sets Them Apart?

“Smile Direct vs. Invisalign” prompts a closer look at cost-effectiveness versus professional oversight in teeth straightening. Regarding straightening your teeth using clear aligners, while Invisalign and Smile Direct Club share the common goal of improving your smile, there are several differences between them:

Customer Care

• Invisalign and Smile Direct Club have very different approaches to developing and administering clear aligners:

Invisalign: Hands-On Professional Care

• This brand’s approach to customer care leans towards hands-on, regular professional oversight. A patient’s treatment usually begins face-to-face with their dentist or orthodontist, who understands the treatment needed moving forward.
• These professionals perform an initial assessment, take scans, and design a personalised treatment plan.
• Throughout the treatment process, you’ll have scheduled in-person check-ups. These visits allow your orthodontist to monitor your progress, make adjustments if necessary, and ensure your treatment is going as planned.
• This approach offers high personal attention and care. It can be particularly beneficial for those with complex cases or those who value face-to-face interaction and reassurance. Read more on Invisalign.

Smile Direct Club: Remote Care and Convenience

On the other hand, Smile Direct Club’s model is mainly remote and designed for convenience. Their treatment process starts with either an at-home impression kit or a visit to a SmileShop for a 3D scan of your teeth.

Their team review these remotely to design your aligners before being mailed to your home. The downside is that no ‘attachments’ or ‘adjustments in the mouth’ are done, such as IPR- Interproximal stripping. Due to this approach, stability can be an issue post-treatment.

Your progress with Smile Direct Club is monitored virtually through occasional remote check-ins, which may be less frequent than traditional orthodontic appointments.

This model may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with moderate to complex orthodontic needs. Also, while Smile Direct Club has customer care available to address concerns,

some users have reported variability in their customer service experiences, mainly due to not being a hands-on approach.

What Can Invisalign and Smile Direct Club Handle?

When correcting orthodontic issues, both brands offer solutions. However, their abilities to manage different cases vary due to the nature of their treatment processes.

Invisalign: Wide Range of Treatment

This treatment for your smile can handle a broad spectrum of orthodontic issues, from mild to complex. These include:

• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite
• Gap teeth
• Open bite
• Crowded teeth
• Generally crooked teeth.

Their personalised treatment plans, created in collaboration with a trained dentist or orthodontist, provide the flexibility and precision to address these varying degrees of complexity.

Regular in-person consultations during the treatment process allow for ongoing adjustments, ensuring the treatment effectively manages the intended orthodontic issue. This also means that the practitioner treating you can make any adjustments, place attachments, and perform any IPR required, as it is a hands-on approach.

Smile Direct Club: Best for Mild to Moderate Cases

Smile Direct Club, on the other hand, is primarily designed to treat mild teeth straightening cases. These include minor crowding and spacing issues.

Fixing the bite may not always be possible due to the inability to use ‘elastics’, place ‘attachments’ or perform any ‘IPR’. Post Orthodontic retention with ‘lingual bars’ behind your teeth is also impossible due to the treatment’s hands-off nature.

Their approach is most successful in straightforward cases where teeth need a less dramatic approach.

Smile Direct Club operates with remote supervision and doesn’t require regular in-person visits. This means it’s less suitable for complex orthodontic issues. These could require more nuanced control over tooth movement or immediate attention if problems arise during treatment.

While both Invisalign and Smile Direct Club can help enhance your smile, Invisalign’s capabilities span a more comprehensive range of orthodontic complexities. Invisalign vs. Smile Direct Club: For comprehensive, tailored orthodontic care, Invisalign is the go-to choice, while Smile Direct Club offers a more budget-friendly option for milder alignment concerns.

We recommend you consult with an orthodontic professional or dentist before choosing so they can determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs. Read reviews on smile direct club.

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Considerations when Choosing Clear Aligners

Choosing to straighten your teeth with clear aligners is a significant decision that can significantly impact your oral health and self-confidence. As such, it’s crucial to consider various factors before deciding which brand or treatment method best suits your needs. Here are some of what to keep in mind:

• Treatment Goals and Complexity of Your Case: The first thing to consider is the complexity of your orthodontic issue. Invisalign handles broader complexities, including severe misalignment and bite issues.
• Level of Professional Supervision: Consider the degree of professional oversight you’re comfortable with. If you prefer regular, in-person check-ups and the assurance of professional guidance throughout the treatment, you will prefer Invisalign.
• Cost and Payment Options: Clear aligners can represent a substantial financial investment, so it’s essential to assess your budget.
• Convenience and Lifestyle Compatibility: Your lifestyle and schedule can also influence your choice of clear aligners. Consider what is most suitable and beneficial for you and your loved ones.

Which is The Better Choice For Ongoing Treatment?

Choosing the correct clear aligners involves a balance of personal needs, preferences, and professional advice. Considering these factors, you’re positioning yourself to make a well-informed choice that brings you closer to the dream smile you’ve always envisioned.

At The Smile Designer, we have a selection of interest-free Payment Plan solutions so that you can spread the cost of your treatment over time. Contact the team at The Smile Designer and book your first Invisalign appointment for a straighter and better smile.