At Brooklyn Oak Dental Care, we believe that your orthodontic treatment should fit your lifestyle, not the other way around. That’s why we focus on comprehensive functional dentistry, offering both Invisalign and CandidPro to ensure every patient receives the specific cosmetic dental care their smile requires.
Many patients arrive at our Park Slope dental office knowing they want to straighten their teeth but feeling unsure about the different brand names and technologies available today. You might have friends who swear by Invisalign, while others discuss newer, remote-monitoring options. The truth is that there is no single “best” aligner for everyone. The right choice depends on your clinical needs, your daily schedule, and your personal discipline.
Unlike direct-to-consumer “mail-order” aligner companies that bypass the dentist entirely, both systems we offer involve professional oversight. Whether you choose our clear aligner services through Invisalign or CandidPro, your treatment is planned and monitored by our Brooklyn cosmetic dentists to ensure your bite remains healthy and stable.
Understanding Invisalign: The Gold Standard for Complex Cases
Invisalign has been the market leader in clear aligner therapy for decades and is widely considered the most versatile option for orthodontic correction. It utilizes SmartTrack material and proprietary SmartForce attachments to handle difficult movements that other aligners cannot achieve.
Invisalign is a powerful tool because it allows us to bond small, tooth-colored shapes called “attachments” to specific teeth. These attachments act like handles, providing the aligners with the grip needed to rotate teeth, pull them down, or correct significant bite issues, such as overbites and crossbites. Because of this mechanical advantage, Invisalign is often the preferred choice for patients who need comprehensive orthodontic work rather than just a cosmetic touch-up.
When you choose Invisalign, you are committing to a traditional model of care that involves regular face-to-face interaction. You will typically visit our office every four to six weeks, so we can check your tracking, adjust your attachments, and provide you with your next set of trays.
Understanding CandidPro: Convenience Meets Clinical Supervision
CandidPro offers a modern, tech-forward approach to teeth straightening that is often ideal for adults with busy schedules. This system bridges the gap between at-home convenience and the safety of professional dental oversight.
The defining feature of CandidPro is the CandidMonitoring system. You will receive a scan box that attaches to your smartphone, enabling you to take detailed scans of your teeth from the comfort of your own home. You submit these scans through an app, and our team reviews them every 10 to 14 days. If your teeth are moving correctly, we give you the green light to switch to the next aligner. If something appears to be off, we can ask you to stay in the current tray for a few more days or schedule a follow-up visit.
This “hybrid” model offers significant freedom. You get the peace of mind that comes with doctor supervision without needing to commute to the dental office for monthly check-ins. It is an excellent solution for working professionals, parents, or frequent travelers who need their treatment to be as flexible as they are.
Comparing the Systems: How to Choose
Making the right choice involves looking at the complexity of your dental needs and your personal preferences regarding office visits. We break down the three main factors you should consider before starting treatment.
Treatment Complexity and Bite Correction
The severity of your misalignment plays the biggest role in determining which tool is right for the job. While both systems are effective, they have different mechanical strengths depending on the movements required.
- Invisalign Strength: This system is generally better suited for complex cases involving significant bite correction, severe crowding, or teeth that require rotation. The attachments provide the leverage necessary for these difficult movements.
- CandidPro Strength: This system excels in mild to moderate cases, particularly for the “social six” (the front teeth visible when smiling). It is also very effective for arch expansion, which creates a broader, more aesthetically pleasing smile.
Monitoring and Office Visits
Your schedule is busy, and we want to respect your time while ensuring your treatment tracks safely. The primary logistical difference between the two options is how we monitor your progress.
- The Hands-On Approach: Invisalign requires physical appointments to ensure the attachments are holding and the trays are fitting perfectly. This is ideal for patients who prefer the reassurance of seeing the doctor in person regularly.
- The Virtual Approach: CandidPro allows you to progress through aligners from the comfort of your home. As long as your virtual scans look good, you may only need to visit the office a few times during your entire treatment.
Comfort and Aesthetics
Both systems use high-quality, transparent thermoplastic materials that are virtually invisible when worn. However, there are subtle differences in how the trays feel and look in the mouth.
- Trim Lines: Invisalign trays are scalloped to follow your gum line, making them very discreet. CandidPro trays are often trimmed slightly higher to cover a small amount of gum tissue, which can improve retention and grip without the need for as many attachments.
- Wear Time: Regardless of the brand, the biology of tooth movement remains the same. You must wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day, removing them only to eat, drink, and brush.
The Functional Dentistry Difference
As a practice rooted in functional dentistry, we look at more than just straight teeth when planning your treatment. We evaluate how your arch shape affects your airway, breathing, and overall facial structure.
Our Brooklyn cosmetic dentist approaches orthodontics as a key component of whole-body health. When we expand a narrow dental arch using clear aligners, we are often creating more room for the tongue. This can lead to improved airflow, better sleep quality, and reduced tension in the jaw muscles. Whether we recommend Invisalign or CandidPro, our goal is to ensure your new smile supports a healthy airway and a balanced bite.
For many patients, straightening teeth is just one part of a larger plan for comprehensive cosmetic dentistry. By stabilizing the foundation of your bite first, we ensure that any future cosmetic work, such as bonding or veneers, lasts longer and looks more natural.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clear Aligners
We often hear the same questions from patients curious about fixing their smiles without traditional metal braces. Here are answers to some common concerns regarding safety, insurance, and effectiveness.
Start Your Smile Journey in Park Slope
Whether you need the heavy lifting of Invisalign or the remote flexibility of CandidPro, our team is here to guide you toward a healthier, more confident smile. We invite you to come in for a consultation where we can scan your teeth and discuss which path is right for you.
You can reach our office at (718) 369-2300 to request an appointment. We look forward to helping you achieve a smile that is as healthy as it is beautiful.
