Smile Prep | Smile Comfortably

The 4 Best Looking Clear Aligners

Last updated on November 25, 2019

When it comes to adult orthodontic treatment, there’s a general consensus: the less visible, the better. Crowded, spaced, or otherwise misaligned teeth might have you feeling less than 100% comfortable with your smile, but the idea of wearing metal braces might seem like a high price to pay. Luckily, the days of traditional braces as the only avenue to straighter teeth are no longer. Today, many adults opt to straighten their teeth using discreet, removable clear aligners.

If you did some research before arriving at this guide, you’re probably aware that there are a variety of clear aligners out there today — from in-office options like Invisalign to at-home aligner systems like SmileDirectClub. And if appearance is at the top of your priority list, you’re probably wondering: which clear aligner is truly the least noticeable?

While every brand claims their aligners are the most discreet, in reality there’s no objective “best-looking” aligner. Not everyone agrees whether shiny or frosted plastic looks best, or whether a scalloped or straight cut is less noticeable.

Still, there’s no denying that these various aligners contain subtle aesthetic differences, and we have a few recommendations for which ones we think look the best. To keep things concise, we’ve created a shortlist of the 4 best-looking clear aligners available. If you want a broad view of all your options, we encourage you to read on as we discuss what other providers have to offer and why they didn’t make the top 4.

The 3 Most Effective Clear Aligners

Last updated on November 25, 2019

When Invisalign first hit the orthodontic scene over 20 years ago, many people were skeptical about its ability to produce comparable dental transformations to traditional braces. But over the years, the skeptics have fallen by the wayside. Clear aligners have proven to be an effective and reliable treatment option for a range of dental concerns.

Today, clear aligner treatment is more diverse and accessible than ever. The rise of at-home aligner systems has made it possible for adults to transform their smiles for a fraction of the cost of Invisalign, and without a single visit to the dentist. Still, Invisalign and other in-office clear aligners maintain a well-deserved place in the market — largely due to their ability to treat a wide range of dental misalignments.

So the question remains: with all the clear aligners available today, which is the most effective option for me?

There’s a lot to consider, but don’t worry. We’ll break it down brand-by-brand, and outline the 3 most effective clear aligners based on the unique details of their service offerings. If you want a broad view of all your options, we encourage you to read on as we discuss what other providers have to offer and why they didn’t make the top 3.

The 3 Most Convenient Clear Aligners

Last updated on November 25, 2019

Every aspect of modern life is trending toward convenience, and the orthodontic industry is no exception. 20 years ago, a company called Align Tech came out with a more comfortable and convenient alternative to traditional braces, which we all know today as Invisalign. Even more recently, at-home aligner companies like SmileDirectClub have taken the meaning of convenience to the next level, allowing users to straighten their teeth from the comfort of their own homes.

Historically, many adults have avoided orthodontic treatment because they didn’t have the time or energy to pursue traditional treatment options. To eliminate this obstacle, modern clear aligner companies strive to make treatment easy and approachable for everyone — no matter how jam-packed your schedule may be.

Every provider has its own perks, but when it comes to convenience, some undoubtedly win out over others. In this review, we’ll discuss the 3 most convenient clear aligners on the market, and dive into the unique perks each one offers. If you want a broad view of all your clear aligner options, we encourage you to read on as we discuss what other providers have to offer (and why they didn’t make the top 3).
[Read more…] about The 3 Most Convenient Clear Aligners

DIY Orthodontics: Is It Safe?

Last updated on November 25, 2019

Until about 20 years ago, there were very few options for adult orthodontic treatment besides braces. Thanks to recent innovations in dental technology, there are now more options than ever — some of which don’t even require a single trip to the dentist. We’re talking about home teeth aligner providers like SmileDirectClub, which allow adults to get professional, remote dental care for a fraction of the price of traditional braces.

Even so, some people are still searching for more affordable options, and a new trend has emerged in the form of “DIY Orthodontics.” In 2016, a design student from New Jersey named Amos Dudley made waves in the dental community by creating his own clear aligners and successfully straightening his teeth. While this outwardly amazing success story may make DIY orthodontics seem very tempting, it’s far from a viable alternative to professional treatment.

In this guide, we’ll discuss what DIY orthodontics is, whether or not it’s safe (hint: it’s not!), and the differences between “DIY orthodontics” and home teeth aligners.
[Read more…] about DIY Orthodontics: Is It Safe?

Dental Bonding: The Right Option for Your Teeth?

Last updated on November 25, 2019

When you think of cosmetic dentistry, some unpleasant things might come to mind: high costs, painful procedures, and lengthy treatment times. But fortunately, not all cosmetic treatments come with these negatives attached.

Although you may not have heard much about it, bonding is a very common and affordable cosmetic dental procedure. Typically used for minor chips or spacing between teeth, bonding is also very quick and virtually painless. In this guide, we’ll discuss how dental bonding works, the issues it can (and cannot) treat, and some alternative treatment options in case bonding isn’t right for you.

Veneers: The Right Option for Your Teeth?

Last updated on November 25, 2019

For people who are seeking a fast smile makeover, veneers are a premier choice. Often capable of providing the classic “Hollywood Smile,” veneers were previously a treatment seen as inaccessible to the general public. Luckily, this is no longer true. Through payment plans and new financing programs, veneers have become a realistic option for most people.

However, veneers are by no means the right fit for everyone. In this guide, we’ll discuss what the process of getting veneers involves, the major pros and cons of veneers, and some alternate treatment options in case veneers aren’t the right fit for your teeth.

Get happy with your teeth.