SmileDirectClub is one of the most popular and well-recognized invisible braces and clear teeth aligners in the market. With it's affordable prices, SmileDirectClub has taken the market by storm and treated over a million smiles to date. Below is some information about the company and its services.

Business Overview

SmileDirectClub was founded in 2014 by Jordan Katsman and Alex Fenkell. The visionary co-founders met while attending a summer camp when they were only 13 years old and remained friends since, connecting over their shared interest for innovation. In adulthood, they partnered with Camelot Venture Group in hopes of developing a better, more affordable way for patients to gain access to the orthodontic treatments they need.

Since SmileDirectClub was founded, it has grown tremendously. Today, the company has a total of 391 locations all around the country and more than 6,300 employees on staff. The company offers a variety of products and services, including clear aligners, whitening treatments and oral care products.

How Does It Work?

Invisible braces from SmileDirectClub are best for patients who need mild to moderate correction of alignment issues. More significant corrections may be referred to other orthodontic solutions, such as traditional braces. In order to help potential patients determine if they are a good candidate for invisible braces, SmileDirectClub offers a simple online Smile Assessment.

SmileDirectClub’s invisible braces are appropriate for correcting spacing issues, crowding issues, crossbite, overbite and underbite.

Online and In-Person Options

SmileDirectClub offers both virtual and in-person treatment options. You can decide whether you would like to begin treatment by scheduling a scan at one of the company’s locations or using an at-home kit to take your own impression. Check-ins can also be completed virtually or in person. SmileDirectClub’s dental care team is available at all hours of the day and night via email, video chat, text or phone.

The Procedure

After you have completed an in-person scan or taken the initial impression of your teeth using the at-home kit, SmileDirectClub will create a 3D image of your teeth. This image will be used to develop a customized treatment plan and make your unique aligners, which are tight-fitting plastic trays that will gradually shift your teeth into the proper position. All aligners will be shipped to you at one time, along with a complimentary whitening treatment.

Every patient is different. However, many patients working with SmileDirectClub are able to complete the treatment process in as little as four months. The company reports average treatment time to completion of four to six months. During treatment, aligners are typically worn all day, except when eating and drinking. However, SmileDirectClub also offers a nighttime option that allows some patients to straighten their teeth by wearing aligners for only ten continuous hours every night.

During the treatment process, you can check in with SmileDirectClub in person or virtually. SmileDirectClub offers many options for support, including continuous access to the dental care team and a telehealth app designed to help you track your progress and reach out for help when you need it.

Pricing Structure

SmileDirectClub is designed to provide a more affordable alternative to traditional braces. In fact, clear aligners are available from this company for as much as 60 percent less than the average cost of traditional orthodontic services. Patients can choose from two payment options to cover the cost of their treatment: Single Pay and SmilePay.

With Single Pay, you will make a one-time payment of $1,950 to cover the entire cost of your invisible braces treatment. With SmilePay, you will make a $250 deposit when you begin treatment. You will also be required to make monthly payments of $89 for 24 months, coming to a total of $2,386. Although SmilePay results in a higher overall cost, it allows you to make smaller payments over time, which is more affordable for many patients. Regardless of the payment option you choose, your aligners will be shipped to you, and you will receive complimentary teeth whitening as well.

If you choose to begin your treatment with an at-home impression kit, you will pay an additional $59 upfront to obtain the kit. Following treatment, SmileDirectClub also recommends purchasing a retainer to keep teeth from shifting out of place. Retainers are available for $99.

Insurance

If you have dental insurance, some of the cost of your invisible braces may be covered by your policy. SmileDirectClub also accepts payments from FSA and HSA, as well as CareCredit.

If your insurance policy covers any of your treatment expenses, SmileDirectClub will attempt to coordinate payment with the insurer directly so that you will be responsible for paying only the balance you owe. However, in some cases, your insurer may require you to pay the full cost of treatment and seek reimbursement on your own. SmileDirectClub will review your coverage to determine the proper payment procedure.

Setting Up an Appointment

If you are interested in correcting your alignment with SmileDirectClub, you can begin the process by scheduling an appointment at one of the many in-person locations around the country. Appointments can also be scheduled on SmileDirectClub’s website or through their telehealth app. You can also begin the process by purchasing an at-home kit from SmileDirectClub and taking an impression of your teeth. Once you've been approved via in-person scan or impression kit, you'll receive your aligners and be well on your way to a straighter smile!