SmileDirectClub

SmileDirectClub

 3.5/5 (364 reviews)
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SmileDirectClub
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About SmileDirectClub

SmileDirectClub’s invisible braces give you a way to improve your smile that’s more affordable than traditional braces. A licensed dentist or orthodontist crafts each treatment plan, but you can complete your clear aligner treatment without ever going into a doctor’s office. SmileDirectClub offers two ways to pay: upfront ($2,050) or in installments of $89 each over 26 months with a $250 deposit.

Overall Satisfaction Rating

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Pros

  • Discreet, clear aligners
  • Less expensive than metal braces
  • Offers a payment plan with no credit check
  • Treatment only takes four to six months

Cons

  • Retainers not included
  • Not suitable for severe corrections

Bottom Line

SmileDirectClub specializes in custom clear aligners users can wear during the day or overnight. Its treatments are more accessible than traditional braces but not suitable for everyone.

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Rated with 5 stars
Verified

I had already been to my dentist and had asked about their options but it was really expensive. ... When I've seen the commercials for SmileDirectClub, they were talking about it ...

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Rated with 5 stars
Verified

The impression kits came with very clear and easy to use instructions. Simple kit to use and return, with a clear process online of what was happening. I used a promotion to get t...

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SmileDirectClub products

What is SmileDirectClub?

SmileDirectClub is a dental care company that provides invisible braces for those who need mild to moderate teeth correction.

You can find out if you’re eligible by requesting an impression kit and sending it back to the company for an assessment. Alternatively, you can visit a SmileShop location for a free 3D scan. Each case is reviewed by a state-licensed orthodontist or dentist who creates a personalized treatment plan.

SmileDirectClub treatment lasts four to six months on average. The company ships all aligners (along with a whitening system) to your door about two to three weeks after you send back your impression kit.

You can choose between regular SmileDirectClub aligners, which require 22 hours per day of wear, or Nighttime Aligners, which you wear for 10 hours every night. In addition to regular check-ups, you have access to the dental team 24/7 by chat, live video, phone or email.

How does SmileDirectClub work?

You can get started with SmileDirectClub in a few simple steps:

  1. Take SmileDirectClub’s 30-second assessment on its website to see if you're a candidate for treatment.
  2. SmileDirectClub's team will email you with options to get started; you can order an at-home impression kit or book an appointment at a SmileShop.
  3. SmileDirectClub creates a 3D image of your smile by either performing a scan at your SmileShop or processing the molds from your impression kit. The company's technicians use proprietary software to create a draft treatment plan.
  4. A state-licensed doctor reviews your 3D image, photos of your teeth and your dental/medical history to determine candidacy for clear aligner therapy. They then review and approve your treatment plan.
  5. Once you agree to the treatment plan, SmileDirectClub mails you your prescribed aligners and free tooth-whitening kit. It molds each aligner to match the contours of your teeth and gums for a comfortable fit.
  6. You wear your aligners for a certain amount of time each day, taking them out for eating and drinking.
  7. Throughout the treatment, your licensed dentist or orthodontist monitors your progress through SmileDirectClub’s teledentistry platform. Virtual check-ins occur regularly.
  8. After your treatment is over, you’ll wear a retainer to maintain your new smile.

SmileDirectClub has two treatment options: its original aligners and its Nighttime Aligners. The original aligners can straighten your smile in four to six months if you wear them 22 hours a day. They’re better for customers who want an expedited straightening treatment. The Nighttime Aligners are only for overnight wear and have a longer average treatment time — about 10 months.

How much does SmileDirectClub cost?

SmileDirectClub offers two ways to pay for aligners:

  • Upfront: A one-time payment of $2,050
  • SmilePay: A $250 down payment and 26 monthly payments of $89

SmilePay lets you stretch out the expense of your aligner treatment to about $3 per day across the entire repayment term, but you’ll pay more in the long run ($2,564 total).

The impression kit, which is used to create your 3D scan and aligners, costs $59 at the time of publishing. However, the company frequently offers discounts and rebates on this kit. Also, SmileDirectClub refunds the cost if it determines the program won’t work for you, so there’s little risk in trying it out.

