Candid vs. SmileDirect

Unlike traditional braces, invisible braces are made of clear plastic and can be removed for eating and drinking. Also called aligners, they treat issues such as poor alignment, minor crowding and slightly crooked teeth. Below, we compare two popular options, Candid and SmileDirectClub.

• How Candid and SmileDirectClub are similar: Both companies’ aligners are clear and removable, and average treatment times are close with their 22-hour-per-day options.
• How Candid and SmileDirectClub are different: Unlike Candid, SmileDirectClub offers flat pricing, the option for 100% remote service and a night-only aligner option.

Remote impression kit cost*	Kits no longer available	$59
Single-payment cost*	Varies by dentist	$2,050
Night-only option
Average treatment length	Six months	Four to six months
Financing available	Varies by dentist
Money-back guarantee		During first 30 days
Customer satisfaction	Read reviews	Read reviews

	Kits no longer available	Varies by dentist		Six months	Varies by dentist		Read reviews
	$59	$2,050		Four to six months		During first 30 days	Read reviews

*At the time of publishing

Candid

Candid offers invisible aligner treatment with remote check-ins, so you only have to visit a CandidPro doctor in your area once to get started. After that, everything can be done from your home. The treatment takes an average of six months when you wear Candid’s BPA-free thermoplastic aligners 22 hours per day.

Check-ins are done every 14 days via scans you take at home with the provided monitoring equipment.

Costs

Costs for Candid treatment vary, depending on what your CandidPro doctor decides to charge and whether you have insurance. Hypothetical costs provided by Candid range from $3,500 to $7,100 without insurance and from $1,750 to $5,350 with insurance. You may pay more or less, though, so consult your doctor and insurance provider to determine your exact costs. Candid is in-network with multiple insurance companies.

Treatment for teens may be more expensive because it’s not an in-network benefit with any insurance provider, but partial reimbursement is sometimes available. Retainers cost $99.

Results

Candid customers seem to like the prices (compared with those of traditional braces). One verified customer reported some discomfort with the aligners, but they were still happy with the overall results. Another reviewer liked how the company worked with their insurance and might be back in the future: “I’d recommend Candid. My son is going to need braces at some point, and we might go the route of Candid and forego the braces.”

SmileDirectClub

SmileDirectClub offers two options for invisible braces: traditional aligners, worn 22 hours a day, or its Nighttime Aligners, which require 10 hours of continuous nighttime wear. Both types of aligners are made from BPA-free plastic. You can choose to schedule an initial in-person consultation at a SmileShop location or opt for a 100% telehealth experience. Either way, you’ll receive a 3D visualization of how your new smile will look with a customized treatment plan.

With all-day wear, the average SmileDirectClub treatment takes four to six months. Night-only treatments take an average of 10 months. Teens who use SmileDirectClub get free aligner replacement, and their parents get notifications with updates about aligner changes and check-ins. All aligners for teens and adults come with teeth whitening.

All treatment with SmileDirectClub is prescribed, managed and monitored by state-licensed dentists and orthodontists with aligner experience. This includes virtual check-ins and 24/7 access to the dental team via text, video chat, email and phone.

Costs

It costs $59 at the time of publishing to get started with SmileDirectClub by ordering a remote impression kit. However, a partial rebate is available. Alternatively, you can visit a SmileShop for a free tooth scan.

SmileDirectClub treatment costs $2,050 if you pay in full upfront, whether you choose regular or nighttime aligners. The company also offers no-credit-check financing, called SmilePay, which requires $250 down and $89 payments for 26 months ($2,564 total). A set of upper and lower retainers costs $99.

If you have insurance coverage with orthodontic benefits, SmileDirectClub can help. According to the company, it's in-network with most dental insurers, which cover an average of 50% of treatment costs; this means the average total out-of-pocket cost for insured customers is under $1,000. It also accepts HSA and FSA payments. SmileDirectClub refunds the cost of an impression kit if a dentist or orthodontist determines you aren’t a candidate for treatment with aligners. The company also allows you to return aligners within the first 30 days if you aren’t satisfied and gives a refund.

Results

People seem happiest when they use SmileDirectClub’s aligners for relatively minor orthodontic corrections. “The process was good,” according to one verified SmileDirectClub customer. “Whenever there were any hiccups, the customer service was there to help me out. I feel good with my new smile.”

Bottom line: Which is better: Candid or SmileDirect?

Candid and SmileDirectClub offer similar types of orthodontic treatment plans, designing custom aligners and plans for straightening teeth. However, SmileDirectClub offers more remote, online options and direct pricing, while Candid requires you to visit a dentist for an initial consultation and pricing.

• Candid has great customer service: Candid reviews are most likely to mention customer service, and people seem to like that you can get all the aligners in one delivery.
• SmileDirectClub is more flexible: SmileDirectClub gives you the option to visit a dentist or start remotely, and it has a nighttime-only option that only requires 10 hours of wear per day.