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Candid Co. sells direct-to-consumer clear aligners. They are FDA-approved, BPA- and phthalate-free, and stain-resistant. Treatment is monitored remotely from the comfort of your own home.
Candid goes beyond just clear aligners by offering a full, branded experience. They work exclusively with licensed orthodontists rather than general dentists. This ensures you receive high-quality care from a professional with years of experience in the teeth straightening industry.
Candid aligners are a transparent and removable alternative to traditional braces and Invisalign. You will have straighter teeth in six months (on average).
Candid aligners only treat minor cases of teeth misalignment, including:
There are a few main reasons why you wouldn’t be a candidate for Candid aligners, including:
Invisalign treatment is the most well-known and established clear aligner brand. Invisalign clear aligners are FDA-approved. They also do not contain any BPS, BPA, gluten, or latex and fit snugly over your teeth.
Invisalign aligners are different from other aligners because they are made of a patented thermoplastic material, called SmartTrack®. They claim to be more comfortable and are easier to put on and remove.
Treatment includes wearing a series of removable, invisible aligners that straighten your teeth over time. Unlike Candid, Invisalign treatment is monitored in-person by a general dentist or orthodontist.
Invisalign can treat more malocclusion types and bite issues than Candid. These include:
Candid offers a free and risk-free teeth scan at a Candid Studio. You can also order an impression kit online and take the teeth impressions yourself at home. Then, if you are approved for treatment, you’ll receive the aligners in the mail a few weeks later. If you choose not to go through with treatment, Candid will give you a full refund for the online starter kit.
Invisalign requires in-office consultations that can cost $100 to $200 just to get started. If you need dental X-rays, these consultations can cost even more.
Candid only works with licensed and qualified orthodontists who are experts in the teeth straightening industry. This ensures patients receive high-quality care from a professional with many years of experience in orthodontics. Orthodontists require two years of specialized training in tooth movement after dental school.
A general dentist or an orthodontist can prescribe Invisalign treatment. While Invisalign treatment is still very safe and effective, having your treatment plan overseen by an orthodontist is the best way to go.
Candid aligners cost $2,400 in total. The aligner kit costs $95, and the retainers cost an additional $99. You can choose to pay the $2,400 upfront or pay as low as $99/month.
Invisalign aligners cost anywhere between $3,000 and $8,000. The higher cost is attributed to longer treatment time. Also, Invisalign is often used to treat more complicated cases of teeth misalignment. Talk with your dentist about monthly payment plans.
You can also use an HSA or FSA to pay for Candid or Invisalign treatment.
The average treatment time for Candid is six months. Invisalign treatment takes between 12 and 18 months. Keep in mind that Candid can only treat minor malocclusion cases, while Invisalign can treat more severe forms of misalignment.
With Candid, a licensed orthodontist tracks your progress via virtual scans. These appointments are completely remote and flexible.
With Invisalign, you’ll set up office visits with an Invisalign doctor every few weeks so they can track your progress. Invisalign treatment is monitored more closely than Candid aligner treatment.
Candid aligners can only treat minor to moderate teeth alignment issues. This includes a few crooked teeth, crowded teeth, or teeth gaps (diastema). Invisalign can treat mild to severe misalignment cases, including overbites, underbites, open bites, and even misaligned baby teeth. It treats difficult cases by using special attachments or elastics to help shift the jaw and teeth into the correct position.
Candid provides a free whitening foam with every purchase (at no extra cost). This premium whitening foam is safe to use in your aligners.
Candid and SmileDirectClub are both at-home clear aligners. The main difference between Candid and Smile Direct is that Candid only works with licensed orthodontists. Smile Direct doesn’t work solely with orthodontists; they also work with general dentists. This can affect the quality of treatment.
Invisalign only offers in-office clear aligner treatment. Similar to Smile Direct, they also work with both general dentists and orthodontists. Invisalign is the most expensive clear aligner treatment option. Smile Direct is the cheapest of the three aligner companies (less than $2,000).
To determine whether Candid or Invisalign is right for you, speak with your dentist or orthodontist. You can also get a free scan at a Candid Studio to see if your teeth misalignment is mild enough for treatment. That way, you can save a couple of thousand dollars on clear aligner treatment.
If you are a candidate for both Candid and Invisalign aligners, the one you choose may depend on your lifestyle. For example, if you want flexible treatment and remote monitoring, Candid is the ideal option. If you prefer more intensive (in-person) treatment and do not mind the cost, Invisalign is for you.
If a Candid orthodontist believes you’d be better served by close monitoring with in-office orthodontic treatment (Invisalign or metal braces), they will let you know upfront. This ensures you get the best possible care for your needs.
Candid. “Candid Clear Aligners.” Candid, www.candidco.com/faq/q/why-would-i-not-be-a-candidate.
Candid. “Candid Starter Kit.” Candid, www.candidco.com/products/starter-kit.
Candid. “Our Most Frequently Asked Questions.” Candid, www.candidco.com/faq#.
Candid. “What's the Difference between Candid and Invisalign?” Medium, Candid, 11 Feb. 2020, blog.candidco.com/whats-the-difference-between-candid-and-invisalign-ffb5205a21d8.
“FAQ.” Invisalign, www.invisalign.com/frequently-asked-questions.
“See What Invisalign® Treatment Can Do.” Invisalign, www.invisalign.com/treatable-cases.
“SmartTrack® Material.” Invisalign, www.invisalign.com/the-invisalign-difference/smarttrack-aligner-material.
SmileDirectClub. “How Does Smile Direct Club Work.” https://smiledirectclub.com/how_it_works/.
“You Made Your Smile Beautiful. Keep It That Way with Vivera® Retainers.” Retainers for Invisalign | Vivera, www.invisalign.com/the-invisalign-difference/vivera-retainers.
“How Does Invisalign® Treatment Work?” How Does Invisalign Work | Invisalign Braces, www.invisalign.com/how-invisalign-works?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=NI+-+Brand+-+General+-+Exact&utm_term=what+can+invisalign+fix&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=CjwKCAiAtK79BRAIEiwA4OskBvlUIxBlPwRLvuhz4GthNXakvdM4Qq4nb03mcW0kV53ya5thPdvZsBoC0_kQAvD_BwE.
Proffit, William R., et al. Contemporary Orthodontics. Elsevier/Mosby, 2019.