After their introduction in the late 90s, clear aligners took the orthodontic industry by storm. Adults who weren’t interested in metal wires and brackets suddenly had other options. Today, the industry is booming with new companies, like ClearCorrect and Candid.
On the surface, it might seem like these two offer similar products. They both administer clear aligners via in-person visits with a local dentist. But look a bit closer — you’ll find some major differences between Candid’s hybrid of in-office and at-home care and ClearCorrect’s traditional model. If you’re deciding between these two companies, this is your go-to guide.
Table of Contents
Company Overviews
One of the first clear aligner companies to hit the market, ClearCorrect was more or less a product of necessity. In 2006, Dr. Willis Pumphrey had nearly 400 patients that needed to complete their aligner treatment, but no manufacturer. So, he started making them himself. Now, ClearCorrect is among the nation’s largest clear aligner producers and partners with tens of thousands of dentists around the globe to transform smiles.
More than ten years after ClearCorrect entered the scene, Candid began their home aligner journey. With a former Lyft executive at the helm, Candid sought to bring the convenience of ride-sharing to orthodontic treatment without sacrificing quality. They designed an at-home aligner system that has, since then, evolved into a unique hybrid of in-person and remote clear aligner treatment. Today, they’re one of the largest clear aligner producers on the market.
ClearCorrect can treat just about any misalignment you throw at it, but it also requires regular office visits with your provider throughout the average 12-18-month timeline. While reassuring, these routine office visits can also be inconvenient, especially if your schedule is already packed.
We think Candid’s model is more streamlined. You’ll get some in-person care from a local provider, but that dentist — in collaboration with Candid’s team — will oversee much of your treatment remotely. On average, Candid says the whole process generally lasts 8.5 months. It often costs slightly less than ClearCorrect, but Candid is designed to correct milder cases, so it might not be a viable option for everyone.
Our Review Methodology
Smile Prep’s reviews are prepared and presented from the perspective of a well-informed consumer. Our starting point for all of our reviews is a careful survey of a company’s marketing claims and available third party customer reviews. We rely on the accuracy of company claims and do not independently verify them. Our reviews use this information to help our readers get information about the available options in a centralized location. You can learn more about our review process by checking out our publishing principles.
Scope of Treatment Comparison
We think Candid and ClearCorrect are two excellent options for adults looking to correct their misalignments and smile with confidence. Together, they’ve corrected millions of smiles. And when you look at online reviews, many customers seem thrilled with their results. But with either company, to see success, your case needs to fall within their scope of treatment.
Candid Treatment Scope
ClearCorrect Treatment Scope
- Treats cosmetic issues and mild-to-moderate bite concerns.
- Can alter the position of all teeth, including molars.
- Requires virtual check-ins using the ScanBox and CandidApp every 14 days.
- Treats all classes of malocclusions, including many skeletal components.
- Can move all of the teeth, including the molars.
- Requires in-person check-ins around every 4–10 weeks.
What Candid and ClearCorrect Treat
Candid doesn’t offer many details on its treatment scope; they leave that up to their dentists. Based on 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
ClearCorrect’s treatment scope depends on which of their six treatment plans your dentist chooses. They state the Flex, Mini, and One plans are all for mild or aesthetic corrections, Two is for moderate cases, Three for moderate-to-severe ones, and Unlimited for the most severe cases they can handle.
Among the types of misalignments ClearCorrect can treat are:
- Crowding
- Gaps
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
- Snaggletooth
- Midline misalignment
Candid recently updated their planning software to allow dentists to plan for attachments, like engagers, bite ramps, and pontics. Their planning software also accounts for IPR (interproximal reduction) — the removal of a small amount of enamel to make room between the teeth. ClearCorrect has always incorporated the same things, plus it can move all the teeth and expand the arch, just like Candid. However, it can make more complex movements thanks to its more consistent in-person care and longer average timeframe.
