In the realm of achieving a seamless and flawless smile, conventional braces used to be the sole choice. However, everything changed with the advent of Invisalign in 1997. Since then, numerous comparable companies have emerged, including SmileDirectClub, offering do-it-yourself clear aligners. While they assert to be an exceptional choice for enhancing your smile, how can one ascertain the veracity of such claims? Continue reading to discover why Invisalign stands as the superior option for your smile.
Reason #1: Complex Orthodontic Cases
SmileDirectClub openly acknowledges that their aligners are not suitable for individuals requiring extensive treatment or those with a history of poor oral health. Consequently, Invisalign is undoubtedly the superior choice, as it can effectively address a broader spectrum of severe misalignment issues, which may include:
- Crowded teeth
- Large gaps between teeth
- Open bite
- Underbite
- Overbite
- Crossbite
Reason #2: Dental Organization Approval
The American Dental Association (ADA) stands as the foremost authority for dentists, and they strongly discourage the utilization of DIY aligners such as SmileDirectClub. In fact, they lodged a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) against the company, citing “false and misleading claims” in their practices.
Similarly, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) has raised significant concerns about the DIY aligner industry and issued a cautionary warning. In contrast, Invisalign garners recommendations from all major professional dental organizations, solidifying its standing as a trusted and preferred option.
Reason #3: Dentist Supervision
Invisalign treatment incorporates in-office dental visits to enable regular assessment of your progress. These appointments provide an opportunity for your dentist to promptly identify and address any unfavorable developments.
Conversely, SmileDirectClub does not involve in-office visits and instead relies on patients sending update photos every 90 days. While it may appear more convenient to forgo office visits, relying solely on photos makes it more challenging for the SmileDirectClub team to accurately identify potential issues.
Reason #4: Convenience and Treatment Times
As mentioned earlier, SmileDirectClub does not necessitate in-person checkups, which can save you time in general. However, you will still need to participate in remote checkups with their team.
In contrast, Invisalign is capable of addressing more intricate alignment issues, which may extend the duration of treatment. Furthermore, the in-office checkups for Invisalign are more comprehensive compared to remote checkups, thus aiding in the prevention of potential delays. Consequently, this can potentially lead to shorter treatment times overall.
Reason #5: Overall Cost
The cost of Invisalign typically begins at approximately $3,500, while SmileDirectClub starts at around $2,000. At first glance, SmileDirectClub may appear to be the more cost-effective option. However, this initial price comparison fails to consider potential delays or complications that may arise during treatment.
Invisalign treatment, on the other hand, generally includes provisions for such contingencies, along with monitoring and in-office dental visits. Moreover, Invisalign treatment is transparent in terms of costs, ensuring that you won’t encounter any unexpected expenses along the way.
If your orthodontic concerns are anything beyond minor, Invisalign stands as the superior choice. It is advisable to consult with your dentist and initiate the treatment, setting you on the path towards achieving the smile you’ve always desired!
About the Practice
At Gentle Dentistry Sparta, Dr. Zelia Cannon, Dr. James Shahinian, and their dedicated team are committed to assisting patients of all ages in attaining and preserving excellent oral health. They proudly offer Invisalign clear aligners as a solution to correct various orthodontic issues, leading to a more harmonious smile. In addition, their regular dental visits ensure that your treatment progresses smoothly and any inquiries you may have are promptly addressed. To learn more about the advantages of Invisalign over DIY aligners or to schedule an appointment, please contact Gentle Dentistry Sparta at (973) 729-9044 or visit their website.