SmileDirectClub is a mail-order teeth-straightening service that ships you custom aligners to wear at home

SmileDirectClub sends you a kit to make impressions of your teeth at home, then manufactures clear plastic aligners based on those impressions. You wear each set of aligners for about two weeks, swap to the next set, and repeat until your teeth move into the position shown in your treatment plan. The company does not require in-person visits to an orthodontist's office — instead, you communicate with a licensed dentist or orthodontist through the SmileDirectClub app or website to review your plan before treatment starts and to check progress photos you submit during treatment.

The service costs between $1,800 and $2,500 for a full treatment course, depending on the complexity of your case. You can pay upfront or use a payment plan. Treatment typically takes 4 to 6 months, though some cases take longer. SmileDirectClub operates in all 50 states, though the specific licensed provider who reviews your case depends on your state's dental regulations.

Key Takeaways

  • SmileDirectClub requires you to make tooth impressions at home using a kit they send, then a licensed dentist or orthodontist reviews your case before treatment begins.
  • You receive custom aligners by mail and change them yourself every two weeks without visiting an office, though you submit progress photos for remote monitoring.
  • Treatment costs $1,800 to $2,500 and takes 4 to 6 months on average, with payment plan options available.
  • SmileDirectClub works best for mild to moderate spacing or crowding — severe bite problems or complex cases may not be suitable for at-home treatment.
  • You should understand that remote treatment means no in-person emergency care if an aligner breaks or causes unexpected pain.

How the impression and treatment-plan process works

When you order a SmileDirectClub kit, the company sends you a mold tray and putty to make impressions of your upper and lower teeth. You fill the trays with putty, bite down for a set time, and mail the impressions back to SmileDirectClub. A licensed dentist or orthodontist in your state reviews the impressions and takes measurements to create a 3D model of your teeth and a proposed treatment plan showing how your teeth will move over time.

You then review this plan through the SmileDirectClub app — you can see a video simulation of the expected movement and the number of aligner trays you will receive. If you approve the plan, treatment begins. If you have concerns or want changes, you can request a revision, though the company charges a fee for major changes to the plan. Once approved, SmileDirectClub manufactures your custom aligners and ships them to you in batches.

What happens during treatment and how to wear the aligners

Each aligner is a thin, clear plastic shell that fits snugly over your teeth. You wear one aligner for about 14 days, then switch to the next one in the series. SmileDirectClub recommends wearing aligners 20 to 22 hours per day — you remove them only to eat, drink anything but water, and brush your teeth. You should brush and floss after meals before putting the aligner back in to avoid trapping food or bacteria.

Throughout treatment, you submit progress photos through the app at intervals the company specifies — usually every few weeks. A licensed dentist or orthodontist reviews these photos to confirm your teeth are moving as planned. If something looks off, they may recommend adjustments or additional trays. If you experience pain, a broken aligner, or other issues, you contact SmileDirectClub's support team, which can connect you with a dentist for information, though that dentist is not necessarily in your local area and cannot see you in person.

Cost, payment options, and what is and is not covered

SmileDirectClub's standard price ranges from $1,800 to $2,500 for a complete treatment course. The exact cost depends on how many aligner trays you need, which is determined by the complexity of your case. You can pay the full amount upfront or use a payment plan — the company offers monthly payment options through third-party financing, typically with no interest if paid in full within a set period (usually 12 to 24 months), though interest accrues if you do not meet that important date.

The price includes the impression kit, the custom aligners, and remote monitoring by a licensed dentist or orthodontist. It does not include replacement aligners if you lose or damage one — those cost extra. SmileDirectClub does not cover emergency dental care if an aligner causes a problem that requires a visit to a dentist's office. Most dental insurance plans do not cover SmileDirectClub because it is not provided by a licensed orthodontist in a traditional office setting, though some plans may offer partial reimbursement if the treatment is deemed medically necessary. Check your insurance plan's terms before starting.

Who is a good candidate and who should consider other options

SmileDirectClub works best for people with mild to moderate spacing (gaps between teeth) or crowding (teeth overlapping slightly). The company's marketing materials emphasize that their system is designed for cosmetic straightening — making teeth look straighter — rather than correcting complex bite problems. If you have a significant overbite, underbite, or crossbite, or if your teeth are severely crowded, a traditional orthodontist in an office may be a better choice because they can make adjustments in real time and handle complications more easily.

