If you're insecure about your teeth, you're not alone. A 2019 survey from market research firm OnePoll found that approximately 70% of Americans are self-conscious about their teeth, particularly when it comes to crookedness or spacing between teeth.
In the past, you had to visit an orthodontist and get fitted for braces if you wanted to correct your smile. On average, traditional comprehensive orthodontic treatment costs $5,000 to $6,000. You also had to make monthly trips to the orthodontist.
With SmileDirectClub, you can get straighter teeth from the comfort of your own home for a fraction of the cost. In SmileDirectClub reviews, customers report being highly satisfied with their new smiles.
Our team of experts have reviewed these invisible aligners in order to give you an unbiased opinion on SmileDirectClub's pros and cons. Here's what you should know about the company we ranked as "Best for Convenience."
SmileDirectClub was founded in 2014 to make orthodontic care more accessible. Using clear, invisible aligners, customers can gradually shift their teeth into a more cosmetically appealing position in four to six months.
While straightening teeth with traditional braces usually requires regular visits to an orthodontist, SmileDirectClub eliminates that requirement. You can straighten your teeth at home instead, without any office visits.
When you sign up with SmileDirectClub, you follow these steps to start the process:
To begin your aligner treatment, you first need your current teeth evaluated. There are two ways to do this:
Whether you opt to visit a SmileShop or use a home impression kit, SmileDirectClub will use that information to make a 3-D image of your teeth and evaluate your smile. A certified dentist or orthodontist (one of SmileDirectClub’s partner dental professionals) will review your 3-D image and approve your customized treatment plan.
SmileDirectClub will share a preview of your corrected smile and ship all of the invisible aligners to you at once. This way, you don’t have to wait for the next set of aligners to arrive. Depending on your teeth and preferences, there are two aligner options:
If you’re trying to decide between a treatment plan from SmileDirectClub and traditional braces, here are some benefits and drawbacks to consider:
An aligner treatment from SmileDirectClub costs substantially less than traditional braces. According to the company, you can get invisible aligners for up to 60% less than braces.
SmileDirectClub offers two payment options:
If you have a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA), you can use the money you’ve saved to pay for your SmileDirectClub aligners. SmileDirectClub also accepts CareCredit as a financing option.
While SmileDirectClub is a less expensive option than Invisalign and traditional metal braces, financing options add interest that can make the overall price more expensive over time.
According to their website, SmileDirectClub is in network with several insurance providers, including: Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Empire BlueCross BlueShield, and UnitedHealthCare.
If you have insurance through another provider, such as Cigna, Delta Dental, Humana, or MetLife, SmileDirectClub will help you contact your provider directly to check your eligibility.
While certain insurance plans can reduce the cost by nearly half, the cost of SmileDirectClub can vary pending on your insurance provider and your specific insurance plan.
When it comes to customer service, SmileDirectClub reviews are generally positive. According to Best Company, SmileDirectClub has received over 1,600 reviews as of November 2020, rating the company with 4.2 stars out of five on average. The majority of reviews highlight the product’s value and quality as their best features. One reviewer wrote:
“I absolutely love the progress I've made in such a short time. This affordable option has given me the opportunity to smile and not be ashamed,” said Kelsey.
Customer care representatives are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can reach customer support via live chat or by calling 800-848-7566.
I'm really impressed with my treatment. If I had any queries or issues, the customer service was excellent. The treatment plan was easy to follow and has really made a difference. If you're considering straightening your teeth, I would highly recommend them
Smile Direct worked like a charm. In 6 months I’ve lost my gap in front teeth. I now have nice straight teeth. Thank you.
Responsible DDS is really trustworthy and is licensed in my state. And the aligned are working amazingly well.
The process was quick and easy. Results were effective and I am very happy with where my teeth are now!
Smile Direct has been super helpful answering all my questions. They are super affordable, and I haven't met one person who I felt I was bothering when I needed something. Thanks guys!
My husband wanted his teeth straightened so I inquired with SmileDirectClub for him. They worked with us because there were a few issues here and there. Their reps were very good. A couple of times, he had to have new aligners rebuilt. It took us a while to get to where we needed to be. But eventually, everything was straightened out and they solved our problems for us. My husband is finished with the program and he has his retainer. The cost was reasonable and he was very satisfied with the results.
The impression kit was super easy to use! I had my mom help me with the timing since I didn't have a working timer at the moment. They turned out perfectly! Even better than they did when the dental hygienist did them back when I tried invisalign! I love SmileDirectClub, they make everything so much easier and hassle free. The payment options are more flexible, and their customer service is quick and effective. I am so glad I gave Smile Direct Club a try!
Yesterday I had just gone in for my biannual dentist appointment; a light cleaning and overall check-up. While there I inquired about the minor crowding I'd experienced over the past few years. Prior to this coworkers had raved about SDC and its results. So I asked my dentist what their professional opinion was (thinking they'd try to dissuade me). Instead, they mentioned many of their clients use online aligner services and gave me a list of questions to ask during my initial appointment with them. Today I met with my Smile Guide, Anthony. I asked what his credentials were/prior experience was, and to my pleasant surprise he had valid dental experience. Not only that, he was very thorough in answering my millions of detailed questions and commended me for doing my research prior. Armed with my dentist's green light (since my teeth are in good health without any bone loss) & Anthony's walk-through, we decided that the night time aligners were my best option to accommodate my schedule/lifestyle. Very excited to get the process started and look forward to the results! If there's any advice I can offer up for those considering, it's do your homework beforehand, go for a check-up with your professional, and go in person for a scan rather than the impression if you DO have questions.
The two young ladies that helped check my son and I in to get the 3D images were very helpful, explained how the stages would unfold in the upcoming weeks. The technician that we spoke with took her time, gave us a sample tour of the box my son will receive and each item that was of importance. We received the best customer service and comfortable atmosphere that a patient needs to feel with any new stage in their life. Very kind and safety measures followed were awesome during these trying times....and very professional.
Excellent customer service. Smile Technician was easy to work with, friendly and knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend.
If you’ve always been self-conscious about your smile, teeth straightening treatments can make a significant improvement in your self-esteem. When deciding between traditional orthodontia and at-home services like SmileDirectClub, think about your budget, current teeth issues, and how quickly you want results. If you’re not sure if this treatment route is right for you, talk to your dentist for further advice and guidance.
Still looking for other options? Check out the four best invisible braces on the market in 2021.
Kat Tretina is a journalist and copywriter with expertise in personal health and personal finance. Her content has been featured on sites such as Everyday Health, HuffPost, Forbes, Investopedia, and Credit Karma. Kat calls Orlando, Florida home.