Why Is Invisalign Better Than “Do-It-Yourself” Clear Aligners?

You have alternatives to Invisalign, such as Smile Direct Club, but how close is the comparison really?

Invisalign involves in-office dental consultations where a treatment plan is developed. With do-it-yourself orthodontics like Smile Direct Club, patients give informed consent that they have had a recent dental checkup and a remote dentist approves the treatment and sets up a plan.

Keep reading to discover the various factors that play into Invisalign in Wethersfield being the superior option for clear aligners.

Equipped to Handle Complex Orthodontic Cases

Unless your teeth are only slightly misaligned, Smile Direct Club will not be able to compete. In fact, they specifically tell customers that people with extensive dental needs or a history of poor oral health should not use their product. Meanwhile, Invisalign can treat both mild and moderate misalignment cases.

Dental Organizations Make Their Opinion Known

Invisalign is recommended by all major professional dental organizations. On the other hand, the American Association of Orthodontists has issued a consumer warning about all direct-to-consumer orthodontic companies.

The American Dental Association strongly discourages all “do-it-yourself” orthodontics and has filed a complaint specifically against Smile Direct Club. These organizations believe that dental care should be supervised by a trained professional, which at-home options like Smile Direct Club cannot offer.

Dentist Supervision and Identifying Issues

During treatment with Smile Direct Club, they will rely on you to send photos and updates along with the remote checkups. If there are problems along the way, you’ll need to identify them and alert your remote dentist.

Meanwhile, with Invisalign, your dentist will alert you if there are any changes or unwanted developments during treatment and they can make adjustments immediately. Dental supervision also means they can detect other potential issues like tooth decay or gum disease early on.

Treatment Times and Potential Complications

Treatment times depend on each individual’s case and how well they follow instructions of the treatment plan. Since Invisalign can treat more complex cases, it will generally have longer treatment times.

Smile Direct Club will point to saving time throughout treatment by cutting out in-person checkups with a dentist, but it still involves remote checkups, so you’ll need to set aside time for those.

Beware of Additional Costs Later On

Smile Direct Club advertises a cost of $2,000, but with any complications or the need for additional trays, there is an added cost. Invisalign costs about $5,000 with the dental visit and all associated monitoring, so there are no hidden surprises as you follow your treatment plan. While Smile Direct Club may tout the initial cost as an advantage, Invisalign offers guaranteed results and visiting a dentist in person to lay claim to better value for the money spent.

You are going to be dealing with a significant financial investment no matter which path you take in the clear aligners market, but don’t you want to spend money on the product you know can deliver significant positive changes? The disapproval of Smile Direct Club by major dental organizations should be all the proof you need that Invisalign under the supervision of your Wethersfield dentist is the preferred option.

About the Author

Dr. Ukti Phadnis earned her dental doctorate from the University of Connecticut, and she takes continuing education courses each year to stay current regarding the ever-evolving dental industry. For Dr. Phadnis, it’s a priority to effectively communicate with her patients about their oral health so they feel comfortable and can confidently make decisions about treatments. If you are interested in clear aligners to straighten your smile, she offers Invisalign and ClearCorrect. Dr. Phadnis can explain both options to you and answer questions during a consultation, which you can schedule on her website or by calling (860) 400-3007.