Today’s clear aligner companies are built around a direct-to-consumer business model.  Customers purchase an impression kit and have it shipped to their home.  By simply following a few instructions and shipping their impression back to the company, at-home patients can have clear aligners sent to them in a matter of weeks.

The main reason we wanted to create a Byte vs Smile Direct Club vs Candid review is to compare today’s top 3 clear aligner companies.  There are several similarities between them, but the differences determine which company you decide to use.

However, clear aligners were not always convenient or as accessible as they are today.  Invisalign was developed in 1997 and was one of the first options that was an alternative to traditional braces.  Invisalign today is still beneficial for extreme circumstances of teeth misalignment.  Customers looking for a mild to moderate fix can eliminate in-office visits and do everything from home using the at-home impression kits provided by Byte and Smile Direct Club.

How do Invisible Braces Work?

Twenty-first century technology has helped speed up clear aligner treatments.  Each company has built unique aligners to create small amounts of pressure and force on your teeth.  The domino effect continues down through the sockets, roots, and jaw, so the teeth can begin to move.  The process is so slight, at-home patients only feel minor discomfort through the treatment. 

To move, the periodontal ligament (PDL) needs to be stretched.  The PDL keeps teeth in place in their sockets.  Clear aligners move your teeth to stretch the PDL and create new bone cells.  These cells have two functions: one breaks down the bone on the opposite side of the ligament.  This side stays compressed (no stretching).  The second creates the new bone cells allowing room for the teeth to move.

This process repeats every time you use a new set of aligners.  It takes time for the ligament, gums, and tissue to adjust to the movement.  One of the many reasons why aligners are worn for 1 to 3 weeks at a time.

Comparing Byte Reviews, Smile Direct Club Reviews, and Candid Reviews

There are thousands of reviews for these three companies.  The goal is to find the real information based on positive or negative similarities.  For instance, several Smile Direct Club reviews complain about their remote monitoring.  It is slow, and at times difficult to setup a review with one of their dentists or orthodontists.

A common problem with Candid is website navigation.  Users find it difficult to find helpful information, because the front page is not where the main site’s navigation bars are found.  You must click on their name at the top of the page to reach everything else.  Without knowledge of the website, users would not know.

Byte scores a 4.7 out of 5 stars.  The .3 having issues were primarily on delivery after impression kits were sent back to the company.  However, Byte’s staff was extremely responsive in these cases.  Most of the issues had to do with Covid-19 slowing down the delivery process.

Byte vs Smile Direct Club vs Candid

Smile Direct Club and Candid offer all their aligners in one box.  Byte requires you to use a set of aligners for 1 to 3 weeks before shipping the next set out.  On the surface this looks like a negative mark against Byte.  However, they believe it eliminates possible misuse.

Patients tend to think when their aligners feel loose it means the treatment is complete.  Instead of contacting the clear aligner company they move to the next set of aligners.  It is possible this can have a negative effect on the outcome.  Depending on the severity of your issue, each set of aligners should be worn 1 to 3 weeks.

Byte sets itself apart with the HyperByte technology. Small vibrations at a fast rate for 5 minutes a day shortens treatment times.  Other companies might use attachments to speed up their plans, but they still only offer 6-month averages.

Candid only uses orthodontists.  When your treatment plan is developed, there is only one orthodontist working on it.  During the remote monitoring process, the same orthodontist watches your progress.  They are with you for the entire treatment plan.  Smile Direct Club has orthodontists, but the remote monitoring process is different.

Patients will speak with dentists and doctors during the remote monitoring.  If they cannot answer your questions, the information is forwarded to an orthodontist.  You could end up waiting for 1-2 weeks before receiving an answer.  It is one of Smile Direct Club’s lowest marks.

Byte’s remote monitoring is exceptional.  While they do use dentists and doctors, most of them have years of experience in clear aligner therapy.  In addition, you can request to only speak with an orthodontist and it only takes 24-48 hours to set up a remote appointment.  In some cases; same day.  Their website has Byte before and after photos to see completed plans.

How to Order and Purchase from Byte

1. Join the Byte website
2. Purchase an at-home impression kit
3. Create molds of your teeth at home
4. Use the pre-paid shipping to return them to Byte.
5. A specialized orthodontist will create a treatment plan and wait for your approval.
6. Purchase your plan through one-time payment or one of the many financing options.
7. Your clear aligners are shipped to your home.
8. Wear them 20-22 hours per day and utilize Byte’s extensive remote monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Byte better than Candid?

