If you are interested in clear braces, you may be trying to decide between Invisalign and a DIY option like Smile Direct Club. While the latter seems to offer the same results for increased convenience, Invisalign is a better investment in your smile. Keep reading to learn the top 4 reasons why this option is the smarter choice.

#1: DIY Options – Not as Cheap as They Seem

Smile Direct Club, one popular at-home braces option, can be tempting to some due to its seemingly cheaper cost of treatment, which is advertised as $2,000 compared to Invisalign’s $5,000. However, remember that the $2,000 is the starting cost – it doesn’t include any extra expenses that may come up if you damage or lose an aligner, or if you need a dental appointment along the way. The Invisalign cost typically includes those necessary dental visits. 

#2: A Dentist Supervises Your Invisalign Treatment

Speaking of dental visits, you want a qualified dentist or orthodontist closely supervising your treatment. Smile Direct Club relies on you to alert the remote dentist if you notice an issue or complication and send in photos for their diagnosis and treatment. This can, unfortunately, cause delays in treatment or less than desirable overall results. 

#3: The ADA Discourages Use of DIY Orthodontics

Perhaps the most concerning mark against Smile Direct Club and other DIY options is that the ADA, or American Dental Association, has come out to strongly discourage the use of do-it-yourself orthodontics and actually filed a complaint against Smile Direct Club. 

#4: Complex Cases Need Not Apply

And finally, DIY orthodontics just can’t achieve the results that Invisalign can. Patients with more complex cases – like severe overbite, underbite, crossbite, or tooth crowding – won’t even be able to use Smile Direct Club or other options at all. 

To wrap it up, there seem to be several advantages of Invisalign, but on closer inspection Invisalign is the clear winner. Because your smile is not a place you want to be cutting corners! 

Meet the Dentist

Dr. James Olsen is an Ann Arbor native and started his practice here with just one operatory and one employee after graduating dental school in 1988. Since then, he’s grown his practice to meet the needs of a growing community and is pleased to offer patients of all ages a comprehensive list of dental services, including Invisalign. To learn more about clear aligners in Ann Arbor, including whether or not you are a good candidate, please contact Dr. Olsen by phone at (734) 996-0200.