Invisalign and SmileDirectClub are both companies that offer clear aligner treatments for straightening teeth. Perfectly aligned teeth result in a beautiful smile that gives you confidence. Being unsure between Invisalign and SmileDirectClub is normal. But how are they different from each other? Let’s find out.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is the clear choice for adults looking to straighten their teeth without anyone knowing. This innovative orthodontic treatment uses a series of custom-made, virtually invisible aligners to gently move teeth into their proper position.
The aligners are made of a smooth, comfortable plastic material specifically designed for orthodontic treatment. They are also removable, allowing you to eat, drink, brush and floss your teeth as normal during treatment. Invisalign is a discreet, convenient, and highly effective way to achieve a beautiful, straight smile.
Improve your smile with Invisalign clear braces. Give us a call today!
What is SmileDirectClub?
SmileDirectClub is a teledentistry company that offers patients their services through the Internet. Their business revolves around the production and distribution of clear aligner therapy, a process of straightening teeth using custom-moulded aligners. The company uses 3D imaging technology and offers virtual consultations with dental professionals.
The Invisalign Process
The Invisalign treatment process typically follows these steps:
- Consultation: Your orthodontist will examine your teeth at the initial session to decide whether Invisalign is the best treatment for you. They will also talk about the estimated duration of therapy and your treatment objectives.
- Dental impressions: The orthodontist will take impressions of your teeth using a putty-like material. These impressions are used to create a 3D model of your teeth, which will be used to plan your treatment and create your custom aligners.
- Treatment planning: Using the 3D model of your teeth, your orthodontist will create a customised treatment plan that outlines the movements of your teeth during treatment. They will also use this model to create a series of aligners that will be used to gradually move your teeth into their proper position.
- Fabrication of aligners: Once your treatment plan has been finalised, the aligners will be fabricated using a state-of-the-art 3D printing process.
- Treatment: Once your aligners are ready, you will receive a series of aligners that you will wear for about two weeks before moving on to the next set. Each set of aligners will apply gentle pressure to your teeth, slowly moving them into the desired position. You will need to visit your orthodontist every six to eight weeks to check your progress and receive new aligners.
- Retention: After your treatment is complete, your orthodontist may recommend that you wear a retainer to help maintain the position of your teeth.
The SmileDirectClub Process
The SmileDirectClub treatment process typically follows these steps:
- Consultation: You can start the process of getting clear aligners from SmileDirectClub entirely online through its telehealth platform. You will first need to take a 3D image of your teeth using a kit that the company provides.
- Treatment planning: After your 3D image has been submitted, a licensed dentist or orthodontist will review your case and create a treatment plan.
- Fabrication of aligners: Once your treatment plan has been finalised, SmileDirectClub will fabricate your custom aligners using a 3D printing process.
- Treatment: You will receive a series of aligners that you will need to wear for about 22 hours a day, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. You will need to visit the SmileDirectClub website every 90 days to check in with your licensed provider and receive new aligners as needed.
- Retention: After your treatment is complete, you will be provided with a retainer to help maintain the position of your teeth. This is typically a clear plastic tray that fits over your teeth and is worn at night.
Facing teeth or gum issues? Do not hesitate to book an appointment with us today!
Key Differences between Invisalign and SmileDirectClub
Eligibility
- Invisalign: Invisalign can treat mild to severe cases. It also works best for patients suffering from overbite, crowded teeth, etc.
- SmileDirectClub: SmileDirectClub works best for patients with mild to moderate misalignments.
Personalised Dental Care
- Invisalign: Invisalign requires patients to receive personalised dental care. Here, the dentist examines the patient’s bite force, takes X-rays if required, and examines the gums.
- SmileDirectClub: SmileDirectClub only offers its dental services online with a 24×7 customer support team.
Cost
- Invisalign: Since the Invisalign treatment process requires visiting a dental clinic, the costs are understandably higher.
- SmileDirectClub: Since the SmileDirectClub treatment process entirely happens online, the costs are significantly lower.
Treatment Time
- Invisalign: The treatment time for Invisalign is longer since it requires personalised treatment plans and frequent dentist visits. It can take up to six months to notice a difference.
- SmileDirectClub: Since SmileDirectClub only treats minor misalignments, the treatment time is naturally shorter. It takes between four to six months.
| Invisalign | SmileDirectClub | |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Mild to severe cases | Mild cases |
| Personalised dental care | Services are provided in person | Services are only provided online |
| Cost | Differs across the treatment plan. However, it may cost more than SmileDirectClub | Costs are lower than Invisalign treatments |
| Treatment time | Six to nine months | Four to six months |
The Winner
While Invisalign and SmileDirectClub both offer teeth alignment services, Invisalign is the clear winner.
This is because Invisalign offers in-person dental services where the dentist can provide personalised treatments for a variety of teeth issues apart from fixing the alignment.
SmileDirectClub does offer convenience in terms of aligning your teeth from anywhere. However, it falls short when you have specific teeth or gum issues that need to be addressed.
Suffering from overbite? Do not ignore it. Schedule an appointment with us today and let us help you.
Conclusion
Perfect Smile is among the top providers of dental services in the UK. We provide a variety of treatments apart from teeth alignment services. If you have any teeth or gum issues that need to be addressed, then you can contact us here.
