What’s the difference between Candid clear aligners and braces?
By: Callie Baker
It’s no secret that there are now more ways than ever to straighten your teeth. While braces are still generally considered the only way to straighten your teeth, clear aligner brands like Candid are shaking things up in the orthodontic world by offering a clear alternative to the metal wires we all know and fear.
How does the Candid experience differ from traditional braces? Here’s how they stack up.
Price
Candid aligners cost $1,900 total. That price is fixed and doesn’t increase based on the length of your treatment. Plus, it gets you more than just aligners — you’ll also receive their premium whitening foam for free.
The cost of braces, on the other hand, is determined by the dentist or orthodontist prescribing them. That means they can charge whatever they choose, which usually comes out to $5,000+ depending on how long your treatment is.
Look and feel
Wearing metal braces as an adult can be a hard pill to swallow. One of the biggest and most obvious advantages of Candid is that the aligners are completely clear, so you can smile without feeling self-conscious.
Beyond aesthetics, Candid clear aligners are made of a smooth, durable plastic that won’t cut up your cheeks and gums when you wear them.
Wearability
Pass the popcorn! Unlike metal braces, you can take clear aligners out while you eat, so you don’t have to skip out on the foods you love.
Even better, without the constant obstruction of metal wires, you can give your teeth a thorough brush before you put your aligners back in.
Convenience
On average, you’ll visit the dentist around 18–24 times throughout treatment with braces to have them manually tightened and adjusted (ouch!).
Depending on whether you opt for Candid’s at-home approach (get a starter kit here) or visit one of their Candid Studios (see if there’s one near you), you can bank on either no appointments at all or one 30-minute visit throughout your entire treatment.
Commitment
Before you even commit to treatment, Candid’s orthodontists will create an interactive model of how your teeth will move into place over the course of treatment. This is something you won’t often get to see in the dental office. Imagine making that big of an investment without knowing what you’re getting!