Yes.  While both companies offer at-home service, Candid’s remote monitoring is brand new and untested.  Byte is considered to have the best remote monitoring out of all the at-home clear aligner companies.  In addition, the HyperByte technology Byte uses cuts treatment times in half.

Is Byte better than Smile Direct?

Yes.  Even though Smile Direct Club has been around a few years longer, Byte has surpassed SDC’s benefits.  Byte also offers BrightByte foam to cleanse your aligners, whiten teeth, and freshen breath all at once.  Smile Direct only offers a whitener.

Is Candid or Smile Direct Better?

We think Byte is still your best option.  Both companies provide your treatment plan’s aligners all at once.  However, Candid’s customer service is very responsive when compared to Smile Direct.  Patients need immediate answers to questions.  Smile Direct’s customer service was good in the beginning but has fallen off in recent years.

Hello Tend Dentist Reviews: What Is Hello Tend?

Hello Tend is an NYC-based dentistry company with locations across The Big Apple. Hello Tend operates in select upper-class areas around New York City, providing premium dental and orthodontic services at a reasonable price.

Interestingly, former SmileDirectClub CEO Doug Hudson founded the company after raising $36-million in a deal with OneMedical. Doug’s goal was to make the dental experience more patient-orientated, with a unique experience to other dentist offices.

The company opened its doors in 2019, and it continues to thrive, with intentions to expand in coming years. Hello Tend sets itself apart with its competitive offering, transparent pricing, and professional service.

However, the real game-changer in the Hello Tend model comes in the form of the customer experience. When you step into a Hello Tend practice, you’ll probably find yourself confused about whether you’re at the dentist or a health spa.

Each office has a unique characteristic, but they all come with premium fittings and décor. When you get a cleaning, you sit back and watch a movie on Netflix on a dedicated screen. The audio comes through Beats headphones while the dentist works on your teeth, and you barely notice the tools.

Hello Tend uses the latest innovations in run-quiet dental technology to minimize the typical drilling and grinding sounds associated with a visit to the dentist. Overall, a dental appointment with Hello Tend is in line with any other dental experience available.

What Dental Services Does Hello Tend Offer?

Hello Tend offers you a comprehensive range of dental and orthodontic services from its New York offices. The company specializes in dental exams and general dentistry like cleaning. They also offer orthodontic services like braces, implants, and veneers for correcting and restoring your smile.

Hello Tend also provide cosmetic dentistry services like teeth whitening, and they have emergency dentistry available if you’re in pain. Some of the other services offered by Hello Tend include the following.

• Fillings
• Crowns
• Root canals
• Implants
• Bridges
• Extractions

If you have any dental problems and you in or around NYC, contact Hello Tend and book an appointment.

Where Does Hello Tend Operate?

Hello Tend operates out of New York City. The company has seven locations in Manhattan, with plans to launch in Brooklyn in 2021. Hello Tend also plans to expand into Washington, D.C, and Boston in the coming year.

Some of the current NYC locations include the following.

• Grand Central, 230 Park Ave.
• Chelsea, 142 8th Ave.
• Upper West Side, 2376 Broadway.
• Wall Street, 63 Wall Street.
• Flatiron, 29 East 21st St.
• Williamsburg, 155 N 7th St.
• Hudson Square, 330 Hudson St.

You can book an appointment at your Hello Tend location of choice, as long as you’re within a reasonable traveling distance from the practice.

What Do Hello Tend Dental Services Cost?

Despite the premium office locations and the outstanding dentistry finishes, Hello Tend is surprisingly reasonable with its pricing model. The company is around 10% to 20% more than your average dental office, but it’s a completely different dental experience and worth the extra money.

Hello Tend Dentist Reviews FAQ

Where does Hello Tend operate?

Hello Tend is only available in Manhattan, NYC. The company plans to open locations in Brooklyn, Boston, and Washington D.C. in 2021. Hello Tend is a viable option if you live in New York City or Upstate. If you can make the commute into NYC, then Hello Tend offers you one of the best dental experiences in America.

Does Hello Tend offer clear aligner systems like Invisalign?

No. Hello Tend offers a specialist orthodontic solution called “Breezy Braces.” Breezy Braces are “lingual braces” that sit behind your teeth. No one talking to you can see the hardware, and they have no idea you’re wearing braces. Hello Tend make lingual braces affordable, offering them to you for $5,000. Most orthodontists charge around $13,000 for the same service.

