In this article
On average, SmileDirectClub (SDC) treatment takes 4 to 6 months to straighten teeth.
Treatment generally lasts up to 6 months but can be longer in some cases. SmileDirectClub states many customers start seeing results in as little as two months. Overall, treatment duration will depend on your personalized treatment plan.
This is on par with most at-home clear aligners (Byte is slightly faster). SmileDirectClub’s average treatment time is significantly faster than both Invisalign and braces.
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.
Invisalign treatment takes 6 to 24 months, while braces treatment takes around 16 to 24 months.
Clear aligners can save you thousands of dollars compared to braces. Learn about clear aligners.
This is the treatment time of SmileDirectClub compared to other brands:
Aligner Brand | Treatment Time |
SmileDirectClub | 4 to 6 months |
Byte | 3 to 6 months |
ALIGNERCO | Up to 12 months |
NewSmile | 4 to 6 months |
Candid | 4 to 12 months |
Invisalign | 6 to 24 months |
The duration of your aligner treatment depends on your needs and personalized treatment plan.
While you can’t significantly speed up treatment time, the following tips can help you achieve your desired results within the suggested timeframe:
Some individuals may believe that altering their aligner schedule by increasing the frequency of aligner changes will accelerate treatment.
However, this could be counterproductive and may cause unexpected oral issues or other orthodontic complications. Stick to your treatment plan for the best results.
We recommend at-home clear aligners if you have mild teeth misalignment. View our top recommendations.
Various factors determine the treatment time for SmileDirectClub treatment. These include:
The main factor affecting treatment time is your level of malocclusion (teeth misalignment). People with severe malocclusion will have a longer treatment time than those with moderate to minor malocclusion.
SmileDirectClub is mainly recommended for minor to moderate crowding or spacing issues.
Issues SmileDirectClub treatment is less suited for include:
You should address these issues through alternative treatment options like Invisalign or braces. Once these issues are addressed, you can start SmileDirectClub treatment for further refinement.
The other factor affecting SmileDirectClub treatment time is user compliance.
As with all at-home brands, SmileDirectClub aligners are removable. This means treatment time depends to a great extent on the wearer.
SmileDirectClub recommends wearing the aligners for 22 hours a day. Anything less will extend treatment time.
Naturally, if you damage or lose the aligners, that will extend treatment time as you wait for replacements.
Another factor to consider with SmileDirectClub treatment time is which aligners you choose. The most popular option is the original aligners, worn 22 hours a day.
SmileDirectClub also offers Nighttime aligners. These aligners are worn for ten continuous hours per night while sleeping. The other difference to the original aligners is that treatment time takes ten months instead of six.
However, scientific evidence for the safety and efficacy of nighttime aligners is currently lacking. As such, we at NewMouth recommend the original aligners.
SmileDirectClub treatment starts with taking 3D scans of your teeth. There are two ways to start aligner treatment with SmileDirectClub:
NewMouth recommends booking an appointment at a SmileShop if possible. This is because your teeth can be digitally scanned by a trained professional.
SmileShops are currently available in 33 states, as well as Puerto Rico and Washington DC.
This is the pre-treatment process for SmileDirectClub:
Once you receive your aligners in the mail, you’ll wear each set for the recommended amount of time. Every week, you’ll change them out for the next set.
Your treatment is monitored remotely via Smile Check-ins, SmileDirect’s telehealth platform.
Using their platform, you can contact SmileDirect’s dental team (overseen by your prescribing doctor) at any time.
When treatment is complete, your final set of aligners will double as retainers.
You’ll wear them 24 hours a day for the next two weeks. After that point, you’ll wear them nightly while you sleep. This is to prevent your teeth from reverting to their prior positions.
If you're not satisfied with your treatment, SmileDirect will make refinements through additional aligners.
These aligners, which are free of charge, will correct any issues to ensure your teeth align properly.
Interested in straightening your teeth at home? Here are the best clear aligner companies.
In this article
What’s Next?
The most popular at-home clear aligner kits can be found right here: