INVISALIGN VS. SMILE DIRECT CLUB: WHICH IS BETTER FOR YOU? 

Looking to straighten your teeth but not sure which route to take? Invisalign vs Smile Direct Club are two of the most popular options on the market, but how do you decide which one is best for you?

At Farrow Orthodontics, we are dedicated to educating our patients about the latest treatments and offering affordable costs that accommodate any budget. In this blog, we will dig deep into a comprehensive comparison between Invisalign vs Smile Direct Club.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign uses sets of clear aligner trays to provide the same results as braces. Clear aligners are virtually invisible so no one will ever notice your orthodontic treatment. Each set of aligners is made of lightweight, smooth plastic to gradually shift teeth into alignment. Invisalign and Invisalign Teen are both made with SmartTrack material for a perfect fit that never slips out or affects speech.

One of the things that patients love about Invisalign aligners is that they can be removed. This means that you can eat all of your favorite foods and brush and floss with ease. Invisalign is also comfortable to wear and doesn’t require any special care.

For Invisalign to be effective, you will need to wear it for at least 22 hours a day. You will also need to visit your orthodontist for check-ups every six weeks to ensure that your treatment is on track.

What is Smile Direct Club?

Smile Direct Club is a system that also uses clear aligners to attain straighter teeth. However, Smile Direct Club eliminates visits to an orthodontist by allowing treatment to be done right from home.

First, you will need to locate a nearby “SmileShop” where dental impressions are captured and used for molds. In addition, you also have the option of receiving a dental impression kit through the mail.

Once your dental impressions are received, each set of aligners is delivered right to your front door. However, it is important to keep in mind that Smile Direct Club eliminates the supervision of an orthodontist throughout treatment.

One of the major advantages of Smile Direct Club is that it is more affordable than Invisalign. However, because there is no orthodontist supervision, Smile Direct Club may not be recommended for complex cases. You do, however, need to check in with your doctor remotely every 90 days.

Invisalign vs Smile Direct Club

Functionality: Both Invisalign and Smile Direct Club use sets of clear aligners to gradually shift teeth into alignment. However, because there is no orthodontist supervision with Smile Direct Club, it is not recommended for complex cases.

Cost: Invisalign treatment can range anywhere from $3,500 to $7000 while Smile Direct Club only starts at $1,950. Some may find Smile Direct Club cost-effective while others may not.

Convenience: Smile Direct Club tends to be more convenient because it’s done remotely. You don’t have to take time out of your schedule to visit an orthodontist. However, others may find Invisalign more convenient since the whole treatment is assisted.

Length of Treatment: The average length of treatment for Invisalign is one year. The average length of treatment for Smile Direct Club is four to six months.

Provider: Both Invisalign and Smile Direct Club are administered by a general dentist or an orthodontist. The difference is that with SDC, a dentist or orthodontist will be assigned to you. With Invisalign, you can get treatment from your chosen provider.

Why Choose Invisalign with a Certified Orthodontist?

When comparing Invisalign vs Smile Direct Club, the American Dental Association discourages do-it-yourself orthodontics because of the potential dangers and associated risks. It is believed that supervision by a licensed orthodontist is necessary for all phases of orthodontic treatment.

This includes oral and periodontal examinations, X-rays, treatment planning, prescriptions, periodic progress evaluations, as well as a stable final assessment. If the current course of treatment isn’t delivering the expected results, an orthodontist has the choice to switch to braces or another form of more effective treatment.

As a result, continuous supervision by a Center City orthodontist such as Dr. Anthony Farrow and Dr. Wasna Dabbagh ensure the health of teeth to prevent tooth loss as well as other unnecessary complications.