
Main Features
We have researched Smile Direct Club and believe that the following are the main features:
- Directed by licensed dentists and orthodontists
- No mandatory office visits
- Nighttime-only option
- Free whitening kit with aligner purchase
- Regular virtual check-ins
- 24/7 virtual care team support
- Lifetime Smile Guarantee
What Are SmileDirectClub Aligners?
SmileDirectClub aligners are custom-made, clear-plastic trays that gradually move your teeth into a straightened position. All of the aligners are 3-D printed in the USA out of BPA-free plastic. Made from a progression of soft, medium and firm plastics, the aligners are smooth and non-irritating to the mouth. They fit snugly, so you don’t have to use buttons or glue to hold them in place.
How SmileDirectClub Aligners Work
From the first 3-D image of your teeth to virtual check-ins, the following section explains how SmileDirectClub clear aligners work.
Scan or Impression Kit
The first step is obtaining a 3-D image of your teeth. You can do this in two ways:
- SmileShop visit — a 3-D scan of your teeth during a 30-minute visit to a local SmileShop.
- At-home impression kit — after you receive a kit and make impressions of your teeth at home, you return the kit to SmileDirectClub.
For the at-home impression option, SmileDirectClub will send the starter kit with free overnight shipping. With both options, the company emails you a 3-D image of what your smile will look like after you complete your treatment plan.
Customized Clear Aligners and Treatment Plan
A state-licensed dentist or orthodontist reviews your 3-D image, photos and medical history and prescribes a treatment plan. The SmileDirectClub team uses innovative Smart Sculpt technology to coordinate the movements of your teeth. Comfort Sense lets you progress through soft, medium and firm aligners throughout your treatment. The company will replace one set of aligners if you misplace it. Depending on your specific needs, treatment plans can last from 4 to 6 months.
All-Day or Nighttime-Only Options
SmileDirectClub offers all-day and nighttime-only treatment options to fit your schedule and lifestyle. With the all-day option, you wear the aligners for 22 hours every day for 4 to 6 months. The nighttime-only plan lets you wear the aligners for 10 hours every night for 8 to 12 months.
Virtual Check-Ins With Dental Care Team
During your treatment period, you will have virtual access to SmileDirectClub’s dental care team 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Regularly scheduled virtual check-ins let your doctor-supervised care team monitor your progress. Plus, you can access your care team anytime if you have questions about your treatment.
Retainers
Once you’ve finished your treatment, SmileDirectClub recommends using retainers to prevent your teeth from moving back to their original position. You can contact the company 4 to 5 weeks before the scheduled end of your treatment period to order a set of clear retainers. If you misplace your retainer, SmileDirectClub will replace one set for free.
Teen Treatment Plans
SmileDirectClub provides clear aligner treatment plans for teens. Your teen will receive the same level of care from a licensed dentist or orthodontist, as well as the same nighttime-only or 22-hour options. Parents receive notifications with each virtual check-in.
SmileDirectClub Review: Pros and Any Limitations
We have researched SmileDirectClub and have found the following pros, as well as areas where there is room for improvement.
Doctor-Directed
When it comes to your dental health, you want to feel confident that your provider has the proper credentials. At SmileDirectClub, state-licensed dentists and orthodontists develop and direct your treatment plan. Instead of waiting for an in-office appointment with an orthodontist, you will have virtual access to the SmileDirectClub dental care team 24/7. It’s reassuring to know that skilled and qualified providers are always available to answer your questions.
No Mandatory Office Visits
From starter kit to retainers, you never have to visit a dentist’s office to benefit from SmileDirectClub clear aligners. You can choose to receive your starter kit and return your dental impressions in the mail. After developing your treatment plan, SmileDirectClub sends you three aligner sets so that you don’t have to get them at a dentist’s office or miss treatment days waiting for the next set. You can conveniently complete your treatment plan without the hassle of scheduling appointments or sitting in a waiting room.
