Invisalign vs. CandidPro Clear Aligners: Which Option Is Right for Cumming, GA Patients in 2026?
Key Takeaways
Both Invisalign and CandidPro clear aligners are doctor-supervised options for straightening teeth in Cumming, GA, with real differences in cost, monitoring technology, and how often you visit the office.
- At Sharon Springs Dental, Invisalign averages $5,500 and CandidPro averages $4,500. Both use custom, nearly invisible trays worn for at least 22 hours per day.
- Invisalign relies on in-person check-ups every 6 to 8 weeks. CandidPro uses FDA-cleared remote monitoring through the ProMonitoring app, reducing in-office visits after your initial appointment.
- Sharon Springs Dental is one of the few Cumming practices that offers both systems, so patients receive a genuine side-by-side evaluation rather than a one-brand recommendation.
- Most PPO insurance plans with orthodontic benefits apply to both Invisalign and CandidPro. HSA and FSA funds can also be used.
If you are researching clear aligners (also called clear braces) in Cumming, GA, two names will come up consistently: Invisalign and CandidPro. Both systems use removable, custom-fit plastic trays to move your teeth. Both require a dentist to supervise your treatment. And unusually, both are available at Sharon Springs Dental on Peachtree Pkwy, so you can get an honest comparison at a single practice rather than visiting two different offices. But the systems are not the same, and for most patients, one fits better than the other. This article covers how each system works, what it costs, which conditions it treats, and how to decide between the two.
What Are Clear Aligners, and How Do They Work?
Clear aligners (also called clear braces or clear aligner trays) are custom-fit, removable plastic trays that gradually shift teeth into better alignment. According to the American Dental Association, orthodontic treatment used under direct dentist supervision can correct crowded teeth, gaps, and bite issues while improving long-term oral health.
Clear aligners work through a series of trays, each one slightly different from the last. You wear each set for one to two weeks before moving to the next. Over time, the trays apply gentle pressure that moves your teeth in small, planned steps. Because the trays are clear and removable, you take them out to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush your teeth. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends wearing each set for at least 22 hours per day for treatment to stay on track.
Unlike metal braces, clear aligners do not require brackets cemented to your teeth or wires tightened at every appointment. Most systems start with digital scans of your teeth, generate a 3D treatment plan, and produce your full series of trays before you begin. Clear aligners have been in clinical use for more than 30 years and are widely regarded as a safe and predictable treatment option by the dental community.
What Is the Difference Between Invisalign and CandidPro Clear Aligners?
Invisalign and CandidPro are both dentist-supervised clear aligner systems, but they differ in the materials used, how treatment progress is monitored, and overall cost. Invisalign requires in-person check-ups every 6 to 8 weeks. CandidPro uses FDA-cleared remote monitoring through the ProMonitoring app for most progress checks after the initial in-office evaluation.
Invisalign Clear Aligners: What You Need to Know
Invisalign is the most widely recognized brand of clear aligners in the United States. Align Technology, the company behind Invisalign, reports that more than 18 million people worldwide have used the system. Invisalign aligners are made from SmartTrack, Align Technology's proprietary thermoplastic material, and are trimmed to follow each patient's gum line. Treatment is managed through regular in-person appointments, typically every 6 to 8 weeks, where Dr. Friedman reviews your progress, confirms tooth movement against your treatment plan, and hands you your next set of trays. Invisalign offers multiple treatment tiers, from Invisalign Express for minor corrections to Invisalign Comprehensive for more involved bite issues requiring 30 or more aligner sets.
CandidPro Clear Aligners: What You Need to Know
CandidPro is a professional-grade clear aligner system built specifically for general dentists. Unlike mail-order aligner kits, CandidPro is available only through licensed dental providers. According to CandidPro, every case is reviewed by a US-based, licensed orthodontist who works directly with your dentist throughout treatment. CandidPro aligners are made from ZenduraFLX, a BPA-free, medical-grade thermoplastic. The feature that sets CandidPro apart is the ProMonitoring app, cleared by the FDA, which allows patients to submit teeth scans from home every 7 to 14 days using a smartphone and the included ScanBox Pro device. Dr. Friedman reviews each scan and gives a go or no-go decision before you advance to your next tray, reducing the number of required in-office visits compared to Invisalign.
How Much Do Clear Aligners Cost in Cumming, GA?
At Sharon Springs Dental in Cumming, GA, Invisalign averages $5,500 and CandidPro averages $4,500. Nationally, Invisalign ranges from $3,000 to $8,000 or more depending on case complexity, according to Invisalign.com.
The $1,000 difference between the two systems at Sharon Springs Dental reflects the different manufacturing and monitoring models each uses, not a difference in clinical supervision. Both options are dentist-directed treatments with professional oversight from start to finish.
Several factors affect your final cost for either system: how many trays your case requires, whether you need attachments (small tooth-colored composite bumps that help trays grip specific teeth), and how long treatment takes. A simple case involving minor front-tooth crowding will cost less than a more involved correction of spacing, bite issues, or multiple teeth across both arches.