Does Hello Tend work with my health insurance?

Yes, Hello Tend works with dental insurance plans and FSA/HSA accounts, and debit cards. Typically, you’ll need a dental plan attached to your health insurance to receive a contribution from your insurer. If you’re signing up for Breezy Braces, insurance will only cover a part of your treatment, around 50% of the total cost, and you’ll have to cover the balance.

Smile Direct Club Australia Review – How Does SDC Australia Work?

If you want to fix your teeth with SDC Australia, you start by visiting one of the 13 Smile Shop locations in major cities across Australia. During the assessment, the consultant scans your teeth and finalizes your treatment details.

If you can't get to a Smile Shop for assessment, you'll need to order an impression kit online. You use the kit to mold your teeth and send them back to SDC Australia with the return box supplied. If the SDC team approves you for treatment, they ask you to make payment.

You receive your aligners in around six weeks, along with a custom treatment plan. You follow the program's steps, switching out your aligners every two to four weeks for the next in the series. By the time you finish your set, you have a straight smile.

After you conclude your treatment, you'll need to wear retainers to stop your teeth from moving back to the old position. During your treatment, the SDC dental team reaches out to you through the teledentistry platform. You'll get a consultation every 30 to 90-days, depending on your progress.

Smile Direct Club Australia Review – What Does SDC Cost in Australia?

If you want to start with SDC Australia, you'll need to visit a Smile Shop in one of Australia's major cities. The company has 13 locations, with more on the way. The consultant scans your teeth, approving you for treatment.

Alternatively, you can order an impression kit online if you can't get to a Smile Shop for assessment. Impression kits cost AUD$79, with free shipping to your door.

After approval of your treatment, you'll need to settle on selecting the daytime or nighttime aligner system. If you go with the daytime version, you'll pay AUD$2,825 upfront. However, you also have the option of taking your aligners on credit, with a downpayment of AUD$299 and 24-monthly installments of $119. That's a total of AUD$3,155 for your treatment costs when financing your aligners.

Smile Direct Club charges the same price for its nighttime system as the daytime option. However, you might need an additional aligner or two added to your treatment. If that's the case, SDC reaches out to you to confirm your order.

After finishing your treatment, you need to secure your smile in place using retainers. The first set comes free with your aligners. However, you'll need two or three replacements for your aftercare, and each set costs AUD$165.

Smile Direct Club Australia Review – The Verdict

Smile Direct Club Australia is one of the leading at-home aligner brands in the country. SDC already has the strongest track record of any aligner company, with over 1-million satisfied smiles. The companies move into the Australian market brings you all the benefits of this leading brand to the local market.

While SDC has somewhat favorable pricing and daytime and nighttime aligner systems, we feel it's not the best choice for fixing your teeth. There are other brands out there that offer you more affordable treatment with faster results.

However, if you're looking for a fast and affordable way to fix your teeth, SEDC is a valid option for your treatment.

SmilePath Review – What Is SmilePath?

SmilePath is the Australian sister company of the American aligner brand, Alignerco. The company recently launched in Australia in 2020, and its making shockwaves in the at-home aligner industry. SmilePath's competitive advantage is its low-cost model.

You get the same treatment as leading at-home aligner brands for half the cost. SmilePath is so affordable that anyone can straighten their teeth. Like Alignerco, SmilePath produces high-quality aligners featuring BPA-free plastic.

You wear the aligners for up to 22-hours a day, taking them out to eat and drink. SmilePath offers you the best price point and a range of accessories, including retainers and free teeth whitening. We feel they have the best offer in Australia, and the company will continue to see success in this new market.

SmilePath Review – How Does SmilePath Work

SmilePath is a teledentistry platform providing you with the opportunity to straighten your teeth at home. To start, you can order your impression kit for AUD$55 online through the official company website. When it arrives, follow the instructions to mold your teeth.

Send the impressions back to SmilePath, and they assess you for treatment. If they approve you, you make your payment, and SmilePath builds your aligners, shipping them to your door six weeks later.

You get a customized treatment plan included with your aligner kit. You'll follow the program, swapping between aligners for the next one in the series every two to six weeks, depending on the system you order.

Typically, there are around 24-aligners in a set. By the time you finish with the final aligner in the series, you have straight teeth. To secure your smile in place, SmilePath includes retainers with your kit. You wear the retainers at night for one or two years after finishing with your aligners.

You get the first retainers included with your kit. However, you'll need to order new retainers every six to 12-months, at the cost of AUD$270 per set.

SmilePath is the best alternative to orthodontics like braces and Invisalign. SmilePath aligners can save you around 75% of the costs involved with traditional orthodontic systems.

SmilePath Review – What Does SmilePath Cost?

If you're looking to start with SmilePath, you'll have to choose between the daytime or nighttime system.

If you settle on the daytime system, you'll make a one-off payment of AUD$1,899. If you apply promo code "SAVE400," you get an additional AUD$400 off your treatment cost. This price makes SmilePath the most affordable aligner system available.

If you can't afford the one-off cost of your treatment, SmilePath offers you financing options. You can take your system on credit with SmileFlex, powered by Zip. You make 18-monthly installments of AUD$117, discounted to AUD$84 if you apply the promo code.

You also have a second financing option with SmileFlex Easy. With this payment plan, you make an AUD$295 downpayment, with 12-monthly payments of AUD$150 (discounted to AUD$117 per month using the promo code).

If you decide on the nighttime aligners, you'll pay AUD$1,999 upfront, discounted to AUD$1,599 with the promo code. You also have financing options with zip for 18-monthly installments of AUD$122, discounted to AUD$89 with the promo code.

You can finance in-house with SmileFlex Easy for AUD$299 down and 12-monthly payments of AUD$158, discounted to AUD$142 per month, with the promo code.

SmilePath Review – The Verdict

SmilePath is possibly the best choice for Australians looking to straighten their teeth. This DIY system has the best price point in the industry, saving you hundreds of dollars on your treatment cost. With SmilePath, you have options for financing, and they include retainers and teeth whitening with your treatment.

You're not going to find a more affordable option in the Australian market. Plus, if you use promo code "SAVE400," you get a further AUD$400 off your treatment price. SmilePath is a top contender for the best at-home aligner system in Australia, with significant savings and excellent results.

How Do Clear Aligners Work?

Clear aligners come in two options. Invisalign is the only orthodontist-approved system. As a result, you receive assessment and fitment for these clear aligners in your orthodontist's office. The orthodontist x-rays your mouth and teeth, and they may even take a CT scan to create a 3D model of your teeth.

They'll order your aligners and fit them for you in the chair at their office. You'll return to the doctor every month to 90-days during your treatment period. Your doctor analyzes your progress during your consultations, swapping you to the next aligner in the series as they see fit.

With at-home systems, you take a DIY approach to your treatment. You'll order an impression kit online or visit a retail location for a scan of your teeth. After sending your molds or scan data to the dental team, the company doctors decide if you're a fit for the treatment.

If you qualify, the company ships your aligners to your door, along with a custom treatment plan. You follow the program, and when you finish your aligners, you have a straight smile. The difference between at-home aligners vs. Invisalign is the attention you receive in follow-up.

Are Clear Aligners Effective for Straightening My Smile?

Yes, clear aligners are every bit as effective at fixing your smile as traditional orthodontics like braces. Braces are the go-to option for all orthodontists when straightening your teeth. However, clear aligners offer an alternative where you don't have to have metal permanently stuck to your teeth.

All clear aligners, even at-home brands, use real orthodontists to design your aligners. When you order your aligners, you'll receive a set of between seven to 26-aligners, depending on the system you choose. You'll wear these aligners for up to 22-hours a day, providing your teeth with the same benefits as braces. You'll swap the aligner out every 30 to 90-days at the discretion of your doctor or treatment plan.

According to user reviews from leading brands like Invisalign, Smile Direct Club, Byte, and Alignerco – Clear aligners work. There are thousands of people talking about clear aligners online and their success with straightening their smiles using these DIY systems.

What Do Verified User Reviews Say about Clear Aligners?

Invisalign, the world's leading clear aligner system, has more than 4-million satisfied clients. Established at-home aligner brands like Smile Direct Club have more than 1-million positive testimonials from verified users. Even newer brands like Alignerco – the most affordable option, have a 4.9-star rating on Trustpilot.

Byte Teeth Alignment Option

Byte aligners are the best choice for independent individuals that can handle the process of remote dental care. You'll receive access to the Byte dental team during your treatment and interact with them through your Byte account on your laptop or mobile device.

