Candid vs Invisalign

CANDID

• Treatment costs $3,300 (on average, depends on the provider and location)
• To begin treatment, you have to set up an appointment with a qualified CandidPro provider (licensed dental professional) for a thorough scan
• Licensed and experienced Candid orthodontists design each treatment plan
• No at-home impression kit option (discontinued in 2022)
• No monthly office visits required; you'll use the CandidApp (available on iOS and Android) for remote monitoring from your Candid orthodontist
• Providers may offer payment plans
• Treatment takes between 4 and 12 months
• Eligible for most mild to severe teeth spacing issues (hence the shorter treatment time)

INVISALIGN

• Treatment costs between $3,000 and $8,000
• You can't order an impression kit online
• Consultations with an Invisalign-certified doctor are required
• In-person consultations cost between $100 and $200 or more if you require x-rays
• No remote monitoring; in-person visits are required every 6 to 8 weeks
• Treatment may be prescribed and overseen by a dentist rather than an orthodontist
• Treatment takes between 12 and 18 months (sometimes less or more)
• Payment plans are available but vary depending on the treatment case and doctor
• Invisalign can treat more severe teeth spacing issues (hence the longer treatment time)

What are Candid Aligners?

Candid aligners are a transparent and removable alternative to traditional braces. The aligners are also FDA-approved, BPA- and phthalate-free, and stain-resistant.

Candid recently shifted its business focus, no longer offering at-home impression kits. It’s now a hybrid option for those who want some of the convenience of at-home teeth-straightening without sacrificing the quality of care. 

To begin treatment, you’ll visit a qualified CandidPro provider (dentist or orthodontist) for an initial consultation. Your bite is digitally scanned and impressions are taken. You’ll also see them at the end of treatment to ensure your teeth are aligned correctly and you’re satisfied with the results. 

The CandidPro provider then has a licensed orthodontist from Candid's team personally design your treatment plan. After that, your treatment progress is monitored remotely through CandidMonitoring™, the company’s telehealth platform (mobile app).

The same Candid orthodontist who creates your treatment plan will oversee your treatment from start to finish. Treatment takes between 4 and 12 months, depending on how severe your bite issues are. 

How Does Candid Work?

1. Set up an appointment with a qualified CandidPro provider for an initial consultation. Here, your bite is digitally scanned and impressions are taken. The dental professional will determine if you're a good candidate for treatment (most mild to severe cases are accepted).
2. If you're approved, the provider will send the scans to a licensed Candid orthodontist. They will personally design your treatment plan. The cost of treatment depends entirely on the provider, but costs $3,300 on average.
3. Once the treatment plan is made and approved, you’ll receive the aligners within a few weeks. 
4. Wear each set of aligners for at least 22 hours a day. You can remove them to brush, floss, eat, and drink. They are swapped out every 2 weeks (unless told otherwise).
5. During treatment, your progress is monitored remotely via CandidMonitoring™, the company’s telehealth platform (mobile app). You won't set up in-person appointments.
6. The same Candid orthodontist who designs your treatment plan will track your progress in the app. These check-ins are completely remote and flexible. Candid's mobile app is available on iOS and Android.
7. Treatment takes 4 to 12 months. Your final set of aligners acts as your retainers, which you'll wear every night to maintain your new smile. These retainers should be replaced every six months.

What Conditions Can Candid Treat?

Candid aligners can treat most cases of minor to severe cases of teeth misalignment, including:

• Gapped teeth
• Crooked teeth
• Crowded teeth

There are a few reasons why you wouldn’t be a candidate for Candid aligners, including:

• Jaw misalignment. Moderate to severe cases of jaw misalignment — such as an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite — typically requires more invasive orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign.
• Untreated dental conditions. If you have untreated oral conditions (like cavities or gum disease) or upcoming dental work, you will need to make sure these issues are addressed first. Your teeth and gums must be healthy enough before clear aligner treatment begins. 
• Existing dental restorations. Certain dental restorations, including dental implants and bridges, cannot be treated with Candid clear aligners.

"Patients with mild cases make excellent candidates for at-home aligner treatment. Patients who have demanding work schedules, or are worried about making the time for office visits, appreciate the independence that comes with this option. Additionally, patients who are very committed to their treatment timeline, and will be able to keep themselves on track, see the most success with these treatment plans."

Dr. Elvi Barcoma, Smile Doctors Orthodontist

How Long Does Candid Take?

Candid treatment takes between 4 and 12 months, depending on your level of teeth misalignment and other factors.

Find out if you're a candidate for Candid

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign 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 brands 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. Invisalign treatment is monitored in person by a general dentist or orthodontist. Like Candid, you can't buy a starter kit for Invisalign online.

How Does Invisalign Work?

1. An Invisalign treatment plan starts with an in-person consultation with an Invisalign-trained doctor, dentist, or orthodontist. They will evaluate your smile and create a custom digital treatment plan that shows step-by-step progress.
2. After you approve the treatment plan, your custom aligners will be created. The aligners must be worn for 22 hours a day. Every new set will move your teeth in small increments, and you’ll change them out every 1 to 3 weeks.
3. You’ll also set up appointments with your Invisalign doctor about every 6 weeks. They will track your teeth straightening progress and make adjustments as necessary. 
4. Invisalign treatment takes between 12 and 18 months. You’ll buy a Vivera® retainer to keep your teeth straight after treatment. 

What Conditions Can Invisalign Treat?

