If there is anything you can call a revolution in orthodontics, it has to be the kits from SmileDirectClub. The clear aligners have made alignment of teeth more convenient and more reasonably priced than ever before. There was a time when those expensive and somewhat awkward braces were the only way to shape your pearls. But with companies like SmileDirectClub, getting professional help is just a matter of time now.

Know Your Product

As a company, SmileDirectClub has pioneered the treatment with at-home teeth aligners. However, they do not have a monopoly in this industry. So, how is this product different from all its peers in the market? This is why you need to know the product and its makers before making a confident purchase.

With its roots in Nashville in Tennessee, this online enterprise offers the convenience of at-home teeth aligners at an affordable rate. The plastic and clear aligners have the feel and look akin to the more expensive alternatives like Invisalign. They perfectly fit the contour of your mouth shape and teeth. Yet, these aligners are much lower in profile than a traditional brace. The aligners are made under the supervision of licensed dentists. So, even if you can get the desired results without paying a single trip to the orthodontist’s office, there is no way for the results to go wrong.

When did it hit the market?

The kit from SmileDirectClub hit the market back in 2014. It was a groundbreaking concept then. It was the first company to provide at-home clear aligners massively. Before that, some US-based dentists would customize clear aligners through mail orders. However, very few clients would know about it. Most dentists recommend conventional braces, which are expensive and somewhat awkward. After all those advertisements, frenzied orders, and numerous reviews online, the product has been reviewed by many thousands of customers. Right now, the company claims that the product has served the needs of more than 1.8 million patients.

What You Need to Remember

Despite all the positive feedback, you should remember that SmileDirectClub is mainly a cosmetic line of treatment. So, these aligners effectively treat only moderate to mild cases of crowding and spacing. Certain people who have already done the therapy have also complained of minor bite problems. This can be possible if you have a severe case of biting misalignment. In such issues, patients might have problems with underbite and overbite. And the company never claims to treat severe dental misalignment cases, either.

Costing Matters

Overall, the treatment with a kit from SmileDirectClub can cost about $2,250. This is much cheaper than conventional orthodontic braces. The price difference is mainly because, with a line of treatment, you need not pay for dentist visits. This often costs you a hefty amount of money. You need not pay for virtual orthodontic checkups. You can make them through emails and phone. Plus, by ordering through the company website, you can take advantage of various offers the company keeps offering. You can also take advantage of easy installments. Eventually, they require you to pay more than the actual price. The best thing is that many leading insurance companies offer coverage for this product. You can get the details on the company website.

About the Smile Shop

For the ease of its clients, SmileDirectClub has recently opened hundreds of retail shops all across the USA. This helps in establishing a more extensive partner network. If you are not entirely comfortable ordering customized braces online, you can visit a nearby store and get your 3D imaging done by expert hands. These “smile shops” have more than 1000 dentists working. All you need to do is schedule an appointment and get your job done, that too, free of cost. The dentists working for the company would devise a customized treatment plan per your dental scan findings.

The Limitations

Despite the intelligent treatment plan, well-documented efficiency, easy financing layouts, and specialized treatment plans, the SmileDirectClub products are full of certain limitations. This is why you can find many mixed reviews on online sites. Instead of confusing yourself, it is a wise step to know right from wrong. For example:

• If you check the reviews closely, you will know that many negative reviews are about delayed shipping. The company states that once the images of your teeth and mouth reach the dentists, they might take about 3 weeks to plan a treatment line and make braces accordingly.
• Since the company pursues a system of online and remote monitoring for checkups during your treatment, you would have to let go of the expectations of the robust monitoring that conventional therapies offer. However, if you are having severe issues or discomfort, there is always an option of having Facetime with a dentist or an orthodontist, who would address the issue.
• The company does not include retainers with the package. If you need them, you would need to purchase them, paying an additional $125 after the treatment. However, some of its competitors in the market offer retainers free of cost.

How Good an Option is SmileDirectClub?

SmileDirectClub is one of the most practical and popular choices for treating teeth alignment and teeth whitening issues. However, it does have some limitations that you can do with it. The company’s customer support team is responsive and attends to their callers’ queries. So, should you have any questions or need clarification regarding the products, you can contact them through mail, phone, and live chats. This would give you a comprehensive idea of what you are buying.