Smile Direct Club offers a convenient way to straighten teeth with clear aligners. Customers can purchase an impression kit at home and send the results to the company’s network of orthodontists for review. Unlike traditional braces or Invisalign, smile direct club cost uses clear aligners that can be easily removed for daily activities. Its aligners are also less noticeable. However, they are not as secure and do not snap into place like Invisalign’s retainers.
The company’s dentists assess the results and prescribe a series of clear aligners. They monitor progress via virtual check-ins and communicate with patients throughout the treatment process.
The cost of aligners
Aligners are a great way to straighten your teeth without going to the dentist. However, you should know that some insurance providers may not cover them. Also, there is a high failure rate, which means that you will need to get new aligners frequently.
The cost of the aligners is usually less than a traditional orthodontia appointment. This is because the company does not have to pay for a licensed orthodontist. Instead, a dental professional reviews the impressions you send them.
The website also has two “easy payment options”: $89/month for 26 months with a $250 down payment and a one-time single-pay option of $2,050. The latter offers the biggest savings. Both options include regular virtual Smile Check-in visits, a Lifetime Smile Guarantee, and 24/7 access to dental professionals.
The cost of impressions
Customers can either visit a SmileShop or use an at-home impression kit to make their teeth molds. They can then receive a scan from a “professional” at the Smile Shop or send in photos of their mouth to get a 3D image.
Many orthodontists are concerned that the company’s DIY impression kits can result in inaccurate or incomplete scans. This can lead to problems with the fit of aligners, which can cause pain and discomfort. The impression kits also do not guarantee a refund if they do not work.
The cost of retainers
While the cost of a retainer can vary depending on your specific needs, it’s important to keep in mind that your retainer must be kept clean to avoid permanent damage. Retainers should be stored in a cool, dry place when not in use. They can be cleaned with a mild cleanser and warm water. The best way to do this is by soaking them in water after every meal and brushing them with toothpaste.
While SmileDirectClub’s teledentistry software allowed patients to skip in-office visits, the company was unable to make its $9 billion business model profitable. As a result, the company was forced to close its doors in 2022. Its failure was a major setback for customers, who were left with unfinished treatment plans and no customer support.
The cost of refinements
Many dental leaders have criticized Smile Direct Club for its aggressive marketing tactics and lack of in-person dentist-monitored treatment. Some customers have even complained that their treatment didn’t work.
Moreover, they have reported that their aligners were not comfortable and prone to scratches. Some of them even have rough edges that go over the gums and dig into them. Others have had to get the aligners fixed by a dentist.
However, the company’s low prices make it an attractive option for some people. You can also use your HSA or FSA funds to pay for the service. Additionally, they offer a 30-day guarantee on their products, and you can cancel at any time. If you do, you will receive your money back. This makes the service very popular among consumers.
The cost of whitening
SmileDirect Club is a direct-to-consumer teeth straightening company that advertises the ability to get your smile in as little as six months for half the price of traditional braces. Despite this low cost, many patients are experiencing problems with the service, including inaccurate impressions and ill-fitting aligners.
Moreover, the company treats only mild clinical cases and does not offer treatment for more severe malocclusions. As a result, patients who use the service end up spending thousands of dollars at dentists for corrections and treatment.
A big concern with SmileDirectClub is that its staff, known as SmileGuides, does not have the necessary professional credentials to work in their retail locations. They do not take patients’ medical histories and do not perform an initial in-person evaluation, which is important to determine whether a person is a good candidate for clear aligners.