Many customers of smile direct have been left frustrated after the company went bankrupt. Its teledentistry model offers BPA-free plastic aligners to correct minor misalignment issues. However, the scope of these treatments is limited compared to Invisalign.
Rosemond says she incurred a crossbite and suffered from neck and jaw strain that led to migraines. She spent thousands on traditional braces to fix her teeth.
Cost
There has been a lot of hype around DIY orthodontics, which allows patients to move their own teeth without much supervision from an orthodontist. These companies like Smile Direct Club and Candid offer an attractive option to people who want straighter teeth but cannot afford or do not want to visit a traditional dentist.
Invisalign and Smile Direct are both treatments that involve using clear aligners to straighten crooked teeth. They are both a great choice for people with mild to moderate misalignment issues. However, they are not suitable for more complex problems.
Invisalign is more expensive than Smile Direct because it requires regular visits to your orthodontist or dentist. However, it is worth the investment because you will get better results and the added benefit of knowing that your treatment is being overseen by a doctor. EZ SMILE has a lower cost than Smile Direct Club and their price includes all of your aligners, a set of Bright On teeth whitening, and shipping.
Time commitment
Like meal delivery kits and subscription boxes, the SmileDirectClub concept is based on the idea that you can order your orthodontic treatment online and get it delivered right to your door. The company also has brick and mortar stores, called SmileShops, where you can visit for a 3D scan if you live close by.
The service offers a full teledentistry experience, with a digital network of 240+ state-licensed dentists and orthodontists overseeing each patient’s SmilePlan. Customers can start the process by receiving an impression kit by mail or by visiting a SmileShop to have their impressions taken.
The process is designed for people who only need mild to moderate adjustments to their teeth. However, many professionals say that it is not wise to rely on this type of service for your entire dental care. It is not able to address the underlying issues that cause crooked teeth, and patients may find themselves with problems in the future.
Results
While Smile Direct’s business model initially felt revolutionary, it was soon criticized by dental associations and subject to legal actions. The main criticism was that the company did not require initial in-person evaluations or identify their supervising doctors. This lack of direct supervision was linked to potential complications and raised concerns about who was looking out for patients.
During treatment, patients check in with the company through a combination of email, phone, and teledentistry. These contact methods allow the company to track the progress of each patient and to provide guidance. However, patients do not receive any in-person visits or checkups.
Many Smile Direct customers reported crossbites, misalignments, and other issues that caused discomfort and made it difficult to eat or speak. These problems often went undiagnosed because the computer models did not take into account the movement of each individual’s teeth. As a result, they were not corrected during the aligner treatment. The company’s failure to address these issues ultimately led to their collapse.
Retainers
If you have problems with the fit of your aligners, you can get them refined for free during your treatment. This service is included in your monthly virtual check-ins. You can also purchase retainers at a discounted rate after your treatment is complete. Retainers are recommended by your doctor to maintain the results of your treatment.
Retainers are the most important part of a clear aligner treatment. They are designed to hold your teeth in their new positions and protect them from reverting back to their original state. You can buy a set of retainers from Smile Direct Club for $99, and they are recommended to be replaced every six months.
The bankruptcy of Smile Direct has left thousands of patients in an unfavorable position. Those who were midway through their treatment will now have to go to the dentist for help with their teeth straightening, and they may not be able to get their refund from Smile Direct Club.