What Candid and ClearCorrect Customers Say
ClearCorrect has a case gallery where you can see some of their results and featured patient success stories showing both simple and complex cases. However, we suggest you browse more than that — at least some of the unsponsored reviews on YouTube. These usually align with the company’s claims, but it’s always a good idea to see what independent reviewers are saying.
Candid has plenty of online reviews, including some on our site. Just one issue — most come from before their transition to hybrid care, and well before the recent addition of attachments. This means they don’t accurately reflect the current scope of treatment the company offers. As more people use the system, we expect to get reviews that accurately reflect what Candid can truly do.
Clinical Oversight
Traditional orthodontic care builds its foundation on office visits. ClearCorrect and Candid both have them, but with ClearCorrect, you see your dentist around every 4–10 weeks. With Candid, you might need just two appointments — one to start treatment and one to wrap it up. Instead of checking in at the office, you do it using their ScanBox to upload photos of your smile every 14 days.
Candid’s AI analyzes your progress and alerts your dentist if something seems wrong, in which case, you might need additional office visits. Some research suggests this type of remote monitoring can provide accurate assessments of tooth movement, but we still don’t think it’s as robust as in-person care.
Quality of Materials
Aligners can use attachments to generate extra force, but they get the majority of their strength from their plastic. Candid uses Zendura tri-layer FLX. Zendura states this plastic retains 50+% more orthodontic force over time than some other materials. ClearCorrect uses a proprietary tri-layer plastic, called ClearQuartz, and it appears somewhat similar to FLX.
Affordability Comparison
You want a high-quality treatment, but not one that’s going to land you in a tough financial position. Whether you choose Candid, ClearCorrect, or any other orthodontic treatment, you’re making an investment. Both of these treatments are somewhat pricey up front, but affordability is multifaceted, so you’ll also want to consider financing, insurance coverage, and more.
Candid Affordability
ClearCorrect Affordability
- Generally costs $3,500+, depending on your dentist.
- Aftercare retainers cost $99.
- Financing plans run through your dentist and may require a credit check or down payment.
- Insurance may cover treatment, depending on your dentist and plan.
- No set sticker price, but the average cost is $3,000–$6,000, depending on your plan.
- Aftercare retainers can cost anywhere from $100–$300, depending on the dentist.
- Providers may offer in-house payment plans.
- Insurance may cover treatment, depending on your dentist and plan.
Sticker Price
You won’t find a standard price online for either of these companies, because each provider sets their own rates. Candid’s prices are usually around $3,500 or more, depending on your dentist’s location.
For ClearCorrect, you can expect to pay $4,000–$6,000 for their standard treatment. For milder cases, ClearCorrect offers a few alternate plans. Their Mini plan gives you 12 aligners, the One plan gives you up to 24, Two provides up to 48, and Three includes up to 72. Plus, they have a more flexible alternative appropriately named Flex, where you pay per aligner. So, if your condition requires very few aligners, and your dentist determines your case is suitable for one of the shorter plans, you could end up saving quite a bit.
What About Insurance?
Some insurance companies won’t cover minor orthodontic treatment because they consider it cosmetic rather than medically necessary. But there’s still a chance you could receive partial coverage for your aligner costs, though it all depends on your specific plan.
Dental offices can accept insurance payments directly, so you won’t be drowning in paperwork with either option. If you have orthodontic benefits, you might be eligible for coverage. The only way to know for sure is to consult your dentist and contact your insurance provider.
Financing Options
Insurance doesn’t always cover orthodontic treatment, and you might not have thousands of dollars lying around. But don’t worry, because you could receive financing for either treatment. Since you’re paying your dentist directly for Candid or ClearCorrect, you’ll also go to them for financing. Some dental offices have in-house payment plans and others partner with outside companies.
On the off chance they don’t have any available plans, you can always go to a third-party company. Just know that these plans often have high-interest rates, so you could end up paying a lot more in the long run.