SmileDirectClub works with most major insurers, including UnitedHealthcare and Aetna. You can also pay using CareCredit or HSA (health savings account) or FSA (flexible spending account) funds to purchase from SmileDirectClub.

How does SmileDirectClub compare?

Lots of companies offer invisible braces these days, and their products and services can be difficult to tell apart at a quick glance. To help, we’ve compared SmileDirectClub with several of its competitors. Our takeaways:

SmileDirectClub also made it into our list of the cheapest teeth aligners.

SmileDirectClub FAQ

Does SmileDirectClub work?
SmileDirectClub can help with minor to moderate teeth correction, including crowding, space between teeth and some bite issues. In order to find out if you’re a candidate for SmileDirectClub treatment, visit a SmileShop for a 3D scan or order an impression kit.
Does SmileDirectClub take insurance?
SmileDirectClub works with many insurers, including UnitedHealthcare, Aetna and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. You can check your eligibility for insurance coverage on SmileDirectClub’s website.
Who owns SmileDirectClub?
SmileDirectClub is a public company, so it’s owned by its shareholders. It was founded in 2014 by Alex Fenkell and Jordan Katzman.
Is SmileDirectClub safe?
Every SmileDirectClub treatment is prescribed, directed and managed by state-licensed doctors who have at least five years of experience with aligner therapy. Customers get regular virtual appointments with dental professionals and have 24/7 access to SmileDirectClub’s dental care team.
Is SmileDirectClub trustworthy?
SmileDirectClub has generally positive consumer reviews on our site at the time of publishing. However, like with any health care topic, it’s smart to do your own research and consult with your doctor to make the right decision for you.

Is SmileDirectClub worth it?

SmileDirectClub is worth it if you want straighter teeth without the cost of traditional braces and you have only minor to moderate tooth issues. There’s little risk to learning if you’re a candidate for treatment with SmileDirectClub, and the company includes a “Lifetime Smile Guarantee.”

Though some have reported poor results, SmileDirectClub seems to be good about resolving these issues, and the company works with state-licensed doctors to design and monitor each treatment plan.

SmileDirectClub Reviews

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Page 1 Reviews 0 - 5
Rated with 4 stars
Verified Reviewer Verified Buyer
Original review: Jan. 11, 2023

We had Invisalign and we had already done some corrective measures, but they didn't stick. So, I wasn't willing to go and spend an additional $5,000 for Invisalign. We went with SmileDirect because of the testimonies that I read online and the price. For the most part, the process was a good experience. I only had one customer service person who was completely not helpful at all. There were other good ones. So, it was fine. I paid for this as a graduation gift for my daughter and I was gonna do the same thing for my son here shortly. So, I am gonna look into doing this again because we did have a good experience and my son wants to do it. I told him, "Let me see how this works with Savannah first." Early on, I did pay for some stuff for their teeth, and then they didn't keep up with it as they got older, and so the teeth moved. So, I wasn't willing to spend too much additional money.

The process for my daughter was good. We did the mold and send it in. It was easy. There was only one point where she had a stubborn tooth that wouldn't move and the things didn't seem to fit. The hardest part was she was at college and, since she is 18 years old now, she had to make all the changes to the account instead of me. That was difficult so I'm trying to help her out. You've got to call and you've got to do this. They won't give me the information which was okay, even though a little frustrating at times. I made her handle it. There was a delay because she gave her my Gmail. I set up the account initially. Then, she tried to give the information. I don't know if she gave wrong information or they couldn't find the account. So then, it caused the delay later on. She had to get something fixed because something wasn't fitting right and there was a tooth not moving. Then, somebody didn't put our order in correctly.

I finally had to call in and say I was Savannah to get it taken care of because I think she just had a bad rep. I said, "All right, that's enough. We got to get this taken care of now. I'm taking care of this." So, I did and I took care of it. The guy I talked to was amazing. He said, "I'm so sorry. They put the information in, but they missed a step. And because they missed a step, that's why you have gotten no information in the last month." So, that part of the process was not good. We did have a problem with the tooth not moving, and then the aligner not fitting. So then, whoever my daughter initially talked to didn't do the process correctly. Then, when she called again to try to follow up on it, that's when she couldn't get her account handled and they said they didn't see her account.

