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Invisalign vs Smile Direct Aligners
Are you thinking about getting a straighter smile? You might have come across two popular orthodontic choices: Invisalign and SmileDirectClub.
Invisalign has been a trusted name in orthodontics since 1997, renowned for its creation of nearly invisible braces. It is celebrated as one of the most effective and convenient orthodontic solutions for adults eager to straighten their teeth.
In contrast, SmileDirectClub, established in 2014, introduced a novel approach to teeth straightening. They introduced clear aligner kits that could be used at home without professional guidance or in-person appointments.
However, recent developments have cast a shadow over SmileDirectClub's operations. On December 8, 2023, the company filed for bankruptcy due to an estimated $900 million debt. This forced them to cease its global operations immediately.
As a result, potential clients are left without access to aligner treatment, and any ongoing orders have been cancelled without warning.
This shows how important it is to choose professional, proven cosmetic treatment that is provided by an experienced dentist. Not only will you be far more likely to achieve your smile goals, but you will also have peace of mind and full support if any issues do occur.
For us at Dee Dental, we go above and beyond to ensure your safety and comfort. Of course we want to straighten your smile at a fair price, but we will never compromise on treatment if it means poorer quality.
This blog explains why Invisalign is the standout choice for adult orthodontic solutions, especially when compared to at-home alternatives. We will also explain why SmileDirectClub closed their doors and how you can avoid being impacted by such issues in the future.
What Is Invisalign?
At Dee Dental, we offer Invisalign as a convenient and effective orthodonticsolution for adults wishing to straighten to their teeth. It is an innovative teeth-straightening treatment that uses clear removable aligners tailored to your unique dental needs.
Crafted from SmartTrack, a flexible thermoplastic material exclusively designed for Invisalign, these clear aligners gradually shift your teeth into alignment over the course of several months.
Invisalign is known as one of the safest, most effective adult orthodontic solutions on the market today.
How does Invisalign work?
Under the expert guidance of our Invisalign-trained professionals, your entire treatment journey is carefully overseen.
It begins with an in-person consultation, where we conduct a 3D digital scan of your teeth to create a personalised treatment plan. Throughout the process, we schedule regular check-ins to monitor progress and ensure optimal aligner fit.
Your customised Invisalign treatment plan involves wearing a series of aligners, typically changed every one to two weeks. In some cases, attachments may be necessary to aid in achieving precise adjustments. These small pieces of composite resin, bonded to your teeth, assist in ensuring a tighter fit for the aligners.
We understand that every smile is unique, and so is every treatment plan. Whether your case is straightforward or more complex, our team provides you with the best care and results.
Our goal is to help you achieve the smile you have always dreamed of in a comfortable and personalised manner.
How much does Invisalign cost?
The cost of Invisalign treatment at Dee Dental is comparable to traditional braces. However, the exact price depends on factors such as the complexity of your case, treatment duration, and insurance coverage.
During your consultation, we will provide you with a personalised price estimate tailored to your specific needs.
Pros and cons of Invisalign
Here is an overview of the main benefits and drawbacks associated with Invisalign:
| Pros | Cons |
| No metal brackets or wires | Aligners may not provide the same level of control as traditional braces |
| Receive personalised care from an Invisalign-trained doctor | To achieve optimal results, patients must wear aligners for up to 22 hours a day |
| Many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign, similar to braces | If aligners are not worn regularly, they may no longer fit properly, leading to additional costs for replacement |
|
Potential for completing treatment in as little as six months, depending on case complexity |
Costs can be higher compared to DIY alternatives |
| Widely available through orthodontists and dentists | After treatment, it is recommended to continue wearing retainers, at least at night, indefinitely |
What was SmileDirectClub?
SmileDirectClub offered teledentistry services, allowing individuals to straighten their teeth by themselves, without the benefit of professional guidance or in-person appointments.
Like Invisalign, SmileDirectClub's treatment involved custom-made plastic aligners designed to gradually shift teeth into the desired position.
