Invisible dental aligners have transformed the way many people approach teeth straightening. Rather than wearing bulky metal braces, patients can opt for a series of clear plastic trays that gradually shift teeth into better alignment. The idea sounds simple, but the reality involves systems, technology, and care pathways that differ from one provider to another. In this overview, we explore how invisible aligners work, what to expect during treatment, and how some of the leading providers compare on price, service model, and results.
The basic concept behind clear aligners is progression. A patient completes an initial assessment to determine candidacy, usually with a licensed dentist or orthodontist. Digital scans or high quality impressions capture the current position of the teeth, and a personalized treatment plan maps out the movements needed to reach the target alignment. The provider then fabricates a set of aligners tailored to that plan. Each aligner is worn for a prescribed period—typically a couple of weeks—before moving to the next aligner in the sequence. Throughout treatment, patients switch trays on schedule and visit or communicate with their clinician at intervals to ensure progress and address any concerns.
Not all misalignments are equally suited to aligners. Mild to moderate issues such as small crowding, gaps, or minor rotations are commonly treated with aligners. More complex bite problems, significant tooth movement, or skeletal discrepancies may require traditional braces or additional orthodontic interventions. A crucial part of choosing aligners is understanding the level of supervision you’ll receive. Some models emphasize remote monitoring with occasional in-person visits, while others rely on in-office care with a bundled plan. It’s important to ask how adjustments, emergencies, or plateaus are handled, and what happens if the planned movement cannot be achieved with aligners alone.
Across the market, several leading providers shape the experience differently. Invisalign, often regarded as the benchmark, operates through a broad network of trained providers and advanced digital workflows. The system emphasizes a high standard of clinical oversight, with many patients starting in a dental or orthodontic office that uses proprietary scanning technology. Outcomes tend to reflect the strength of the clinical team and the precision of the treatment plan, and the price point generally runs higher in part due to brand recognition and the depth of the clinical network.
SmileDirectClub represents a more consumer-direct approach. The model centers on lower upfront costs and greater convenience, with options for at-home impression kits or scanning at partner locations. Treatment plans are designed to be accessible without requiring frequent office visits. Because the model emphasizes direct consumer access, there is often less initial in-person supervision, with progress checks delivered through telecommunication channels. For some patients, this can be a faster, more affordable route; for others, it may mean additional oversight challenges if complex adjustments become necessary.
Candid aligns a tele-dentistry framework with professional oversight. The emphasis here is to combine remote monitoring with the discipline of an orthodontist guided plan. This can feel like a middle ground between fully in-person care and direct-to-consumer models. Patients typically submit scans or impressions, and an assigned orthodontist reviews progress and provides guidance via a patient portal. The pricing tends to balance affordability with the assurance of ongoing professional input, which can comfort those wary of entirely self-managed treatment.