You should also consider whether you can commit to wearing aligners 20+ hours per day and changing them on schedule. If you frequently forget to wear retainers or have trouble following a routine, at-home treatment may not work for you. Similarly, if you have a history of gum disease or poor oral hygiene, a dentist's in-person supervision during treatment may be safer. Finally, if you are under 18, SmileDirectClub requires parental consent and may not be appropriate for very young teens whose teeth are still erupting.

Risks and limitations of remote treatment

Because SmileDirectClub treatment happens at home without in-person visits, you cannot get when ready help if something goes wrong. If an aligner breaks, causes unexpected pain, or feels wrong, you must contact the company's support team and wait for a response — you cannot walk into an office and see a provider that day. If the problem is serious, you may need to visit a local dentist or orthodontist out of pocket to get emergency care.

Remote monitoring also means the dentist or orthodontist reviewing your case cannot see your teeth in person or feel how your bite is changing. They rely entirely on the impressions you made at the start and the progress photos you submit. If something is not visible in a photo, it may not be caught. Additionally, SmileDirectClub's system is designed for straightening teeth, not for correcting underlying jaw or bite problems, so if your teeth look straighter but your bite is uncomfortable or misaligned, the company's treatment may not address that.

How SmileDirectClub compares to traditional orthodontist treatment

A traditional orthodontist works in an office and sees you in person every 4 to 8 weeks to adjust your braces or aligners. They can catch problems early, make real-time adjustments, and handle emergencies. They also typically have more training in complex cases and can treat severe bite problems. Traditional treatment usually costs $3,000 to $7,000 and takes 18 to 36 months, depending on the case.

SmileDirectClub is faster and cheaper for straightforward cases but offers less oversight and no in-person care. It is a trade-off: you save money and time if your case is straightforward and you are disciplined about wearing the aligners, but you lose the safety net of in-person monitoring and emergency access. Some people use SmileDirectClub for minor touch-ups after traditional orthodontic treatment, while others choose it as their primary option because cost or convenience is the deciding factor.

What happens after treatment ends

Once your aligners have moved your teeth to the target position, treatment is complete. SmileDirectClub will send you a retainer — a thin plastic shell similar to an aligner that you wear at night to keep your teeth from shifting back. You must wear the retainer consistently, usually every night for life, or your teeth will gradually move back toward their original position. This is true whether you used SmileDirectClub or a traditional orthodontist.

If your teeth do shift after treatment, you can order additional aligners from SmileDirectClub or return to a traditional orthodontist. Some people find that after a few years, they need a touch-up round of aligners. SmileDirectClub offers discounted retreatment plans for customers who have already completed one course, though the cost and timeline depend on how much movement has occurred.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use SmileDirectClub if I have crowns, bridges, or implants?

SmileDirectClub can straighten natural teeth around crowns or implants, but the aligners will not move the crown or implant itself. If a significant portion of your visible teeth are crowns or implants, SmileDirectClub may not be suitable because the aligners need to grip natural teeth to work. Discuss your specific situation with the dentist who reviews your case before you start treatment.

What if I lose or break an aligner?

SmileDirectClub can send you a replacement aligner, but there is usually a fee — typically $25 to $100 per tray depending on your plan. To avoid this, keep your aligners in their case when you are not wearing them and do not expose them to heat. If you break one, contact SmileDirectClub when ready so they can send a replacement and you do not fall behind in your treatment schedule.

Do I need to see a dentist while using SmileDirectClub?

SmileDirectClub does not replace regular dental care. You should still visit a general dentist for cleanings and checkups every six months, just as you would during any orthodontic treatment. Your dentist can also spot problems that SmileDirectClub's remote monitoring might miss.

How long does treatment actually take?

SmileDirectClub advertises 4 to 6 months for many cases, but some take longer — up to 12 months or more depending on how much movement is needed. The timeline depends on your specific case and how consistently you wear the aligners. Wearing them fewer than 20 hours per day will extend treatment.

Can I get my money back if I am not happy with the results?

SmileDirectClub offers a money-back may provide within a certain window — typically 60 days from the start of treatment if you have not progressed past the first few aligner trays. After that point, refunds are not available. Read the company's current refund policy before you order, as terms may change.