On the surface, SmileDirectClub and Candid might look pretty similar. Both are clear aligner services that take advantage of teledentistry technology to streamline the treatment process. But beyond that, there are some major differences between these companies.
We’re here to help you decipher these differences and determine the features that you find most important. In this comparison review, we’ll take you on an in-depth tour of SmileDirectClub and Candid, providing all the information you need to choose the best clear aligner option for you.
Table of Contents
Overview & Recommendation
We think Candid and SmileDirectClub are both convenient alternatives to traditional orthodontic options like braces or Invisalign. With either service, you’ll receive a set of custom clear aligners that gently and incrementally move your teeth into their new positions. But they’re far from identical.
Two Great Companies, But Candid Gets Our Vote.
Why do we rank Candid higher than SmileDirectClub? Two reasons:
- Attachments and IPR: The CandidPro model gives dentists the option to use certain attachments with their treatment. These tiny shapes that sit on the surfaces of your teeth can improve aligner retentiveness and orthodontic tooth movement, according to this study. They can also administer interproximal reduction (IPR) to remove some enamel from between your teeth, making room for dental shifts.
- Two-Fold Support: Between your local dentist and Candid’s support team (accessible seven days/week via the Candid app), Candid treatment comes with an abundance of support all along the way. SmileDirectClub’s customer service is more of a mixed bag. Although they’ve recently made some improvements, we’ve heard too many stories from customers who experienced long delays or poor support when something went wrong.
Scope of Treatment Comparison
Both Candid and SmileDirectClub can correct misalignments and help you smile with confidence. Combined, they’ve been used by millions of customers, and based on their reviews, many are happy with their results. But no matter what aligner system you choose, you have to know whether they can actually handle your misalignment.
Candid Scope of Treatment
SmileDirectClub Scope of Treatment
- Treats cosmetic issues and mild-to-moderate bite concerns.
- Can shift any teeth, including molars.
- Requires virtual check-ins using the ScanBox every 14 days.
- Primarily for mild and moderate cases of crowding and spacing.
- SmileDirectClub says their aligners can move all teeth.
- Requires you to submit photos of your teeth every 90 days throughout treatment.
What Candid and SmileDirectClub Treat
Head to Candid’s website and you won’t find many details on what they are able to treat. Luckily, their partner dentists offer clarity on the matter. Based on our check of multiple dental practice websites, Candid aligners can typically address the following concerns:
- Mild-to-moderate crowding
- Snaggletooth
- Mild-to-moderate spacing
- Mild-to-moderate overbite or overjet
- Underbite
- Crossbite
Candid is a hybrid option, and this means it can use attachments, including engagers, bite ramps, and pontics. Their planning software also accounts for IPR (interproximal reduction) — the remr of a small amount of enamel to make room between the teeth. As a result, it is not just able to move all the teeth, but can even expand the arch.
According to SmileDirectClub, their aligners “are designed for minor to moderate crowding, spacing, and general alignment concerns.” They claim their aligners can treat the following conditions:
- Mild-to-moderate crowding
- Mild-to-moderate spacing
- Mild-to-moderate overbite or overjet
- Limited underbite
- Localized crossbite
Remote aligners tend to focus on the most visible teeth — the frontmost 6–8 in either arch. However, each treatment plan is unique, and in some cases, they might be able to move other teeth as well. SmileDirectClub claims that if they take on your case, their aligners will move whatever teeth need to shift. However, unlike Candid, they don’t use any attachments or IPR.
What Candid and SmileDirectClub Customers Say
We’ve had Candid customers share their experiences with us, but most of these reviews came from before the CandidPro transition — back when the company offered fully remote care. Since they’ve gone hybrid, their scope of treatment has expanded, so our reviews might not accurately reflect the system’s abilities. Most Candid reviews we’ve received are related to crowding, though reviews for overbite treatment come in second. As more people use the hybrid system, we anticipate getting additional reviews that accurately reflect how robust it can be.
