Smile Direct Club is a popular option for those who want to straighten their teeth without traditional braces.
The treatment involves using clear aligners to gradually shift teeth into the desired position.
One of the most common questions people have when considering Smile Direct Club is how much it costs.
The cost of Smile Direct Club varies depending on the treatment plan selected.
The standard treatment option costs $2,050 if paid in full upfront, or $89 per month with a $250 deposit.
This plan typically takes an average of six months to complete, compared to the 18-24 months it can take with traditional metal braces.
Smile Direct Club also offers a nighttime-only treatment option for $2,450, which is designed for those who only need minor adjustments.
It’s important to note that the cost of Smile Direct Club may be covered by certain insurance plans, such as HSA, FSA, and CareCredit.
Additionally, Smile Direct Club offers a satisfaction guarantee and will work with customers to ensure they are happy with their results.
Overall, Smile Direct Club can be an affordable and convenient option for those looking to straighten their teeth.
Smile Direct Club Pricing Overview
Smile Direct Club is a teledentistry company that provides clear aligners to straighten teeth without the need for traditional metal braces.
The company was founded in 2014 and has since become one of the most popular and affordable options for teeth straightening.
Smile Direct Club offers two main treatment options: the original aligners and Nighttime Aligners™.
The original aligners cost $2,050 if paid in full upfront, or $89 per month with a $250 deposit.
The treatment time for this option is an average of six months, compared to the 18-24 months it can take with traditional metal braces.
The Nighttime Aligners™ are designed to be worn for 10 hours per night and cost the same as the original aligners.
To start the Smile Direct Club process, customers must first take an impression of their teeth using an at-home impression kit or by visiting a SmileShop™.
The impressions are then sent to a licensed dentist or orthodontist who creates a 3D image of the customer’s teeth.
From there, a customized treatment plan is created and the customer is sent a set of clear aligners to wear for the duration of their treatment.
It’s important to note that Smile Direct Club is not a replacement for traditional orthodontic treatment.
The company only treats mild to moderate cases of crowding and spacing issues. Customers with more severe orthodontic needs may need to seek treatment from an orthodontist.
Overall, Smile Direct Club offers an affordable and convenient solution for customers looking to straighten their teeth.
With the option to pay upfront or through a monthly payment plan, customers can choose the payment option that works best for their budget.
Initial Assessment Cost
Before beginning the treatment, Smile Direct Club requires an initial assessment to determine if a patient is a suitable candidate for clear aligners.
The assessment can be done either at a SmileShop or through an at-home impression kit.
The SmileShop appointment is free of charge, and the patient can have a 3D scan of their teeth taken by a SmileGuide.
The SmileGuide will also answer any questions the patient may have about the treatment.
If the patient prefers to take the impression at home, they can purchase an impression kit for $59.
The kit includes everything needed to make an impression of the teeth, and the patient can take the impression themselves with the help of detailed instructions.
It is important to note that the initial assessment cost is separate from the cost of the treatment itself.
The cost of the clear aligners varies depending on the length of the treatment and the payment option chosen. Smile Direct Club offers two payment options: Single Pay and SmilePay.
Single Pay requires a one-time payment of $2050, which is the same regardless of the length of the treatment.
The patient will receive all their custom clear aligners at once, and they will also receive free Bright On premium teeth whitening.
SmilePay allows the patient to get started with a $250 down payment. There is no credit check, and 100% approval is guaranteed.
The remaining balance can be paid off in monthly installments of $89 over a period of 24 months. SmilePay also includes free Bright On premium teeth whitening.
It is important to note that both payment options include the cost of the initial assessment, so there are no additional fees for the assessment.
Monthly Payment Plan
Smile Direct Club offers a monthly payment plan called SmilePay™. This plan requires a $250 down payment and 26 monthly payments of $85 each, for a total cost of $2,290.
The monthly payment option is a convenient way to spread out the cost of treatment over time.
It eliminates the need for a large upfront payment and allows patients to make smaller, more manageable payments each month.
It’s important to note that while the monthly payment plan may be more affordable for some patients, it does come with a slightly higher overall cost compared to paying in full upfront.
Patients who choose to pay in full can expect to pay $2,050 for their treatment, which is a savings of $240 compared to the monthly payment plan.
Patients who choose the SmilePay™ monthly payment plan can still expect to receive the same high-quality treatment as those who pay in full.
The treatment includes a custom set of clear aligners, remote monitoring by a licensed dentist or orthodontist, and premium teeth whitening.
Overall, the monthly payment plan is a great option for patients who want to straighten their teeth but may not have the funds available to pay in full upfront.
It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each payment option and choose the one that best fits your financial situation and treatment needs.
Full Payment Option
For those who prefer to pay for their Smile Direct Club treatment in full, there is a one-time payment option available.
According to Smile Direct Club’s pricing page, the cost for this option is $2050. This price includes everything needed for the treatment, from the initial impression kit or scan to the final set of retainers.
Paying in full provides a convenient way to avoid monthly payments and can be a good option for those who have the financial means to do so.
Additionally, Smile Direct Club offers a Lifetime Smile Guarantee™, which means that if a customer’s teeth shift after completing treatment, they will receive additional aligners at no extra cost.
It’s important to note that not everyone may be a good candidate for Smile Direct Club’s aligners.