My daughter loved her aligners. Wearing them is fine but she likes the results. It's given her more confidence in her smile. The front tooth is straightened out. We are still in the process. It took us a while to get the process fixed because we did have a problem with not fitting the aligner. So, that one tooth that is behind moved a little, but not enough and it's not budging. So now, we're in the process of trying to go back and get it refitted. I did pay for some additional imprints for her teeth but she doesn't mind wearing them and she has seen there's visible changes and that makes all the difference because that's the whole reason why we did it. We're pleased and I'm willing to do the whole experience again.

SmileDirectClub response

Hi there, Susan, thank you so much for your sharing your experience! Please be sure that we're always here to help in any way we can. If further assistance is needed, just give us a call or contact us through DM on any of our platforms, and we will be happy to assist.

3 people found this review helpful

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    Rated with 4 stars
    Verified Reviewer Verified Buyer
    Original review: Nov. 19, 2022

    My experience with SmileDirectClub was good. I didn't have any problem with the retainers. The only issue that I did have that I was disappointed is my number 13, my dog got a hold of it and chewed it. I've called and asked, and they just kept telling me, “Go to 14.” I wasn't really happy about that. Other than that, everything was good. Also, when I submitted photographs, the one didn't take so I resubmitted it. Nobody ever got back to me so I called, and a gentleman told me that I wasn't supposed to do it to the end, but I never got an email about it or a text message. So, I was a little confused about that. I could only do the top, not the bottom, and nobody really explained to me why not the bottom, what it was, and what it wasn’t. My smile was mostly up on top anyway.

    I always smiled, and always had straight teeth. Then of course, when you get to a certain age, they start shifting. Two teeth were overlapping, and I just didn't want to smile anymore, and I wanted them fixed. I didn't want braces. So, I went with the aligners with SmileDirect. I'm probably 95% happy about it. 5% is because my tooth is still a little on the crooked side. I thought maybe wearing the retainer would correct that, so I wore the retainer for six weeks, and then I started just every night. Overall, I'm happy because I'm smiling again. My best experience was going to a satellite and having them do the 3D pictures. If I had to do that on my own through the mail, I would have been so flustered.

    SmileDirectClub response

    Hi there, Betty, thank you so much for your high rating! Please be sure that we're always here to help in any way we can. If further assistance is needed, just give us a call or contact us through DM on any of our platforms, and we will be happy to assist.

    Be the first one to find this review helpful
    Rated with 5 stars
    Verified Reviewer Verified Buyer
    Original review: Oct. 31, 2022

    One tooth was coming in front of one of my teeth and the other one was going behind on either side of my mouth. I hated to smile because when I smiled, that one tooth was going back. In pictures, it would be dark. I felt like a hillbilly and I didn't like that. Everything went well working with SmileDirect. The only problem that I had was when I finished. I had ordered my retainer and I did not wear it 22 hours a day for three weeks. So my teeth moved. I had to go back in and the reps did a thing. My teeth were going back a little bit. It wasn't terrible, but enough to where I didn't want it to go back any further. So, I'm doing that right now. Everything has been wonderful and everybody's been so nice. I like SmileDirect and I have told other people about it.

    SmileDirect wouldn't do my bottom teeth though. They told me they couldn't fix it. I had braces years ago and my dog chewed up my retainer. Back then, when I was a kid, they didn't have retainer cases. So you'd put it on your nightstand and your dog would come and eat it. It happened twice and my mother wouldn't get me another one. So my teeth all shifted back. I’m a real proponent of wanting to wear the nighttime thing. But right now, I'm having to wear it 22 hours a day, which is fine. It's not a big deal. I'm very impressed with SmileDirect. I bartend now and I was behind the bar and friends came in. One friend knew I had gotten the Smile and the other friend did not and she said I had such a beautiful smile. I started crying. Nobody's ever said that to me. That’s how happy I am.

    SmileDirectClub response

    Hi there, Karen, thank you so much for your high rating! Please be sure that we're always here to help in any way we can. If further assistance is needed, just give us a call or contact us through DM on any of our platforms, and we will be happy to assist.