However, there's no option for a face-to-face meeting with the Byte team. Some people can handle that, while others need to interactive experience e with their treatment.

Since Byte is less than half the Invisalign treatment cost, it's a great option for people previously priced out of the treatment.

Now, Byte offers you the same orthodontic experience and results as Invisalign, at less than half of what you pay with the orthodontic treatment.

Since you're not visiting an orthodontist's office, you don't have the expense of in-office consultations, not to mention the gas and time it takes to drive to their office.

Why Choose Clear Aligners Over Braces?

Clear aligners are the superior choice to braces for anyone that works with people. Most clear aligner companies offer you options for daytime and nighttime solutions. If you're a teenager or work with people, braces are an unattractive way of straightening your teeth.

Many teens get social anxiety from having to wear braces during their high-school years. However, with clear aligners, teens can avoid social stress. By wearing a nighttime aligner system, they can straighten their teeth while they sleep. There's no need to wear the aligner during the day, letting the patient speak and smile freely with others.

Salespeople might also set an adverse first impression with clients if they have to wear braces 24/7. However, with nighttime aligners, they can skip wearing them during the day, allowing them to pitch and answer client questions without limiting their speech with braces.

Overall, clear aligners are a less-permanent solution to conventional braces. The added benefit of the nighttime aligner systems means the patient has more control over their daily life and treatment. You get the same results as braces, and some systems also come with orthodontist-monitored support during your treatment.

What Do Clear Aligners Cost?

Several brands offer you clear aligners. Invisalign is the original clear aligner brand, founded back in the late nineties. While it's the only brand recommended by orthodontists, it also comes with the steepest cost. The average Invisalign treatment can vary between $3,500 to $8,000  or more, depending on the system and the orthodontic consultations involved.

At-home clear aligners are much more affordable than Invisalign. However, most of them don't come with the same level of aftercare as the Invisalign system. With at-home brands, you get a customized aligner set and treatment plan but limited aftercare and support during your treatment.

However, you'll get the same results as Invisalign at a fraction of the price. Most at-home systems work well, with thousands of user reviews showing positive results. The cheapest aligner brand offers you your treatment for under $1,000. The top-of-the-range system is only $2,400 – that's less than half the cost of Invisalign.

Alignerco

Alignerco offers you the most affordable deal for at-home aligners. You'll need to start by ordering your impression kit, as Alignerco doesn't have any scanning locations. The impression kit costs $39.99 and includes return postage.

If approved for treatment, you'll make a one-off payment of $1,145. However, Alignerco is currently running a promotion where you can save $150 using promo code "SAVE150." This discount gets you your treatment for less than $1,000, nearly a 50% saving off the price of Smile Direct Club.

You have the option of taking your treatment on credit with Alignerco. Affirm will finance your treatment for 12 installments of $90 and no downpayment. However, Affirm runs a credit check on you before approving you. If you have bad credit, you can still apply with SmileFlex Easy, Alignerco in-house financing division, supported by Partial.ly.

You'll make a $275 downpayment and 11-monthly installments of $95, and there's no credit check with this financing option. Alignerco includes your retainers' cost with your treatment, along with a free whitening kit included with your purchase.

Smile Direct Club

If you want to start with Smile Direct Club, you'll need to pay $59 for an impression kit or visit one of the 300 Smile Shop locations across America for a free scan of your teeth.

After approval of your treatment, you'll make a one-off payment of $1,950 or finance it for $250 down and 24-monthly payments of $89. If you opt to finance your treatment through Smile Pay, you'll end up paying $2,386 in total.

SDC doesn't include retainers with your treatment. You'll have to buy them separately for an additional cost of $99 per set. SDC includes free teeth whitening with your treatment.

Alignerco vs Smile Direct Club: How Do They Work?

At-home teeth aligners are a low-cost alternative to traditional orthodontic systems like braces and Invisalign. With at-home systems, you benefit from the cost savings of remote teledentistry. You'll order an impression kit or get a free scan of your teeth to see if you qualify for the treatment.

If accepted, you'll order your aligner kit and receive it, along with a customized treatment plan just for you. You'll wear the aligners for up to 22-hours each day, and by the time you finish your treatment, you have straight teeth.

With at-home solutions, you never have to visit an orthodontist during the entire treatment period. As a result, you benefit from saving all the consultation fees involved with braces or Invisalign treatments.