SmileDirectClub offered a different approach compared to traditional orthodontic practices, which lacked professional guidance and expert support. Their process did not involve in-person visits to a dental office, which are key for achieving your personal smile goals.
Instead, individuals could either use an impression kit sent by post for at-home use or opt for an in-person scan at a SmileShop.
The absence of direct professional supervision in their treatment model raised safety concerns. Results were not as advertised and due to many complaints, scandals and even lawsuits, which ultimately led to their permanent closure.
Why was SmileDirect shut down?
SmileDirectClub faced closure due to several key factors that raised significant concerns about the safety and effectiveness of their at-home aligner treatment.
Lack of personal professional consultations and the potential for misdiagnosis
The absence of in-person consultations posed a considerable risk of misdiagnosis.
Unlike traditional orthodontic practices, which prioritise face-to-face assessments by professional dentists, SmileDirectClub primarily relied on remote consultations and at-home impression kits for creating treatment plans.
However, orthodontic treatments require careful assessment of oral health and precise treatment planning, especially for complex cases.
Without in-person supervision, there is a heightened risk of causing irreparable harm to patients, as highlighted by orthodontic experts.
Limited professional guidance during treatment
Another concerning aspect is that SmileDirectClub sends customers an impression kit with instructions to take their own impressions.
This raises immediate issues, as non-professionals may not achieve accurate impressions without official training. Unlike at-home attempts, medical professionals, and dental practitioners, like our team at Dee Dental, undergo extensive training to ensure the accuracy and reliability of impressions.
After taking impressions, customers send them back to SmileDirectClub for aligner manufacturing. Once made, the aligners are returned with instructions on usage and duration. However, customers are left to continue treatment without dental assistance or monitoring.
While SmileDirectClub claims each treatment plan is reviewed and approved by registered dentists or orthodontists, users report difficulty in contacting dental professionals throughout their treatment. This lack of accessibility contradicts the companies Smile Guarantee.
Online statements echo frustrations with communication barriers:
"I've requested multiple times to speak with my SmileDirectClub dentist to address a specific problem area but feel brushed off...I've already worn aligners for a year and a touch-up. I do not want another six months if my gap isn't resolved. How can I contact my SDC dentist to explain?"
How much did SmileDirectClub cost?
Both SmileDirectClub treatment options cost a total of £1,500. Alternatively, patients could choose to make monthly payments of £65 over 26 months with a £200 deposit, totalling £1,690.
Additional costs included a £50 fee for ordering an at-home impression kit, which was refunded upon kit return. It was also recommended to purchase retainers at the end of treatment to maintain results, priced at £70 per set.
The bottom line on SmileDirectClub vs. Invisalign
At Dee Dental, we understand that deciding on the right orthodontic treatment can be a daunting task. It is natural to want the best care for your smile, and we are here to guide you through that journey.
While SmileDirectClub may have seemed appealing due to its affordability and convenience, we believe that nothing beats the personalised care and attention provided by a qualified dentist or orthodontist. Your smile is unique, and it deserves the expertise and oversight that only a professional can offer.
Dr. Dinah and our dedicated team are committed to your oral health and satisfaction. With our advanced digital dentistry techniques and convenient video consultations, we strive to make your orthodontic experience as seamless and comfortable as possible.
Let us be your partner in achieving your dream smile through professional dentistry with ongoing care and support.
Contact us today to book your Invisalign consultation and start smiling with confidence once again!
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Amazing, friendly, professional dental surgery. Dee and the team are very client orientated and always add those little extra touches that you don't get anywhere else, i.e calling ahead of my appointmet to ask if I would like tea, coffee or water when i arrive.....It is such a tiny wee thing however i love these friendly calls, usually from Katie, it always brightens my day and adds a personal touch whilst reminding me I have an upcoming appointment! I have always had a terrible fear of the dentists which seems to have almost disappeared since attending Dee Dental for Invisalign, my invisalign journey is almost over after approx 60 weeks, my treatment was surprisingly painless, after reading horror stories online from other dental practices, my experince has been fabulous, i hardly noticed i had braces and now my teeth are looking amazing! Having spent my whole life using NHS dentists , my experience with Dee Dental has been completely fabulous and second to none, once my Invisalign treatment is complete I will continue to visit Dee for all future dental needs by signing up to the very reasonable monthly dental plan. You can't put a price on highly trained professionals, friendliness, first class service, patience with an apprehensive client, state of the art equipment, trust and those little extra touches that brighten my day....Thanks guys you're the best!
