Smile Prep | Smile Comfortably

The 3 Most Convenient Clear Aligners

Last updated on November 19, 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).
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Dental Bonding: The Right Option for Your Teeth?

Last updated on October 30, 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 1, 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.

The 3 Most Affordable Clear Aligners

Last updated on November 1, 2019

Cost has always been an obstacle for adults seeking straighter smiles. Traditional treatments like braces and Invisalign are a considerable expense, and dental insurance doesn’t always cover cosmetic corrections. But the rise of at-home clear aligner systems with flexible financing options has changed the game, making treatment much more affordable and accessible.

If you’ve already done some research on home teeth aligners, you may have noticed some variation in sticker price from provider to provider. This upfront cost is important, but there are multiple aspects to consider beyond the initial price, like what that cost includes, financing options, refund policies, and more.

Since there’s so many clear aligners on the market today, to keep things concise we’ve created a shortlist of the top 3 most affordable options available. However, if you want a broad view of all your clear aligner options, we encourage you to read on as we discuss what the other providers have to offer (and why they didn’t make the top 3).

Best Nighttime Teeth Aligners: Reviewed & Ranked

Last updated on November 1, 2019

There’s no question that young adults today lead busy lives — it’s one thing after the next, from work to family to social commitments. When your calendar is as packed as your to-do list, wearing clear aligners all day long and removing them every time you eat and drink might seem like a tall order. This is why, to make treatment even more convenient, both SmileDirectClub and byte have recently developed aligner plans that only require nighttime usage.

That’s right. As opposed to the 22+ hours per day you need to wear standard aligners, you’re only required to wear nighttime aligners 10 hours per day, ideally while you sleep. At first glance, you might be thinking “sign me up.” But before you commit, it’s important to evaluate your options to determine whether nighttime aligners are a good option for you. And if so, you’ll need to figure out whether you prefer SmileDirectClub or byte. Fortunately, this guide has all the information you need to make your decision.
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Self-Ligating Braces: Better Than Traditional Braces?

Last updated on November 1, 2019

When you think of braces, traditional metal brackets with rubber bands are likely what comes to mind. In reality, there are a few different types of braces, each with their own unique advantages and disadvantages. Self-ligating braces have been gaining popularity over the years because they tend to cause less discomfort and require fewer visits to the orthodontist. They can also treat many of the same issues as traditional braces, including most cases of spacing and crowding.

If you’ve been considering self-ligating braces, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of self-ligating braces, compare and contrast them with traditional braces, and provide some alternative options in case braces aren’t right for you.

Get happy with your teeth.