This is it. You’ve made the decision. You’re going to commit to teeth-straightening treatment, and you’ve got Candid clear aligners in your sights. But saying you’re starting Candid treatment and actually doing it are two different things!
Diving into any orthodontic treatment can be intimidating, especially one that starts with a trip to the dentist. But fear not — Candid providers make the entire process simple, easy, and reassuring. And we’ve laid out the entire startup process for you, so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
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What To Know Before Getting Started
Candid straddles the line between in-office and at-home care, but ultimately, your treatment is facilitated by a local dentist. You’ll need to visit one of their providers — licensed dentists trained to offer Candid — to kick things off.
After that initial appointment, you’ll use their CandidMonitoring system to upload photos of your teeth every 14 days. Your dentist and Candid’s team will receive these photos and collaborate to ensure that you’re progressing as planned. If they notice that anything looks seriously off, they can request that you return to the office for another examination.
This process is more streamlined than other traditional in-office options like Invisalign or ClearCorrect, which require office visits every 4-6 weeks. Yet it’s more robust than at-home aligner services like Byte and SmileDirectClub, which don’t require any in-person care.
Each individual dentist sets their own rates for Candid, so there’s no standard price. Typically, though, it costs around $3,500 or more, depending on your dentist’s location and a variety of other factors. It’s best-suited for mild and moderate misalignments, so if you have a severe case or a bite issue, you might need a more comprehensive in-office treatment instead.
If all of this sounds perfect for you, take a look at our full in-depth Candid review to determine if it’s the best option for your smile.
Finding a Candid Provider
You can’t start Candid treatment without a provider. These are licensed dentists who have been trained in how to administer Candid treatment. There are more than 200 across the US, and you can find a complete list on Candid’s website.
Once you find one near you, click “Book Now,” which will direct you to a page that shows their address, Google reviews, and phone number. From there, simply call the office and ask about their availability, then schedule an appointment for a time and date that works for you.
If you can’t find a provider nearby, you might need to look into other treatment options. Their network is expanding quickly, though, so if you’re set on Candid, a provider might pop up near you soon.
Your Initial Office Visit
The day of your appointment has arrived, and you might be wondering what to expect. At this first office visit, your dentist will examine your teeth, take dental X-rays and scans, and answer any questions you might have about Candid treatment. It’s quick and painless—the whole appointment generally takes around half an hour.
Your dentist will send your information and teeth scans to Candid’s team, who will use them to determine if you’re a good fit for treatment and if so, design your aligner plan. They’ll send this plan to your dentist, who will review it and sign off. And if you think it’s the right option for you, you’ll give the go-ahead and Candid will begin manufacturing your aligners.
Before Moving Forward: Is Candid Right For You?
You found a provider, attended your initial consultation, and thought long and hard about Candid treatment. Now it’s the moment of truth. Do you go for it or not?
There’s no obligation to continue, so you can back out, even if you’ve already had your consultation. Just remember that your dentist’s time isn’t free, so you might be charged for that office visit.
If you choose to move forward with Candid treatment, you’ll need to determine how you’re going to pay for it. Not many people will want to pay the $3,500+ all at once, so ask your dentist about financing plans. Some offices have in-house plans, while others partner with outside companies to provide financing. If your dentist doesn’t offer any payment plans, you can look into third-party companies like CareCredit and BeWell.
Most patients only require one initial consultation, but your dentist doesn’t jump ship after that. They’ll be involved from start to finish. Candid only takes 3-4 weeks to manufacture and send your aligners, and after you begin wearing them, you’ll have virtual check-ins every two weeks. For each check-in, you’ll use a device called the ScanBox — which is included in your Candid price — and Candid’s mobile app to upload photos of your teeth.
These photos go to your dentist and Candid’s team, who will evaluate your progress and bring you in for additional office visits if necessary.
Final Thoughts
Candid is a great choice for anyone who wants the reassurance of some in-person care, complemented by the convenience of remote monitoring. Yet there are plenty of teeth-straightening options out there, each one conducive for particular conditions, budgets, and smile priorities.
Maybe you’re sold on Candid and already in touch with a local dentist. Or maybe you’re still surveying your options. Either way, be sure to thoroughly research each treatment before diving in. That way, you’ll be ready to start your smile journey with complete confidence.
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