Dee and the whole team are amazing, everyone is lovely and really attentive and very professional… when I first walked in I was really nervous, but in mins all my nerves were laid to rest, I’m so glad I came here to Dee Dental to start that journey.
Dr Dee and the team made the whole process of getting Invisalign straightforward and put me at ease throughout the process. Can't recommend them highly enough!
Thank you to Dee and all the staff had an excellent experience at this practice for the first time. Cant recommend this practice enough. Will definitely be back. Thanks Dee
Brilliant dental service with very accommodating staff as I have a slight fear of the dentist. Were quick to book me in and sorted out my dental issues with no problems.
Best dentist! I wanted to get invisalign for quite a while and Dee dental were amazing in giving all the information and were fantastic throughout the whole process, they accomodated me greatly by being flexible while I was working away for long periods and provided a great service the whole time. The staff are always welcoming and friendly. I would highly recommend Dee Dentist Paisley.
Great dentist and I’m a big scardy cat.. make you feel at ease and always ask if I’m ok throughout the treatment.. highly recommend
Like many, I regard visiting the Dentist to be an experience I could do without.
But it is, of course, a necessary evil.
I was fortunate enough to have the same Dentist from when I was 18 right up until his retiral.His name was Mr Harris and he was always able to put me at my ease.
His replacement was, it`s fair to say, not so good.
So I signed up with my closest Dental Surgery, where I was fortunate enough to have been treated by two wonderful Dentists, the second of which was Dinah Judy Naasan.
When she left to set up her own practice as Dee Dental, things were just not the same at the practice she had left behind, and after a while, it seems they forgot me entirely.
Therefore, despite her practice being a fair bit further away, I re-registered with Dinah.
And, it`s fair to say, it`s been a great decision and worth the extra mileage.
She is a fantastic Dentist and always puts me at ease and has done the work her previous practice neglected to do.
Her Dee Dental staff all seem like lovely people too and I find I can enjoy my visits there as much as it is possible to `enjoy` such an ordeal.
So, my verdict is a solid 10/10.
I f Dinah reads this, I`m hoping for at least 25% off my next visit!!
: )
Really lovely dental practice. Did everything possible to fit me in for an emergency appointment today. Receptionist Lindsey and Dr Naasan are excellent. Glad I’ve found a dentist that I actually don’t mind visiting!
I had wanted fillers in my nose for a long time to fix the bump I had- (non surgical nose job)- and I am so happy I had Dinah do it and I love the results! She is professional and easy to chat to which made me feel at ease. There was no bruising after the treatment and the results were instant. You can tell she has been doing injectables for a long time as it wasn't uncomfortable when she was doing the fillers- will 100% be coming back to Dinah to get this done again in the future!!
I have been going to Dinah now for almost two years for both anti-wrinkle injections and Fillers . The results have been amazing and she has helped me achieve the natural results I was looking for , with the procedures being quick and pretty painless. I would highly recommend her services and her aftercare is first class also.
I can’t say enough good things about Dinah and would recommend her to anyone!
I wanted to straighten my two upper front teeth especially and, after consulting with Dr Dinah Naasan, I decided to go with a see through retainer clear align. I had my appointments every two weeks, no delays, everything went according to plan. I am very happy with the results and with the treatment overall. You can see the difference straight away and that’s what I wanted. I would definitely recommend this option for anyone who doesn’t want their retainer to be visible and want fast and effective results.
Excellent service, Dee puts you at ease and let's you know exactly what each procedure she is going to do in the most polite and knowledgeable manner. I would highly recommend.
