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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.
Pros & Cons
- Discreet, clear aligners
- Less expensive than metal braces
- Offers a payment plan with no credit check
- Treatment only takes four to six months
- Retainers not included
- Not suitable for severe corrections
Featured Reviews
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 ...
Read full reviewThe 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...
Read full reviewSmileDirectClub products
SmileDirectClub
Clear Aligners
$2,050 upfront or $89 per month after down payment as of publishing date
- Pay in full right away or make monthly payments for 26 months
- Custom-made clear aligners shipped to your door
- Premium teeth whitening included
- Nighttime-only option available
SmileDirectClub
Water Flosser with two flossing tips
$35 as of publishing date
- Removes 99% of plaque between teeth and below gumline
- 50% more effective than regular string floss
- Lasts up to 30 days on one charge
- Water-resistant; can be used in the shower
- Three pressure modes and an extra tip included
SmileDirectClub
Teeth Whitening Kit with LED light
$67 as of publishing date
- Helps remove tough stains
- Eight pens for a full year of whitening
- Two full one-week treatments
- Results from each treatment last up to six months
- LED light for maximum visibility
SmileDirectClub
Smile Spa Ultrasonic and UV Cleaning Machine
$38 as of publishing date
- Combines ultraviolet and ultrasonic cleaning technology
- Cleans aligners, retainers, mouthguards, water flosser tips and toothbrush heads
- Kills 99% of odor-causing bacteria
- Can be cleaned with water
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:
- Take SmileDirectClub’s 30-second assessment on its website to see if you're a candidate for treatment.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- You wear your aligners for a certain amount of time each day, taking them out for eating and drinking.
- Throughout the treatment, your licensed dentist or orthodontist monitors your progress through SmileDirectClub’s teledentistry platform. Virtual check-ins occur regularly.
- 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:
- Invisalign vs. SmileDirectClub: Invisalign can potentially help a wider array of people, but SmileDirectClub is more affordable.
- Byte vs. SmileDirectClub: Byte has a slightly shorter average treatment length, but SmileDirectClub offers in-office consultations.
- Candid vs. SmileDirectClub: Candid requires in-person consultations, and SmileDirectClub has a night-only option.
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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- 4,535,237 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
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- We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
- Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
Reviewed Sept. 29, 2024
When signing up for the treatment plan I was very excited and eager to start my journey of protecting my smile. From the start everything went as planned until I was charged twice on my credit card for advance treatments that I did not get yet. From there I called in and the representative refunded me and said it was an error as they thought I was head of my treatment (even though I sent in biweekly photos). I was thrown off by that, but continued my plan. Everything seem to be going as planned so I was eager to introduce this to my nephew as he was in need of braces to align his teeth. I got him signed up and start his treatment plan added to my account. He did great with it and everything was going as planned until I had an accident with my front tooth being broken in half and in need of a crown with a root canal.
This required me to stop my treatment for 1 year due to my dentist/endodontist advising to! I continuing paying and paid the plans off and when I called back in to start back up I was refused service and was told to just start back up in the box I was originally given after I explained to them I had 2 totally new front with shapes and sizes. I was told they would pass the message over to Dr ** who was testing me and I never heard from anyone after that. To top it my nephew just received a notice in the mail to pay for his treatment after I already paid for it in full. He never received his final retainers and I never was able to finish my treatment plan.
Reviewed Jan. 21, 2024
I have completed my course and my teeth still don't look good. I have one that has not turned the way it should, and now there is no one to purchase aligners or retainers from. I never got great custom support anyway. What a sham company. They are walking away with millions of dollars and we all want our money back.
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Reviewed Dec. 1, 2023
Do not purchase anything from this company. Aligners ended up shifting my teeth in the wrong direction and caused me significant costs with my dentist to re-align my teeth. I went back and forth with their support for 6 MONTHS with no resolution. They refused to give me my money back and then stopped responding to me altogether.
Reviewed Nov. 21, 2023
I've been using SDC for two years. I've gone through three separate "rounds" of retainers and my teeth are minimally straighter. Every single time I have emailed, I've been ignored so then of course, you have to call the 1800 number where you speak to someone overseas. EVERY SINGLE TIME I've voiced my concerns their product wasn't working, I've been told to pay 25 for a new mold and they would get me another round of aligners. My original schedule was supposed to be 9 months. I'm now at 2 years with still crooked teeth. I've asked for another orthodontist as clearly this one can not do his job and I've been told they all work together. The last complaint I emailed in was supposedly assigned a ticket number and that was the last I heard. DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND GO WITH A DIFFERENT COMPANY. I WISH I HAD. I AM OUT ALL MY MONEY WITH NOTHING TO SHOW FOR IT.
Hi Lori. Thanks for taking the time to leave us a rating. We're concerned to see that it wasn't a 5-star experience. If you have any feedback about your experience or need any help, please email us at reviews@smiledirectclub.com.
