There have been several innovations and advanced developments in the world of orthodontics. One notable development is the introduction of the alignment tray concept as an alternative to traditional braces.
Both Smile Direct Club and Invisalign support this concept and offer transparent alignment tray methods. However, while there are similarities between the two, there are certain differences as well. Hence, consumers are often left wondering with the question – Smile Direct Club vs. Invisalign; which is better?
If you are among the many who are confused between Smile Direct Club and Invisalign, you might want to read this article till the end. We’ll take you through everything you need to know about the two treatments. That’s not all: we will also give you some honest Invisalign and Smile Direct Club reviews to help you pick the right procedure for your needs.
Overview of Smile Direct Club:
Smile Direct Club is all about using clear or transparent aligners to move the teeth without traditional metal braces. The unique thing about this treatment is that it can be done through remote teledentistry, meaning you do not have to directly get treated by a dentist or orthodontist.
You can order these trays online from the official Smile Direct Club website and upload your progress pictures online. This treatment takes around 4-6 months.
In this treatment, you can either visit a “Smile Store,” or order a mold kit online to take the impressions of your teeth. Then, you’ll have to send the mold and teeth pictures to Smile Direct Club. From there, the designated orthodontist will create your custom trays and plan your treatment.
Everything in this treatment is done online. Your Smile Direct Club orthodontist will also contact you after every three months to monitor your progress and provide further instructions.
Cost of Smile Direct Club Treatment:
Smile Direct Club treatment costs may vary within patients. Generally, the impression kit costs around $49, and a typical Smile Direct Club treatment will cost about $1895. Also, you’ll have to pay $99 for the retainers once your treatment ends.
Overview of Invisalign:
Similar to Smile Direct Club, Invisalign also involves transparent, removable alignment trays that look more or less like a mouthguard. Since they are removable, you can remove them while eating. But you’ll have to put them on for a minimum of 22 hours a day. The duration of this treatment depends on the condition of your teeth. Usually, it takes around 12-18 months for adults.
In this treatment, you’ll have to physically meet your Invisalign dentist or orthodontist. The treatment is quite similar to Smile Direct Club, where you have to get impressions of your teeth by using a mold or through an intraoral scanner.
According to the mold, the technician in charge will make your custom aligners, and your dentist will accordingly plan your treatment. You’ll also have to pick up the trays from the clinic and go for follow up appointments every 4-6 weeks.
Cost of Invisalign Treatment:
On average, a typical Invisalign treatment will cost you anywhere between $2950 and $8450. This price may vary depending upon the severity of your case and treatment period.
Main Difference between Smile Direct Club and Invisalign:
Smile Direct Club and Invisalign treatments both use clear and transparent alignment trays to fix your teeth. However, the main difference between the two is that for Invisalign treatment, you require physical appointments with your dentist while the former can be done through remote teledentistry.
Additionally, Invisalign treatment is for more complicated teeth problems compared to Smile Direct Club.
Is Invisalign different from Smile Direct Club?
Yes, Invisalign is somewhat different from Smile Direct Club because the former requires in-office or in-clinic appointments with a dentist. The latter, on the other hand, uses remote teledentistry.
Is Smile Direct Club Better than Invisalign?
Whether Smile Direct Club is better than Invisalign is subjective as it entirely depends on the severity of your teeth problem. If you have minor teeth alignment issues or a limited budget, then Smile Direct Club can be an ideal treatment for you.
On the other hand, if you want a more face-to-face appointment with a dentist, have more complicated teeth issues, and do not mind investing your time and money in the treatment, Invisalign is your go-to!
If you want our opinion, we would recommend the Smile Direct Club for its overall convenience, budget-friendly, and hassle-free procedure, provided that you have minor issues like teeth crowding and gaps. This procedure becomes all the more convenient when you don’t have a designated Invisalign or Smile Direct Club clinic near you. That’s because the whole treatment can be conducted online. People who have doubts regarding Smile Direct Club and Invisalign also often look up for other optional treatments like candid, byte, etc. Hence, if you want further information on these treatments, you can check out our candid reviews, smile direct vs. candid, or candid vs. Invisalign comparisons here.