Convenience Comparison
Any kind of orthodontic treatment takes time and dedication. If you already have a lengthy to-do list, this can seem like one too many commitments. Fitting in treatment between your work, family, and social responsibilities might be intimidating, but clear aligners can actually be fairly convenient. While ClearCorrect offers some advantages, we think Candid’s hybrid model, which incorporates remote monitoring, is more streamlined.
Candid Convenience
ClearCorrect Convenience
- Requires an office visit with one of their 800+ providers to get started.
- After your initial office visit, you’ll submit photos of your teeth via the CandidApp every 14 days.
- Advertised average treatment time is 8.5 months.
- An in-person consultation with a dentist is required to get started, including digital scans and photos.
- You’ll schedule office visits around every 4–10 weeks so your dentist can monitor your progress and provide new aligner sets.
- Average treatment time is twelve months, but the Mini, One, Two, Three, and Flex plans could take just a few months.
Getting Started
The first step on your teeth straightening journey can sometimes be the hardest. This isn’t just because it’s a big commitment, but also because the startup procedures aren’t always user-friendly.
Fortunately, you’ll start your Candid or ClearCorrect treatment in the dentist’s chair, where they’ll examine your teeth, take X-rays and teeth scans, answer your questions, and tell you what to expect.
Compared to at-home aligner services like Byte and AlignerCo, which allow you to make molds of your teeth at home using an impression kit, an in-person consultation might seem inconvenient. But making impressions of your teeth can be difficult, and a professional teeth scan ensures that Candid or Invisalign typically gets accurate dental images the first time, avoiding the potential frustration of purchasing and mailing out multiple impression kits.
The Office Visit Trade-Off
Office visits serve an important purpose. They allow your dentist to carefully oversee and modify your treatment and utilize attachments, broadening the scope of treatment. However, they also take time out of your already busy schedule.
But Candid aims to combine the wider scope of treatment you get with in-person care with the convenience of at-home aligner plans. After your initial appointment, you’ll complete your treatment remotely, checking in via the CandidApp so that your dentist and Candid’s team can monitor your progress and make adjustments as necessary. And if they spot something that could spell trouble, they might request additional office visits. We think that’s a more streamlined process than ClearCorrect’s regular appointments, which require you to travel to and from the office every 4–10 weeks on average.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
This is one of the most common questions we hear. That’s because adults sometimes pursue teeth straightening treatment for a specific occasion, like a wedding, graduation, or another event. If this describes you, compare the treatment timeline with your calendar to see if it can deliver your desired results in time.
Candid says their average treatment timeline is 8.5 months, and ClearCorrect typically takes 12–18. Your timeline ultimately depends on the severity of your condition, and it might fall outside those ranges, but most of the time, this is what you can expect.
Appearance Comparison
While all clear aligner companies excel at producing discreet treatment options, each has added its own unique twists in an effort to make them even less intrusive. Different customers have different tastes and aesthetic preferences, so the answer to which aligners are “best looking” will vary depending on who you ask. As you examine ClearCorrect and Candid aligners, consider your own preferences to help you decide which brand you’ll find better looking.
Candid Appearance
ClearCorrect Appearance
- Uses a frosted, textured plastic.
- Cut their aligners straight across to make them more powerful, but they may be more visible.
- Reasonably stain resistant.
- Sometimes incorporates attachments, which increases visibility.
- Aligners are slightly opaque.
- Cut their aligners straight across to make them more powerful, but they may be more visible.
- Reasonably stain-resistant.
- Elastics and attachments can make aligners more visible.
Aligner Material
Some aligner companies produce smooth, translucent aligners, and others make frosted, textured ones. You might think that the translucent aligners are less visible, but in our opinion, that’s not actually the case. Because your teeth are covered in tiny pores, they have a naturally matte appearance. Frosted, textured aligners are designed to mimic this appearance, so we think they blend in slightly better than smooth clear aligners, which can be reflective and look artificially shiny. Both Candid and ClearCorrect produce frosted aligners, so we think either one will look natural on your teeth.