Customers who have sent us SmileDirectClub reviews mostly received treatment for crowding, spacing, and overbite — and those customers typically seemed satisfied with their results. Fewer customers reported having crossbite, midline shift, underbite, overjet, or snaggletooth, and these customers gave four- and five-star reviews at a slightly lower rate.
Clinical Oversight
Traditional orthodontic care centers on office visits. These can be as frequent as every four weeks or spaced as far apart as every ten. Aside from your initial consultation, Candid replaces these in-office visits with remote monitoring, only having you come in if it’s truly necessary. Every 14 days, you use their ScanBox to take detailed photos of your smile, then upload them to their app, where Candid’s AI will analyze them. If the algorithm notices something isn’t right, it will alert your dentist so they can figure out the next steps to take.
SmileDirectClub doesn’t require check-ins as often; you just need to submit photos to their mobile app every 90 days. Based on your photos, they’ll offer feedback or make adjustments to your treatment plan if needed.
However, if you like the idea of the hybrid model Candid offers, SmileDirectClub now has a similar option, called CarePlus. It’s similar to Candid, beginning with an in-person exam with a local dentist, then continuing with regular remote check-ins. Unlike CandidPro, though, CarePlus doesn’t use attachments or IPR, so it has a similar scope of treatment to SmileDirectClub’s standard care.
Quality of Materials
Candid makes their aligners from Zendura tri-layer FLX plastic, which Zendura states retains 50+% more orthodontic force over time than some other materials. That might sound like a big claim, but certain data backs it up.
SmileDirectClub uses Comfort Sense technology for its aligners. This means they are of various thicknesses, which is designed to make it easier to adjust to wearing them. Their series starts with lighter movements before progressing to thicker, more powerful aligners.
Affordability Comparison
One of the first things many people check when considering clear aligners is their budget. Both options offer savings when compared to more comprehensive aligner options like Invisalign, yet because their treatment involves some in-person care, Candid’s price is higher than SmileDirectClub’s. But there’s more to affordability than just sticker prices.
Candid Affordability
SmileDirectClub Affordability
- $3,500+ price, depending on your dentist’s location.
- Price includes office visits, plus the CandidMonitoring service and equipment.
- You can often enroll in a financing plan through your dentist’s office.
- $2,250 sticker price ($3,900 for CarePlus)
- Charges $125 for retainers after treatment
- Impression kit is $59 (or free at a SmileShop location)
- Financing requires a down payment but no credit check (everyone is approved!)
Sticker Price
SmileDirectClub charges $2,250 for their full treatment and $3,900 for CarePlus. Candid’s price depends on your dentist’s location and rates, but it’s generally $3,500 or more. However, this cost also includes your CandidMonitoring equipment and in-person office visits.
Both of these treatments are less expensive than comprehensive in-office options, although Candid and CarePlus might be close, depending on your dentist.
Payment Plan Options
As you think about cost, you should also keep in mind how you will finance your treatment. You should be able to enroll in a financing plan with either option, but there are some key differences to note.
- SmileDirectClub’s 28-month financing plan does not require a credit check, so everyone qualifies, but it does require a $250 down payment. After that, you’ll pay $89 per month for 28 months.
- If you choose SmileDirectClub’s CarePlus, you’ll make a $500 down payment, then 28 monthly payments of $115 instead.
- Candid doesn’t offer in-house financing because your dentist will handle all of your payments. The good news is that dental offices often offer payment plans, or they can recommend a third-party financing company for you. If you’re interested in financing your treatment, ask your dentist about the terms of their plans.
Most financing plans include interest, so you’ll pay a bit extra to finance your care when you factor in the interest paid over time. If you can make it work, it’s worth it to pay up front.
Free Extras
Both companies include free whitening to accompany your aligners. Candid’s price also covers their CandidMonitoring service and the ScanBox device, which attaches to your phone to help you take photos of your teeth for the virtual check-ins. Neither standard treatment includes retainers, which you’ll need to wear for life. But if you choose CarePlus, you’ll get a two-year supply included.
