Invisalign vs Smile Direct Club - us.instasmile.com

Align Technology originally introduced clear aligners in 2000 with its Invisalign device, which provided an alternative to conventional braces.

The goal was to straighten teeth without utilizing brackets and wires, instead opting for transparent plastic trays known as aligners. Since then, the firm has achieved tremendous success with its novel approach, with millions of patients treated with Invisalign.

It was inevitable that alternatives would emerge as a result of its popularity. Smile Direct Club, the largest of them, debuted its clear aligner product in 2014. The concept was to take teeth straightening to a new level by providing patients with an at-home option.

It's tempting to believe that Invisalign and Smile Direct Club are extremely similar because they both seek to repair misaligned teeth with clear aligners. There is, however, a great deal of ambiguity and disinformation, making it difficult for people to make a good decision.

If you're thinking about getting aligners and can't decide between Smile Direct Club and Invisalign, keep reading.

How Do Aligners Work?

Traditional braces use brackets that are glued to the teeth and connected by wires. These work together to provide a small but consistent force on the teeth, gradually moving them into place. Similarly, aligners apply steady pressure to reposition teeth.

Instead of brackets, they employ a set of trays that are manufactured specifically for each patient based on impressions. Aligners are detachable for cleaning and are nearly unnoticeable, making them a discreet treatment choice.

Smile Direct Club vs Invisalign: How do they work?

Both Invisalign and Smile Direct Club provide clear aligner trays for tooth straightening. The Invisalign system and Smile Direct Club (SDC) differ primarily in the complexity of cases they may treat, the time of treatment, and the treatment monitoring.

The procedures for each of the two systems are roughly the same:

• Treatment eligibility is determined.
• To get 3D digital pictures, a mold or digital scan of your teeth is taken.
• Clear aligners are used to progressively align and straighten your teeth. They are changed every two weeks.
• After your treatment, you will need to wear retainers to keep your smile in place.

You still get to see your dentist every four to six weeks using the Invisalign system, which means you receive a lot more personalized experience. Smile Direct Club, on the other hand, can be an entirely remote process, with just 90-day check-ins with your dentist.

What Are The Main Differences Between Invisalign and Smile Direct Club?

While both Invisalign and Smile Direct Club employ transparent aligner trays to correct teeth, their procedures are not identical. Here are some Invisalign and Smile Direct Club comparisons:

1. Case Types

Their aligner is touted to straighten teeth on the Smile Direct Club website, and that is exactly what it does. Customers are clearly informed that their clear aligner system is intended to rectify modest to moderate tooth misalignment and some bite issues.

While this is appropriate in certain situations, it fails to account for complicated situations or significant misalignments that must be addressed. Invisalign, on the other hand, works to correct mild, moderate, and severe tooth misalignments, as well as biting problems.

2. Comparing Cost and Time

If quickness and affordability are the main criteria for choosing between Smile Direct Club and Invisalign, Smile Direct is the apparent choice.

Invisalign treatment costs between $3000 and $8500 and takes 12 to 20 months to complete, depending on the severity of the issues. Smile Direct treatment takes as little as six months and costs as little as $1850.

While the promise of a low cost and quick treatment time may be appealing, patients must assess their specific alignment problems and desired outcomes.

3. What About Insurance?

Insurance companies may view clear aligner therapy to be solely cosmetic and hence not cover it. However, depending on your strategy, you might be able to acquire some assistance.

Insurance companies seldom cover the full cost, however, they may cover a portion of it. In general, in-office procedures like Invisalign are more likely to be covered than at-home treatments like Smile Direct Club.

Even so, there's a chance your insurance provider will help you with either alternative, albeit the procedure for getting this coverage differs.

Insurance companies can send payments directly to dentists' offices, so your insurer can pay them directly. Smile Direct Club has partnered with a number of insurance companies that will pay them directly.

Other firms and programs demand you to pay in full upfront and then request reimbursement. Contact your provider to find out for sure if you'll be covered.

4. Convenience

It may seem tough to squeeze teeth straightening treatment into your schedule when your planner is full and your life is speeding past. After all, transforming your smile successfully takes effort and attention over several months.

Fast treatment times, low time commitments, flexible treatment schedules, and more are all examples of convenience.