Would highly recommend this dentist to anyone Dinah is fantastic explains everything to you so you understand what is happening
The staff are all fantastic and Dinah is a miracle worker I won't b changing my dentist ever
I heartily recommend the best dentist. I was very afraid of the dentist, each of my attempts was painful during the treatment. At the dee dental clinic she had root canal treatment today, I didn't feel any pain and the dentist was very friendly. Thank you very much
Dinah was able to explain everything clearly and put me at ease. Really approachable and provided excellent care. Would really recommend this great team and practice!!
Best dee dental Paisley and and I hate going but so nice & friendly thanks for everything
highly recommend this dental practice!
Clean, smart and professional. Very happy to have found a dentist which was easy to register with via website. I had a check up appointment made within two days of my registration. She makes you feel at ease and let’s you know exactly what’s happening. Amazing and my teeth look great. Highly recommended !!!
Amazing modern practice that is completely different to our previous dentist. They provide some brilliant services including anti-wrinkle injections and fillers. Would recommend Dinah and her team to anyone!
Dinah is very professional and put me at ease. The practice is clean and modern and being able to book online is a plus
clean, modern and comfortable waiting area. Dinah and staff are very friendly and welcoming also.
I have been seeing Dinah for 3 years and she is always friendly, efficient and gentle! Would recommend her to everyone and the practice looks great.
Lovely clean modern practice, Dinah is friendly, efficient and puts you at ease :). Online booking system is great. Would highly recommend.
Been seeing this dentist for a long time. Very friendly and professional. Top dentist
Quick, Professional, Fantastic
Best dentist by far in paisley staff are down to earth and they do good work and make u feel at home!
best dentist ive ever had, gave me all the correct advice to help save teeth, so friendly and relaxed atmosphere,, its a pleasure to go get my treatment!! highly recommend!!!
Got my lips done by the lovely Dinah, absolutely love them would highly recommend, Dinah makes you feel so at ease. Thanks Love them- be back to freeze the forehead next lol xx
Had tear troughs and nasolabial fillers and was over the moon with results. Dinah took her time to study my face to make sure everything was seamless and natural. Lovely manner- really made me feel relaxed and at ease!
My first anti-wrinkle experience was quick and painless and the results are amazing. All thanks go to Dinah for her brilliant job! I would highly recommend her services.
Love my lip fillers from dinah and the before and aftercare was brilliant will definitely be back again for more
Love getting my anti-wrinkle injections by Dinah..I always feel great after having it done.. Would highly recommend
I noticed circa 1 year ago that my face is asymmetrical and called upon Dinahs expertise. She recommended anti-wrinkle injections and what can I say I’m delighted with the results. The service she offers is first class she’s friendly very approachable and I highly recommend that you look no further than Dinah for advice and any work you wish to have carried out.
This has to be one of the most caring, professional dentists in the local area. I would say just Paisley but Dr Dinah and her team are amazing, if you are looking for your smile to be improved or for NHS work with fillings etc then I love this place and the team are amazing.
So happy with the work that got done today - never felt any pain with the jag and taking the tooth out- great job 100% spot on!
felt comfortable and at ease- great service!
Dee Dental Paisley has been the best and most professional and must I say caring dentists there is not just in the town but the local area. When I had problems Dinah the owner called me a Friday night at near 10pm
She has bent over backwards to help. Whatever dentists would do that? Yes none.
Dee Dentists Paisley get Registered and start getting the smile you want.
Can't recommend enough!! Dinah and Elaine are absolutely fantastic, very knowledgeable and professional, and so friendly and approachable at the same time. The practice itself is lovely, modern, and spotless, and you can complete all the forms online which is easy and convenient.
Can't recommend enough!! Dinah and Elaine are absolutely fantastic, very knowledgeable and professional, and so friendly and approachable at the same time. The practice itself is lovely, modern, and spotless, and you can complete all the forms online which is easy and convenient.
