How Is Invisalign Different From Smile Direct Club?
When Align Technology introduced Invisalign® aligners to the world in 1997, it began an exciting evolution in dentistry and orthodontics that continues to this day. And it’s only getting more competitive because of Smile Direct Club. Choice is usually good for patients, but how do you choose between Invisalign vs Smile Direct Club?
After all, you understandably want to make the best decision for your oral health. Princeton Orthodontics also wants you to make the best decision by offering you all the information you need to know about the differences between Invisalign vs Smile Direct Club.
What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign® is a series of clear removable aligner trays that gradually shift teeth into proper alignment over a period of time, fixing a variety of alignment problems including overcrowding, crookedness, overbite, underbite, crossbite, and gaps between teeth. Invisalign® has been helping patients straighten their teeth since 1997 and has treated millions of people around the world, becoming one of the most popular treatment options.
What is Smile Direct Club?
Because of that popularity, it was only a matter of time before competitor companies such as Smile Direct Club would rise. Smile Direct Club offers patients basically the same technology. The clear removable aligner trays gradually shift teeth over a period of time. The company has been in operation since 2014.
How does Invisalign® work?
During a complimentary consultation, your orthodontist will inspect your teeth and gums to see if you are a good candidate for Invisalign®. X-rays and impressions of your teeth will be taken to create a model of your teeth. This model will not only help the orthodontist create a set of aligners just for you, but it will also help track your progress. You wear the aligners for 22 hours a day and switch to a new set every two weeks to begin the next stage of shifting.
How does Smile Direct Club work?
Again, because Smile Direct Club utilizes the same basic technology, their aligners work just about the same way. You wear the aligners for 22 hours a day and then switch to a new set. However, Smile Direct Club involves an emerging industry of teledentistry, in which patients consult with a dentist or orthodontist remotely. The company sends you an impression kit so you can take a mold of your teeth yourself. You then mail the mold to the company and they send you your aligners.
How is Smile Direct Club different from Invisalign®?
While both Invisalign® and Smile Direct Club use the same basic technology, there are major differences between the two that consumers must be aware of before they choose a treatment.
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Invisalign vs Smile Direct Club Cost
The cost of Invisalign® treatment ranges between $3,000 to $8,000 depending on the severity of your alignment problems, where you live, and whether you have dental insurance or not. Low monthly payment plans are also usually offered by orthodontists.
Smile Direct Club, meanwhile, offers treatment for a one-time price of $1,950 and also offers low payment plans, making them more affordable overall.
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Invisalign vs Smile Direct Club Treatment Time
While you can begin seeing results in a matter of weeks after beginning either treatment, Invisalign® takes longer to complete at 12 to 18 months. Smile Direct Club claims that their treatment takes 4 to 6 months.
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Remote or In-Person Appointments
Smile Direct Club offers convenience by allowing patients to receive treatment remotely via virtual appointments with a dentist or orthodontist, who oversees the treatment. To get Invisalign®, patients must travel to their orthodontist to see them in person and must schedule follow-up appointments.
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Invisalign vs Smile Direct Club: Restrictions and Cleaning
There are no dietary restrictions with either treatment because aligners are removable. They are also both easy to clean. Always remove your aligners and wear a mouthguard when playing sports.
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Invisalign vs Smile Direct Club: Discomfort
The aligners for both treatments are made from medical-grade plastic and are designed to fit comfortably in your mouth as much as possible. Remember, the aligners work by gradually shifting your teeth. This means you will feel some pressure and discomfort, especially after beginning treatment and every time you switch to a new set.
Invisalign vs Smile Direct Club: Which is better?
It’s always important to do as much research as possible before selecting any treatment plan. While Smile Direct Club offers more convenience because of the patient’s ability to access remote treatment at a much lower cost, there are some major issues to consider.
The biggest problem with Smile Direct Club is that the American Association of Orthodontists has issued a consumer alert and has filed complaints in 36 states alleging that Smile Direct Club violates regulatory standards. In addition, Smile Direct Club has been accused of violating FDA regulations and engaging in false advertising by a class-action lawsuit.
The New York Times also recently reported that Smile Direct Club requires patients to sign a non-disclosure agreement that prevents the patients from talking about concerns about their treatment or problems encountered. Patients have complained about Smile Direct Club aligners moving their teeth too fast, which allegedly resulted in detachment from the jawbone.
Smile Direct Club claims their product straightens teeth in 4 to 6 months, which is twice a fast as Invisalign®. However, it is clear that there are potential risks associated with your teeth shifting this quickly. And since there is little follow-up, it’s possible that patients are not getting proper treatment.
With Invisalign®, on the other hand, you must see your orthodontist in person so get a full checkup before getting the aligners and you schedule regular follow-up appointments so the orthodontist can check your progress and address any problems you experience over the duration of treatment. It costs more, but personalized care ensures that you get the best treatment possible at a pace that keeps your teeth and mouth healthy.
It should also be noted that if Invisalign® is not working for you, you can easily switch to braces, which is not a treatment that is offered by Smile Direct Club, nor can it be done remotely. Ultimately, it is up to the patient to decide which treatment is best for them, although the easiest option is not always the best.
Contact Princeton Orthodontics
To receive in-person care and Invisalign® treatment, call Princeton Orthodontics at 609-757-8627 or visit our website today! Dr. Jonathan Nicozisis has been in practice since 1997 and is uniquely qualified to provide Invisalign® treatment to patients, having helped develop it for teens. You have most likely heard about Invisalign Teen® at some point while researching Invisalign®. Princeton Orthodontics proudly serves the state of New Jersey and is a top Diamond-level Invisalign® provider.
Don’t wait any longer to straighten your teeth. Call us today and get a smile you will be confident in showing off for a lifetime.