By letting you finish the entire procedure from the comfort of your own home, at-home aligner systems like Smile Direct Club almost always win the convenience category.

Smile Direct Club and other at-home clear aligner services have simplified the procedure by letting you finish your treatment from the comfort of your own home, however, Invisalign may still be a good option if you have a complex misalignment.

5. Aligner Material

In their products, all aligner companies use transparent, BPA-free polymers, which might be fully translucent or matte and textured. Matte aligners are used by both Invisalign and Smile Direct Club, and they can seem more natural.

Your teeth are covered in small holes, giving them a rough surface that matte aligners can't match. Although some individuals love this sparkle in their smile, translucent ones might be reflecting, giving your teeth an unnaturally glossy look.

6. Appearance

Let's speak about appearances. The fact that transparent aligners are less apparent than traditional braces is one of the main reasons why so many individuals choose them.

Even though all clear aligners are attractive, several firms have gone to great lengths to make theirs the cleanest, best-looking, and least noticeable aligners possible — and each company's website will prove it.

Because it is based on personal tastes, aligner beauty is a very subjective category. As you examine your selections, keep your own preferences and style in mind.

Although both Invisalign and Smile Direct Club produce appealing aligners, there are a few little characteristics that distinguish them.

Invisalign employs a frosted, textured plastic that blends with your natural teeth. Their aligners are scalloped to fit your gum line. Stain resistance is good. Aligners will be more evident if you use additional appliances like attachments or elastics.

Smile Direct Club Uses a frosted, textured plastic that blends in with your teeth. Your gums are somewhat overlapped by their aligners. It's also stain-resistant to a degree. Because it cannot accommodate attachments, aligners remain transparent and unnoticeable.

7. Added Appliances

Dentists can use Invisalign to treat a broad range of disorders, including severe bite abnormalities, but this may come at a cost. Additional orthodontics, such as elastics or Smartforce attachments, may be used to address more serious tooth and jaw misalignments. Because they increase the amount of hardware on your teeth, each of them will make your aligners more noticeable.

8. Patient Experience

What is your therapy provider's approach to questions? What happens if there is a problem? How far will they go to ensure that you achieve the outcomes you desire? All of these factors contribute to the patient's overall satisfaction.

Smile Direct Club, by all accounts, provides a satisfactory consumer experience. But doing so from afar is challenging. The targeted, hands-on care provided by an Invisalign dentist or orthodontist allows for a better overall experience.

Is Smile Direct Club or Invisalign Safer?

Smile Direct Club and Invisalign both work with trained dentists and orthodontists to plan and oversee your treatment, so you shouldn't be concerned about your safety.

Which Should You Choose?

Both of these firms provide high-quality, effective clear aligner treatments. Neither is obviously or fundamentally superior to the other. Rather, each has its own set of skills and shines in distinct situations.

Therefore, your decision should be based on your personal situation, goals, and needs.

Read also: Difference of Instasmile vs SmileDirect Club

Where Do Clip On Veneers Fit In This Conversation?

Clip-on veneers, such as those provided by Instasmile, are not the same thing as clear aligner treatments. Clip-on veneers fit on top of your existing teeth and do not require orthodontic intervention. They're a perfect way to change up your appearance in an affordable manner if you don't want or need a real orthodontic solution. Clip on veneers are much more affordable and don't require any dentist visits.

Invisalign vs Smile Direct Club - The Bottom Line

Smile Direct Club can likely straighten a mild to moderate case and fix certain biting abnormalities, but they do not claim to be able to correct more severe cases.

Adults and teenagers can use Invisalign to correct almost all common teeth-straightening and bite concerns, from simple to complicated. Invisalign and Smile Direct Club are both effective treatment options.

However, the suitability of each treatment approach will be determined by your unique situation and personal preferences. The decision is yours alone to make, but don't go it alone.

You'll know precisely what you need and which therapy is ideal for your long-term dental health if you speak with a certified clear aligner professional.

You are entrusting your dental health to a professional, whether you choose Invisalign or Smile Direct Club. Invisalign provides in-person treatment, whilst Smile Direct Club provides remote therapy.

It is always advisable to ask questions, whether you choose a do-it-yourself strategy or leave it to a professional. Before deciding between Smile Direct Club and Invisalign, consider the advantages and disadvantages of each.