Fantastic experience on my first visit to Dee Dental. Dinah carried out a thorough check up, much more in depth than any other dentist I've been to. I'd requested a scale and polish which was carried out, and Dinah was so lovely and reassuring while carrying out the treatment. Surgery was absolutely spotless too. Thanks Dinah and Team
Really great treatment total transformation, 2 implants with minimal intrusion, a complete oral refurbishment, composite bonding and zirconium crowns. Dinah is an absolute professional, highly recommended
Beautiful practice staff great but DINAH is amazing ❤ various dental work done in the past few weeks and I felt totally relaxed and so comfortable, also aesthetics done fabulous results and teeth whitening and what a difference in just two weeks , would highly recommend dee dental best i have been to.
Dinah is Amazing, very professional and full of knowledge I would highly recommend Dee Dental Paisley
Really professional couldn’t ask for a better local dentist!
Had a delightful time at Dee Dental today, the place was stunning, the staff were lovely and the dentist Dinah was amazing - kept me well informed, very knowledgable and super skilled better than any dentist I’ve had so far. Thank you and I’ll definitely come back
She always makes an amazing job and is very friendly
First time at Dee Dental and it was really good. Thorough examination of teeth. Very friendly and helpful staff.
Always fantastic service when visiting Dee Dental Paisley. The improvements made to the surgery have been incredible, both in technology and decor. Always more than happy with the advice, treatment provided and overall experience. Highly recommend.
Relieved to find this Dental Practice. Last week I had a tooth abscess, tooth required extraction. All the staff were exceptionally pleasant, professional and kind. Dinah made the experience completely comfortable for me, put me at ease, very reassuring and has great skill. Thank you very much.
I have been at this practice since a young girl, I am now a lady of a certain age. Having been there when the previous 2 owners retired it is nice to see some young blood taking over the reins. The practice has had a makeover and is bright, clean and welcoming. The staff are all lovely and happy to help whether it is regarding dental work or cosmetic procedures which they now carry out as well.
I've only ever had positive experiences during my appointments at Dee Dental. The staff are so patient and accommodating I'd absolutely recommend this dentist to anyone looking for a new one. I started my Invisalign treatment at this dentist and I have been happy with all of the results so far.
I've only ever had positive experiences during my appointments at Dee Dental. The staff are so patient and accommodating I'd absolutely recommend this dentist to anyone looking for a new one. I started my Invisalign treatment at this dentist and I have been happy with all of the results so far.
Very pleased with service. When a new dentist takes over a dental practice there is always trepidation. This trepidation was very short lived as all the staff at the practice are professional and friendly, providing a quality and reassuring service. Also the practice is set up with the appropriate systems in place to provide a safe environment during this unsettling pandemic period. I have no hesitation in continuing to use Dee Dental for my dental health care and would recommend it.
Another fantastic day at the dentist with Dr Naasan.
This is not your normal practice, it is full of love and support and is a beautiful place to be.
Thank you!!!! ❤
A fantastic service from Dinah and her team, I recently broke my crown and was concerned that due to the damage I had done, i may have required an implant, on discussion with Dinah, she proposed a plan that would potentially save the tooth and avoid the implant route, The treatment was done over 3 visits and I am delighted with the outcome. This dental practise cares about their patients and will always try to accommodate their needs. I highly recommend Dee Dental and thank them.
The environment directly put you to ease and the staff is exceptional. Dr. Naasan took her time with me and didn't rush, really gentle and explained all she was doing.
I highly recommended!!!
Very friendly, informative and helpful. Never had a better quality of care until now. Really happy with all the work that has been done to improve my smile.
I've always had a lot of anxiety when going to the dentist, Dinah as well as the rest of the team were extraordinary. Finally, I have found a calm and comprehensive dentist with lots of sympathy.
I have already had a few appointment with Dinah. She is professional, calm and take her time with patient.
The place is moderne and pleasant, a warm welcome at reception, advice and professional care of the highest quality. The appointment are taken rapidly.
I highly recommended Dee Dental Paisley Glasgow for your dental care.
Excellent dentist and very accommodating. We moved to Argyll not long after the practice changed hands and thought about moving to another dentist closeby. After having my first dental treatment from Dinah there was absolutely no way that I was moving to another dentist. It was pain free and everyone who works in the practice is very nice and friendly. I have been attending this practice for over 40 years and still intend to do so for many more years to come.
