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SmileDirectClub is a clear aligner company that offers remote teeth straightening at an affordable price.
Clear aligners are transparent plastic trays that apply gentle pressure to slowly reposition teeth. They're an effective alternative to traditional braces for most teeth misalignment issues.
SmileDirectClub was founded in the US in 2014. It is the oldest at-home aligner company and has since expanded to other countries, including Australia.
Notice: SmileDirectClub filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on September 29, 2023. The company plans to "maintain normal operations" as it restructures debts and seeks a buyer or funding. The founders invested $20 million and committed more to ensure SmileDirectClub can meet commitments without disruption. However, successful reorganization is not guaranteed.
Treatment with SmileDirectClub can address the following:
SmileDirectClub treatment can resolve these conditions in 4 to 6 months on average.This is much faster than Invisalign, which can take anywhere from 6 to 18 months.
Note: SmileDirectClub also offers nighttime aligners. Aside from extending treatment time (10 months), we at NewMouth have safety concerns regarding nighttime treatment.
For those with mild teeth misalignment, SmileDirectClub treatment can be a convenient, cost-effective alternative to Invisalign or traditional braces.
SDC is the oldest at-home aligner company, with thousands of online reviews.
Treatment costs $2,825 and lasts up to 6 months. Since everything is remote, we only recommend SDC for mild cases.
There are two ways to start treatment:
If you visit a physical location, a trained dentist or orthodontist will take a 3D scan of your bite. We recommend this option to minimize the chance for errors.
SmileShops are available in the following Australian cities:
If you can’t make it to a SmileShop, here’s how you can begin treatment remotely:
Once you receive your aligners, you’ll wear them for 22 hours a day, changing them out weekly. You can remove them to eat, drink, brush and floss your teeth, or play an instrument or sport.
You’ll take part in virtual check-ins on a regular basis so your dentist or orthodontist can check your treatment progress. Total treatment time can vary but is usually between 4 to 6 months.
A one-time payment for SmileDirectClub aligners costs $2,825. This is around the middle range for at-home aligners. Yet, it is still significantly more affordable than braces or Invisalign.
You can also finance treatment. SmileDirectClub offers a payment plan called SmilePay. After making a $299 down payment, you can then finance treatment for $119 per month. There’s no credit check required.
Additional costs include:
Note: If the dentist or orthodontist does not find you suitable for treatment, you’ll receive a refund for the cost of the impression kit or scan.
The sort of treatment SmileDirectClub aligners provide is considered cosmetic. Because of that, most private insurance plans do not cover it up-front. This means it is also ineligible for cost reimbursement.
SmileDirectClub does accept payment with HSA or FSA.
Here’s how the cost of SmileDirectClub stacks up against other clear aligner companies in Australia:
Byte is a popular at-home aligner company known for its fast treatment times and strong customer service. They’ve been in Australia since 2020 and have some unique features.
Some highlights of Byte treatment include:
Byte’s fast treatment times and remote monitoring might make it a good option for mild cases. Treatment with Byte costs between $2,749 and $3,399, depending on your plan. You can also finance treatment.
WonderSmile is an Australian-based, at-home aligner company. You can start treatment with an in-person consultation or order an impression kit.
Notable features of WonderSmile include:
WonderSmile treatment takes between 6 to 9 months, depending on your teeth alignment issues. WonderSmile daytime aligner treatment costs $2,690 as a one-time payment.
Because treatment is mostly remote, WonderSmile is a good Invisalign alternative for mild teeth alignment issues.
EZ Smile distinguishes itself by its affordable price and by having the most financing options of any at-home aligner. Two of these four are interest-free.
EZ Smile has:
To begin treatment with EZ Smile, book a scan at a physical location or order an impression kit. Treatment takes 4 to 8 months and costs an average of $2,149.
SmilePath is known for its highly affordable treatment and excellent customer service.
Some features of SmilePath include:
At $1,899, SmilePath is the most affordable option on this list. Treatment takes between 4 to 6 months, depending on the issue(s). It’s a good option for minor teeth alignment problems.
There are several important differences between SmileDirectClub and Invisalign:
SmileDirectClub is an at-home clear aligner company. That means treatment can be done entirely from the comfort of your home, from taking impressions to check-ups.
Invisalign is an in-office aligner. This means in-person consultations and check-ups are required.
Treatment involves a visit to the dentist or orthodontist every 6 weeks to check progress and receive new aligners. This is inconvenient for many people.
The added convenience of remote monitoring is one reason many people choose at-home aligners like SmileDirectClub. However, in-person treatment allows for more precision.
Treatment with SmileDirectClub costs $2,825, making it much more affordable than Invisalign.
By contrast, the cost of Invisalign in Australia is between $4,000 and $9,000 on average, depending on your location and provider’s expertise.
SmileDirectClub is also 60% less expensive than traditional braces.
For minor teeth alignment issues, SmileDirectClub is an affordable alternative to Invisalign.
SmileDirectClub treatment can fix minor teeth misalignment in 4 to 6 months.
Invisalign treatment can be as fast as 6 months but generally ranges between 12 to 18 months. Sometimes it takes up to 24 months.
SmileDirectClub treats a more limited set of issues than Invisalign.
On the other hand, Invisalign is better for moderate to severe alignment issues.
For mild spacing or crowding issues, SmileDirectClub may be a good option. However, Invisalign treats a much wider range of teeth alignment issues.
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