Invisalign can treat more malocclusion types and bite issues than Candid. These include: 

• Crooked and crowded teeth (overlapping teeth)
• Overbite (upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth)
• Underbite (lower front teeth overlap the upper front teeth)
• Diastema (gaps between the teeth)
• Open bite (front upper and lower teeth slant out and don’t touch when the mouth is closed)
• Invisalign can also fix misaligned baby teeth and developing permanent teeth (phase I orthodontic treatment is eligible for kids between 6 and 10 years of age)

Not everyone is a suitable candidate for Invisalign treatment. Severe cases like jaw malocclusion, impacted teeth, missing teeth, or loose teeth may require alternative treatment such as metal braces. This is why the initial consultation and digital scan are so important.

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

With Invisalign, you’ll probably start seeing results in a few weeks.

Treatment times vary between 6 and 24 months, depending on the severity of your condition. The average treatment time is 12 to 18 months.

Candid vs. Invisalign: The Main Differences 

Here are the main differences between Candid and Invisalign:

1. Candid Uses a 'Hybrid' Treatment Model

With Candid, you have to visit a qualified CandidPro provider to begin treatment. These are licensed dentists who take digital scans and impressions of your teeth. You can't order an impression kit online.

After this consultation, the provider will send your scans to a Candid orthodontist, who designs your custom treatment plan.

Note: Candid works with licensed orthodontists who have at least 20 years of experience in the teeth straightening industry. Orthodontists have to complete 2 to 3 years of tooth movement residency after dental school. These experts design the treatment plans.

The same orthodontist who designs your treatment plan will track your teeth straightening progress via CandidMonitoring. This ensures your teeth are moving correctly and safely. 

Invisalign treatment is 100% in-office. You have to visit a certified Invisalign doctor to begin treatment and also see them for routine checkups every 6 to 8 weeks. Like Candid, you can't order an impression kit.

2. Invisalign is Monitored in Person; Candid is Monitored Remotely

Candid treatment is monitored remotely through the CandidApp. As mentioned above, the same orthodontist who makes your treatment plan will track your progress in this app.

You’ll send in detailed progress photos every two weeks using the CandidScan included in your treatment package. The box connects to your smartphone and is used to take images of tooth movement.

Once you submit the photos, you’ll hear back from your orthodontist within a day. They will let you know if it's time to move on to the next aligner set.

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.

"Patients following at-home aligner treatment need to be proactive about wearing their aligners for the recommended 20-22 hours per day. For patients who may not be as disciplined with their aligner wear, having the accountability of in-office visits may be needed."

Dr. Elvi Barcoma, Smile Doctors Orthodontist

Keep in mind: Orthodontic treatment is less predictable without regular, in-person office visits. However, when monitored closely by an experienced orthodontist, remote invisible aligner treatment is generally safe and effective.

3. Candid Might Be Cheaper Than Invisalign

Candid aligners cost $3,300 (on average, depending on the provider). Some providers may offer a payment plan.

Invisalign aligners cost anywhere between $3,000 and $8,000. The higher cost is attributed to a longer treatment time. Also, Invisalign is often used to treat more complicated cases of teeth misalignment. Talk with your dentist about a monthly payment plan. 

You can also use an HSA or FSA to pay for Candid or Invisalign treatment.

4. Candid Treatment is Faster Than Invisalign

The average treatment time for Candid is 4 to 12 months. Invisalign treatment can take up to 18 months.

Candid can treat most minor to severe cases of teeth misalignment. Invisalign can treat very complex bite issues with the use of attachments (buttons).

Attachments allow for more precise teeth/jaw alignment. Candid aligners don't come with attachments.

6. Invisalign Can Treat More Bite Problems Than Candid 

Candid aligners can treat most minor to severe teeth alignment issues. This includes crooked teeth, crowded teeth, and gapped teeth (diastema).

Invisalign can treat complex misalignment cases, including overbites, underbites, open bites, and even misaligned baby teeth. Invisalign uses special attachments (buttons) or elastics to help shift the jaw and teeth into the correct position.

7. Free Teeth Whitening Included With Candid Aligners 

Candid provides a free whitening foam with every purchase. This premium whitening foam is safe to use in your aligners up to six times a day. It also disinfects the aligners and freshens your breath.

Candid vs. SmileDirectClub vs. Invisalign

SmileDirectClub (SDC) allows you to begin treatment in two ways: order an at-home impression kit or visit a SmileShop for a 3D scan. Unlike Candid, the in-person scans are not performed by licensed dental professionals.

With Candid, you have to visit a qualified CandidPro provider (dental professional) for a thorough scan. Then, a Candid orthodontist designs your treatment plan. Progress is monitored remotely via an app by the same orthodontist. SDC does not have this type of monitoring service.

Invisalign only offers in-office aligner treatment. Unlike Candid, you have to visit your provider every few weeks for in-person checkups. Treatment is comprehensive but more expensive and inconvenient for some people.

SDC costs under $2,000, making it the cheapest option. Candid costs over $3,000 (on average), while Invisalign can cost up to $8,000.

"Patients with more complex cases, untreated underlying conditions, or an active periodontal disease with lack of bone or unhealthy gum tissue should consider traditional, in-clinic treatment to ensure these conditions are monitored closely. Prior to moving teeth, an examination and radiograph are important to ensure the best treatment approach is taken to achieve a healthy and confident smile."

Dr. Ryan Hurley, Smile Doctors Orthodontist

Candid vs. Invisalign: Which is Right for You? 

To determine whether Invisalign or Candid treatment is right for you, speak with your dentist or orthodontist.

If you are a candidate for both Candid and Invisalign, 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 CandidPro provider 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.

Find out if you're a candidate for Candid clear aligners

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