Alignerco vs Smile Direct Club: Key Differences

When it comes to comparing SDC and Alignerco, both companies use the same BPA-free plastic aligners. They also use real orthodontists to model your impressions and create your aligner system. SDC has slightly better aftercare, offering you remote consultations with orthodontists and dentists every 30 to 90-days.

With Alignerco, you get no aftercare or orthodontic support. However, you do get a customized treatment plan drawn up for you to follow. The real difference between Alignerco and Smile Direct Club is in the price.

What is AlignerCo?

Alignerco offers you the most affordable deal for at-home aligners. You'll need to start by ordering your impression kit, as Alignerco doesn't have any scanning locations. The impression kit costs $39.99 and includes return postage.

If approved for treatment, you'll make a one-off payment of $1,145. However, Alignerco is currently running a promotion where you can save $150 using promo code "SAVE150." This discount gets you your treatment for less than $1,000, nearly a 50% saving off the price of Smile Direct Club.

You have the option of taking your treatment on credit with Alignerco. Affirm will finance your treatment for 12 installments of $90 and no downpayment. However, Affirm runs a credit check on you before approving you. If you have bad credit, you can still apply with SmileFlex Easy, Alignerco in-house financing division, supported by Partial.ly.

You'll make a $275 downpayment and 11-monthly installments of $95, and there's no credit check with this financing option. Alignerco includes your retainers' cost with your treatment, along with a free whitening kit included with your purchase.

What is Smile Direct Club?

If you want to start with Smile Direct Club, you'll need to pay $59 for an impression kit or visit one of the 300 Smile Shop locations across America for a free scan of your teeth.

After approval of your treatment, you'll make a one-off payment of $1,950 or finance it for $250 down and 24-monthly payments of $89. If you opt to finance your treatment through Smile Pay, you'll end up paying $2,386 in total.

SDC doesn't include retainers with your treatment. You'll have to buy them separately for an additional cost of $99 per set. Smile Direct Club includes free teeth whitening with your treatment.

Alignerco vs Smile Direct Club: The Verdict

After reviewing Alignerco and Smile Direct Club, we have to give Alignerco the award for the most affordable at-home aligner solution. Alignerco is half the price of SDC after you apply the promo code "SAVE150." With your insurance contributing, you get your treatment for less than $500.

Alignerco offers you the same performance as Smile Direct Club, with daytime and nighttime solutions available to suit your lifestyle preference. You get free teeth whitening with both options. However, Alignerco gives you your retainers for free, included with your purchase. Both brands offer free teeth whitening kits, and both are of the same quality.

Overall, customer reviews state that both brands deliver optimal results. Smile Direct Club has a reputation for fixing over 1-million smiles. However, Alignerco has a 4.9-star rating on Trustpilot. Overall, you can't beat the price of the Alignerco offer. We think it's the top choice for fixing your teeth.

What Does SmileDirectClub Cost?

If you want to take your aligner treatment with Smile Direct Club, you'll need to visit a Smile Shop at a mall in states across America. The Smile Shop attendant gives you a free scan of your teeth and information on your treatment.

If you can't make it to a Smile Shop, you'll need to pay $29 for an impression kit (discounted from $59). After approving your treatment, you'll need to make a one-off payment of $1,950 for the daytime or nighttime system. If you want to take it on credit, you can pay $250 down, with 24-monthly payments of $89.

SDC includes free teeth whitening and free retainers with your treatment. However, you'll need to order extra retainers every six to 12-months, at $99 a set.

What does Candid cost?

Candid is the more expensive option for your aligner treatment. It's the most costly at-home treatment.

To start, you have the option of visiting a Candid Studio for a free scan of your teeth. If you can't get to a Candid studio, you can order the impression kit online for $95.

You'll pay $2,400 for your treatment cost. However, Candid includes its unique scanning tool with your purchase, as well as regular appointments with your orthodontist and unlimited text support.

Candid also give you the option of financing your treatment. You can take it for $399 down and 24-monthly payments of $99. Candid also includes free teeth whitening and retainers with your kit.

Smile Direct Club vs Candid: How Do They Work?

Both Smile Direct Club and Candid are at-home teledentistry services promising to fix your teeth. While they both provide the same service, there's a significant difference between the two in terms of aftercare and pricing.

However, both companies use the same process of fixing your teeth. You either pop into a retail shop for a free scan of your teeth or order your impression kit online. After reviewing your impressions or scan data, the company gets back to you with the details of your treatment.