Reviewed Nov. 17, 2023
I visited SmileDirectClub in Summit, NJ on May 4, 2023 for a “free” consultation whether I would be a good candidate for SmileDirect aligners. I never once interacted or had any evidence whatsoever that any real licensed orthodontist or dentist “assessed” my free consultation to determine if I was a good candidate or was involved in any manner in this process.
I never agreed to the HFD usurious finance agreement, despite that, SmileDirect and/or HFD fraudulently affixed a digital signature and recently submitted that forged document to Bank of America in response to my fraud complaint making matters worse for SmileDirect and HFD. The aligners were defective from day one, cutting into the inside of my mouth with razor sharp edges; the wax provided was worthless. I had no idea there was a 30 day cancellation for full refund opportunity since there was no real contact with anyone at SmileDirect after my one in person free consultation; until now that SmileDirect is chasing me for money. Buyer's beware of this company.... !
Reviewed Nov. 17, 2023
If you're looking to use SmileDirectClub, DON'T. While seeking care from your local orthodontist is more expensive, it'll be worth your time, health and money to do it right. I made the unfortunate mistake by using Smile Direct Club to straighten my teeth. After going to my dentist for a routine teeth cleaning, they discovered my top front teeth were loose, which was caused by trauma from Smile Direct Clubs products. To prevent further damage, I'm now under the care of my orthodontist. The money I thought I'd save using Smile Direct Club, wound up costing me more now that I have to undergo care from my local orthodontist.
I contacted Smile Direct Club for a refund of $1,750; after 45 minutes on the phone, pictures and videos, I was told via email I don't qualify for a refund. My Smile Direct Club treatment results didn't end with a straight smile, but with loose teeth and thousands more spent on preventing further dental issues. Please avoid Smile Direct Club. Seek in-person treatment and supervision from an orthodontist to prevent permanent harm and irreparable damage to your teeth.
Our Club Members' satisfaction is very important to us, XXX, 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.
Reviewed Nov. 8, 2023
I did my scans, smooth process. I was told I would receive aligners within 3-4 weeks.. I am going on week 6 and no one has updated me on anything.. I called customer service and they said it's still "processing." They will leave a comment saying, "Send your concern to reviews@smiledirectclub.com" which I've already done. I'm starting to think a lot of the good reviews are fake...
Reviewed Nov. 3, 2023
This ridiculous experience started all the way back to the end of 2022. I initially signed up for it excited in the hopes that they would help me close up some large tooth gaps. Once I signed up, they were very quick to send me the impression kit. Upon receiving, I stated on my latest communication with them that I would need specific supporting documents so that I could validate this under a dental insurance request. Their customer service told me providing an invoice with the information that I had requested would be no problem. I was so wrong in believing that they would provide the documents in a timely manner.
After about 16-months of follow-up calls they FINALLY sent me the invoice that I had requested, but of course, it only showed about 75% of the payments that had been charged to my insurance card and not the remaining amount, which I obviously needed to get it all approved by my insurance. All of this was going on while I also kept on receiving calls from my insurer that the payments made had not been approved and would be sent to collections if I did not provide documentation. In an effort to stop the calls and give me a bit of peace, I paid the remaining amount out of pocket while I sorted the rest of this nightmare.
It has now been another five months since I have begun several other written and call-in requests for the remaining invoice. It is so sad that a company is willing to do this to a paying customer. I have pictures of every single one of these requests and all say that I should be receiving said invoice in 5-7 business days. The even more frustrating part is that every single one of these "customer service" reps gave me a hard time when I asked for a written email from them confirming the request. Could not expect anything less from this shady company. Hopefully, a team member on their end will see this atrocity of a service and will look to rectify the situation before I get legal guidance. Moral of the story: do NOT invest in this company!
Reviewed Oct. 26, 2023
In the beginning assessment when I went through a questionnaire, there was no mention of, (if you have any implants or crowns) and fillings you aren't a good candidate. After I ordered the kit, I google Smile Direct Club reviews, which I should have done before, and I saw some bad reviews about how the liners have broken teeth. I am concerned that I could cause more damage than good because of the condition of my teeth, plus, I have 2 implants. They replied (if you are deemed unqualified by the State Licensed Dentist or Orthodontist overseeing your case we will refund you) but the cost of seeing a dentist will be more expensive than the kit itself. They also take days between each reply. I feel that I have been deceived by SmileDirectClub.
Reviewed Oct. 26, 2023
During my first visit I was promised a free retainer at the end of my treatment in exchange for allowing my consultation to be video taped for training purposes. Upon completion of my treatment, I was automatically charged $125 on my credit card. I called customer service and was told there was nothing they could do. I asked to speak with a manager and was placed on hold for 20 minutes only to be told no managers were available. Very poor business practice.
SmileDirectClub Company Information
- Company Name:
- SmileDirectClub
- Website:
- smiledirectclub.com