We think both companies offer strong value, especially when compared to Invisalign or braces, which will typically set you back $5,000 or more.
Convenience Comparison
With a nighttime-only treatment plan and hundreds of SmileShops across the US that make it easy to get started (along with more than 1,000 dentist partners), convenience is one area where SmileDirectClub shines. Even though we think Candid is more streamlined than other treatments that incorporate in-person care, like Invisalign, this is where SmileDirectClub really goes above and beyond.
Candid Convenience
SmileDirectClub Convenience
- Has a network of 800+ dentist partners who will help you kick off your treatment during an office visit.
- Says their average treatment time is 8.5 months
- Does not offer a nighttime-only option, only the full-time, 22+ hour/day schedule.
- Allows you to use aligners and whitening products simultaneously.
- Has 100+ SmileShops for free teeth scans as an alternative to impressions. Also has 1,000+ dentist partners nationwide.
- Claims their average treatment plan length is 4–6 months.
- Offers a nighttime-only option that only requires aligner wear for ten hours per day.
- Also allows simultaneous aligner and whitening use.
Getting Started
To get started with any clear aligner treatment, you need to submit images of your teeth. How you take those images, however, varies between companies.
SmileDirectClub offers two separate options: impression kits or teeth scans. You can purchase an impression kit from their website for $59 or get a teeth scan at one of their 100+ SmileShops or 1,000+ in-network dentist partners. It’s nice that you can complete the impression kit from home, but it can also be tricky to create molds of your own teeth, so we like that SmileDirectClub offers so many in-person options where professionals can take scans for you.
The first step for Candid is scheduling an office visit with one of their network providers, much like Invisalign or ClearCorrect. They have 800+ partnering dentists nationwide who will provide an initial consultation, scan your teeth, take X-rays, and kick off your Candid treatment. Unlike SmileDirectClub’s SmileShops and dental partners, this dentist will remain involved throughout the rest of the process, and might even request that you schedule additional office visits, depending on what your case requires.
The only potential issue with Candid’s model is that it’s only available to people who live near one of their dentist partners. They’re working to expand that network, but for now, if you can’t find one of their dentists nearby, you’ll need to look into other options.
Treatment Time
Candid and SmileDirectClub don’t take nearly as long as braces or Invisalign (which can take 12–24 months). Your dentist will explain your specific Candid timeline, but they claim an average treatment length of 8.5 months. SmileDirectClub says their average treatment time is 4–6 months, but it all depends on the severity of your misalignment.
Nighttime-Only Option?
SmileDirectClub offers some customers the option to wear aligners only at night, for ten continuous hours per night rather than the typical 22. While nighttime aligners might not work as efficiently as a standard all-day plan, the option to wear aligners only at night can make treatment much easier. Plus, SmileDirectClub’s nighttime plan comes at the same price as their traditional option.
Candid is intended solely for all-day treatment. There may be a small amount of leeway here, but your dentist will most likely require you to wear your Candid aligners for at least 22 hours/day, removing them only to eat, drink, and brush.
If you don’t want to wear your aligners all day long, or would rather not go through the process of removing and replacing them to eat, you might find SmileDirectClub’s nighttime aligners a more convenient option.
Appearance Comparison
Both Candid and SmileDirectClub provide clear aligners that fit the contours of your teeth and are designed to look natural, but there are some small differences in the materials they use that impact each product’s appearance.
Candid Appearance
SmileDirectClub Appearance
- Uses frosted, textured plastic.
- Cut straight across the top.
- Sometimes incorporates attachments.
- Reasonably stain-resistant.
- Uses frosted, textured plastic.
- Trimmed to match your gum line.
- Does not incorporate attachments.
- Reasonably stain-resistant.
Aligner Material
Both companies use frosted plastic that’s slightly textured on the surface. That might seem like it would make them more noticeable, but we actually think it’s the opposite. Teeth are naturally porous, so they don’t reflect light like smooth, clear plastic would. Candid and SmileDirectClub’s aligners appear matte; which, in our opinion, makes them a better match for the surfaces of your natural teeth.
