Invisalign vs Smile Direct: Making the Right Choice

There are many different options for people who want to straighten their teeth, but not all of them are the best choice for everyone. For example, many patients prefer to wear aligners over traditional braces because they are more comfortable and nearly invisible.

Both Invisalign and Smile Direct Club use clear aligners that do not use brackets or wires like you will use with traditional metal braces. Although wearing aligners for teeth straightening is the method used by both of these systems, there are also several differences. We will compare Smile Direct Club and Invisalign clear aligner treatment so you can decide which orthodontic treatment sounds right for you.

How do aligners work?

Dental aligners straighten teeth by moving them incrementally. Each day, you wear an aligner that moves your teeth slightly and helps to correct the alignment of your bite and jaws gradually. Aligners are dental trays made from clear plastic and custom-designed for your teeth. You’ll also need to have occasional checkups with our dental practice in Winchester, although these checkups may vary depending on your case. Clear aligners are a good option for moderate teeth misalignment.

Pros of Using Smile Direct Club

Save Money: This is an inexpensive option for aligning your teeth at home, and treatment costs $1,895 for a one-time payment. There is financing available, but there is an interest cost associated with it. On a payment plan, you can expect to pay around $2,300 overall in monthly installments of $85. Our payment plans for Invisalign treatments can often have a lower monthly payment, and there’s no cost added for interest.
Convenient: The program’s most significant benefit is that it allows patients to complete treatment without seeing a dentist or orthodontist. You may have your smile scanned at a Smile Direct Club branch or buy an impression kit to use at home. A dentist or orthodontist will analyze your scans at a lab and create a treatment plan without examining your teeth directly. Then your aligner trays are delivered by mail, and you also have the option of nighttime aligners with this system.

Cons to Using Smile Direct Club

High Failure Rate: Even though treatment costs less than seeing a dentist, it may cost you more in the long run if you need to seek additional treatment.
One-Size-Fits-All Treatment: Smile Direct Club may not be a good fit for you, or you may need additional treatment. As a qualified Invisalign dentist, we will evaluate your situation and suggest the most suitable options so that you don’t squander time or money.
Poor Customer Service: According to several Smile Direct Club customers, the company has poor customer service. When calling, you are greeted with an automated recording. You must go through hoops to finally connect with the correct person. The Tolley Dental team in Winchester is available to provide personalized customer service to you whenever you have questions or concerns about the Invisalign process.
No Buttons: SmileDirect will not utilize buttons, an essential component for the success of the Invisalign system. Buttons are tiny, temporary attachments that adhere to your teeth and keep the Invisalign aligners in position.
Paying for Multiple Impressions: Even professional dentists occasionally fail to get impressions perfectly on the first attempt. Therefore it’s only natural that many Smile Direct Club clients state that their initial impressions are rejected. If your initial impressions don’t pan out, you’ll be charged 50% of the original price for a new testing kit. Tolley Dental does not use impressions. Instead, we use a quick and easy scan that is more accurate and avoids gagging.

Advantages of Invisalign Treatment

The Invisalign treatment process typically takes 9-15 months, which is longer than Smile Direct Club. However, this is because it can treat a broader range of orthodontic issues and is clinically proven to be more effective.

According to the Better Business Bureau, more than 2,000 complaints have been filed against Smile Direct Club nationwide. Customer service difficulties account for most complaints, including broken aligners, delivery delays, and payment problems. In addition, dozens of claims are made about treatment outcomes and even include complaints of broken teeth or nerve damage.
Straightening teeth with a dental professional will ensure your treatment is safe. Dental professionals providing an in-person consultation are far more effective and accurate than remote treatment.

Cost Comparison

Many patients want to compare the price of orthodontic treatment before committing to a plan. Invisalign costs more, with the average treatment starting at $3,000. Smile Direct Club’s invisible aligners start at $1,850. However, it’s important to note that Invisalign offers a payment plan with 0% interest. Our office will help determine if your dental insurance will cover any of your treatments.

Contact us for an initial consultation!

Tolley Dental is proud to be a certified provider of Invisalign, and we are excited to help you begin treatment. Contact our Winchester dental care team today!