SmileDirect Club: A Comprehensive Guide

Discover if SmileDirect Club is the right at-home clear aligner option for you.

Updated Date May 30, 2023
Published Date May 30, 2023
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SmileDirect Club: A Discreet and Affordable Teeth Straightening Solution

At-home aligners, like those offered by SmileDirect Club, provide a discreet, effective, and convenient way to straighten your teeth without breaking the bank. These nearly invisible trays are designed to gradually shift your teeth into the desired position and can be removed for eating, cleaning, and brushing your teeth. On average, at-home aligners cost between $1,100 and $2,300, making SmileDirect Club an attractive option for those seeking an affordable teeth straightening solution.

How Does SmileDirect Club Work?

The SmileDirect Club treatment process is simple and involves the following steps:

Teeth Impressions: The first step is to order an impression kit online or visit a SmileShop for a 3D scan of your teeth. Once you have completed the dental impressions or scan, they are sent to SmileDirect Club for analysis.

Treatment Plan: After a licensed dentist or orthodontist reviews your impressions, they will create a customized treatment plan for you. You'll be able to see a preview of your projected results before deciding whether to proceed with the treatment.

Remote Monitoring: Once you approve your treatment plan, SmileDirect Club will send your custom-made aligners to your doorstep. Throughout the treatment, you'll be required to send progress photos every few weeks to ensure your teeth are moving as planned. If you encounter any issues, you can reach out to their customer support team via email, phone, or chat.

Post-Treatment Retainers: After completing your treatment, SmileDirect Club will provide you with custom-made retainers to maintain your newly straightened teeth. Wearing these retainers nightly will ensure your teeth stay in their new positions.

Is SmileDirect Club Right for You?

SmileDirect Club is best suited for individuals with mild to moderate teeth misalignment, such as crowded teeth, gapped teeth, or other minor bite problems. However, at-home aligners like SmileDirect Club are not suitable for severe cases of misalignment, which typically require traditional braces or Invisalign.

Pros & Cons of SmileDirect Club

To determine if SmileDirectClub is the right choice for you, consider the following pros and cons:

Pros	Cons
More affordable than braces and Invisalign	Not suitable for severe cases of misalignment
Convenient at-home treatment	Limited in-person support compared to in-office treatments
Remote monitoring by dental professionals	Potential for less predictable results than traditional orthodontics
Shorter treatment duration compared to traditional methods

Safety & Effectiveness of SmileDirect Club

Safety is a top priority for SmileDirect Club. They work with licensed dentists and orthodontists to create customized treatment plans and monitor your progress remotely. Additionally, SmileDirect Club partners with reputable dental supply manufacturers to produce BPA-free plastic aligners that fit comfortably and securely on your teeth.

While in-office treatments like braces and Invisalign may provide more in-depth monitoring and adjustments, at-home aligner treatments like SmileDirect Club are generally considered safe and effective when instructions are followed carefully. One study found that 87.5% of respondents were satisfied with their at-home aligner treatment, while 6.6% needed to visit their dentist after treatment due to adverse effects.

Payment Plans and Pricing for SmileDirect Club

SmileDirect Club offers several payment options, making their aligners more accessible to those on a budget. They offer a monthly payment plan of $89 per month for a set of aligners. You can also choose to pay in full, which costs $1,950 for a complete treatment. Additionally, SmileDirect Club accepts HSA and FSA payments, making it easier to pay for the treatment using pre-tax dollars.

SmileDirect Club vs. Other Aligners

Compared to other at-home aligners on the market, SmileDirect Club offers a competitive price point and a convenient treatment process. However, it’s important to note that SmileDirect Club does not offer in-person support or in-depth monitoring during treatment, which may be a concern for some individuals. Other at-home aligner options, like Candid and Byte, offer more personalized treatment plans and in-person monitoring.

SmileDirectClub vs. Byte

When comparing SmileDirectClub to Byte, SmileDirectClub is a more affordable option for those looking for clear aligner treatment. SmileDirectClub’s aligners cost between $1,950 and $2,290, while Byte’s aligners cost between $1,895 and $2,295. However, Byte’s treatment time is shorter, taking between 3 and 6 months compared to SmileDirectClub’s 4 to 6 months. Both companies offer night aligner options.

SmileDirectClub vs. Candid

Candid is a more expensive option compared to SmileDirectClub, with an average cost of $3,000. Candid also requires an in-person scan at a Candid Studio to begin treatment, while SmileDirectClub offers both in-person and remote consultations. SmileDirectClub’s treatment process typically takes between 4 and 6 months, while Candid’s treatment process can take up to 12 months. Neither SmileDirectClub nor Candid offer night aligner options for safety reasons.

SmileDirectClub vs. ALIGNERCO

When comparing SmileDirectClub to ALIGNERCO, SmileDirectClub is a more well-known brand and offers in-person consultations at various locations throughout the U.S. ALIGNERCO, on the other hand, only offers in-person consultations at their New York Smile Studio or video consultations upon request. ALIGNERCO is a more affordable option for those looking for clear aligner treatment, with costs ranging from $945 to $1,145 compared to SmileDirectClub’s $1,950 to $2,290. However, SmileDirectClub’s treatment process typically takes between 4 and 6 months, while ALIGNERCO’s treatment process can take up to 12 months. Both companies offer night aligner options.

SmileDirectClub vs. NewSmile

NewSmile is a newer company, similar to SmileDirectClub. However, NewSmile’s treatment cost is about the same as SmileDirectClub. It’s important to note that NewSmile may not have as many reviews or as much brand recognition as SmileDirectClub.

Overall, when choosing an at-home aligner brand, it’s important to consider factors such as cost, treatment time, safety, and monitoring options. Each brand has its own unique features and benefits, so it’s important to do your research and choose the brand that best fits your individual needs and preferences. In the case of SmileDirectClub, it offers affordable and convenient treatment options, both in-person and remote consultations, and a reputable brand with a proven track record.

Conclusion

Overall, SmileDirect Club provides an affordable and convenient option for those seeking to straighten their teeth at home. While it may not be suitable for severe cases of misalignment, it offers an effective treatment plan for mild to moderate alignment issues. With its monthly payment plan and remote monitoring by licensed dental professionals, it’s a great option for those on a budget or with a busy schedule. If you’re interested in SmileDirect Club, be sure to take their free assessment quiz to determine if you’re a candidate for their treatment plan.

FAQs

How much does SmileDirectClub cost?

SmileDirectClub costs between $1,950 and $2,400 for a complete treatment package, depending on whether you choose a one-time payment or a payment plan.

How long does SmileDirectClub treatment take?

SmileDirectClub treatment typically takes between 4 and 6 months, depending on your individual case.

Are there any safety concerns with SmileDirectClub?

While there have been some safety concerns raised about at-home aligner treatment, SmileDirectClub uses licensed dentists and orthodontists to design and oversee treatment plans. They also use high-quality materials and state-of-the-art technology to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Does SmileDirectClub offer a satisfaction guarantee?

Yes, SmileDirectClub offers a Smile Guarantee, which allows you to get a full refund if you're not satisfied with your aligners within 30 days of receiving them. They also offer a Lifetime Smile Guarantee, which provides free aligner replacements if your teeth ever shift out of alignment after treatment.

Sources

Candid. (n.d.). Candid before and after results. Retrieved from https://www.candidco.com/results
Byte. (n.d.). Why byte. Retrieved from https://www.byte.com/pages/why-byte
Wong, M. (2019, March 22). The best invisible braces for your teeth. Everyday Health. Retrieved from https://www.everydayhealth.com/dental-health/best-invisible-braces/