Founded in 2014, SmileDirectClub is a teledentistry company that offers “do-it-yourself” clear aligners so you can straighten your teeth at home. Though this may seem like the best option for correcting crooked and misaligned teeth on a budget, Invisalign is well worth the investment. To explain why that is, here are five reasons why Invisalign in Fresno is better for your smile.
#1. Overall Cost
Overall cost is a common reason why someone might consider SmileDirectClub. It starts at around $2,000, but that doesn’t account for any complications that may delay your progress, additional trays, or other intervention. Though Invisalign starts at around $5,000, this generally includes dental visits and associated monitoring throughout treatment. Since there are no hidden costs, the guaranteed results and clear-cut expectations of Invisalign treatment provide better overall value.
#2. Treatment Times and Convenience
Treatment times depend on the individual and how well patients adhere to their treatment plans. Invisalign can treat more complex dental issues, so it usually has longer treatment times. Though SmileDirectClub patients will save time throughout their treatment by cutting out in-person checkups, they will still need to attend remote checkups. In-office checkups are more thorough and more helpful for spotting complications and making adjustments, so Invisalign patients may actually experience shorter treatment times overall.
#3. Dentist Supervision
Rather than offering in-office dental supervision, SmileDirectClub relies on patients sending in photos and updates. This is a huge disadvantage to the patient since it will be more difficult to identify and correct problems as well as make any necessary adjustments. On the other hand, Invisalign’s in-office treatments allow the process to continue without interruptions. Your dentist will be able to notice any changes or unwanted developments during check-ups and immediately fix them.
#4. Dental Organization Approval
Unlike SmileDirectClub, Invisalign is recommended by all major professional dental organizations. Additionally, the American Association of Orthodontists has issued a consumer warning for all direct-to-consumer orthodontic companies. The American Dental Association also strongly discourages do-it-yourself orthodontics and has filed a complaint against SmileDirectClub. Since the organizations who set the guidelines for dental best practices in the United States have problems with treatments like this, it’s probably best to avoid them.
#5. Complex Orthodontic Cases
SmileDirectClub tells customers that their aligners shouldn’t be used by those with extensive dental needs or a history of poor oral health. Invisalign has been around much longer and offers products that can easily treat several misalignment cases. So, unless your teeth are only slightly misaligned, Invisalign is the better choice.
It may be tempting to go for the convenience and lower cost of SmileDirectClub, but this decision can easily come back to haunt you. By using Invisalign over DIY aligners, you can rest assured that you’re getting the best bang for your buck.
About the Author
At Shinkawa Dental, Dr. Gerald T. Shinkawa, his son Dr. Adam Shinkawa, and his daughter Nicole Shinkawa provide patients with the dentistry they deserve. With 40 years of combined experience, they can help you correct alignment issues and close gaps with Invisalign so you can finally achieve the straighter, more uniform smile you’ve always wanted. Visit Shinkawa Dental’s website or call their office at (559) 226-5656 to learn more about Invisalign treatment or to schedule an appointment.