You make your payment and receive your aligners in the mail. The system comes with 24 aligners, and you'll wear each one for up to 22-hours a day. The treatment plan or orthodontist tells you when it's time to move onto the next aligner.

By the time you finish all 24-aligners, you have perfectly straight teeth. You'll use the retainers included with your treatment to hold your new smile in place.

Smile Direct Club vs Candid: Key Differences

The difference between Candid and Smile Direct Club comes in the aftercare and the price. With Smile Direct Club, you're getting a bare-bones deal. That means that they give you a custom treatment plan to follow but limit your aftercare to one consultation every 30 to 90-days, depending on your needs.

In contrast, Candid offers you a much different aftercare experience. With Candid, you get a real orthodontist working with you on your treatment. Smile Direct Club uses a team of dentists and orthodontists to manage your treatment. Therefore, if you're more comfortable with managed care, Candid is the better choice.

Candid includes its scanning device with your aligner kit. You connect the device to your smartphone, following the on-screen prompts to scan your teeth. The orthodontist reviews the data, telling you when to move onto the next aligner.

Candid is for people that want to save on the costs of orthodontic options like Invisalign and braces but still want managed aftercare.

Smile Direct Club vs Candid: Our Recommendation

If we have to pick one company for our aligners, we're going with Candid. Sure, we get that Smile Direct Club is the more affordable option. However, Candid's level of aftercare is far superior. You get access to a dedicated orthodontist during your treatment, while Smile Direct Club relies on a team of dentists and orthodontists.

Candid's aftercare approach makes it the closest at-home option to Invisalign, the gold standard of aligner treatments. Candid's aligners feel like they have higher quality, with a cleaner cut and clear polish to the surface. While you're paying more for Candid, we think it's worth the extra money.

Byte: What Does it Cost?

Starting with Byte requires you to order an impression kit online for AUD$95. If they accept you for treatment, you'll make a payment of AUD$2,749 for the daytime system or AUD$3,339 for the Byte-at-Night.

You get financing for both options. The Daytime system requires an AUD$250 downpayment, with 24-monthly payments of AUD$114. You'll also have to pay an AUD440 account fee and an AUD$8 monthly account management fee, bringing the treatment total to AUD$2,981.

Byte includes the HyperByte device and free teeth whitening with your treatment.

WonderSmile: What Does It Cost?

WonderSmile also offers you two options in a daytime and nighttime aligner system. If you go with either system, you can book a free scan of your teeth and the WonderSmile Clinic near you. If you live too far from a clinic, you can order your impression kit online, included in the cost of your treatment.

If you choose the daytime aligners, you'll make a single payment of AUD$2,690. The nighttime aligners retail for AUD$2,760. You get financing options for both deals. With the daytime and nighttime aligners, you'll pay a 20% deposit and choose your repayment terms up to 12-months.

There are no forms to fill and no credit checks when applying for finance with WonderSmile. However, WonderSmile doesn't include a HyperByte or similar device, they don't give you free retainers, and you don't get any whitening treatment included with your purchase.

Byte vs WonderSmile: What are Clear Aligners?

Clear aligner systems are a revolution in orthodontics. Typically, you would have to visit the orthodontist for braces or Invisalign. These systems can cost anywhere between $6,500 to $10,000, depending on the treatment required.

In contrast, clear aligners offer you a significant saving on the costs of straightening your teeth. Since you don't deal with an orthodontist, you don't pay any consulting fees. Therefore, you save thousands of dollars on your treatment, and you get the same results.

Byte vs WonderSmile: How Do They Work?

At-home clear aligner systems are an entirely remote process handled through a teledentistry platform. Unlike traditional orthodontics like braces and Invisalign, you never have to visit the doctor's office. Instead, you control your treatment remotely, from the comfort of home.

You start by ordering an impression kit or visiting one of the WonderSmile Clinics for a free scan of your teeth. If the company accepts you for treatment, they wait for your payment to clear and start building your aligners.

You'll receive your aligners six weeks later, along with a custom treatment plan designed just for you. You follow the program, with the dental team checking in on your progress every 30 to 90-days. After you finish the treatment, you have a straight smile. You'll use retainers for the next few years to secure your new smile in place.

Byte vs WonderSmile: What's the Difference?

The difference between WonderSmile and Byte is considerable. While it might seem like WonderSmile is the least expensive option, it doesn't work out that way. If you have to pay for your retainers and teeth whitening, the costs work out to about the same as Byte. However, we'll chat more on the pricing in a minute; for now, let's focus on the performance difference.

