Impress vs. Candid
For several decades Invisalign led the race for conventional brace alternatives but when their patents expired, other companies joined in and are now catching up fast. Two such brands are Candid and our very own Impress. While Impress x Uniform and Candid look very similar at first glance, there are subtle and important differences. So, let’s dive in and take a closer look at Impress vs. Candid.
Orthodontist-led model vs orthodontic overview model
When a customer comes in for a scan at our Impress office, they’ll always be seen by a trained orthodontist. Whereas, when a customer visits a Candid store, there’s a chance that they will be seen by a technician – and one who is not necessarily a licensed RDA, DA, or RDH.
So why does this matter?
Moving bones in the jaw is a serious task and one that we believe deserves an orthodontist-led, in-person consultation. Here at Impress, our experienced orthodontists give you a full dental health exam and x-rays, so we’re better positioned to ensure that any treatment you receive is both low-risk and safe. That’s not to say that a dental professional doesn’t oversee the treatment of Candid patients; it’s just that there’s no guarantee that customers will see them face-to-face. Candid’s ‘remote’ service means that patients can also choose not to have an in-office consultation and instead can carry out the entire process online. While remote dentistry may be convenient for those not near a Candid store, it can pose certain risks that a face-to-face visit to an in-store orthodontist shouldn’t.
Cost vs. ethics
Both Impress and Candid offer their services at considerably cheaper prices than the market leader (Invisalign). Our slogan at Impress, for example, states that we can “straighten teeth without disrupting your life or your bank account” and it’s true. For just $3,490, you can get a hassle-free way of straightening teeth using the latest discreet clear aligner technology. Candid too, say that they offer “next level care at great prices and currently price their services at around $2400.
Let’s delve a little closer and see what you’re really paying for.
With Impress, in particular, the fact that every patient is seen in person by a trained orthodontist aligns more with the American Association of Orthodontists' values. These are the same orthodontists who have taken issue with clear aligner companies such as Candid, that don’t always require person-to-person visits.
The reason?
Because there’s a chance that those people offered clear aligner treatment without access to a professional one-on-one examination might not always be in the best form of dental health.
Talking of dental health…
Let’s talk about types of treatment
Another subtle difference in the Impress x Uniform vs. Candid debate has a lot to do with the type of treatment a patient might need. Some people, for example, seek clear aligner treatment because they want to correct teeth for esthetic reasons. In other words, they want to improve the ‘look’ of their smile. In these cases, both Candid, and Impress can do a good job. But what about if a patient has a severe gap or overcrowding problem that they equally don’t feel happy about? Who do they turn to then?
This is where we excel…
Because Impress uses highly-trained orthodontists, we can assist with various orthodontic problems that go above and beyond the scope of a traditional aligner plan. These include problems like chipped teeth, severe overbites, underbites, crossbites, and tooth overcrowding. These are cases that Candid isn’t set up to deal with. It’s thought that approximately 75% of all clear aligner cases require more than just esthetic treatment. And this reflects in the majority of cases that we see.
So there you have it, the subtle and not-so-subtle differences in the Impress vs. Candid debate. But just in case you need a recap, here are the key points again.
Impress vs. Candid key points of difference:
- Although costs are similar, Impress can take on more complex treatments that fall outside the remit of a traditional aligner treatment plan.
- Candid offers convenience with their remote service; however, patients risk being signed up when they aren’t always in the best dental health.
- Ethically at least (and for now) Impress is better positioned.
If you are curious about clear aligner treatment and want to correct your smile in just a few months, contact the team at Impress. We guarantee gold standard results in as little as six months.
Meet with an expert clinician today. Book your free consultation by giving us a call at 888.490.142 or schedule online.