Invisalign vs Candid Clear Aligners Comparison: Cost, Process & Results

Invisalign vs Candid: How Do These Clear Aligner Brands Compare?

When it comes to straightening your teeth, clear aligners like Invisalign and Candid offer an attractive alternative to traditional metal braces. Both brands use a series of clear, custom-fit plastic aligners to gradually shift your teeth into place over time. But how exactly do these two popular clear aligner brands compare?

What Are Invisalign and Candid?

Invisalign and Candid are both types of clear aligners - removable plastic trays that are custom-made to fit your teeth and changed out every 1-2 weeks during treatment. Both orthodontic systems use the same basic technology and principles to straighten your smile without the hassle of metal wires and brackets.

Invisalign aligners are made by Align Technology, the original inventor of clear aligners, first available in 2000. Candid aligners are made by Candid Co., a newer company that launched in 2017 with a more affordable direct-to-consumer clear aligner model.

Aligner Material and Fit

The Invisalign system uses SmartTrack material that is durable and stain-resistant. Candid uses a patented aligner material called Comfort Sense that adapts to the temperature in your mouth for increased comfort and flexibility. Both brands create custom-fit aligners from 3D scans and impressions of your teeth.

When it comes to aligner fit and comfort in the mouth, most patients report excellent results with both Invisalign and Candid. The brands use high quality materials tailored specifically to shift teeth effectively and comfortably.

Treatment Process

The Invisalign treatment process starts with an initial in-person consultation, scans, and impressions done by an orthodontist or dentist. The Candid system is administered virtually and remotely by licensed orthodontists. Youll take your own dental impressions at home and submit photos online.

Both brands map out a full treatment plan showing how your teeth will move with the aligners over time. Youll wear a new set of aligners about every two weeks, with regular check-ins. Typical courses of treatment range from 9 to 24 months for most teeth straightening cases.

Effectiveness

As the original inventor of FDA-cleared clear aligners, Invisalign has over 20 years of clinical data and experience showing outstanding treatment results. The effectiveness of Candid aligners is also well-proven, with results similar to Invisalign when the treatment plan is well-designed.

Both Invisalign and Candid can treat simple to complex cases with equal success rates in teeth straightening. Effectiveness comes down to the specifics of your individual treatment plan rather than any difference between the brands themselves.

Costs and Payment Plans

As a direct-to-consumer company, Candid offers clear aligner treatment starting at just $2400. Candid costs 60% less than the average Invisalign treatment. Most patients qualify for Candids $99 monthly payment plan including free refinements.

Invisalign costs around $5000 on average, with patients eligible for third-party financing including CareCredit with monthly payments. Some dental insurance plans cover a portion of Invisalign costs. Orthodontic benefits typically apply for teens under age 19.

Which Is Right for You?

When weighing Invisalign vs Candid, youll need to consider your personal factors to decide which clear aligner brand is the better choice:

• Your budget for clear aligner treatment
• Complexity of your case
• If you prefer in-person or remote monitoring
• Flexibility in payment options
• Availability of orthodontic insurance coverage
• Convenience of impression kits vs digital scans
• Access to an orthodontist or dentist nearby

Both Invisalign and Candid offer predictable results in straightening teeth. Candid provides more flexibility and affordability, while Invisalign offers established expertise from dental professionals. Review your specific wants and needs to pick the best clear aligner option.

What Results Can I Expect from Invisalign or Candid Treatment?

With either Invisalign or Candid clear aligners, you can expect your teeth to gradually shift towards the final position mapped out in the customized treatment plan. This involves incremental movements of only about 0.25 to 0.33 mm every two weeks or so.

Over the full course of treatment, youll begin to see improvements in your smile alignment month by month. The aligners straighten your teeth by applying precise forces to certain areas based on what needs to shift where.

Both orthodontic systems are proven to successfully treat crowded, gapped, misaligned, or crooked teeth. As you near the end of treatment after around 12 to 24 months, your teeth should match the final position targeted from the very beginning.

How Long Does Full Treatment Take?

The total treatment time with clear aligners depends on how much straightening your teeth need. Minor fixes may only take 4 to 6 months, while more intensive alignment could mean wearing aligners for over 1 to 2 years.

The average clear aligner treatment is around 12 to 18 months of consistent wear. Youll swap out aligners for a new set about every two weeks during this period. More complex cases involving bite issues or large movements may need longer treatment.

With excellent compliance in wearing your aligners as recommended, youll complete treatment on schedule. Remember to switch aligners on time before they feel loose, keeping your teeth moving steadily.

Am I a Good Candidate?

Both teens and adults are great candidates for Invisalign or Candid if they meet certain criteria. Good candidates have fully erupted permanent teeth (wisdom teeth not necessary) and generally good overall dental health.

Almost any case of crooked, crowded, spaced out, or misaligned teeth can benefit from clear aligners. Certain bite issues may require traditional braces instead. An orthodontist will help determine if you meet the requirements to start clear aligner treatment.

Some patients need auxiliary treatment like attachments or elastics during their treatment for specific movements. These are often used with more complex cases. Talk to a dental professional during your initial consultation about your options.

What Are the Main Advantages of Clear Aligners?

Compared to metal braces, Invisalign, Candid, and other clear aligner systems offer many unique benefits that patients love:

• Removable design - Aligners are taken out for eating, brushing, flossing
• Virtually invisible look - Clear plastic blends right in with natural teeth
• More comfortable fit - Smooth plastic feels better than braces wires and brackets
• Shorter treatment times - Clear aligners work faster with better compliance
• Fewer restrictions - Most foods and activities are no problem
• Advanced 3D planning - Precisely models the stages of tooth movement
• Great oral hygiene - Easy access for brushing and flossing teeth

With advantages like increased comfort, shorter treatment length, and easier care, its no wonder millions of people choose popular clear aligner brands over conventional braces.

What About Clear Aligner Disadvantages?

There are a few potential drawbacks to consider with Invisalign, Candid, and other clear aligner systems vs metal braces:

• Higher initial costs without orthodontic insurance
• Require responsible use and handling by patients
• Can have speech issues initially
• Not suitable for every complex case
• May require attachment bumps on certain teeth

Talk to your orthodontist in detail at a consultation to learn if any disadvantages apply in your unique situation. If you follow recommendations carefully, clear aligners offer an excellent treatment experience overall.

What Makes Candid or Invisalign the Better Choice?

When making an informed decision between Candid and Invisalign, you'll need to look closely at the factors that set these two brands apart:

Candid Advantages

• Lower cost clear aligners from just $2400 total
• Convenient oral impressions done from home
• Virtual orthodontist monitoring through smartphone app
• Simple payment plans from $99 per month

Invisalign Advantages

• Industry leader with over 25 years of experience
• Access to in-person dentist care throughout treatment
• Potential orthodontic insurance cost offset
• Proven results treating complex cases

Review the pros and cons of each brand relative to your needs. Factors like budget, case complexity, and convenience may guide your decision between Candid vs Invisalign clear aligners.

Ready to Straighten Your Smile?

Overall, both Candid and Invisalign produce exceptional results in improving patients' smiles using almost identical clear aligner technology. By comparing critical factors like effectiveness, cost, process, availability, and advantages of each system, you can determine the best option for your orthodontic needs and lifestyle.

Consult with a qualified dental professional to find out if you are ready for clear aligner treatment. Learn whether Invisalign, Candid, or another clear aligner system is recommended for the successful, comfortable straightening of your teeth.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.