We have all become au fait with the concept of telemedicine, and how it works in the modern world:
Based on how popular modern-day telemedicine has become, it’s no surprise that more specialized fields of medicine and health have followed suit and adopted the format.
You may be asking yourself how you could possibly have a tooth filled over the internet. And the answer is – you can’t. While technology has progressed quite rapidly, we are not yet at the point where you can sit back in the comfort of your home while a dentist reconstructs your tooth from their offices. However, there is a certain branch of dentistry that lends itself to the telemedicine format – orthodontics. Orthodontics, or as it should be called in this case – teleorthodontics, is the straightening of teeth.
Today we will be looking at Candid Co., one of the most popular names in this category.
As the story goes – one day a group of 5 friends was chatting and the topic of wanting straighter teeth came up. They wanted the perfect smile, but they weren’t too keen on the unsightly traditional treatment of wire braces and the many negatives that they bring, which include:
After a little research uncovered the option of clear teeth aligners, the team partnered with DR C. Lynn Hurst, a highly regarded orthodontist, built up a team of 300 employees and has since given tens of thousands of customers a reason to smile.
Over the last few years, clear aligners have increased in popularity thanks to being less aesthetically invasive than braces as well as straightening teeth faster than the traditional method.
Before you get started, Candid Co. recommends completing their short survey to find out if you are suitable. The survey asks which dental concerns you would like corrected (gaps, crowding, etc) if you have had braces or retainers in the past, etc. It is actually refreshing for a brand to not recommend their product or service to everyone.
There are three main reasons why a Candid Co. may not be suitable for every candidate
If you are a candidate for Candid Co., the first step is sending them accurate impressions of your teeth that their orthodontists can use to custom design your aligners. For $95 you will receive the Candid Co. starter kit that contains everything you need to make the impressions. Using the supplied cheek stretcher, you will also need to supply Candid Co. with 8 photographs of your teeth.
The Candid Co. Starter Kit contains:
Those who prefer to have their impressions taken by a professional can visit of the 25 Candid Co. Studios found across the country at no additional cost. The Candid Co. orthodontist will use an optical laser to scan the inside of your mouth and create a digital model of your teeth. Whether you choose to take the impressions yourself or have them done at a Candid Co. Studio, the entire process should take around 30 minutes in total.
Once the Candid Co. orthodontist has received the impressions and photos, they will decide if you are a Candid Co. candidate. If Candid Co. is not right for you, you will receive a full refund.
Once Candid Co. has received your impressions, you will receive a physical 3D model showing you how your teeth will align and correct themselves over time.
In the final phase, you will receive a box containing your complete set of aligners, delivered straight to your door. On average, you will switch from one set of aligners to the next every two weeks. Candid Co. also includes a whitening system, free of charge, to boost your self-confidence even further.
The treatment box includes:
All aligners
Instructions
Aligner carry case
Aligner fit tool
Whitening system
All the aligners you’ll need for your treatment program are included in your treatment box. Each aligner is clearly labeled with your doctor’s name, your name, and the aligner step number.
Simply follow the instructions to start using your clear aligners. Progress to a new aligner every few weeks.
A carry case is also included should you need to remove your aligners for any reason (to sleep, eat, brush your teeth, etc.).
Everything you need to know about your treatment program is included in your kit.
Aligners are designed to fit snug against your teeth (fitted aligners are practically the entire program!). The fit tool is included to ensure you’re able to pop your aligners onto your teeth with ease.
The scan box is one of the newest accessories included in Candid’s treatment system. This box looks like a virtual reality headset — just only for your teeth instead of your eyes.
This box takes accurate photos of your straightening progression for your doctor. These photos are much more accurate than photos taken on a smartphone or other device.
Aligner Starter Kits - $95 per kit (includes 2 sets of impressions)
Invisible Aligners - $1,900
Monthly payment plans - $88 per month via Affirm, a 3rd party financing company
Retainers – first set is free, with each set thereafter costing $99
We know that compared to traditional braces, the Candid Co. is significantly cheaper but how do they compare to a more direct competitor, that also offers clear teeth aligners? Perhaps the most established and well-known name in the aligner market is Invisalign. While the cost of the aligners at Candid Co. is just under $2,000. Over at Invisalign however, the cost of the aligners starts at $3,000 and can rise to as much as $8,000.
Candid PROS
Candid CONS
If we look at all of the above, it’s clear that teeth aligning is the best way a person can get a perfect smile. Transparent teeth aligners are far superior to traditional metal braces in every regard, and we think it is only a matter of time before they become the standard teeth straightening treatment.
The only choice that a patient needs to make then is where do they get their aligners from. With competitive pricing, a team of experienced orthodontists, a willingness to go the extra step for their patients, and contributing a portion of their profits to a worthy charity, it would be hard for us not to recommend Candid Co.