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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.
Candid aligners can treat most cases of minor to severe cases of teeth misalignment, including:
There are a few reasons why you wouldn’t be a candidate for Candid aligners, including:
"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
Candid treatment takes between 4 and 12 months, depending on your level of teeth misalignment and other factors.
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.
Invisalign can treat more malocclusion types and bite issues than Candid. These include:
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.
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.
Here are the main differences between Candid and Invisalign:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
To determine whether Invisalign or Candid treatment is right for you, speak with your dentist or orthodontist.
Candid | Invisalign | |
Cost | $3,300 (on average) | $3,000 to $8,000 |
How to Start | Visit a certified CandidPro provider | Visit a certified Invisalign doctor |
Financing Options | Depends on provider | Depends on provider |
Treatment Time | 4 to 12 months | 12 to 18 months |
Treatable Cases | Most mild to severe | Mild to severe |
Progress Monitoring | 100% remote with a licensed orthodontist (Candid App) | In-person visits required every 6 to 8 weeks |
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
Book a free Invisalign consultation with Zocdoc
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