Aligner Cut
Clear aligner companies often either cut their aligners straight across the top or “scallop” them to match each unique gumline. Both Candid and SmileDirectClub let their aligners slightly overlap your gums. This overlap might be visible to people up close, but studies reviewed by our non-clinical team show that it can also improve the aligners’ force transfer.
Attachments
In some cases, fully in-person treatments like Invisalign and ClearCorrect will include small attachments affixed to the surfaces of the teeth, which help improve aligners’ retentiveness and tooth movement. However, these attachments can also make the aligners more noticeable.
SmileDirectClub doesn’t include attachments on any of their aligners. Sometimes, Candid will utilize them, but this is only when needed.
Stain Resistance
Both companies make aligners that might resist some staining, but we would not recommend drinking colored beverages while wearing them.
Patient Experience Comparison
While both companies offer comparable support options and satisfaction guarantees, we find that Candid’s in-person care and robust CandidMonitoring service help them stand out in terms of responsiveness and overall helpfulness. They still don’t offer quite the same intensiveness as more comprehensive in-office options, but in our opinion, Candid is the next best thing.
Candid Patient Experience
SmileDirectClub Patient Experience
- Offers numerous remote support platforms in addition to your dentist’s office, including video chat and their mobile app.
- Has received excellent customer reviews.
- Provides check-ins every 14 days via their CandidMonitoring service.
- Will work with you to modify your plan if you’re not satisfied.
- Offers numerous support options, including video chat and their mobile app.
- Received some negative reviews in the past, but seems to be turning it around.
- Provides virtual “Smile Check-ins” every 90 days.
- CarePlus adds an element of in-person care and video check-ins to your treatment.
- Will work to modify your plan if you’re not satisfied, plus offers a full refund within 30 days of starting treatment, and prorated refunds after that.
Support Options
Candid’s patient support is two-fold. Your dentist will provide the service, and you’ll also have access to the Candid remote care team, who can answer your questions and bring your dentist into the loop if necessary.
CandidMonitoring gives your dentist and Candid’s team the chance to review photos of your teeth every 14 days and address any issues as they arise. If anything comes up between check-ins, the most convenient way to contact their team is via live chat on the CandidApp. However, service representatives are also available by phone, chat, and email every day (including weekends) from 9am–7pm. If you reach out on social media, expect a response within 24 hours.
We don’t think SmileDirectClub’s oversight is as comprehensive as Candid’s, but they do allow you to track your progress on a mobile app and have regular virtual “Smile Check-ins” with their dental team every 90 days. But if you’ve got questions or concerns, their support team is available via phone and webchat 24/7.
Choose the CarePlus treatment and SmileDirectClub says you’ll have video check-ins with a hygienist or dental assistant every six weeks. Plus, you’ll have the option of scheduling extra in-person appointments with your partner dentist.
Responsiveness & Helpfulness
In the past, SmileDirectClub’s customer support has received mixed reviews. Many SmileDirectClub customers have expressed dissatisfaction with the level of support they received, or reported frustrating delays in aligner shipments. The volume of negative reviews and Better Business Bureau complaints accelerated around 2017 as SmileDirectClub attempted to grow its business extremely rapidly, creating inconsistencies in its customer support.
Over the past couple of years, SmileDirectClub has taken steps to improve their customer experience — most notably the implementation of their Smile Check-Ins, the CarePlus option, and their mobile app. But we still give the edge to Candid. Not only do they provide the personal touch of a dentist, but their support team also appears extremely responsive to customer requests for help or support, and we’ve encountered very few complaints in this department.
Satisfaction Guarantee
Both companies are willing to help customers that are unhappy with their results by adjusting the treatment plan and sending new aligners to get things back on track (provided the customer followed their treatment protocol).
