Reviewed by Dr. Dallin Thueson, DDS — Associate Dentist at Mapleton Family Dentistry, with specialized training in periodontics and clear aligner treatment.
Both CandidPro and Invisalign are clear, dentist-supervised aligner systems that straighten teeth without metal brackets or wires. They look similar, work similarly, and produce similar end results for similar cases. The differences matter most around price, case complexity, and brand recognition — and the right choice depends on which of those matters most to you.
This page walks through the practical differences so you can make an informed decision. At Mapleton Family Dentistry, we offer both systems — so you’re not choosing your dentist around an aligner brand. You’re choosing the aligner that fits your case.
The 60-Second Answer
- Choose CandidPro if you have a mild-to-moderate case and want to save 25–40% on treatment cost.
- Choose Invisalign if your case is complex, you need maximum predictability, or you specifically want the most-established aligner brand.
- If you’re not sure, book a free consultation. Dr. Dallin Thueson will scan your teeth and tell you which option fits your case before you commit to anything.
Detailed Comparison
| Dimension | CandidPro | Invisalign |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | Candid (relaunched as dentist-only in 2022) | Align Technology (since 1997) |
| Price range (Mapleton Family Dentistry) | $2,800–$4,500 | $4,500–$7,500 |
| Typical treatment length | 4–14 months | 6–24 months |
| Case complexity | Mild to moderate (Class I, mild Class II) | Mild to severe (incl. complex Class II/III) |
| Dentist supervision | Yes — in-office, every step | Yes — in-office, every step |
| Digital scan technology | Candid’s ScanLab workflow | iTero scanner |
| Material | BPA-free thermoplastic | SmartTrack (proprietary) |
| Attachments & IPR | Available when needed | Available when needed |
| Treatment planning software | Candid’s planning tools | ClinCheck |
| Refinements included | Typically yes, in plan | Typically yes, in plan |
| Retainers | Required after treatment | Required after treatment |
| Brand familiarity | Lower (newer brand) | Highest in the industry |
| Clinical track record | Growing | Decades of published data |
| Insurance coverage | Usually covered if plan covers orthodontics | Usually covered if plan covers orthodontics |
Why CandidPro Costs Less
The price gap isn’t because CandidPro cuts clinical corners — both systems use dentist-supervised in-office treatment. The gap comes from:
- Newer brand, lower marketing premium. Invisalign spends heavily on national advertising. That cost is built into the system’s price.
- Lab and manufacturing efficiency. Candid’s workflow was designed from scratch around a modern, digital, lower-overhead production process.
- Focused on mild-to-moderate cases. By not trying to handle the most complex bite work, CandidPro can keep production simpler and faster.
When Invisalign is the Better Call
Invisalign is the right choice if your case involves:
- Severe crowding, rotation, or spacing
- Significant bite issues (deep overbite, open bite, crossbite, underbite)
- Cases requiring extractions or attachments on most teeth
- Combined orthodontic + restorative treatment
- A preference for the most-established brand and longest clinical history
When CandidPro is the Better Call
CandidPro is often the better fit if:
- Your case is cosmetic / mild-to-moderate (the most common adult aligner case)
- You want to save $1,500–$3,000+ vs. Invisalign
- Your timeline is short (4–14 months vs. potentially longer)
- You’re an adult with no major bite work needed
- You’ve had orthodontics before and want to correct minor relapse
What’s Actually The Same
For straightforward cases, both systems deliver near-identical results because they work the same way:
- Custom-fabricated clear plastic aligners
- Worn 20–22 hours/day, removed only for eating and brushing
- Switched every 1–2 weeks
- Dentist-monitored every 6–10 weeks
- Retainers required afterward to maintain results
Frequently Asked Questions
Are CandidPro results as good as Invisalign for mild cases?
For mild-to-moderate cases, yes. Both systems use the same underlying biomechanics — custom plastic aligners applying calibrated force to move teeth. The aligner brand matters less than treatment planning and dentist supervision.
Is CandidPro the old “mail-order” Candid?
No. Candid stopped direct-to-consumer (mail-order) sales in 2022. CandidPro is the dentist-supervised, in-office version — your treatment is planned, monitored, and adjusted by Dr. Thueson at every step, just like Invisalign.
Will my insurance treat them differently?
Most plans treat both as “orthodontic treatment” under the same benefit. If your plan covers orthodontic care for adults, it usually covers both. We verify your specific benefits at your consultation.
Can I switch mid-treatment?
Generally no — each aligner system is custom-built for the planned tooth movement at the start. If your case changes mid-treatment, we’ll usually finish with the same system, not switch.
Why does your practice offer both?
Different patients have different cases and different budgets. By offering both, we can recommend what actually fits — not just push the only brand we offer. Dr. Thueson’s recommendation will be the same one he’d make for a family member.
See Which Aligner Fits Your Smile
Stop guessing. Book a free 30-minute consultation, get a 3D scan, see your projected results, and review transparent pricing for both CandidPro and Invisalign side-by-side.
Or call us at (801) 491-6844. Office: 108 N 1600 W, Mapleton, UT 84664.