Short Treatment Plans
When you choose SmileDirectClub clear aligners, you’ll wear them for a relatively short period of time. Metal braces must usually be worn for a year or more. With SmileDirectClub aligners, however, treatment plans are much shorter. If you opt for the 22-hours-a-day aligners, you can complete your treatment in as little as 4 to 6 months. The 10-hour, nighttime-only plan usually lasts 8 to 12 months. The short treatment plans are a great confidence-booster for teens as well.
Natural-Looking and Convenient
You can wear SmileDirectClub aligners without feeling self-conscious. SmileDirectClub aligners are made of clear plastic and custom fitted to your teeth, so you’re not dealing with a mouth full of metal. You don’t have to bother with buttons or attachments, either.
You can also choose a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle. The 22-hour plan may be a good choice if you’re comfortable wearing your aligners all day. You can even remove them for eating, drinking, flossing or playing sports. Do you prefer a more discreet treatment option? The 10-hour nighttime-only aligners require a longer treatment plan but are more discreet than the 22-hour aligners.
Free Whitening Kit
You’ll receive a free Bright-On teeth whitening kit with your purchase of SmileDirectClub clear aligners. The results of a complete Bright-On treatment will last up to 6 months. With this offer, you can benefit from two kinds of treatments for the price of one.
Free Replacement for Lost Aligners or Retainers
Have you misplaced your aligners or retainer? SmileDirectClub realizes that mistakes happen, so they will replace your first misplaced set of aligners and retainers free of charge.
Unlike some companies, however, SmileDirectClub does not offer a free first set of retainers at the end of your aligner treatment plan. They will only send you a free replacement set if you lose the retainer you purchased.
30-Day Money-Back Promise
When a company is willing to offer a guarantee, you can feel confident about choosing their product. SmileDirectClub offers a money-back guarantee for your first 30 days of treatment. If you are not happy with your aligners, you can return them for a 100 percent refund. Even after 30 days, you can receive a prorated refund if the clear aligners aren’t for you.
Lifetime Smile Guarantee
You can have peace of mind about your new smile for a lifetime. To qualify for SmileDirectClub’s Lifetime Smile Guarantee, you must maintain a subscription for your retainers every 6 months and wear your retainers as prescribed. If you qualify, you can receive a free touch-up once every year if prescribed by a SmileDirectClub licensed dentist or orthodontist. It’s nice to know that the company will help you maintain your smile at no charge.
Aligner Touch-Ups During Treatment
Are you in the middle of your treatment plan but not making progress as expected? No worries. If something’s not quite right with your aligners during treatment, your prescribing doctor may recommend a new set. SmileDirectClub will ship the replacement set to you free of charge.
You’ll qualify for the replacement set as long as you have been using the aligners as prescribed, attending virtual check-ins, are current with your payments and receive approval from your prescribing doctor.
Attractive Pricing and Financing
SmileDirectClub clear aligners can cost less than half the price of traditional metal braces. Flexible payment options can make SmileDirectClub clear aligners even more accessible for you. The SmilePay plan lets you pay in monthly installments for 24 months, with no credit check. Or you can save money by paying the entire bill at once with SinglePay.
If you have dental insurance, it may cover a portion of the price of the aligners. SmileDirectClub also accepts FSA, HAS and CareCredit. Your insurance may also cover your teen’s treatment plan. Check with your insurance company for coverage details.
Concluding Thoughts on SmileClub Aligners
SmileDirectClub offers a convenient, reasonably priced product and service. From the start, you can go through the entire clear aligner treatment plan without having to set foot in a dentist’s office. A state-licensed dentist or orthodontist directs the treatment plan, so you can feel confident that you are receiving care from a qualified provider. With virtual check-ins and 24/7 support, you can access the care team anytime from the comfort of your home.
The company backs its product with a 30-Day Money-Back Promise and Lifetime Smile Guarantee. The SmilePay installment plan is available without a credit check, and the free one-time replacements for lost retainers or aligners help make the treatment plan more affordable.
After our research and review, it is our opinion that SmileDirectClub provides a quality product and service.