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Main Features

After researching Candid clear aligners, it is our opinion that the product has the following main features:

• Licensed dentists and orthodontists direct treatment
• In-office assessment
• At-home ScanBox
• Whitening foam included
• Virtual check-ins
• Retainers
• Additional aligners if results unsatisfactory

What Are Candid Clear Aligners?

Candid aligners are clear plastic trays that are custom fitted to your teeth. Each set is 3-D printed according to your orthodontist’s recommendations. The trays work in progression to gradually shift your teeth into a new position.

How Do Candid Clear Aligners Work?

Clear aligners must be used correctly and according to a dentist’s instructions. The following sections explain how Candid clear aligners work.

CandidPro Dentist Office Appointment

The first step is to make appointment for an office visit with a CandidPro dentist. You can find a CandidPro provider in you area by using the doctor locator tool on the Candid website.

During your appointment, your dentist will take X-rays and a 3-D scan or your teeth, along with 8 photographs. You will also have to complete a dental and medical history questionnaire. After gathering this information, your dentist will send the results to a state-licensed orthodontist, who will prescribe your aligners and design a treatment plan.

Candid Aligner Kit

Your aligner kit will be shipped to your home. The kit includes a full set of aligners, whitening foam, ScanBox and other materials for your virtual check-ins. The program works through the CandidApp, which should be installed on a smartphone right away. After you watch the tutorial, you can take your first scan and begin treatments.

Treatment Plan

Candid treatment plans usually last about 6 months and require that you wear your aligners 22 hours a day. Your dentist will prescribe your plan according to your specific needs. During treatment, you will periodically scan your teeth and send the scan to your dentist. After your dentist looks at the scan, they will let you know when it’s time to progress to the next aligners.

Always keep the aligners from previous steps in your treatment plan. Depending on your scan results, your dentist may instruct you to go back to the previous step for a while.

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CandidMonitoring Virtual Check-Ins

To keep your treatment on track, you will send scans to your dentist every 14 days. These virtual check-ins, known as CandidMonitoring, let your dentist check the position of your teeth during your treatment plan. Once your dentist has examined your scan, they will send you instructions for the next step.

Candid Whitening Foam

Along with your aligners and ScanBox, you will receive a free bottle of whitening foam with your starter kit. You can purchase more whitener after you finish the first bottle. Candid developed this foam to be used while wearing aligners. It has less hydrogen peroxide than other whiteners, so it won’t irritate your gums, even with overnight use. It acts as a breath freshener, too.

Just apply the foam to the trays before you go to bed and put the aligners back in your mouth. You can also clean your aligners with the foam 4 times a day.

Retainers

Retainers prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original place after you complete your treatment plan. They do not apply pressure, but simply hold your teeth in place. Candid retainers look just like clear aligners; in fact, your last set of aligners will be your first set of retainers.

For the first 6 weeks your treatment plan, you will wear your retainer most of the day, starting at 22 hours and decreasing to 12 to 14. After the first 6 weeks, you should wear your retainer for 8 hours every night indefinitely. You should replace your retainers every 6 months. They are available for purchase on the Candid website.

Candid Aligners Review: Pros and Any Limitations

After researching Candid clear aligners, we found the following advantages and limitations.

In-Office Assessment

To get started with Candid aligners, you must make an appointment for an in-office assessment with a local dentist. Unlike some clear aligner companies, there is no at-home or virtual alternative to this first appointment.

With hectic schedules and concerns about COVID-19, people are used to having an alternative to in-office doctor visits. An at-home option would also be helpful for people who do not live near a participating dentist. Many people may prefer in-person appointments, but it would be nice to have an at-home option.

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Treatment Monitored By Licensed Dentist and Orthodontist

You can have confidence that you will receive care from qualified providers throughout your Candid treatment plan. Your initial X-ray and 3-D scan will take place at a local dentist office, and your treatment plan will be prescribed by a state-licensed orthodontist. With every check-in, you can rely on recommendations from licensed providers. It’s reassuring to know that you are receiving care from properly credentialed professionals.

Convenient Virtual Check-Ins

Although an in-office appointment is required in the beginning of the program, your Candid treatment plan is monitored via virtual check-ins. All you have to do is send your dentist a scanned image of your teeth every 14 days. The ScanBox comes with your aligner set at the start of your treatment plan. After your initial office visit, the rest of your treatment takes place in your home, when it’s convenient for you.

Candid Aligners Won’t Get in Your Way

You can put on your aligners and live your life. They can stay in while you exercise, play a musical instrument and even eat and drink. Just make sure that you rinse your aligners, brush your teeth and floss after you eat or drink. Even hot beverages are okay, as long as they’re not scalding. You may want to remove your aligners before you sip freshly brewed coffee.

Sharp Edges Not Uncommon

Unfortunately, you may find a sharp edge on your Candid clear aligner. Candid states on its FAQ page that although their aligners go through quality checks, sharp edges are not uncommon. The company recommends using an emory board to smooth out the sharp edge, or scissors to trim excess plastic ridges. Before you place new aligners over your teeth, it’s a good idea to make sure the entire surface is smooth.

Financing and Insurance

Candid provides financing options that can put aligner treatments within your budget. Depending on the specific treatment plan, Candid aligners can cost less, about the same or slightly more than traditional braces. However, Candid partners with Affirm to provide monthly payment plans after a credit check.

Many dental insurance policies cover part of the cost, too. Ask your insurance company about coverage. You can also use FSA and HSA funds to pay for aligner treatments.

Refinements Instead of Money-Back Guarantee

Candid does not offer a money-back guarantee, but they may provide additional aligners if your results do not match the 3-D image of expected results. To qualify for additional aligners — known as refinements— you must follow your prescribed treatment plan and request refinements within 30 days after your last aligner step.

Candid Clear Aligners: Final Thoughts

Overall, we believe that Candid aligners are a quality product. Treatment plans are prescribed and directed by licensed dentists and orthodontists. Virtual check-ins take place every 14 days to make sure your treatment is on track. You can rest assured that you are receiving care from qualified providers. You do not, however, have the option of an at-home impression kit instead of an office visit, which puts Candid aligners out of reach in some locations.

Your aligner kit comes with everything you’ll need, including a ScanBox and a gentle whitening foam, specially formulated for use with aligners. The whitener also freshens breath and helps keep your aligners clean. Your dentist will tell you when to start using the next set of aligners after viewing your scans every 14 days. At the end of your treatment plan, you’ll already have your first set of retainers, which is also your last set of aligners.

One potential issue is the small chance of finding sharp edges on some aligners. The result can be gum soreness and irritation. An excess plastic ridge can be filed or trimmed away, but it would be better if there were no sharp edges at all.

Payment plans are available after a credit check, and many dental insurance companies cover part of the cost of aligners. Your insurance company can give you specific information about coverage for aligners. You can also use FSA and HSA funds to pay for treatments. With some Candid treatment plans costing as much as traditional braces, these options can certainly help.

Although Candid does not offer a money-back guarantee, they do provide additional sets of aligners or “refinements” if your results do not match expected results. You must follow your prescribed treatment plan to qualify for refinements.

We have researched and reviewed Candid aligners and found advantages as well as some room for improvement. Overall, we believe that Candid aligners are a quality product.

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