Still, that’s just one opinion. Some customers like translucent aligners better because they like the “gleam” it gives their teeth.
Aligner Cut
Much like aligner materials, companies use two primary methods for trimming their aligners: straight across the top and scalloped along the gum line. Candid and ClearCorrect both use a straight cut that slightly overlaps the gums. A straight cut can give the aligners improved force transfer, according to a 2022 study reviewed by our non-clinical team, but we think it can also be more visible than aligners that match the gum line.
Additional Dental Appliances
ClearCorrect and Candid can treat a wide variety of conditions, including bite issues. But the added versatility could come at a cost. To treat more significant tooth and jaw misalignments, your dentist may employ supplemental attachments. These will make your aligners slightly more visible since they’re adding to the amount of hardware on your teeth.
Patient Experience Comparison
You probably have a clear vision of how your clear aligner treatment will begin and end. But what happens in between? That’s the meat of the deal, the nitty-gritty, the day-in-day-out treatment. And how your provider handles it can make or break the experience. Customer service, oversight, refund policies, and more all contribute to your total patient experience.
Although the quality of care can vary between practices, we think in-person options are typically highly personalized and supportive. Candid’s hybrid model provides pretty robust remote oversight, but as a fully in-person treatment, we think ClearCorrect’s frequent in-person oversight and hands-on care are tough to beat.
Candid Patient Experience
ClearCorrect Patient Experience
- Aside from your dentist’s office, they offer numerous support platforms, including video chat and their mobile app.
- Patient support appears to be a high priority, and we’ve found very few negative reviews or complaints.
- Provides virtual check-ins every 14 days via their CandidMonitoring service.
- Does not offer refunds, and refinements are up to your dentist.
- Your dentist’s office functions as your primary customer support contact.
- You have the option of speaking with your dentist in-person.
- Office visits allow your dentist to monitor your progress in person.
- Refinements don’t typically cost extra. Refunds depend on the office.
Customer Service
During ClearCorrect treatment, your dentist or orthodontist’s office functions as your primary customer support contact, so you’ll need to check their contact channels and availability. This gives you direct access to the person who’s managing your care.
Candid’s patient support is two-fold. Your dentist will provide the service, and you’ll also have near-constant 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, we think the most convenient way to contact their team is via live chat on the CandidApp. However, support representatives are also available by phone, chat, and email every day (including weekends) from 9am to 7pm.
Working through your dentist’s office for either treatment gives you a personal contact who knows you and your teeth, and can quickly address your questions. And if you have serious concerns, you have the reassurance that your dentist can request additional office visits to get you back on track.
Oversight
As part of their hybrid model, some of Candid’s treatment happens at home. But that doesn’t mean you’re on your own. Using the CandidMonitoring service, you’ll submit photos of your teeth via the CandidApp every 14 days. Both your dentist and Candid’s team will have access to these photos, and they can adjust your treatment and schedule accordingly.
During ClearCorrect treatment, you’ll typically visit your dentist or orthodontist every 4–10 weeks, giving them a chance to physically assess your smile and have in-person conversations about your questions and concerns. Candid’s remote monitoring is slightly less intensive, but it’s also more frequent. For every one office visit you have with ClearCorrect, you’ll have two or three CandidMonitoring check-ins.
Warranty & Refund Policies
If you’re someone who imagines worst-case scenarios, you might be wondering what will happen if your treatment doesn’t go as planned. Let’s say you’re four months into your aligner plan and simply not seeing the progress you expected.
Here’s the good news: since both treatments involve regular oversight and are administered by a dentist, they can make course corrections mid-treatment to help ensure that you stay on track, so many people end up satisfied with their smiles. But if something goes wrong or you’re unhappy with your results, any refunds or additional aligners (AKA refinements) are at the discretion of your dentist.
If you end up needing refinements, you won’t have to pay for them as long as you’re on ClearCorrect’s Unlimited plan. If you’re on one of the other plans, you’ll likely need to pay an extra fee. With Candid, refinement fees are up to your specific dentist.
