Candid vs Invisalign

Do you dream of straight, stunning teeth without braces? Are you wondering if those popular clear aligners are the modern route to the smile you want? When it comes to discrete teeth straightening, two big names lead the pack: Invisalign and CandidPro.

Both straighten smiles using nearly invisible aligner trays, but differences in treatment times, costs, case complexity and convenience reveal key contrasts. We cut to the crucial differences between aligner titans Invisalign and CandidPro so you can determine your best route to a picture-perfect smile. So, let’s delve into the details of each option to help you decide which path is best suited for achieving your desired smile.

What is Candid

Candid is a company that provides clear aligners for improving smiles. Originally founded in 2017 as a direct-to-consumer e-commerce brand, they served nearly 100,000 patients in their first 5 years through online sales and retail shops.

However, in 2021, Candid introduced CandidPro – a new set of aligners distributed exclusively through dental professionals. This shifted the entire company’s focus to partnering with orthodontist offices rather than selling directly to consumers. By 2022 Candid had transitioned fully to be an in-office aligner provider.

The custom-made CandidPro aligner trays are constructed from medical-grade, BPA-free plastic that meets FDA safety standards. Each aligner in a patient’s treatment series is uniquely fabricated to gradually shift their teeth into better alignment according to the osteo-movement plan.

A major advantage of CandidPro is the convenience and oversight it offers patients. After an initial in-office scan and consultation, remote monitoring through Candid’s app and AI tracking platform reduces the need for frequent visits. This system called CandidMonitoring analyzes patient-submitted phone scans to ensure treatment compliance.

Who Is the Candidate for Candid

CandidPro aligners are ideal for adults and teens who have mild to moderate tooth alignment concerns. They are particularly effective for conditions such as crowding, spacing issues, overlapped teeth, or teeth that protrude slightly. However, CandidPro is not designed to handle more severe orthodontic cases. This includes significant underbites, overbites, or cases of severely crooked teeth, which may require more intensive orthodontic treatments.

PROs and CONs of Candid

Let’s explore the pros and cons of undergoing Candid treatment.

PROs of Candid

• Hybrid Treatment Approach: CandidPro combines in-office and at-home orthodontic treatment, offering the convenience of fewer office visits. 
• Advanced Online Monitoring: The CandidMonitoring™ System utilizes AI technology for enhanced treatment management, minimizing the necessity for frequent orthodontist visits unless issues arise.
• Specialized Care: Treatment with CandidPro is exclusively conducted by orthodontists, ensuring a high standard of specialized care. The same orthodontist who plans the treatment also monitors progress.
• Teeth Whitening: In collaboration with Philips Sonicare, CandidPro includes Philips Zoom Whitening in its treatment package, offering an added cosmetic benefit.
• Innovative Tooth Movement Method: The patent-pending CandidRx methodology moves teeth efficiently and less invasively, avoiding techniques like interproximal reduction.

CONs of Candid

• Cost: CandidPro tends to be more expensive compared to at-home aligner brands like Byte, making it a pricier option.
• Limited Suitability: CandidPro might not be effective for more complex orthodontic cases, such as severe underbites or overbites.
• Age Restrictions: The treatment is only suitable for teens and adults, limiting its accessibility to a younger demographic.
• Provided Only by Orthodontists: Finding a provider can be more challenging, as they exclusively collaborate with orthodontists.

See also: CandidPro Review

How Candid Works

Candid Pro aligner treatment begins with a consultation with an orthodontist to determine if you’re a suitable candidate. Once suitability is confirmed, an impression or scan of your teeth is sent to Candid Pro. There, advanced computing is used to design a plan detailing the precise movements needed for your desired smile.

Once the aligners are prepared, you’ll receive the full set along with the CandidMonitoring™ tool, known as ScanBox Pro. This tool, which connects to your smartphone, enables you to take detailed images of your teeth, allowing for remote progress tracking. You’re expected to wear each aligner for a minimum of 22 hours daily, typically moving to a new aligner every two weeks.

