When most people think about clear aligners, Invisalign is the first name that comes to mind. It’s been heavily marketed for years, and many patients walk into dental offices already asking for it by name. But being the most recognized brand doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right fit for every patient or every provider. At Church Family Dentistry & Cosmetics in Durham, NC, Dr. Will Church has chosen to offer Candid Pro clear aligners, and the reasons behind that decision are worth knowing before you start your treatment.
Understanding how these two systems differ can help you feel more confident in the care you’re receiving and ask better questions when you sit down for a consultation. Dr. Church’s training at UNC School of Dentistry, combined with his commitment to staying current with the best available technology, shapes every recommendation he makes, including which aligner system he uses in our practice.
How Treatment Planning Works
Invisalign relies heavily on AI-driven planning, with a significant portion of case setup handled remotely by technicians outside the United States. While the technology is sophisticated, the process can reduce how much direct, hands-on clinical judgment goes into designing your specific treatment from the start.
The Candid Pro Approach
Candid Pro takes a different route. Every case is planned in collaboration with a U.S.-based orthodontist who partners with Dr. Church to review the details, double-check the treatment plan, and ensure everything is set up correctly before a single aligner is made. This added layer of professional oversight matters, particularly for cases with more nuanced tooth movement needs.
Research published in the Chinese Journal of Stomatology confirms that successful clear aligner outcomes depend on rational treatment planning and high-quality clinical monitoring throughout the process, not just at the start. Having a licensed U.S.-based orthodontist involved from the beginning is a meaningful structural advantage.
Monitoring Your Progress Along the Way
One of the most important factors in any aligner treatment is what happens between appointments. Teeth don’t always move exactly as predicted, and catching a deviation early prevents complications down the road.
Candid Pro includes free at-home monitoring with every case. Using your smartphone, you can scan your teeth at home and confirm your teeth are tracking correctly before advancing to the next set of aligners. The system alerts both you and Dr. Church if something isn’t moving as planned, so adjustments happen quickly. This kind of real-time feedback loop gives patients and providers a level of visibility into progress that many traditional systems simply don’t offer.
Fewer Attachments, Greater Comfort
Most clear aligner systems use small tooth-colored attachments, sometimes called buttons, bonded to your teeth to help guide specific movements. Candid Pro uses fewer attachments than many competing systems, due to the properties of the plastic material used in their aligners. For patients, this typically means a more comfortable wearing experience and a more discreet appearance throughout treatment. Fewer attachments can also make daily cleaning and maintenance easier.
Long-Term Protection for Your Results
Completing your aligner treatment is only part of the process. Refinements, small additional adjustments made after your initial series of aligners, are sometimes needed to fine-tune your final result. With Candid Pro, every case includes free refinements for up to three years following treatment. That kind of long-term commitment to your outcome gives you confidence your investment is protected well after your last aligner is worn.
Find Out What This Means for You as a Patient Today
When you choose cosmetic dentistry services at Church Family Dentistry & Cosmetics, you’re choosing a provider who evaluates options carefully rather than defaulting to what’s most familiar. Dr. Church selected Candid Pro because the system aligns with how he approaches treatment: with thorough planning, professional oversight, and a focus on the individual patient’s needs.
If you’d like to learn more about clear aligners and find out whether Candid Pro may be right for you, we’d love to hear from you. Contact our Durham office to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a straighter smile with a provider who truly has your results in mind.
