Candid Clear Aligners – Chevy Chase, MD
An Affordable Smile Straightening Solution
Why are so many people reluctant to get braces even though they have crooked teeth that they want to correct? For some, it’s the price of orthodontic treatment that’s the issue. For others, it’s simply the fact that they don’t want to wear highly visible pieces of metal on their teeth. Thanks to the Candid clear aligner system, Dr. Yu can offer a more discreet, budget-friendly orthodontic solution. Read on to learn more about Candid, and give us a call if you’re interested in using it to enhance your grin.
Why Choose Avant Dentistry for Candid Clear Aligners?
- High-Quality Clear Aligners with Home Monitoring
- Compassionate, Thoroughly Trained Dentist
- Modern, Conveniently Located Dental Office
How Candid Clear Aligners Work
Step one of the Candid process is to take impressions of your teeth and figure out what corrections need to be made. Then, a number of clear aligners will be crafted, with each one effectively representing a different step of the orthodontic process. You’ll wear each aligner for a given amount of time; as you progress through the series of aligners, your teeth will be gradually repositioned until you eventually have a dazzling, properly aligned smile.
Part of what makes Candid stand out from other clear aligner systems is that it involves a home monitoring system. Every two weeks, you’ll send us a scan of your teeth. That way, we can make sure that your treatment is going as planned while also reducing the number of trips you need to make to our office.
Who Can Candid Clear Aligners Help?
If you’re frustrated by overcrowded or crooked teeth or suffer from malocclusion (bite misalignment), you’re not alone. Each year, an estimated 9 million Americans receive orthodontic treatment to straighten their smiles. Although braces are the tried-and-true method, Dr. Yu can reposition your grin more discreetly with Candid clear aligners.
However, before proceeding, you must schedule a consultation to ensure that this method is right for you. While anyone with misaligned teeth can potentially benefit from this treatment, that doesn’t make everyone a good candidate. Continue reading to learn who Candid clear aligners can help, and feel free to contact us if you have additional questions.
Crowded Teeth
Having teeth that are pressed too closely together can impact both your appearance and your oral health. You might worry about how others perceive your oral condition, which can make you self-conscious. Furthermore, it’s harder to reach all the surfaces to clean them when brushing and flossing, leaving you at an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Yu can use Candid clear aligners to ensure that your teeth lay flush beside each other, improving your countenance as well as your dental condition.
Gaps Between Teeth
Wide spaces in your smile are infamous for trapping pieces of food, which attract cavity-causing bacteria. The exposed gum tissue might also sustain damage from eating overly hard or crunchy foods. If germs in your mouth penetrate beneath the surface, you can develop gum disease, which only gets worse over time. Closing the gaps with Candid clear aligners helps shield your gums from potential harm.
Overbite
If your upper teeth jut out too far past the lower ones, they’re left overly exposed which can unevenly wear down their enamel and leave them more prone to injury. Furthermore, like most malocclusions, this bite misalignment can put undue pressure on your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and lead to a sore jaw or limit its range of motion. Candid clear aligners can be used to help reposition your jaw so that your teeth come together the way they should.
Underbite
This occurs when your upper teeth rest inside your lower teeth when you close your mouth. This is often the result of genetics, oral trauma, or excessive thumb-sucking as a child. Whatever the reason behind it, this condition can restrict your airway and upper nasal passages, which increases the chances of developing sleep apnea. Rubber bands and other attachments may be needed to make the necessary adjustments in conjunction with your Candid clear aligners.
Crossbite
If one or more of your upper teeth anywhere in your mouth rest behind the lower ones, then you may have a crossbite. It can be caused by the premature loss of baby teeth, which impacts how your adult teeth grow in afterward. Dr. Yu may need to include elastics or other accessories with your Candid clear aligners to help with more severe cases.
Open Bite
If your front teeth don’t touch at all when you close your jaw, you likely have an open bite. This is often due to prolonged thumb sucking or poor bone development as a child. It can impact your ability to enunciate certain words and sounds and excessively wear the enamel on the back teeth. Candid clear aligners can bring the front and bottom teeth together to reduce the risk of dental damage.
Indications for Candid Clear Aligners
Could Candid clear aligners be a good fit for your smile? The answer might be yes if you are experiencing any of the following kinds of malocclusions.
Crowded Teeth
Candid clear aligners can be used to correct the positions of teeth that are too crowded together. It will be much easier to keep your teeth clean and healthy once they’re properly aligned.
Gaps Between Teeth
If there are unsightly spaces between your teeth, the Candid clear aligner system could be an excellent way to close them and improve your appearance.
Bite Alignment
Overbites, underbites, crossbites, and similar issues can often be addressed with Candid. A properly aligned bite is essential for maintaining good oral health.
The Benefits of Candid Clear
As with other clear aligner systems, Candid lets you enjoy all the benefits of orthodontic treatment without having to deal with metal braces. In this next section, you’ll find a few of the most popular reasons patients choose this teeth-straightening service each year. So, read on!
You Don’t Have to Change Your Diet
Since the brackets and wires can break with enough pressure, patients with traditional braces are asked to avoid crunchy and sticky foods, like whole apples, almonds, raw carrots, and popcorn. That’s not the case with Candid because the aligners are removable. So, after you take them out, you can eat whatever you’d like! All we ask is that you do your best not to overindulge on foods that are starchy or sugary.