After you’ve progressed through all the aligners in your treatment plan, your journey concludes with a straighter smile. To maintain your new alignment, the final set of aligners also serves as your first set of retainers. It’s recommended that you replace these retainers every 6 months to prevent any shifts or changes.

What is Invisalign

Invisalign is a renowned clear aligner system created by Align Technology, a company at the forefront of clear orthodontic aligners since 1997. With over two decades in the field, they have treated approximately 16 million patients worldwide. This system is known for its removable, clear plastic aligners that are custom-made for each patient by dental professionals, providing a tailored treatment experience.

The process involves using a series of these clear aligners to gradually and precisely shift teeth into their desired positions. The treatment is prescribed and closely managed by doctors, ensuring each patient receives professional and accurate orthodontic care.

A notable aspect of Invisalign is the proprietary SmartTrack material used in the aligners. This material is an FDA-approved thermoplastic resin, specially formulated for safe and effective long-term use in teeth realignment.

Invisalign also incorporates unique features like SmartForce attachments. These are small, tooth-colored additions that attach to the teeth, working in tandem with the aligners for enhanced control over tooth movement.

Who Is the Candidate for Invisalign

Invisalign is a versatile orthodontic solution suitable for a wide range of patients. It’s ideal for teens and adults with fully erupted permanent teeth, effectively correcting various cosmetic and complex dental issues like crooked, gapped, or crowded teeth, as well as malocclusions such as overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. Additionally, Invisalign offers the Invisalign First program for younger children aged 6-10, focusing on early dental development and guiding the growth and alignment of young teeth.

See also: Invisalign Review

PROs and CONs of Invisalign

Let’s explore the pros and cons of undergoing Invisalign treatment.

PROs of Invisalign

• Highly Trusted Brand: Invisalign is widely recognized in the orthodontic field for its high-quality and effective aligner treatment.
• Innovative SmartTrack Material: Their unique, patented material provides superior comfort and more precise tooth movement, setting Invisalign apart from traditional orthodontic methods.
• Effective for a Broad Spectrum of Dental Issues: Invisalign’s system is versatile enough to correct a wide range of dental issues, from simple misalignments to complex bite problems.
• Consistent Professional Support: Patients benefit from ongoing guidance and management by their local dentist, with regular in-office visits ensuring the treatment stays on track.
• Usage of Attachments: Invisalign attachments enhance the treatment’s effectiveness by providing extra grip for the aligners, enabling more precise and controlled tooth movements.
• Child-Friendly Options: Catering to younger patients, Invisalign First is designed for children aged 6-10, addressing their specific dental development needs.

CONs of Invisalign

• High Cost: Invisalign treatments tend to be pricier than many other clear aligner options available on the market.
• In-Person Visits Required: The treatment necessitates regular check-ups at a dental office, which might not suit those looking for an entirely remote orthodontic solution.
• Phased Aligner Distribution: Aligners are often provided in stages based on the treatment plan, meaning patients need to visit their dentist regularly to get the next set of aligners.
• Limitations for Complex Cases: Invisalign might not be the most effective option for some intricate orthodontic issues, where traditional braces or more advanced treatments could be more suitable.

How Invisalign Works

Invisalign treatment begins with a detailed evaluation at a dental office, where digital scans and X-rays are taken to understand the patient’s dental structure. Following this, the patient’s orthodontist works closely with Invisalign to devise a personalized treatment plan, visualized through a 3D model that illustrates the expected progression and final result of the treatment.

Patients receive their initial set of Invisalign aligners and are scheduled for monthly check-ups to ensure the treatment is progressing as planned. During these visits, the dentist might introduce additional orthodontic tools like attachments and elastics to facilitate precise tooth movement.

At the end of the treatment, patients are provided with retainers to wear, ensuring that their teeth remain in the new, corrected position and do not revert to their original state.

