Dr Smile vs Invisalign : how to choose ?

Updated: November 3, 2022
Dr. Smile and Invisalign invisible aligners are all the rage on the market

Dr Smile vs Invisalign ? The question is asked. Both brands are among the most recognized in the world of invisible orthodontics, and it is only natural that you should choose these aligners when you begin your orthodontic treatment.

Invisible orthodontics is an aesthetic way of straightening teeth because the aligners used are very discreet. Invisalign is a brand that allows you to achieve an ideal smile in the most discreet and effective way possible, but it is also one of the most expensive on the market. That's why there are more affordable alternatives , like Dr. Smile, that can help you achieve similar results.

If you are considering using invisible aligners, but don't know how to choose between Dr. Smile and Invisalign, we explain all the advantages and disadvantages of each brand in this article. Follow the guide to make the best decision for your teeth.

Before you read on, you can also learn more about the Dr. Smile treatment by contacting a Dr. Smile dental office.

What is Dr Smile?

DrSmile is a German company founded in 2016 with over 100 clinics in France, Germany and other European countries. In France, the company has quickly conquered a good share of the transparent gutter market, by establishing itself in the major cities. Invisalign, however, remains the leading brand in the invisible orthodontic market with over thirty years of experience.

Invisible aligners are custom-made and are changed regularly to exert constant pressure on the teeth, in order to gradually straighten them to an ideal position.

Dr Smile: What are the advantages over Invisalign?

Price

Alternatives to Invisalign, such as Dr. Smile, stand out for their price. This is the case of the German brand, which has much lower prices than Invisalign. The often exorbitant costs of invisible orthodontics are an inconvenience for many people who cannot count on reimbursement from the Social Security .

Of course, some mutual insurance companies cover part of the costs associated with invisible treatment, but they are few in number.

Dr Smile or Invisalign?
You only need one appointment with your health care professional during a Dr Smile treatment

By advocating an at-home approach, Dr. Smile reduces costs by cutting out some of the middlemen and eliminating most orthodontic appointments. Yes, the first appointment is always face-to-face, but the rest of the follow-up is done virtually.

To give you an idea, the prices of Dr Smile vary, approximately, between 1600 euros (light cases) and 2700 euros (complex cases). The German company offers patients the possibility to spread their payments over several months. This financing is also one of the big advantages of this invisible orthodontic treatment.

A practical treatment

Dr Smile plays it easy. As previously mentioned, the German brand is expanding into the field of home orthodontics. If you are interested in this option and find it most convenient, please visit the website and fill out the required form.

This first step establishes contact with the company, which then proposes an appointment at the nearest clinic. This consultation is essential since it is used to perform a 3D analysis of your teeth, as well as other tests to determine the complete state of your oral health. Finally, the visit ends with a 3D evaluation of your teeth after wearing invisible braces.

Two weeks after the appointment, Dr. Smile sends a detailed report to the patient's home regarding the duration of the treatment, the price and all the information to guide you in your care.

In case of acceptance, the company is notified and can order the custom-made invisible gutters. The orthodontic appliance is sent to the patient's home 4 to 6 weeks later.

If all the steps of the treatment are carried out at home, the health professional is never far away to follow the evolution which is recorded virtually via a mobile application.

Watch the video of a Dr Smile patient's testimonial below

Warranty

In remote treatment, Dr. Smile puts all the cards stamped “trust ” on the table. Satisfaction guarantee is the order of the day. If the expected results are not those visible at the end of the treatment, Dr Smile guarantees to obtain new invisible alignersin order to extend the treatment and achieve the desired objectives

At Invisalign, this type of guarantee also exists according to the chosen formula. Additional aligners are unlimited with the Invisalin Comprehensive contract, but this is not the case with the rest of the packages.

Dr Smile vs Invisalign : Disadvantages

Efficiency

Both Dr. Smile and Invisalign offer effective treatments for diastemas, mild malocclusions and crowding. However, Invisalign takes the cake for the most complex cases. Indeed, Dr Smile's technology is still limited for some cases.

Moreover, Invisalign never hesitates to put forward an orthodontic system compatible with 90% of the cases. The brand wants to adapt to all profiles by offering, if necessary, braces composed of attachments and elastics that are reminiscent of more traditional orthodontic treatments.

Quality

Quality is another strong point of Invisalign and Dr Smile aligners. These are manufactured by the Straumann Group, a renowned dental company that created the ClearCorrect invisible braces. The German technology is based on the use of ClearQuartz, a flexible and extremely strong material.

Invisalign aligners are manufactured by the American company Align Technology, a pioneer of invisible orthodontics in the world. They are made of a very strong and elastic thermoplastic material called SmartTrack.

DrSmile
Invisalign has more comprehensive treatments and Dr Smile is less expensive

Trust

Trust is one of the qualities that comes with Dr. Smile and Invisalign. Invisalign's founding company, Align Technology, has been in the business since 1997. Millions of patients around the world have benefited from the brand's advantages.

While Dr Smile is a younger company, thousands of treatments have already been performed. Positive testimonials abound on specialized forums.

Dr Smile or Invisalign: which brand is better?

Both brands offer high quality and very efficient invisible gutters, so the choice will depend on your particular case. If you have crooked teeth or gaps and are looking for a less expensive treatment, DrSmile may be a solution for you. But if your condition is more severe or you are a teenager, Invisalign is the best option.

FAQ

What are the different Dr Smile formulas?

The German company offers its patients 3 packages depending on the state of alignment of their teeth: light treatment, medium treatment and complex treatment. Each formula is designed to meet the needs of everyone.

What is a malocclusion?

A malocclusion occurs when dental imperfections (misaligned teeth, overlapping teeth, etc.) prevent the proper muscular functioning of the jaws or hinder the functional relationship between the teeth.

How to have beautiful teeth without braces?

Traditional braces are out of fashion. Invisible orthodontics, symbolized by Invisalign and Dr. Smile clear aligners, are highly prized for their aesthetic appeal.


Medical Sources

edp sciences, French Orthodontics,
Invisible and almost invisible orthodontic appliances
<https://orthodfr.edpsciences.org/articles/orthodfr/pdf/2014/01/orthodfr140004.pdf>