"After completing hundreds of clear aligner cases with both Invisalign and CandidPro, I can tell you that the right choice depends entirely on the patient's mouth, schedule, and lifestyle," says Michael C. Friedman, DDS at Sharon Springs Dental in Cumming, GA. "Price matters, but the system that gets you to wear your trays consistently matters more. The best aligner is the one you actually keep in."
Which Orthodontic Issues Can Clear Aligners Treat?
Both Invisalign and CandidPro treat a broad range of conditions, including crowded teeth, spacing, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. Neither system can correct severe skeletal jaw problems that require surgery or active gum disease that has not been treated first.
Clear aligners are suitable for most mild to moderate alignment issues and many complex cases. According to CandidPro's clinical overview, nearly any case that can be treated with other clear aligner systems can be treated with CandidPro. Some complex cases require elastic bands or attachments to achieve certain tooth movements.
Invisalign offers a wider range of treatment tiers, which makes it more adaptable to particularly demanding cases. Invisalign Comprehensive, the highest-tier package, is designed for patients with severe crowding, spacing, and bite issues that require 30 or more aligner sets and 15 to 24 months or more of treatment.
Clear aligners are not the right choice for every orthodontic situation. Cases involving significant jaw repositioning, severe skeletal imbalance, or untreated periodontal (gum) disease may require a different approach. Moving teeth in the presence of bone loss or inflamed gums is clinically unpredictable and potentially harmful. A thorough evaluation at Sharon Springs Dental, which includes digital X-rays and iTero intraoral scans, is the only way to confirm which treatment is appropriate for your specific case. You can learn more about the orthodontic services available at sharonspringsdental.com/braces-straighten-your-smile.
How Does the CandidPro ProMonitoring App Work for Cumming Patients?
CandidPro patients use the FDA-cleared ProMonitoring app to submit smartphone scans of their teeth every 7 to 14 days. Dr. Friedman reviews each scan remotely and approves tray advancement, flagging any issues without requiring the patient to come in for a routine check-up each time.
The ProMonitoring app ships with the ScanBox Pro, a small device that positions your phone camera for consistent, accurate scans. After receiving a prompt from the app, you submit photos, and your dentist reviews the results. If your current aligner is not seating properly or teeth are not moving as planned, Dr. Friedman can ask you to wear the current set longer, schedule an in-person visit, or modify the treatment plan.
CandidPro reports that 90% of cases finish as planned with one or fewer refinements, a result the company attributes in part to the consistency of weekly progress monitoring. For Cumming patients with demanding work schedules, children at home, or long commutes, reducing the number of in-office visits for routine check-ins is a practical benefit worth factoring into the decision.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Clear Braces in Cumming, GA?
Most adults and older teens in good overall oral health are candidates for clear braces. The American Dental Association recommends completing any necessary restorative dental work (such as fillings or treatment for gum disease) before beginning clear aligner therapy, since aligner trays are custom-made to the current shape of your teeth.
Patients who are strong candidates for either Invisalign or CandidPro generally share a few common traits. They are in good periodontal health, meaning no active gum disease. They can commit to wearing their trays for 22 hours per day without exceptions on busy days. And they are willing to maintain thorough oral hygiene, including brushing after meals before reinserting trays, since bacteria and food particles trapped under an aligner for hours can accelerate tooth decay.
Teenagers can be candidates for clear aligners, but consistency is a bigger factor with younger patients. Both Invisalign and CandidPro require self-discipline. If wearing trays gets skipped regularly, teeth will not move as planned, and the treatment timeline extends or stops progressing. Invisalign offers an Invisalign First program for children as young as 6, while CandidPro is generally best suited for older teens and adults.
Invisalign vs. CandidPro: Which Clear Aligner System Is the Better Fit for You?
There is no single answer that applies to every patient. Invisalign tends to be the stronger choice for complex cases and patients who prefer in-person oversight at every stage. CandidPro tends to suit those with mild to moderate cases who value remote monitoring and a lower average cost.
Choose Invisalign If...
Invisalign makes sense if your case involves more complex bite correction, multiple extraction spaces, or adult teeth that have shifted after prior orthodontic treatment. It is also the better fit if you prefer more frequent in-person appointments with Dr. Friedman rather than home scans.
Invisalign's longer track record and broader treatment range make it the go-to option for demanding orthodontic situations. Patients who are less confident about doing consistent at-home scans, or who simply prefer to be seen by their dentist at regular intervals throughout treatment, tend to feel more comfortable with the Invisalign model.
Choose CandidPro If...
CandidPro works well for adults and older teens with mild to moderate alignment issues who want professional oversight without the frequency of in-office visits. Patients with predictable routines who can commit to weekly app check-ins and diligent aligner wear tend to get strong results. The lower average cost at Sharon Springs Dental ($4,500 vs. $5,500 for Invisalign) is also a meaningful difference for patients without orthodontic insurance coverage. CandidPro's remote monitoring model appeals particularly to Cumming patients who live farther from the office, travel frequently for work, or have schedules that make multiple daytime appointments difficult to keep.
