Invisalign vs SmileDirectClub. Which One Is Better? You’re probably quite familiar with clear aligners. These plastic trays are used to straighten your pearly whites without using traditional metal braces. Invisalign is one of the most popular brands, millions of people have used it successfully since 2000.
But what about SmileDirectClub, which lets patients guide their own treatment at home? While both products aim to do the same thing, there is a lot of confusion and misinformation. We’ll try to clear some of that up.
Invisalign vs SmileDirectClub
With Invisalign in Burlington, your dentist will assess your suitability for the treatment and create a personalized treatment plan. The dental staff will take a 3D scan or impressions (molds) of your teeth which will be used to create a series of clear, plastic trays that will slowly move your teeth into a more aesthetically pleasing position. You’ll have regular checkups during the course of your treatment to ensure your teeth are responding as desired.
SmileDirectClub allows patients to manage their own orthodontic treatment. You take impressions of your teeth at home. While this may seem easy, dentists and hygienists take courses and spend lots of time practicing this skill. You mail the impression to SmileDirectClub, and if you’re a suitable candidate, aligners are sent to you. Every 90 days, you’ll check in with a dentist via a digital platform.
The importance of attachments
Invisalign uses attachments to hold the aligners in place. Your dentist will affix these on your teeth prior to your treatment. The attachments lock the aligners into place. Without them, the aligners can move around in your mouth, leading to unpredictable, inconsistent tooth movement. SmileDirectClub doesn’t use attachments in its treatments.
It’s more than cosmetic
Some people think SmileDirectClub will work for simple orthodontic cases, but no case is truly easy. Unexpected tooth movements and shifting are always possible and could require a new plan to be created by your dentist. Additionally, moving teeth is more than just cosmetic. When teeth start shifting, your bite can change. Without regular monitoring by a dental professional, you can develop long-term bite that makes eating and talking difficult.
SmileDirectClub is cheaper
On the surface, SmileDirectClub is less expensive than Invisalign. It costs less since you’re not seeing a dentist in person during the course of your treatment. By foregoing in-person check-ups, you won’t really know if everything is going as intended. And if you don’t get the results you expect or develop a larger issue with your bite, you will have to pay an orthodontist to correct the problem.
You should also read the fine print regarding SmileDirectClub’s warranty. Once you’ve signed up for the program, you have 30 days to seek a refund. If you don’t like how your treatment is going, you only get a prorated amount based on the number of aligners you’ve used. If you aren’t satisfied with the result, SmileDirect will send you additional aligners instead of a monetary refund.
There’s a lot to consider when deciding which aligners are right for you. We’d love to talk to you about the benefits of Invisalign in Burlington. Please book your appointment so we can explain why any orthodontic treatment should be guided by a dentist.