What SmileDirectClub Is and How It Operates

SmileDirectClub is a teeth-straightening service that sends you custom-made aligners by mail rather than requiring regular in-person visits to an orthodontist's office. You start by taking photos and impressions of your teeth at home or at one of their retail locations, then a licensed dentist or orthodontist reviews your case and designs a treatment plan. The company manufactures clear plastic aligners based on that plan and ships them to you in sets. You wear each aligner for about two weeks, then move to the next one in the sequence.

The service operates through a teledentistry model, meaning most of your contact with the dental professional happens remotely—through photos you submit, video consultations, or messaging. You do not have a traditional orthodontist's office you visit every month. Instead, you manage the treatment from home and check in with the provider digitally as you progress through your aligner trays.

Key Takeaways

  • SmileDirectClub charges a flat fee upfront or through a payment plan, typically ranging from several hundred to over a thousand dollars depending on the complexity of your case.
  • Treatment usually takes four to six months, though some cases take longer, and you receive all your aligners at the start or in batches rather than one at a time.
  • A licensed dentist or orthodontist must review and approve your case before treatment begins, and you have remote check-ins throughout the process.
  • The service works best for mild to moderate spacing and crowding issues; severe bite problems or complex cases may not be suitable for this model.
  • You can cancel within a certain window and receive a refund, though the exact terms depend on your location and how far into treatment you are.

How the Initial Consultation and Impression Process Works

You begin by either visiting a SmileDirectClub retail location or completing an at-home impression kit. If you go to a location, a staff member takes photos of your teeth and bite from multiple angles, then guides you through making a mold of your teeth using putty or alginate. If you use the at-home kit, you follow video instructions to photograph your teeth yourself and create the molds in your own bathroom.

Once your impressions and photos are submitted, a licensed dentist or orthodontist reviews them to determine whether your case is a good fit for clear aligner treatment. Not all cases are accepted—if your bite problem is too severe or your teeth need other work first, you may be referred to a traditional orthodontist instead. If you are cleared to proceed, the provider creates a digital treatment plan showing how your teeth will move over time.

What Happens During Treatment and How to Wear the Aligners

After your treatment plan is approved, SmileDirectClub manufactures your aligners and ships them to you. Most customers receive all their trays at once, though some receive them in batches. You wear each aligner for 20 to 22 hours per day—removing it only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. Every two weeks, you switch to the next aligner in the sequence.

Throughout treatment, you submit progress photos and check in with your provider remotely. These check-ins let the dentist or orthodontist monitor whether your teeth are moving as planned. If something looks off, they may adjust your plan or recommend that you pause treatment. You can message your provider with questions, and they typically respond within a business day or two.

Cost, Payment Plans, and What Insurance May Cover

SmileDirectClub's pricing varies based on how complex your case is. A straightforward case might cost several hundred dollars, while a more involved treatment can exceed a thousand. The company offers payment plans that let you spread the cost over several months with or without interest, depending on the option you choose.

Most dental insurance plans do not cover SmileDirectClub because it is not provided by a traditional orthodontist in a brick-and-mortar office. However, some plans may cover a portion if the provider is in-network or if you have orthodontic coverage that extends to teledentistry providers. You should contact your insurance company directly to ask whether they cover remote aligner treatment before you commit to a plan.

Treatment Timeline and How Long Results Take

Most SmileDirectClub treatments take four to six months from start to finish. Some cases resolve faster, while others—particularly those with more crowding or spacing—may take eight months or longer. The timeline depends on how much your teeth need to move and how consistently you wear the aligners.

Wearing your aligners for fewer than 20 hours per day will slow your progress and may extend your treatment time. If you remove them frequently or inconsistently, your teeth may not move as planned, and you might need additional trays or a longer overall treatment period. The provider monitors this through your progress photos and can adjust your plan if needed.

Limitations and Cases SmileDirectClub May Not Handle

SmileDirectClub works well for mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and minor bite issues. It is less suitable for severe overbites, underbites, or cases where teeth need to be rotated significantly. If you have gum disease, missing teeth, or dental work that needs to be done first, you will likely need to see a traditional dentist or orthodontist before or instead of using this service.

Some people also find that remote monitoring does not work well for them—they prefer the in-person relationship with an orthodontist and the ability to ask questions face-to-face. If you have a complex case or prefer traditional care, a local orthodontist may be a better fit than a mail-based aligner service.

Refunds, Cancellations, and What Happens If You Stop Treatment

SmileDirectClub allows you to cancel within a certain timeframe and receive a refund, though the exact policy varies by state and how far into your treatment you are. If you cancel early—before your aligners ship or shortly after—you may receive a full or nearly full refund. If you are already several months into treatment, your refund will be smaller or may not be available.

If you stop wearing your aligners before treatment is complete, your teeth will not continue to move, and they may shift back toward their original position over time. You should discuss any concerns about your treatment with your provider before you decide to stop, as they may be able to adjust your plan or address what is not working.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to see a dentist in person at any point during SmileDirectClub treatment?

No. The entire process—from impression to check-ins to treatment adjustments—happens remotely. However, you should continue to see your regular dentist for cleanings and checkups, as SmileDirectClub does not replace routine dental care.

What if my aligners do not fit or feel uncomfortable?

Contact your provider through the app or messaging system. They can review your case and may recommend adjustments, send replacement trays, or pause treatment while they reassess your plan. Do not force aligners that do not fit, as this can damage your teeth.

Can I use SmileDirectClub if I have crowns, bridges, or other dental work?

It depends on the type and location of the work. Some dental work can be straightened around, while other cases are not suitable for aligner treatment. Mention any existing dental work during your initial consultation so the provider can determine whether you are a good candidate.

How do I know if my case is too complex for SmileDirectClub?

A licensed dentist or orthodontist reviews your impressions and photos before treatment begins. If your case is too severe or requires work that aligners cannot handle, they will let you know and may refer you to a traditional orthodontist instead.

What happens to my teeth after I finish wearing all my aligners?

Once treatment is complete, you will need to wear a retainer to keep your teeth in their new position. SmileDirectClub typically includes a retainer as part of your treatment plan, or you can order one separately. Without a retainer, your teeth may gradually shift back over time.