SmileDirectClub offers a 30-day full refund window from the start of treatment — after that, they’ll issue prorated refunds for unused and unopened aligners. And their Lifetime Smile Guarantee will provide free “aligner touch-ups” afterward. This means a couple of new aligners to further straighten your teeth. To qualify, you must order two sets of retainers ($125) per year and wear them as prescribed.
If you’ve been wearing your Candid aligners as directed and completing all of your CandidMonitoring check-ins, but your teeth aren’t moving as planned, contact your dentist. The benefit of having a local dentist in the loop is that they can potentially bring you back to the office for another examination and come up with an appropriate solution.
Company Backgrounds
Candid Company Background
SmileDirectClub Company Background
- Founded in 2017.
- Second-largest home aligner company in the industry.
- Made a name for themselves through high-quality products and excellent customer service.
- Founded in 2014.
- Largest home aligner company in the industry.
- Has transformed more than two million smiles to date.
We started tracking Candid shortly after its launch in late 2017. At that time, Candid was the first serious home aligner alternative to SmileDirectClub. We were initially skeptical that Candid could truly compete with SmileDirectClub, which at that point had over 2,000 employees and had served well over one hundred thousand customers.
As SmileDirectClub’s popularity skyrocketed, they collected some customer complaints — and even though they currently offer excellent products and attentive service, that dip in customer satisfaction created an opening for Candid to stand out by emphasizing service quality and strong support.
Candid jumped in and provided solid at-home treatment, and they’ve continued that single focus on quality by incorporating hands-on care from local dentists in their CandidPro model. Candid already has tens of thousands of satisfied customers to date, and while they aren’t quite as experienced as SmileDirectClub, we think they’re making major strides forward with their hybrid treatment.
What Are Customers Saying?
When we review a company like SmileDirectClub or Candid, we start out by digging through online user reviews to understand the common issues customers face, and how the company handles them. Here’s how these two services stack up.
SmileDirectClub
Note: In June 2023, SmileDirectClub settled an action brought by the Attorney General of Washington DC alleging that the company had engaged in unfair and deceptive practices by requiring customers, as a condition for receiving refunds, to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). Learn More.
Each set of aligners seems well-made (most people don’t need to file down any rough edges or irregularities, unlike some other brands), and the treatment process is reportedly only mildly uncomfortable. Most customers report increased discomfort for the first day or two of each aligner set, especially when removing them after a long period of time. This pain subsides quickly and, for most customers, is not a major concern. A majority complete their treatment and feel satisfied with the results.
For a realistic look at the customer experience, check out the unbiased SmileDirectClub reviews we’ve gathered from users at various stages of the treatment process. Or, check out some of the video reviews our readers have submitted below!
Candid
The “CandidPro” model is so new that online reviews are virtually non-existent. That said, Candid’s fully remote treatment option long inspired rave customer reviews, which speaks to the quality of their results and customer support.
Candid has numerous honest and straightforward online reviewers who don’t appear to be sponsored by the company. The general sentiment from these reviews is that customers feel satisfied and valued.
Most customers had very few issues with their clear aligners and expressed excitement about starting and continuing their treatment. In cases where something went wrong, Candid took care of it efficiently and inspired customer satisfaction in the outcome.
In addition to the unbiased Candid reviews we’ve collected from our readers, we encourage you to check out the video reviews below to get an unbiased look at what real customers have to say. (Keep in mind that these are reviews of Candid’s old fully remote service, not the new CandidPro hybrid model).
Which Home Teeth Aligner Should You Use?
As you can see, SmileDirectClub and Candid have a lot in common, but their differences are where you want to focus when making a final decision. If you’re still not sure which clear aligner service to choose, let’s look at a couple scenarios that might help you figure out which is the better option for you.
Choose Candid if You Are:
Seeking the reassurance that comes from in-person care, paired with the ease of at-home treatment.
Choose SmileDirectClub if You Are:
More comfortable purchasing from the most well-established brand name with top-notch convenience. Bonus points if you live near a SmileShop location.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started with Candid or SmileDirectClub?
