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The orthodontic world was revolutionized by the invention of Invisalign, a discreet, efficient alternative to traditional braces. Many patients were reluctant to have braces because of their appearance, and Invisalign solved this problem by offering a discreet, removable device for correcting mild to moderate orthodontic issues.
Since Invisalign came to the market, many other companies have replicated this technology and Smile Direct Club has taken it a step further by making this system available exclusively online.
Let’s see what is the difference between Invisalign and Smile Direct Club, and how to choose the best option for you.
Invisalign uses clear acrylic trays to straighten the teeth. An impression of your teeth is taken in the dentist office. You might also get x-rays for the dentist to check your teeth roots and jaw bone. After the issues are assessed, a set of clear trays is custom made to fit your teeth and apply the right amount of pressure in the right points, so that your teeth begin to straighten.
You will wear each tray in the set for about two weeks before switching to the next one. The trays are supposed to be worn at least 22 hours a day, but you can remove them when eating and when cleaning your teeth.
The Smile Direct Club system follows the same principle as Invisalign, using clear acrylic trays to put pressure on your teeth, straightening them. But, as opposed to Invisalign, you won’t have to step into the dentist’s office at all.
You order a kit online and take the impression of your teeth yourself, or you can go to one of their locations to have them taken. After shipping the mold to Smile Direct Club, you receive the set of clear trays, and your progress is monitored online, through teledentistry, by certified orthodontic medics. You need to send pictures of your mouth and report every three months to check if your progress is as expected.
The main difference between the two solutions is that with Invisalign you have to be seen by a dentist specialized in orthodontics who has experience with this technology. You also need to go to regular checkups. If you choose Smile Direct Club, you can do everything from home.
As a result, Smile Direct Club is a much cheaper option. However, many patients have reported severe issues after using the system, most likely because the impressions were taken wrongly, or because there were unidentified issues along the way. All dentist associations recommend going for Invisalign, as orthodontic problems should be assessed by a specialist in person. To be safe, it’s best to see a dentist even when considering Smile Direct Club to make sure you qualify for the system.
If you are interested in Invisalign or want to be assessed by an orthodontic dentist, contact Lakeview Modern Dentistry and make an appointment with Dr. Kevin DeGroot and his team today.
