Candid Teeth Aligners: Do They Actually Straighten Teeth for Less?
Overview of Candid Clear Aligners
Candid burst onto the teledentistry scene in 2017 with the goal of democratizing access to teeth straightening treatments. Backed by $63 million in funding from leading VC firms, Candid set out to leverage AI and 3D printing to create custom-fit clear aligner treatments for a fraction of the cost of traditional braces and Invisalign.
But do the aligners actually deliver results? And is Candid‘s teledentistry model able to provide quality oversight without in-person dental visits? This in-depth review analyzes Candid‘s claims.
Candid‘s Teledentistry Model
Candid combines smartphone apps and remote monitoring by orthodontists to eliminate the need for in-office visits.
Here‘s how it works:
- Customers visit a Candid Studio for 3D scans of their teeth
- Aligners are designed specifically for the customer using AI and 3D printing
- Treatment plans are overseen remotely by licensed orthodontists
- Patients scan their teeth every 5-7 days using a smartphone app to track progress
- Orthodontists monitor scans and provide feedback through the app
This allows Candid to reduce overhead costs like office space and staffing to pass savings down to the customer.
Cost and Pricing
Candid clear aligner treatments cost $2,400 total, with options to pay upfront or through $99/month installments. This includes alignment treatment, retainers, and teeth whitening.
Here‘s how that compares to alternatives:
| Treatment | Cost |
| Candid Clear Aligners | $2,400 |
| Traditional Braces | $5,000+ |
| Invisalign | $7,000+ |
As you can see, Candid offers significant savings over braces and Invisalign. But how do the aligners actually perform?
Do Candid Aligners Straighten Teeth Effectively?
Candid claims their clear aligner treatments can straighten teeth in an average of just 6 months – far faster than the 2+ years for traditional braces.
To evaluate whether Candid delivers on effectiveness, we analyzed clinical studies comparing clear aligners to braces.
Clear Aligners vs Braces Studies
Multiple studies have found clear aligner treatments like Candid are similarly effective to braces:
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A 2019 study in BMC Oral Health found "no statistically significant differences in tooth alignment accuracy" between clear aligners and fixed braces over 6 months of treatment.
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A study in The Angle Orthodontist found clear aligner treatments achieved successful alignment for 80.3% of patients, compared to 83% for braces.
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Numerous studies confirm clear aligners require less treatment time than fixed braces. A study in the American Journal of Orthodontics found the average treatment length was 14 months for clear aligners versus 23.5 months for braces.
Based on these studies, Candid‘s clear aligner therapy appears capable of straightening teeth effectively in less time than traditional braces.
Monitoring Treatment Progress
A key question is whether Candid‘s remote orthodontist monitoring model provides sufficient oversight of the alignment process.
Here‘s how it works:
Patients are sent clear aligner molds that incrementally shift teeth position over approximately 20 stages. Patients switch to the next aligner mold every 1-2 weeks and use a Candid-provided scanner to take 3D scans of their teeth using their smartphone camera.
These scans get uploaded to the portal and reviewed by the monitoring orthodontist to ensure teeth are tracking properly. If teeth are not moving as planned, the orthodontist requests additional 3D scans or may alter the treatment plan by providing new aligner molds.
Studies show clear aligner therapy relies heavily on patient compliance with wearing aligners and consistency in taking progress scans. The remote oversight aims to catch any issues early. However, it does mean reduced chairside interaction with an orthodontist compared to in-office braces adjustments.
For less complex cases like small spacing or crowding issues, the more automated Candid process may provide sufficient monitoring to safely move teeth. More complex cases could benefit from in-person oversight.
What Do Customers Say in Candid Aligner Reviews?
Candid aligners maintain an impressive 4.9 out of 5 star average rating across over 1,000 customer reviews.
Here is a sample of the positive feedback:
"I loved the comfort and efficiency of Candid aligners. My treatment took just 5 months and my teeth look amazing."
"Candid cleared up years of crooked teeth for thousands less than I was quoted for braces."
"The aligners were virtually invisible and easy to use. I‘m thrilled with my straighter teeth."
There were a few negative reviews from customers who did not achieve desired results:
"My alignment results were mediocre – a slight improvement but teeth still fairly crooked."
"I completed treatment but aligners did not fully fix my snaggle tooth."
This aligns with our analysis that Candid clear aligners likely perform very well for minor to moderate alignment cases but may not always work for fixing extremely crooked teeth. The remote-only aspect also means an orthodontist cannot make minor physical adjustments during treatment like with braces.
However, given the significant cost savings and convenience benefits, Candid delivers plenty of value – customers just need realistic expectations when embarking on treatment.
Who Are Candid Aligners Best For?
Based on Candid‘s claims and customer reviews, their clear aligner treatments deliver the best results for patients with:
- Mild to moderate alignment concerns like minor spacing or crowding
- Not seeking bite correction which requires physical adjustments
- No serious dental issues that require extensive chairside care
Additionally, responsible patients who will properly wear aligners, switch molds every 1-2 weeks, and complete regular teeth scans are best suited for the more self-managed Candid system.
In short, if you have relatively well-aligned teeth and want to fix slight imperfections, Candid‘s clear aligner therapy is a top choice given the price and convenience benefits over braces and Invisalign.
Other Candid Products
In addition to clear aligner therapy, Candid offers several other products for maintaining a straighter, brighter smile:
Retainers – $99
Custom-fit retainers are required after teeth alignment to hold teeth in their new position. Candid‘s comfortable, clear retainers allow you to keep your teeth looking their best.
Teeth Whitening – $25-$70
The Hydrogen Peroxide-based whitening gel and whitening pens conveniently boost your smile‘s brightness before or after clear aligner treatment.
Starting Your Candid Journey
Here are the steps to get started with Candid:
- Take Candid‘s online assessment to determine if you are eligible
- Visit a Candid Studio for 3D scan of your teeth
- Get custom treatment plan from a Candid orthodontist
- Order custom aligners, whitening gel, retainers and monitoring app access
- Begin your remote-monitored journey to a straighter smile!
Alternatively, Candid now offers at-home impression kits given COVID-related candid studio closures. However, getting in-person 3D scans is recommended for best accuracy.
The Verdict: Do Candid Aligners Live Up to the Hype?
Candid entered the market making bold claims of better aligners at a fraction of the cost using cutting-edge technology.
Based on clinical evidence and overwhelmingly positive customer reviews, Candid makes good on much of its promise. For simpler misalignment cases, customers can realistically achieve a straighter smile in 6 months or less for thousands less than braces or Invisalign.
However, limitations exist – severely crooked teeth may require the physical adjustments that in-office braces offer. And consistency wearing aligners is a must to see results.
Given its competitive pricing and convenience factors though, Candid delivers impressive value with few downsides besides moderately reduced access to in-person orthodontic care.
Overall score: 4.5 / 5 stars
For mild to moderate teeth straightening needs on a reasonable budget, Candid aligners are absolutely worth considering given the cost and convenience benefits versus old-school braces.