Brushing and Flossing Are Quite Easy
Another perk of removable aligners is that you can take them out before brushing and flossing your teeth. Traditional braces, on the other hand, can only be removed by a professional. As a result, patients have to learn how to maneuver around them, which often requires special oral hygiene products, like interproximal toothbrushes. Fortunately, you won’t have to worry about any of that with Candid.
There Are Fewer Check-In Visits
With Candid, you’ll be given a few sets of your aligners at a time as well as specific instructions on when to progress to the next pair in the series. In other words, you’ll be able to progress through portions of your treatment plan at home; you don’t need to come in every four weeks for adjustment appointments. Plus, these check-in visits are usually quite quick if your teeth are moving as anticipated!
The Aligners Are Metal-Free
Metal-free braces are certainly more aesthetically pleasing, which is why many patients are drawn to them. However, that’s just one positive. Having smooth, low-profile aligners instead of bulky brackets and wires also means no soft tissue irritation. So, the only soreness you’ll feel is from the movement of your teeth, and even that can be alleviated with the right steps, like avoiding crunchy foods.
You Can Take Your Aligners Out for Special Events
To stay on-track with your treatment plan, you need to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours a day. That said, you can take them out for special occasions as well, like before your senior photos or a big presentation at work. All we ask is that you put them back on as soon as you can and that you do your best to make up any lost time the following day.
The Average Treatment Timeline Is Shorter
Finally, patients love Candid because the average treatment timeline is shorter (about 12-18 months). Conversely, traditional braces can take well over two years. Of course, there are lots of factors that will impact the time you need to invest in your orthodontic treatment, including the complexity of your case, so don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us to get a better idea of your timeline.
Understanding the Cost of Candid Clear Aligners
Although we can’t give you an exact number here, we can provide you with an estimate of the cost when you visit our office! That’s because the amount you pay for your Candid treatment depends on factors unique to you, including how severe your case is and how many aligners are needed. If you still have a few days or weeks until your appointment with us, then keep reading; we’ve dedicated this next section to covering helpful information on the topic.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Candid Clear Aligners
We mentioned above that how severe your case is and how many aligners you need will impact the price of Candid. Those are actually just two of many factors we need to consider. At your consultation, we will learn more about your dental history, your oral health, and your smile goals so we can determine if single-arch treatment is possible, if any other orthodontic accessories are needed, and the type of retainer you need. Of course, it’s also possible for additional costs to come up down the line, like if you consistently lose your aligners and need replacements. Don’t worry – we will review all of this and more with you at our office.
Does Candid Cost More Than Mail-In Aligners?
Typically, mail-in aligners are cheaper because they don’t include an initial consultation, the treatment plans are supervised by licensed dental professionals, and DIY impressions are used. This might not seem like a big deal, but many patients who have opted for orthodontic alternatives in the past have ended up with worsened misalignment, severely loose teeth, and other serious oral health problems. That’s why it’s best to invest in Candid; this discreet orthodontic treatment is often more affordable than other options for straightening teeth, yet it can still be relied on to deliver beautiful results.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Candid Clear Aligners?
Do you have dental insurance? If so, it’s worth taking a look at your plan to see if you have any orthodontic benefits! If you’re having a hard time understanding your coverage, you’re more than welcome to ask us for help. We’re in-network with most United Concordia, Guardian, and GEHA plans, and we handle the claims for our patients so the process of utilizing their available benefits is significantly easier.
Options for Making Candid Clear Aligners Affordable
If you don’t have dental insurance at the moment, we have some good news: we also welcome flexible financing with Cherry! It’s easy to apply, and you’ll see how much you qualify for immediately. If you want to learn more about this financial solution (or anything else pertaining to the cost of your orthodontic treatment), don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help make navigating the financial side of your care a breeze too!
Candid Clear FAQS
What Does Candid Clear Look Like?
Candid Clear aligners are made of smooth, transparent plastic that fits snugly over your teeth, making them very difficult to see when worn. Unlike traditional braces, there are no metal brackets or wires, allowing you to straighten your teeth without drawing attention to your treatment. Each set of aligners is custom-made to fit your smile, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit. Most people won’t even notice you're wearing them, making Candid Clear a great option if you want an effective, yet subtle, orthodontic treatment option.
How Long Does Candid Clear Take?
The treatment time with Candid Clear varies based on each patient's specific orthodontic needs, but most cases are completed within 6 to 12 months. That being said, more complex cases may require slightly longer treatment. You'll switch to a new set of aligners after a specified length of time—usually around two weeks. Dr. Yu will provide a customized treatment plan that outlines the expected duration after your consultation. One of the standout features of Candid Clear is its home monitoring system. By scanning your teeth with the included app, you’ll be able to keep your treatment on track with fewer visits, saving you time and money.
Does Candid Clear Hurt?
While Candid Clear aligners are generally more comfortable than traditional braces, you may still experience some discomfort or pressure when you start wearing a new set. This sensation is normal and shows that the aligners are working as intended to shift your teeth. These “adjustment pains” are typically short-lived and should fade away within a few days. So, plan a menu of soft foods for a couple of days when you first begin your treatment and every time you change aligner sets. Doing this and taking over-the-counter pain relievers will help manage the discomfort until you adjust.
Can You Eat with Candid Clear?
Candid Clear aligners should always be removed before eating or drinking anything other than water. Eating with your aligners in place can damage them and trap food particles, increasing the risk of cavities and staining. Once you finish a meal or snack, brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back on to keep them clear, fresh, and undamaged. With Candid Clear, you can enjoy all your favorite foods without the dietary restrictions of traditional braces!