Alternative Methods
For many years, traditional braces were the primary means of realigning and straightening one’s teeth. And while the tried and true metal braces are still frequently utilized, in recent years several alternative methods have emerged and have since changed the way a smile can be realigned, to improve its functionality and appearance.
As perhaps one of the most renowned names within the realm of cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign has been providing patients from all across the world with beautiful smiles, while simultaneously giving traditional braces a run for their money!
With the soaring success of Invisalign, a number of similarly designed products have appeared in the years that have followed, with Smile Direct Club (SDC) as its primary opposition. However, it is important to realize that Invisalign and SDC are two separate products, that while similar, can produce quite different results! Therefore, in the columns below, we will break down some of the differences between two products and highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Invisalign vs Smile Direct Club: How They Differ?
As similarly designed devices, both Invisalign and Smile Direct are transparent aligners that are designed to be worn daily over your teeth, for the purpose of realigning them. This not only creates a smile that is straighter and more aesthetically pleasing, but one that is healthier and more effective as well!
However, the major difference between Invisalign and SDC is not only in the aligners themselves, but rather how the realignment process is performed.
- At Overland Park Dentistry, Invisalign is one of the cosmetic treatments we offer, in which digital impressions are made of your teeth, allowing for custom aligners to be fitted to your teeth with pinpoint accuracy. Over the next 6 to 18 months, (depending on each individual case) Dr. Kimes and his team will work closely with you to monitor your progress and ensure that you achieve the desired effect.
- Juxtaposing this, SDC is a remote process, in which you would apply for the procedure online, then visit your closest SmileShop to have your teeth scanned to determine your candidacy requirements. Unlike Invisalign however, one you have received your mail order aligners, you will not be under the supervision of trained professionals and will be required to manage the process in its entirety on your own, thus creating a much different experience.
Related Article: Confidence is Key: Smile with Invisalign
Smile Direct Club: Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages: Despite a certain amount of negative media coverage generated by the product, SDC has been praised for its economically friendly price values, which has allowed those with a limited budget to afford the product with relative ease. Another positive aspect of Smile Direct is as its name implies, the aligners can be easily purchased online and sent directly to you without requiring you to make a single dental appointment.
At Overland Park Dentistry we certainly love to see our patients’ smiling faces as often as possible; however, in the busy world we live in today, we can certainly understand that taking the time to come in for a dental appointment isn’t always the easiest thing to do.
Disadvantages: Make no mistake, realigning your teeth is a tedious procedure and if you choose to tackle this process without professional supervision, there is always the possibility that things might not go as planned. Although successful in many cases, many past users of SDC products have also encountered a multitude of issues such as the aligners compressing their teeth and causing their gums to bleed, or in more extreme cases; forcing the user’s jaw to align improperly, thus impairing their ability to chew or even bite down. With numerous instances of former users claiming that SDC aligners actually harmed their teeth as well as exasperated dentists and orthodontists reporting their attempts to correct the damage that these products have purportedly caused, there’s little wonder as to why SDC aligners remain shrouded in controversy.
Invisalign: Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages: While the arrival of SDC may stolen some of its thunder, Invisalign continues to remain a hot commodity both inside and outside the dental community despite being initially introduced back in 1999. Perhaps the most obvious benefits offered by Invisalign, are the aligners uncanny ability to significantly improve the patient’s smile with while providing the most noninvasive experience possible, and that is exactly what you will get!
Invisalign’s clear and easy-to-remove aligners cause extraordinarily little discomfort, and are essentially invisible, thereby sparing users from any sort of embarrassment while simultaneously correcting their teeth. By opting to receive Invisalign, you will be treated under the guidance of highly trained professionals, who will work to ensure that you receive the treatment and results that you desire.
While SDC can be successful, Invisalign WILL be successful and will not present many of the same problems that have plagued SDC users in the past.
Related Article: Brace Yourself with Invisalign TEEN
Disadvantages: By using professional-grade dental materials in a licensed practitioner’s office, Invisalign is clearly a superior product when compared to SDC aligners. However, one drawback is that Invisalign does require the patient to make regular visits to the dentist’s office. As mentioned previously, a major part of Invisalign’s success, is the fact that it is performed under a professional’s supervision. Therefore, to ensure the success of the treatment, it is necessary that you visit your dentist’s office at least once every six weeks, so that your dentist may record your process and make any adjustments as needed.
Although there are numerous payment plans available depending on one’s insurance provider, it is also important to note that Invisalign will cost more than SDC due to services and quality of materials used. While this has been a deal breaker for some, keep in mind that by selecting the lesser quality SDC treatment, you may actually end up paying more should the treatment go awry and fail to produce the desired results!
Invisalign vs Smile Direct Club: The Choice is Yours!
Overland Park Dentistry Offers Invisalign for Adults and Teens
Obviously, the decision is ultimately yours to make, and while we at Overland Park Dentistry do certainly believe that Invisalign is a safer and smarter option when compared to Smile Direct Club, the most important thing to us is that you are able to receive the results that you want!
If you are unhappy with your smile or have any questions about realignment options, feel free to contact our offices and as always, keep on smiling!
Local dentist, Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS, and his team at Overland Park Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity to care for you and your family with preventative, restorative or cosmetic dentistry. To schedule your dental appointment with your Overland Park Dentist, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380.