Byte includes the HyperByte device with your treatment. You use the HyperByte when fitting your aligners. The device emits low-level sonic pulses that force the aligner into the tightest position possible. As a result of the superior fitment, you can expect faster treatment times than WonderSmile.

Byte vs WonderSmile: The Verdict

After reviewing Byte and WonderSmile, we have to go with Byte as the best choice for Australians wanting to fix their teeth. Byte is slightly more expensive than WonderSmile. However, you get plenty of added value with your purchase.

Byte offers you free teeth whitening, free retainers, and the HyperByte device; all included in your treatment package. While WonderSmile might have a more affordable upfront cost, they don't offer the same level of accessories to complement your treatment.

If you want to purchase teeth whitening and retainers, it's going to cost you nearly $200 for both. That reduces the gap between the price points of Byte and WonderSmile, making the Byte offer seem a lot more competitive.

What are Smile Direct Club Nighttime Aligners 

At-home aligner systems are a rising trend in DIY dentistry. Traditionally, people would rely on conventional orthodontic systems like braces and Invisalign for straightening their smile. However, in the last decade, at-home aligner companies decided to innovate this process.

With at-home aligner companies like SmileDirectClub, you can straighten your smile and skip out on the orthodontist fees. The result is that you save thousands of dollars on your treatment costs, and you get the same results as you would with the doctor.

At-home aligners come in daytime and nighttime solutions. With daytime systems, you wear the aligners for up to 22-hours a day. However, that's not practical for some people. The SDC nighttime aligner system offers people the opportunity to fix their teeth while they sleep.

How Do Smile Direct Club Nighttime Aligners Work?

Smile Direct Club makes it easy for you to start straightening your teeth. The company has more than 300 Smile Shops across the country offering free scanning of your teeth. During the consultation with the attendant, they'll show you what you can expect from your treatment results and work out your plan.

If you can't make it to a Smile Shop for scanning, you have the option of ordering the impression kit online. When it arrives, follow the instructions to mold your teeth, and send the impressions back to SDC using the enclosed return box you receive with your kit.

Smile Direct Club will notify you to make a payment if they feel you are a good fit as a candidate. After making your payment and committing to your treatment, you'll wait around 6-weeks for Smile Direct Club to build your aligners and retainers.

When you receive your box of 24-retainers, you'll go through each set. You swap them out every four to six weeks, depending on the advice you receive through the teledentistry platform. You only have to wear your aligners at night, but the more time you spend with them, the faster your results.

For the fastest treatment times, wear them for up to 14-hours a day. However, you can see results with wear times as low as 8-hours. Choose the treatment time that suits your lifestyle. After finishing with your aligners, you'll wear your retainers at night. The retainers prevent your teeth from shifting back to the old position.

What Do Smile Direct Club Nighttime Aligners Cost?

If you want to start with Smile Direct Club, you'll visit one of the 300 Smile Shop locations across America. The Smile Shop attendant takes a scan of your teeth, sending the data to the orthodontists at Smile Direct Club HQ. Alternatively, you can order an impression kit online for $59. Currently, the company is offering a special on impression kits for $29.

If approved for treatment, you'll need to make a payment of $1,950 for your aligners. You also have the option of taking your treatment on credit with Smile Pay. SDC offers you the same pricing on its daytime and nighttime solutions.

The financing option with Smile Pay works out to $250 down, with 24-monthly payments of $89. The total treatment cost on credit works out to $2,386. Your first set of retainers come free, but subsequent sets cost you $99 for the upper and lower retainers.

Smile Direct Club Nighttime Aligners Review – The Verdict

Smile Direct Club nighttime aligners are a great choice for fixing your smile while you sleep. Unlike the daytime system, you don't have to wear your aligners during the day, freeing your teeth. Smile Direct is one of the few aligner companies offering the same price on its daytime and nighttime solution, and it's remarkably well-priced.

You get free teeth whitening and your first set of retainers included with your aligner system. That's an added value that many other companies, including Invisalign, skip. However, by comparing results to other companies like Byte and Candid, Byte offers you a faster treatment time. Candid is the better choice if you want better aftercare during your treatment.

Overall, SDC has a good mid-level offering, and if it produces the same results as the others. SDC also offers you a smile guarantee, ensuring you get a successful treatment.