The staff are really kind and I always feel comfortable with the doctor. I had a very bad toothache and they arranged an urgent appointment for me and felt much better after.
Thanks Dee Dental! The staff are really kind and I always feel comfortable with the doctor. I had a very bad toothache and they arranged an urgent appointment for me and felt much better after.
Thanks Dee Dental!
Highly recommended! Very nice staff, Dr. Dinah is amazing! Thanks so much Dee Dental!
Dinah makes me feel at ease while in the scary dental chair. She talks me through the procedure. Surgery is spotless.
Excellent communication, clear advice and pricing. Lovely staff. Happy to recommend.
Dee Dentist is very friendly and make you feel relaxed would recommend it to anyone who might have a fear on going to the dentist
Lost my front tooth filling during lockdown and went to Dee Dental 15/6/2021. I can honestly say it is the best my tooth has looked over many years of replacing the filling. It is not even noticeable that there is a filling there. Thank you Dinah and staff for giving me my confidence back.
They're very time efficient at this practice also which has taken some getting used to but I love it. If ur nervous there's no waiting about or laying in the chair for ages while they figure out what they're supposed to be doing! Probably because they basically work 24/7 as someone answers the emergency line at all hours within minutes, so it's like military precision. Never had such good service.
I'm stingey as hell so it was a big deal for me to invest in the invisalign but they're worth every penny! Would not go anywhere else, it would be a waste of money.
I have just finished my Invisalign treatment with Dinah and the team at Dee Dental and I could not recommend then highly enough! Fantastic service from day 1 back in January right up to the end of my brace treatment. Even with such a busy practice every visit was personable, and messages/emails always replied to on the same day. I am over the moon with my results and plan to be back in December for further treatment to my crowns and for some bonding (unable to do these at the moment due to being pregnant). I can't wait to be back at the end of the year to finish off the process. If you are looking for professional work/advice on Invisalign treatments and more Dinah is your gal!
It's wonderful to having my teeth done at home when i got out of hospital and i haven't had any bother at all she is a wonderfull dentist i am a happy
Really great treatment total transformation, 2 implants with minimal intrusion, a complete oral refurbishment, composite bonding and zirconium crowns. Dinah is an absolute professional, highly recommended.
Dee is an absolutely wonderful dentist, patient, kind and so caring as are all her staff. Highly recommend this practice, especially if you are a nervous patient, as I was, honestly, you won't find anyone kinder. I am totally thrilled with my smile and the professional treatment I experienced. Thank you Dee Dental.
Lost my front tooth filling during lockdown and went to Dee Dental today 15/6/2021. I can honestly say it is the best my tooth has looked over many years of replacing the filling. It is not even noticeable that there is a filling there. Thank you Dinah and staff for giving me my confidence back. Back for a check up December 2021. Again the most thorough check up I’ve ever experienced at 75 yrs of age. Friendly, efficient and approachable. I’ll be back.
This was our first time to use a private dentist which was great! All Staff were very nice and helpful!
My experience so far has been a very positive one. The team are always very happy and bubbly. I always had a fear of the dentists but I have zero anxiety going into my appointments at dee dental, I always feel at ease. Before my first appointment I was asked if I would like a tea/coffee on arrival which I thought was a lovely touch. I have recommended dee dental to everyone I know! Thanks dee and the team x
If anyone is nervous about getting fillers don’t be!! Dr Dinah Naasan is professional, caring and takes everything you say into consideration, including your fears and expectations. The entire process was completely painless. For someone who has a low pain threshold I never felt a thing! The results were instantaneous and with no bruising whatsoever. I was so self conscious about my lips before and now I couldn’t imagine my life without fillers. It has given me so much confidence.
Dinah gave me some lip fillers which look great! Very happy with them. Would really recommend Dinah as someone to go with. Made me feel super comfortable about trying this for the first time. Her style is very natural and works with what you have rather than to achieve something unrealistic! I’m very happy and grateful and can’t praise her and the teams work enough!