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Updated on November 17, 2023
5 min read

Does Insurance Cover SmileDirectClub?

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SmileDirectClub is one of the most popular clear aligner companies. You don’t need to visit your dentist or orthodontist during the treatment. They offer at-home aligners so you can straighten your teeth from the comfort of your own home. 

Is SmileDirectClub Covered By Insurance?

The following providers have partnerships with SmileDirectClub:

  • UnitedHealthcare
  • Aetna
  • MetLife
  • Anthem BlueCross
  • Anthem Blue Cross Shield 
  • Empire BlueCross BlueShield
  • Blue Shield of California
  • Dominion National
  • Capital Blue Cross

If your particular insurance provider is not listed here, you must pay full price and request reimbursement from your insurance provider afterward. SmileDirectClub will provide the necessary forms for you to file your claim.

Before insurance, SmileDirectClub aligners cost $2,250. Depending on your insurance, this cost could be reduced by up to half.

smile direct club impression kit

Sale: $15 impression kit - FREE after return, plus 6 months FREE teeth whitening. Code: NYNY23

Read our SDC review Order an Impression Kit

Clear aligners can save you thousands of dollars compared to braces. Learn about clear aligners.

How to Check Your Coverage 

SmileDirectClub provides an eligibility-checker tool on their website to check your insurance coverage. It can also determine how much your provider will cover if they cover some treatment costs.

Many providers also allow you to check your coverage by logging into your account. You can also call them to check with them directly.

Consumer Assistance Programs (CAP) are available for people who need help understanding their health insurance options in most states. Your state’s CAP can help you know what benefits you’re entitled to.

Can SmileDirectClub Guarantee Reimbursement?

SmileDirectClub doesn't guarantee you'll get reimbursed. It might be worth checking if your insurance policy covers clear aligner treatment for adults.

Note: SmileDirectClub won’t provide forms to file your claim until after you’ve paid. 

What to Do if You’re Denied Coverage

You can file an appeal if you think your claim was wrongly denied. First, the insurance company will review the denial internally. You can submit the appeal to an independent state or federal government body if they still deny it.

You can also contact your insurance company directly for clarification. This option is best if the denial was because your claim didn't qualify under your plan.

We recommend at-home clear aligners if you have mild teeth misalignment. View our top recommendations.

What Insurance Plans Cover Orthodontics?

Many health insurers cover orthodontics for children, but orthodontic coverage for adults is uncommon.

Providers known for offering adult orthodontic treatment coverage include (but aren’t limited to):

  • Delta Dental
  • Humana
  • Guardian Direct
  • Aflac
  • Cigna
  • USAA

The amount you are reimbursed varies from one insurance company to another. A provider may cover a certain percentage or dollar amount of your treatment. There are often lifetime limits on coverage as well.

smile direct club impression kit

Other Ways to Pay for SDC Aligners

If you’re worried your insurance plan won’t pay, SmileDirectClub offers several other ways to reduce the cost.

FSA/HSA

SmileDirectClub accepts FSA and HSA. Many employer-sponsored insurance plans offer flexible spending accounts (FSA) or health savings accounts (HSA).

Payment Plans

SmileDirectClub allows you to pay for treatment via monthly installments. With SmilePay, you can make a downpayment of $250 and monthly payments of $89 for 26 months. No credit checks are required. 

Due to interest, this option may bring your total to as high as $2,564—much greater than the original $2,250 price. Interest rates with SmilePay range from 10% to 21% (depending on your state).

Is SDC Covered Differently Than Invisalign and Braces?

Clear aligners, like Invisalign, are usually covered by insurance in the same way as braces. However, some insurers consider at-home clear aligners, like SDC, “DIY” treatments and decline to provide coverage.

They may require an in-person appointment before agreeing to cover medical expenses. You may increase your chances of coverage if you start treatment in-person at a SmileShop location. The initial consultation is free of charge.

It's best to check with your insurance company directly before pursuing treatment.

Interested in straightening your teeth at home? Here are the best clear aligner companies.

SDC Aligners Overview

Founded back in 2014, SmileDirectClub is the oldest at-home clear aligner company, offering completely remote treatment monitoring. Here’s an overview of treatment:

Starting Treatment

 There are three ways to start treatment:

  1. Go to a SmileShop (physical studio) and get your teeth scanned by a licensed dentist or orthodontist for free
  2. Pay $59 and have an impression kit sent to your home, and request a full refund if you are not eligible for treatment
  3. Visit one of the SmileDirectClub Partner Network offices in your state

Impression kits have a free teeth whitening treatment to brighten your new smile. 

Treatment Progress

SmileDirectClub will send you a box with all the aligners you need for the treatment. You must change the aligners every 1 to 2 weeks or as needed. You’ll have virtual check-ins during the treatment to help monitor your progress.

Treatment time for SmileDirectClub aligners is 4 to 6 months on average, which is on par with most clear aligner brands. However, it’s significantly faster than both Invisalign and traditional braces. For comparison, Invisalign treatment takes 6 to 24 months to straighten teeth; braces take 16 to 24 months.

Smiledirect club product shot bix

After the Treatment

SmileDirectClub also has a Lifetime Smile Guarantee. They provide the following:

  • Smile protection for life
  • 30-Day Money-Back Promise
  • Free aligner touch-ups after your treatment

Summary

  • Before insurance, SmileDirectClub aligners cost $2,250
  • SmileDirectClub provides a tool on its website to help you determine how much your insurance provider will cover.
  • You may be able to have discounts applied up-front if your insurer is partnered with SmileDirectClub
  • Some insurers may insist on an in-person appointment before paying
  • SmileDirectClub won’t provide forms to file your claim until after you’ve paid
  • Check with your insurer before paying for treatment
  • You can appeal denied claims
  • SmileDirectClub accepts both HSA and FSA
  • You can pay in installments, but it will be significantly more expensive

Sale: $15 impression kit - FREE after return, plus 6 months FREE teeth whitening. Code: NYNY23

Read our SDC review Order an Impression Kit

What’s Next?

The most popular at-home clear aligner kits can be found right here:

Learn about the different brands and what they offer.

Last updated on November 17, 2023
6 Sources Cited
Last updated on November 17, 2023
All NewMouth content is medically reviewed and fact-checked by a licensed dentist or orthodontist to ensure the information is factual, current, and relevant.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only cite from current scientific research, such as scholarly articles, dentistry textbooks, government agencies, and medical journals. This also includes information provided by the American Dental Association (ADA), the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
  1. Consumer Assistance Program.” Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
  2. How to appeal an insurance company decision.” HealthCare.Gov.
  3. Frequently Asked Questions.” Smile Direct Club.
  4. See how much you can save.” Smile Direct Club.
  5. SmilePay™ makes financing easy.” Smile Direct Club.
  6. Larson et al. “Contemporary Orthodontics.” Spain, Elsevier, 2018.
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