Which Should You Choose?
Once again, we think both companies offer quality clear aligner treatment services. Neither one is clearly or inherently better than the other. Rather, each one has its own strengths and each excels in different circumstances. So, your decision should be based on your unique condition, goals, and expectations.
Who Should Choose Candid?
If you’re seeking the reassurance that comes from in-person care, paired with the ease of at-home treatment, Candid could be a good option.
Who Should Choose ClearCorrect?
If you’re dealing with severe misalignment, or you want to see your dentist face to face throughout treatment, ClearCorrect might be a better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I choose ClearCorrect or Candid?
It depends. If you have a severe dental or jaw misalignment or you’d rather have regular office visits, ClearCorrect is probably better. But if you’re looking for a less expensive treatment that blends in-person and at-home care, Candid might be an ideal fit. Keep in mind that Candid can’t treat every case, so your condition might make the decision for you. See our full review guides on Candid and ClearCorrect for more information.
How do I get started with ClearCorrect or Candid?
Both aligner treatments start with an office visit. Schedule an appointment with a ClearCorrect or Candid provider and they’ll assess your smile, take impressions or scans of your teeth, and get the ball rolling.
How much do ClearCorrect and Candid cost?
There’s not a set cost for either one. It can vary depending on your condition, dentist, insurance, and location. But the average ClearCorrect treatment costs $3,000–$6,000, and Candid’s prices are generally $3,500 or more, depending on your dentist’s rates.
What are ClearCorrect and Candid customers saying?
It’s tough to get a consensus on ClearCorrect’s customer satisfaction because their treatment and customer service are handled by individual dentist offices. But based on the reviews we could find, customers are generally pleased with their results and customer experience. Candid’s new hybrid model barely has any reviews yet, but in the past, Candid customers have high praise for the company’s products, results, and customer service. It appears that they provide a consistently excellent customer experience.
How long do ClearCorrect and Candid take?
Since ClearCorrect usually handles more severe cases, the treatment often takes longer: twelve months on average. Candid says they can correct mild-to-moderate conditions in 8.5 months on average. However, these timelines can be shorter or longer depending on the severity of your condition and how consistently you wear your aligners.
What’s the difference between ClearCorrect and Candid?
ClearCorrect is an in-office treatment, so you need to schedule regular office visits where your dentist or orthodontist can monitor your progress and provide new aligners. Candid is also administered by a dentist, but it has an at-home component. You’ll submit photos of your teeth every 14 days through their CandidApp so your dentist and Candid’s team can keep you on track and request additional office visits if necessary.
Do ClearCorrect and Candid provide financing?
ClearCorrect partners with CareCredit to offer financing plans for all providers and their patients, and your dentist might also have other options. Candid doesn’t have an overarching financing plan or partnership, so you’ll need to ask your dentist for options.
What conditions can ClearCorrect and Candid treat?
ClearCorrect can treat almost any dental or jaw misalignment because it can incorporate supplemental attachments for more power and intricacy. Candid is best-suited for mild and moderate cases of crowding and spacing.
What is the clear aligner company with the widest treatment scope?
Overall, Invisalign can correct an exceptionally wide range of conditions, but ClearCorrect, SureSmile, and 3M Clarity are right up there with them.
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.
What other companies should I consider?
If you like the idea of home aligners, take a look at Byte, SmileDirectClub, NewSmile, and AlignerCo. Byte uses cutting-edge technology to maximize their efficiency, SmileDirectClub is the largest and most experienced home aligner company, NewSmile is another affordable option, and AlignerCo has the lowest prices of any provider we review ($995). But if you prefer in-office treatment, you can’t go wrong with Invisalign, who boasts innovative technology, an established brand, and a long track record.
Does insurance cover clear aligners?
Sometimes. They’re more likely to cover an in-office treatment like ClearCorrect or Candid than an at-home one like Byte or SmileDirectClub. The only way to find out for sure is to contact your provider and ask.
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 clear 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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