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    Rated with 5 stars
    Verified Reviewer Verified Buyer
    Original review: July 2, 2022

    I lost 40 pounds in the process with SmileDirect. You're supposed to wear the aligners 22 hours out of the day, so I got an hour in the morning and an hour in the evening. That's not much and what you need to do is eat something decent and it worked out great. You just get into a pattern. For example, one day, I went three hours. The next, I would try to make up for it so I could make the 22 hours. Sometimes I’m at a family dinner so I leave the aligners down until I eat. I go to the restroom, pop them out and have dinner with family, and when I’m done, I go back, brush my teeth and put the aligners back in.

    You have to stay on top and keep the aligners clean. I got one of SmileDirect’s little ultrasonic cleaners and I do that and use the toothbrush so that was able to make it work good. You just have to have an attitude that you want to do this and once you overcome that, you get into a routine. I've been on the retainer for some weeks and that's new, because I only put it on to go to sleep.

    My teeth were a little messed up but it straightened out. My bottom ones are nice and with the front ones, I had a tooth on each side that were small and SmileDirect moved it as much as they could so it worked out fine. I probably could have gone for another series. They could probably move and more but I'm happy with the results I got. I’d recommend SmileDirect to a friend but I’d tell them what goes on because I knew a little about it when I got the aligners. But they worked with me well. I had a bridge break when I was starting this and they worked with me till I got a new one. It was only a few weeks and I broke them so they had to resend me some new ones. That took care of it. I had it replaced but with a newer technology, so they adjusted the aligner so everything worked and you get the trick putting them in the correct way.

    SmileDirectClub response

    Hi there, thank you so much for your high rating! Please be sure that we're always here to help in any way we can. If further assistance is needed just give us a call or contact us through DM in any of our platforms and we will be happy to assist.

    4 people found this review helpful
    Rated with 5 stars
    Verified Reviewer Verified Buyer
    Original review: May 25, 2022

    SmileDirectClub was the least expensive. I didn't trust myself to do the impression at home, so I went in. They did the 3D thing in their office. And they mailed me the stuff. I've had a couple of retouches, which every time, they would reject and make me pay more, because I get to the end of it and there's this one tooth that had this problem. So, I would send in pictures, and they would redo my plan and make it longer. This is the third time. I'm done now. I got the results I wanted. Each time, I thought there was no way they would approve it, but they did. They kept it up until I got to where I wanted to be without giving me more charges. They said, “As long as you're following your plan and doing your doctor update, that you can redo stuff until you're happy.” They stood by that. So, I've been very happy with it.

    My only concern not going to the dentist is maybe there's not enough space. And that's why my teeth are overcrowded. So, the results are great. If I skip a day of wearing the night thing, that tooth will move. And that concerns me. But that has to do with the fact that I didn't get a tooth pulled with a dentist. If I don't stay on this and I don't wear something for a month, I bet that I would have to redo this. I felt I would have to always wear the night one. If I wanna keep them like this, I have to wear the night thing. But it works.

    Also, the whitening stuff that SmileDirect has works big time. If you go in and they use the ultraviolet lights on your teeth with a dentist, they send that. You put that on your teeth for 10 minutes. If you do that twice a week, after two weeks, it makes a noticeable difference. I told my dad he doesn't to be a customer to order that. He can just go on SmileDirect and find their whitening thing and buy it. And it doesn’t hurt my teeth. So, if you’re looking for something, it’s affordable and it works. I would recommend SmileDirect to anybody.

    SmileDirectClub response

    Hi Kandi, thank you for your kind review. We are happy to pass along your comments to the team here at SmileDirectClub!

    5 people found this review helpful
    Resolution In ProgressRated with 2 stars
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: March 8, 2023

    I was pleased with the service in the beginning. In the end my teeth still have an over shadowing. It is not right to pay for services that were not rendered for my 100% satisfaction. I am not happy with the outcome!

    SmileDirectClub response

    Our Club Members' satisfaction is very important to us, Lisa, and we are always here to help in any way we can. We are quite concerned to hear about this situation and we would like to have a better look into this. In order for us to further assist, we will be reaching out by private message through this platform.