Both systems are offered at Sharon Springs Dental, which means Dr. Friedman can evaluate your case and recommend one based on your actual clinical needs, not on which product he happens to carry. That is an advantage worth using.
How Can You Pay for Clear Aligners at Sharon Springs Dental in Cumming, GA?
Most PPO dental insurance plans with orthodontic benefits cover both Invisalign and CandidPro. Patients can also use HSA or FSA funds, and Sharon Springs Dental offers financing through CareCredit and Sunbit for patients who prefer monthly payments.
According to Invisalign.com, dental insurance may cover up to $3,000 in orthodontic treatment costs. Most plans apply this benefit once per lifetime, and some have waiting periods, so confirming your specific coverage before starting treatment is worth a call to your insurance provider. Sharon Springs Dental will also run a benefits check on your behalf before your consultation so you know what to expect at the appointment.
HSA (health savings account) and FSA (flexible spending account) funds work for both Invisalign and CandidPro. Using pre-tax dollars for either system can reduce the effective out-of-pocket expense, depending on your tax situation and the amount you have set aside.
Dr. Friedman completes more than 50 hours of continuing education each year, with over 1,000 hours accumulated beyond dental school, which includes staying current on both Invisalign and CandidPro systems and the financing structures around each. For patients without insurance, Sharon Springs Dental also has an in-house membership plan that provides discounts on treatment. You can find the full range of payment and financing options at sharonspringsdental.com/convenience-payment-options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Invisalign take in Cumming, GA?
Most Invisalign cases take 12 to 18 months, though simple cases involving minor crowding can finish in as few as 6 months. Complex cases with significant bite correction can take 24 months or longer. Your treatment timeline depends on the number of aligner sets your case requires and how consistently you wear your trays for the required 22 hours per day.
How long does CandidPro treatment take?
Most CandidPro patients complete treatment in 6 to 12 months, according to CandidPro's clinical guidelines. More involved cases may take longer. Treatment pacing is determined by Dr. Friedman and the reviewing CandidPro orthodontist. Trays are not advanced until your weekly scan confirms your teeth are moving as planned.
Can I switch from Invisalign to CandidPro or vice versa mid-treatment?
Switching between systems mid-treatment is generally not recommended, because each system generates a treatment plan based on your tooth positions at a specific point in time. If you have concerns about your current system, talk to Dr. Friedman at Sharon Springs Dental. As a provider of both systems, he can evaluate whether a change makes clinical sense or whether adjustments to your current plan are the right path.
Do Invisalign and CandidPro hurt?
Both systems cause mild pressure and temporary discomfort for the first one to two days after switching to a new tray. This is a normal sign that your teeth are moving. Most patients describe the sensation as pressure rather than pain. The discomfort typically fades within 48 to 72 hours and lessens as treatment progresses and your teeth move closer to their final positions.
Does dental insurance cover clear aligners in Cumming, GA?
Many PPO dental plans cover clear aligner treatment, including Invisalign and CandidPro, the same way they cover traditional braces. According to Invisalign.com, insurance may reduce out-of-pocket costs by up to $3,000. Coverage amounts vary by plan. Sharon Springs Dental will verify your benefits before your consultation so you arrive knowing what your out-of-pocket costs will be.
Are clear aligners fully removable?
Yes. Both Invisalign and CandidPro aligners are fully removable. You take them out to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush your teeth. Removing them for more than two hours per day consistently can slow or stall treatment progress, so compliance with the 22-hour wear guideline is the single biggest factor in how well either system works.
What happens after I finish clear aligner treatment?
After completing treatment with either Invisalign or CandidPro, you will need to wear a retainer to prevent your teeth from shifting back toward their original positions. Retainers are either removable or bonded permanently to the back of your teeth. CandidPro offers PermaForm retainers as a post-treatment option. Dr. Friedman will recommend the right retention approach based on your case and your preference for maintenance.
Is one clear aligner system more comfortable than the other?
Comfort is subjective and varies by patient, but both systems use smooth, medical-grade plastic that does not include metal brackets or wires. CandidPro's ZenduraFLX material and aligner trimline design are noted by some patients as particularly comfortable. Invisalign's SmartTrack material is designed for consistent, predictable movement. The best way to assess this is to discuss your preferences during a free consultation at Sharon Springs Dental.
Ready to find out which clear aligner system is right for your teeth? Sharon Springs Dental offers free consultations for both Invisalign and CandidPro. Call (470) 253-1747 or schedule at sharonspringsdental.com/contact-us.
About the Author
Michael C. Friedman, DDS earned his dental degree from New York University College of Dentistry and has spent more than 20 years treating patients across family, cosmetic, implant, and clear aligner dentistry. Over that time, he has cared for more than 20,000 patients. A board member of the Alpha Omega Dental Society and a third-generation dentist, Dr. Friedman brings both formal credentials and a deep family legacy to his work.
Dr. Friedman practices at Sharon Springs Dental in Cumming, GA, where he focuses on clear communication, honest treatment recommendations, and care built around each patient's specific needs. He dedicates more than 50 hours per year to continuing education and has accumulated more than 1,000 hours of post-graduate training throughout his career. Services include: