Invisalign vs Smile Direct Club: Know The Difference
Uncategorized
If you’ve been considering braces or aligners to straighten your teeth, you’ve probably come across two popular options: Invisalign and Smile Direct Club. With around 62% of Australians interested in fixing their crooked smiles, it’s no surprise these options are so popular.
Both promise a straighter smile, but they work in different ways. So, if you’re wondering which option is best for you, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between Invisalign vs Smile Direct Club. This will help you decide which option is best suited for your needs.
Invisalign vs Smile Direct Club – What’s the Difference?
Both Invisalign and Smile Direct Club are clear aligner treatments that straighten teeth. Still, they differ in how they are provided, the level of professional oversight, and the overall treatment process.
Invisalign
These are clear plastic aligners by a renowned brand that can move your teeth into their correct position. The aligners are made by a professional dentist, who monitors your progress throughout the treatment. Invisalign is ideal for people with more complex dental issues. It is also best for those who need a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs.
Smile Direct Club
This is a direct-to-consumer company that also offers clear aligners but without the need to visit a dentist in person. Instead, Smile Direct Club uses 3D scanning technology or impressions that you can take at home to create custom aligners. You get virtual consultations with a licensed dentist who monitors your treatment remotely. Smile Direct Club is best for treating mild to moderate teeth misalignment.
Key Differences Between Invisalign and Smile Direct Club
Treatment Complexity
Invisalign: This is an excellent choice for people with mild to complex teeth straightening issues. Whether you have overcrowded teeth, gaps, or bite issues, Invisalign offers more flexibility. The treatment plan is tailored to your specific case, and dentists can adjust along the way if needed.
Smile Direct Club: This is better for those with mild to moderate misalignment or cosmetic concerns, such as slight gaps or uneven teeth. If your dental issues are more complex (like a severe bite problem or significant crowding), Smile Direct Club may not be the best option. Since there’s limited professional oversight compared to Invisalign, it may not be able to address more complicated cases.
Professional Oversight
Invisalign: One of the advantages of Invisalign is the direct involvement of a licensed dentist. Your dental professional will take detailed impressions of your teeth. This helps in creating a treatment plan ideal for you. Throughout the treatment, you’ll have regular check-ups. This may typically be every 6 to 8 weeks to track progress and make any necessary adjustments.
Smile Direct Club: This works through remote consultations. This means that you won’t have in-person appointments with a dentist. Instead, you’ll submit photos of your teeth or take 3D scans at home. A licensed dentist will review your case and oversee the treatment plan remotely. This setup works well for people who prefer the convenience of handling things at home. However, this may not be ideal if you’re dealing with a more complex case.
Cost
Invisalign: This treatment typically costs more than Smile Direct Club. However, it comes with the added benefit of professional oversight and a more tailored treatment plan.
Smile Direct Club: Smile Direct Club is often marketed as a more affordable option. This is because you’re not paying for in-person consultations, which is why the price is lower.
Convenience and Flexibility
Invisalign: While Invisalign requires in-person consultations and regular follow-ups, it offers greater flexibility in terms of treatment adjustments. You’ll be given a series of aligners, and each set is worn for about two weeks. Invisalign aligners are also very discreet and easy to wear, so most people won’t notice them unless you point them out.
Smile Direct Club: This is designed for people looking for convenience and flexibility. You can complete the entire process from home with minimal in-person visits. The treatment process involves wearing the aligners for 22 hours a day, just like Invisalign. The major advantage is that you don’t need to schedule regular visits to the dentist, which can be more convenient for busy Australians. However, this can also mean less oversight of your progress.
Treatment Duration
Invisalign: The length of treatment with Invisalign can depend on how complex your case is. On average, treatment lasts between 12 to 18 months. However, if your misalignment is severe, the process could take longer. The dentist monitors your progress regularly, adjusting your plan if necessary.
Smile Direct Club: This treatment tends to be shorter than Invisalign, with most clients seeing results within 4 to 6 months. However, this timeline can also vary based on the severity of your misalignment and how consistently you wear your aligners. Because there is no regular professional monitoring, it’s important to follow the treatment plan closely.
Smile Direct Club vs Invisalign – Which Treatment is Right for You?
Invisalign and Smile Direct Club both offer great options for people looking to straighten their teeth. For those in Australia seeking professional oversight and a more customised approach, Invisalign is the best option. With Invisalign in Rouse Hill, you’ll have regular check-ins with our Rouse Hill dentists. These sessions will ensure your progress is on track and that any adjustments if needed, are made.
Our dentist in Rouse Hill can guide you through your teeth straightening journey; contact us today.