    Be the first one to find this review helpful
    Rated with 1 star
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: Feb. 18, 2023

    I was a patient from 2019 - 2023, the first four rounds did not fix my “minor fix”, and still did not wholly correct my crooked tooth. Retainers would take three months to arrive, and old aligners are so flimsy and don’t last the time you wait for your next round. During this time, I was told I could claim through my health insurance and when I would email and call to obtain the provider ID, they kept giving me the run around. In 2022, a class action was brought against SDC for intentionally misleading patients saying they used qualified dentists…In short, they don't. SDC were forced to pay me $2400 in 2023. I’ll be taking that money straight to an actual dentist.

    SmileDirectClub response

    Hi Luana, thank you for sharing your valuable feedback. We're concerned to see this rating. Our Dental Team is available to help if Club Members have any issues with their aligners or questions about their Smile Journey. If you have any concerns that haven't been addressed, please email us at reviews@smiledirectclub.com.

    5 people found this review helpful
    Rated with 1 star
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: Feb. 17, 2023

    I honestly don't know how SmileDirect has such good reviews. It seems like it would be a great thing up front, especially considering the cost, but honestly it has been a nightmare. I am waiting on my third touch-up because my bottom teeth have moved in front of my upper teeth due to the aligners that were sent by Smile Direct. I have actually chipped my upper tooth from my bottom teeth hitting the upper and not being able to close my mouth all the way, had to have it repaired by my dentist. It has been a terrible experience waiting for the touch-up. And this is my third touch-up! I noticed on the second touch-up that the aligners were not moving my teeth correctly, but every time I called Smile Direct they just stated to finish the aligners out and trust the "process" and all the time I know their "process" is not working. Smile Direct will NOT listen to me as a customer.

    Each time I try to call to get the touch-up they ask for photos of my teeth, however, the instructions they send are always in French. I don't speak French! I have to call back and be put on hold once again and for whatever reason the customer service does not know how to send the instructions in English. Then they state I will receive an impression kit and a follow-up email or phone call in 3-5 days, this NEVER happens! They never follow up. It literally takes 10 phone calls to get them to keep their word. When I call they seem to have no clue what is going on and want me to send the photos again, that I have already sent multiple times.

    I am beyond frustrated with this company! I am over a year in my treatment and most of the time all I am doing is waiting for the next thing or someone to contact me (which, again, never happens). I highly recommend going somewhere else and paying more, there is no care or concern about the customer with this company. Somewhere along the line there is a huge gap in Smile Direct's communication in-house and process within the company. Oh, by the way I am still waiting...

    SmileDirectClub response

    Hi there, Christopher. We truly value our Customers' feedback and actively seek it out to provide world-class customer service. If you have any concerns that haven't been addressed, please email us at reviews@smiledirectclub.com for further assistance.

    5 people found this review helpful
    Rated with 5 stars
    Verified Reviewer Verified Buyer
    Original review: Feb. 12, 2023

    SmileDirectClub took care of everything my daughter needed. She is done and her teeth look better. It was a great experience. Very inexpensive and it helped her. 10 out of 10 would use them again.

    SmileDirectClub response

    We're thrilled to see this, Kristy. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave an excellent rating. We really appreciate it.

    Be the first one to find this review helpful
    Rated with 5 stars
    Verified Reviewer Verified Buyer
    Original review: Feb. 11, 2023

    SmileDirectClub's reps were very professional. I liked that they would send all of the Invisaligns at once, label them, and give notifications. I got text notifications and they also have an app which let me reschedule if I got off track. So it was a very smooth process. I'm done with the thing and I'm just on the retainer. The results are not perfect, but better than where I was at. If others have a little bit of crowding in their mouth or a little bit of straightening that they're wanting to do, I would recommend them to do SmileDirect.

    SmileDirectClub response

    Thank you for sharing your experience with us all, Raeghn. If you have any questions feel, please reach out to us directly at reviews@smiledirectclub.com.

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    SmileDirectClub Company Information

    Company Name:
    SmileDirectClub
    Website:
    smiledirectclub.com