Candid vs Invisalign – Main Differences

Effectiveness 

Invisalign provides a comprehensive solution for a wide range of orthodontic needs, suitable for both simple cosmetic improvements and complex bite issues, and catering to all ages, including a specific program for younger children. CandidPro, conversely, is generally better suited for milder cases, focusing on adults and teens with mild to moderate malocclusions. While both offer effective teeth straightening solutions, Invisalign covers a broader spectrum of dental concerns, whereas CandidPro is targeted toward those with less complex alignment needs.

Treatment Process

Candid Pro and Invisalign present distinct approaches to clear aligner treatment. Candid Pro combines an initial in-office consultation with a subsequent remote monitoring approach, reducing the frequency of in-person dental visits. This system, managed exclusively by orthodontists, incorporates advanced AI technology for tracking treatment progress and includes a unique tooth movement methodology. Additionally, Candid Pro offers teeth whitening services but does not use attachments with its aligners.

In contrast, Invisalign employs a more traditional treatment process, necessitating regular in-office visits and being available through both dentists and orthodontists. It utilizes advanced digital technology for meticulous treatment planning and features the use of attachments, which are small, tooth-colored devices that enhance the effectiveness of the aligners, particularly in complex dental cases.

See also: Candid Vs. Byte Clear Aligners: Your Guide to the Best Smile Journey

Price

The cost of both Invisalign and Candid aligner treatments varies significantly based on the complexity of the individual case and the dental provider’s pricing policies. Invisalign typically ranges from $3,000 to $7,000, with more complex cases requiring longer treatment and more aligners, leading to higher costs. The final price is set by the orthodontist or dentist and can fluctuate due to factors like treatment complexity, visit frequency, and overhead costs of the practice. Candid, previously offered at a flat rate of $1,900, now has costs ranging from $3,500 to $5,000, similar to Invisalign, as determined by the orthodontist after an initial screening. The availability of monthly payment plans or installments depends on the dental provider, with some offering payment plans and others requiring upfront payments.

Treatment Time

The treatment duration for both Candid and Invisalign varies based on individual orthodontic needs, but there are notable differences in the average times.

Candid typically sees most of its customers complete their treatment within an average of 6 months. However, this duration can vary depending on factors like the severity of teeth alignment issues and the daily wear time of the aligners.

In contrast, the treatment time for Invisalign can range from 6 months to as long as 2 years. This broader range is partly due to Invisalign’s ability to address more complex bite problems, which often require longer treatment times.

Candid vs. Invisalign: Choosing the Right Treatment

Both Candid and Invisalign bring their unique strengths to the table. Candid appeals to those seeking a quicker treatment, generally averaging around 6 months, and is an excellent choice for people with milder alignment issues. Its blend of in-office initial consultation followed by the convenience of remote monitoring caters to the modern individual seeking efficiency and flexibility.

On the other hand, Invisalign, with its broader treatment range of 6 months to 2 years, offers a comprehensive solution that caters to a wide array of orthodontic needs, from simple to complex. Its ability to handle intricate bite problems and its widespread availability through orthodontists and dentists make it a versatile and reliable choice.

Ultimately, the decision between Candid and Invisalign will hinge on your specific orthodontic needs, lifestyle preferences, and the level of complexity involved in your case. Both systems promise to guide you towards a more confident smile, leveraging the latest in orthodontic technology. By considering the duration, cost, and nature of each treatment, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your smile goals and leads you down the path to a healthier, straighter set of teeth. So, consult with a dental professional and consider your options carefully—your ideal smile could be just an aligner away!

Sources

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Tamer, I. et al. Orthodontic Treatment with Clear Aligners and The Scientific Reality Behind Their Marketing: A Literature Review. Turkish Journal of Orthodontics. 2019. doi: 10.5152/TurkJOrthod.2019.18083. Available online at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7018497/

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