If you’ve recently searched for orthodontic treatments, you’ve likely come across Smile Direct Club and have since been drowning in ads from them. At first glance, it seems like a good treatment option. You get straighter teeth without having to go to the dentist and it’s cheaper than Invisalign. But is Smile Direct Club really comparable to Invisalign? We don’t think so. Discover some of the reasons why you should choose Invisalign over Smile Direct Club:
1. You Work One-On-One With a Dentist
One of the top reasons why you should choose Invisalign over Smile Direct Club is because you will actually work one-on-one with one of our Rochester dentists. From your initial consultation and every check-up to your final appointments, you will meet with our dentists in person. With Smile Direct Club, almost everything is done virtually which means a dentist never knows what’s really going on in your mouth. You will only meet with a dentist in person every 90 days. Your teeth might move incorrectly and your dentist won’t know until you make your 90-day visit. By the time they do know, it might be too late to correct.
With Invisalign, if you’re having a problem, or your teeth are moving incorrectly, it won’t be a huge problem. This is because you can book an appointment whenever you need to and you will have a checkup every 6 weeks. If any problems pop up, our dentists will be able to catch and fix them early so they don’t cause additional problems down the line.
2. The Screening Process is Highly Detailed
When you get orthodontic treatment, usually the first step is a consultation with a qualified dentist where they take x-rays and perform an examination of your teeth. Dentists will determine if your teeth and jaw bone are healthy enough for orthodontic treatment. They will also help determine what type of treatment is best for you. Clear aligners usually aren’t the best option for complex cases.
If you get Smile Direct Club, the initial screening process doesn’t really exist. You will take your own impressions or visit a SmileShop for 3D impressions. A dentist then reviews your impressions and begins your treatment. Based on your impressions and impressions only, they will determine if you’re a good candidate for the treatment. There is no consideration taken into your oral health or bone health. You can have gum disease or tons of cavities and as long as your teeth aren’t too crooked, they will approve you for treatment.
3. A Dentist Takes Your Impressions
Your impressions are the most important part of your treatment whether you get Invisalign or any other clear aligner system. If they’re taken incorrectly, they can move your teeth incorrectly. With Invisalign, our Rochester dentists will take your impressions right here in our office. You just have to sit back and relax while we do all the work.
With Smile Direct Club, you can take your own impressions at home, or if you’re close to one of their SmileShops, you can have impressions taken for you by a “dental technician”, not even a dentist or a hygienist. There is no way to ensure you have accurate impressions when you opt for Smile Direct Club.
4. Invisalign Can Address All Types of Dental Problems
One of the greatest aspects of Invisalign is how versatile treatment is. We can help most patients straighten their teeth using Invisalign. If for any reason we can’t, we can refer you for traditional braces until your teeth straighten enough for Invisalign treatment.
With Smile Direct Club, only those with minor problems are good candidates for treatment. If your problems fall into the moderate to severe categories, you will have to search for an alternative treatment (which is honestly for the best).
5. It’s Hassle-Free
When you’re working with our Rochester Invisalign dentists, you will experience a hassle-free orthodontic treatment. We ensure your impressions are taken correctly, that you receive all your aligners, and that adjustments are made to your plan as needed. If any problems pop up during your treatment, we are happy to fit you into our schedule for an appointment.
With Smile Direct Club you face the risk of receiving aligners that aren’t yours, aligners that are late, or aligners that never arrive. This can cause a delay or major changes in your treatment plan. It’s simply not worth the headache.
6. You Don’t Have To Worry About Dental Problems
Our Invisalign dentists will monitor your treatment throughout the entire process. As a result, you can avoid other dental problems that might arise. For instance, we ensure your teeth not only straighten to look beautiful but that your bite rests comfortably and in the correct position. Your bite is just as important as the appearance of your teeth.
With Smile Direct Club, a lot of problems can pop up. Some patients have finished treatment and not been able to rest their teeth correctly because their treatment ruined their bite. There are also cases where the teeth shift too incorrectly that extractions become necessary to fix the misalignments.
7. Guaranteed Results
When you opt for Invisalign from our Rochester dentists, you will know exactly what your smile will look like by the end of your treatment. We have a clear map that outlines every step of your procedure. Additionally, we will add extra aligners to your treatment plan if they’re necessary.
With Smile Direct Club, you have 30 days after completing your last set of aligners to ask for additional adjustments to your results and you will receive extra aligners only if your dentist approves it. They don’t offer a monetary changes after you’ve completed your treatment. With Smile Direct Club, there’s no real way to guarantee your results.
8. You Get What You Pay For
The last reason why you should choose Invisalign over Smile Direct Club is that you get what you pay for. Sure, Smile Direct Club costs less than Invisalign but it comes with a lot of risks. You will risk your results for one. You might end up with a smile you’re not happy with, or teeth you can’t bite together correctly. If problems arise during your treatment, there’s also not much you can do. Feel free to read through their Better Business Bureau complaints to see what problems their customers have experienced.
When you get Invisalign from our Rochester dentists, we’re here for you every step of the way. If you have a question during your treatment or need an extra checkup, we’re here for you. We want you to achieve the best results possible both during your treatment and long-term afterward.
Schedule an Invisalign Consultation in Rochester, NY Today
If you want to straighten your teeth with a qualified cosmetic dentist by your side, our Rochester dentists at Contemporary Dentistry are happy to help! Please contact our dental office at (585) 244-3337 to book a consultation. We will let you know if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign, answer your questions, and more.