Candid Clear Aligners (Braces)

Candid Aligners: Do They Work?

Candid Co. is a company that sells clear aligners, also called invisible aligners. They are a transparent and removable alternative to traditional braces. On average, Candid aligners straighten teeth in about six months but can take up to 11 months. 

Candid aligners are stain-resistant, durable, and BPA- and phthalate-free. They also include a gentle teeth whitening foam that can be used throughout the day and each night.

Depending on the type of teeth misalignment (malocclusion) you have, Candid aligners can treat the following conditions:

• Crowded Teeth — when some or all of your teeth overlap
• Gapped Teeth (Diastema) — when a person has a gap or multiple gaps between their teeth

Are Candid Aligners Safe?

Yes, Candid aligners are safe. Candid Co. only works with highly qualified orthodontists who have at least 20 years of experience in the teeth straightening industry. Orthodontists also have to complete 2 to 3 years of tooth movement residency after dental school. 

Also, the same doctor who designs your treatment plan will track your teeth straightening progress. This ensures your teeth are moving correctly and safely. 

Keep in mind that direct-to-consumer clear aligner treatment is monitored remotely. There is a slightly higher risk for complications to occur. Orthodontic treatment is less predictable without in-person office visits. However, when monitored closely by an experienced orthodontist, remote invisible aligner treatment is safe and effective.

How Candid Works 

There are three steps in the Candid aligners process:

1. Remote Starter Kit or Visit a Candid Studio

You can either order an impression kit online or get a free, in-person scan at a “Candid Studio.”

You do not have to visit an in-person orthodontist to receive a Candid treatment plan. 

After receiving the aligner kit, you will take your teeth' impressions in the comfort of your own home using the trays and putty provided. Then, you will send the impressions back to your orthodontist, where they will create a customized Candid treatment plan just for you. 

Not everyone is eligible for Candid aligner treatment. There are four main reasons for ineligibility, including:

• You have severely misaligned teeth or jaw discrepancies that need to be fixed with in-office orthodontic treatment 
• You have cavities, gum disease, or other oral conditions that need to be treated first
• You have a permanent retainer 
• You have dental implants, a dental bridge, or partial dentures

All Candid Studios are temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. You can only order impression kits online for the time being. 

How to Take Impressions of Your Teeth

After you receive the impression kit in the mail, make sure you follow the directions carefully. The process is relatively simple and takes about one to two hours. It consists of the following steps:

1. Open the Candid starter kit box and remove all of the items. There are 3 steps total.

2. Read the card labeled '1' for detailed instructions on how to access the tutorial videos.

3. The online portal is very thorough and provides step-by-step instructions. You'll need to submit photos using the provided smile stretcher before taking your impressions.

4. After you take the photos, you'll receive directions on how to take the teeth impressions. The tutorial videos are detailed and short. It is essential to watch these videos.

5. Once the putty is molded (follow the instructions carefully), you'll place each tray in your mouth for 3 1/2 minutes. There are 5 impressions total (three top and two bottoms).

6. After you take the photos and impressions, you'll send the impressions back using the pre-paid package provided by Candid. You'll want to do this within three days of receiving the kit.

2. Aligner Treatment Process

An orthodontist will review your photos and impressions to ensure everything looks accurate. If approved, you will receive a treatment plan within 2 to 3 weeks after the studio visit or remote impressions.

The treatment plan includes your first set of clear aligners, cleaning instructions, daily upkeep, and how to schedule remote appointments with your orthodontist. 

Your orthodontist will track your progress through phone scans you take every few weeks. For added convenience, you can set up these appointments around your daily schedule. 

How Long Does Candid Take to Straighten Teeth?

Candid sends all of your aligners at the beginning of treatment. You must wear the aligners for 22 hours a day. Every new set of aligners slowly moves your teeth into the correct position. Multiple aligners are used because a single aligner only moves your teeth about 1 mm at a time.  

In 11 months or less, you will have a new smile and straighter teeth!

Candid offers teledentistry checkups with a qualified orthodontist. They also have a support team available to address any questions or concerns you may have before, during, and after treatment. 

3. Post-Treatment & Retainers

After treatment is complete, you will receive a custom-made retainer that ensures your teeth stay in their new position.

The retainers are made for comfortable overnight wear, effectively maintain your new smile, and include a complimentary whitening foam and carrying case.

Candid vs. Competitors

Unlike other direct-to-consumer aligner companies, Candid Co. only works with highly qualified orthodontists, rather than general dentists. General dentists can also provide orthodontic treatment, but orthodontists are tooth straightening experts. Working exclusively with orthodontists provides patients with higher quality care.

Candid is a more expensive at-home aligner brand. However, they provide excellent remote monitoring and care to every patient. For example, throughout your treatment experience, you'll have access to a personal assistant via text message 7 days a week. You can message this person with any questions or concerns you may have.

Candid requires you to upload photos in a personal, online portal before taking impressions. These photos must be approved by a licensed orthodontist before treatment begins. Step-by-step instructions and tutorial videos are also provided to make the process easier.

Candid vs. SmileDirectClub

SmileDirectClub is the most well-known remote aligner company. The aligners cost $1950 (for both the normal aligners and night aligners). Candid aligners are pricier but the treatment is more hands-on. Also, Smile Direct works with doctors, dentists, and orthodontists. Candid only works with licensed and experienced orthodontists (teeth straightening experts).

The average treatment time for Smile Direct is 4 to 6 months, while Candid typically takes between 6 and 12 months.

Candid vs. ALIGNERCO

ALIGNERCO is the most affordable at-home aligner on the market ($1,145 vs. $2,400 for Candid). Although cost-effective, ALIGNERCO treatment typically takes longer than Candid. The average treatment time is between 8 and 12 months vs. 6 to 12 months for Candid.

ALIGNERCO and Candid do not provide a night aligner option.

Candid vs. Byte

Candid is the most expensive at-home aligner brand ($2,400). However, they have excellent customer service and a detailed onboarding process. Byte also has responsive customer service, but the onboarding process is not as detailed. Candid treatment takes much longer than Byte, but treatment is more intensive.

What People Are Saying About Candid

The NewMouth team compiled reviews about Candid Co from four websites. We found over 3,000 customer reviews in total. Most of the reviews are positive, while a small percentage of them are negative or somewhere in the middle.

Most of the positive reviews about Candid revolve around ease of use and overall value for the money.

Most of the negative reviews about Candid pertain to the refund policy and customer service.

What Does Candid Cost?

Candid aligner treatment costs $2,400, which covers your entire set of clear aligners and remote monitoring.

If you can’t afford to pay for treatment right away, Candid also offers a payment plan. You will pay $399 up-front, and then $99/24 months. A Candid retainer costs $99 and includes free shipping. 

Candid Co: Questions and Answers

If you have any other questions about Candid Co. aligners, visit their website for more detailed information.