Every Candid patient begins their treatment by visiting one of their 800+ network dentists, who will provide an initial consultation and teeth scans. This dentist remains involved throughout the entire process. With SmileDirectClub, you can purchase and complete an impression kit or visit a SmileShop location for free teeth scans. You can also schedule an appointment with one of their partnering dental offices, although this dentist won’t be involved in your treatment after the initial teeth scan.
What are customers saying about Candid and SmileDirectClub?
Candid’s patients have loved their experiences with Candid’s old at-home treatment, but their CandidPro model is so new that it doesn’t have any online reviews yet. SmileDirectClub customers generally report satisfactory experiences, although some online reviews report sluggish communication and customer support.
Do Candid and SmileDirectClub offer financing plans?
You should be able to finance your treatment with either option. You’ll make payments to your dentist for Candid service, and many dentist’s offices offer in-house financing plans, or they can at least recommend a quality third-party option. SmileDirectClub’s in-house SmilePay plan doesn’t require a credit check, so everyone qualifies — you’ll just make a $250 down payment followed by 28 monthly payments of $89.
What is the cheapest clear aligner company?
AlignerCo. At just $995, their price beats every competitor we reviewed by a few hundred dollars, and sometimes they run promotions that drop it even lower. And if you can’t pay that up front, you can jump on a financing plan, regardless of your credit score. Check out our complete AlignerCo review for more info, or find other great-value options in our guide to the most affordable home aligners.
Can Candid or SmileDirectClub fix overbite, underbite, etc.?
Sometimes. These clear aligners are designed to treat mild and moderate cases of crowding and spacing. Most often, jaw misalignments require a more comprehensive treatment like braces or Invisalign. Candid, however, can incorporate attachments, which may increase its ability to correct certain bite issues.
How do Candid and SmileDirectClub compare to Invisalign?
Both services use a series of clear aligners to shift your teeth. The main difference is that Invisalign requires you to attend office visits every 4–10 weeks for your entire treatment. Candid provides an office visit to begin treatment and remote oversight throughout, while SmileDirectClub doesn’t require any in-person care. Take a look at our SmileDirectClub vs. Invisalign and Candid vs. Invisalign guides for a deeper analysis.
How long does at-home aligner treatment take?
Most at-home aligner companies claim an average treatment plan length of about six months. Your timeline could be shorter or longer, though, depending on your condition’s severity and how consistently you wear your aligners.
What other options should I consider?
Byte, AlignerCo, and NewSmile are all worth a look. Each one has its own advantages. Byte includes their proprietary HyperByte device which they say can make treatment more comfortable, AlignerCo offers the lowest prices, and we think NewSmile is also affordable. Read through our guide to the top 5 home aligner companies for more on each option.
How much do home aligners cost?
It depends on which company you choose. AlignerCo, for example, has cut out the bells and whistles to provide treatment at just $995, while Byte and SmileDirectClub are a bit more. Candid’s hybrid model often costs $3,500+, which is still slightly less than the average costs of Invisalign or braces.
Does insurance cover home aligners?
Sometimes, but not often. Many insurance providers don’t cover cosmetic treatments, which includes home aligners. If your plan includes orthodontic benefits, though, you might receive a partial reimbursement. The only way to know for sure is to contact your provider directly.
Are home aligners safe?
At-home clear aligner treatment plans are always designed and/or approved by a licensed dentist or orthodontist — as long as you’re buying from a legitimate clear aligner service.
The main concern regarding the safety of fully-remote clear aligner treatment is the lack of face-to-face care. Since you won’t be seeing a dentist in-person during treatment, you won’t receive the same level of support that you’d get with traditional in-office aligners like Invisalign or ClearCorrect. That said, a recent NIH-funded survey found the majority of at-home aligner customers were satisfied with their results, and only 6.6% experienced side effects necessitating a visit to their local dentist.
Read our guide to safe home teeth straightening treatment for more information.
Do home aligners hurt?
When you switch to a new aligner set every two weeks, you might experience some discomfort for the first day or two, but after that, you’ll hardly notice them.
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