If a customer’s doctor determines that the aligners are not a good fit for them, Smile Direct Club will refund the cost of their impression kit or scan.
Overall, paying in full can be a good option for those who want to avoid monthly payments and have the financial means to do so.
With Smile Direct Club’s Lifetime Smile Guarantee™, customers can feel confident in their investment.
Additional Costs
While the cost of Smile Direct Club aligners is relatively affordable compared to traditional braces, there are some additional costs to consider.
Impression Kit
Before beginning treatment, patients must purchase an impression kit for $59. This kit is used to create a 3D model of the patient’s teeth, which is then used to create custom aligners.
While this cost is not included in the overall price of the aligners, it is a necessary expense for starting treatment.
Replacement Aligners
In some cases, patients may need replacement aligners if they lose or damage their current set.
The cost for replacement aligners varies depending on the specific case, but it is important to note that this cost is not included in the overall price of the aligners.
Retainers
After completing treatment, patients must wear retainers to maintain their new smile.
Smile Direct Club offers retainers for $99 per set, and it is recommended that patients purchase at least two sets to ensure they always have a backup.
Other Costs
It is important to note that there may be other costs associated with Smile Direct Club treatment, such as dental check-ups or X-rays.
These costs will vary depending on the individual case and should be discussed with a dental professional.
Overall, while there are some additional costs to consider, Smile Direct Club remains an affordable option for those seeking orthodontic treatment.
Insurance Coverage
Smile Direct Club offers insurance coverage for their aligners. However, the amount of coverage depends on the insurance plan and whether Smile Direct Club is in-network or out-of-network.
In-Network Insurance
If Smile Direct Club is in-network with a patient’s insurance plan, the patient may be eligible for coverage.
Smile Direct Club accepts most major insurance coverage, including HSA or FSA funds, and CareCredit.
Patients can check their plan and get instant results on the Smile Direct Club website.
Out-of-Network Insurance
If Smile Direct Club is out-of-network with a patient’s insurance plan, the patient may still be able to receive some coverage.
It’s possible that the patient’s insurance will cover 50% of their Smile Direct Club treatment.
However, it’s also possible that the insurer will deny benefits even though the patient has orthodontic coverage.
Patients should contact their insurance provider to determine the exact coverage they may receive for Smile Direct Club treatment.
It’s important to note that patients may need to pay for the treatment upfront and then submit a claim for reimbursement from their insurance provider.
Overall, Smile Direct Club offers insurance coverage for their aligners, but the amount of coverage varies depending on the patient’s insurance plan and whether Smile Direct Club is in-network or out-of-network.
Patients should contact their insurance provider to determine their coverage options.
Refund Policy
Smile Direct Club offers a 60-day satisfaction guarantee for its clear aligners. If a customer is not satisfied with their aligners within the first 60 days of treatment, they can return them for a full refund.
Customers can initiate the return process by calling Smile Direct Club’s customer care team at 1-800-848-7566.
The company requires proof of shipment to honor a refund, so customers are encouraged to use a trackable carrier like FedEx or UPS.
In addition to the 60-day satisfaction guarantee, Smile Direct Club also offers a Lifetime Smile Guarantee.
This guarantee ensures that customers are satisfied with their smile for life. The guarantee includes a 30-Day Money-Back Promise and free aligner touch-ups during and after treatment.
Customers who have completed their treatment and are not satisfied with their results can contact Smile Direct Club for a refund.
It is important to note that Smile Direct Club’s refund policy is subject to change.
In 2023, the company settled a lawsuit that required them to remove certain conditions from their refund policy for U.S. customers and release more than 17,000 customers nationwide from those provisions in the company’s nondisclosure agreements.
Customers should check Smile Direct Club’s website for the most up-to-date refund policy information.
Comparison with Traditional Braces
Smile Direct Club is a popular alternative to traditional braces. While traditional braces can range in price from $800 to $8,000, the average range for traditional braces is $4,400 to $5,500.
Smile Direct Club is typically more affordable than traditional braces, with a cost of $2050 if paid altogether or $89 per month for 26 months with a $250 deposit.
Smile Direct Club costs $2500 with a shorter treatment time of 4-6 months with its orthodontist-recommended treatment plans.
Traditional braces require average treatment times of 16-18 months. Smile Direct Club, on the other hand, has a shorter treatment time of 4-6 months.
While traditional braces are generally more effective for severe orthodontic issues, Smile Direct Club is a great option for those with mild to moderate issues.
With Smile Direct Club, patients can straighten their teeth without the hassle and discomfort of traditional braces.
In summary, Smile Direct Club is a more affordable and faster alternative to traditional braces for those with mild to moderate orthodontic issues.
However, for more severe issues, traditional braces may be a better option.
Financial Assistance Options
Smile Direct Club offers a few financial assistance options to help make their teeth straightening treatment more affordable for those who need it.
These options include:
-
SmilePay™: This is Smile Direct Club’s payment plan option. It requires a $250 deposit and 24 monthly payments of $89 each for a total cost of $2386. This option allows customers to spread out the cost of their treatment over a longer period, making it more manageable for those on a budget.
-
Insurance: Smile Direct Club accepts most insurance plans, including PPO and HMO plans. Customers can check with their insurance provider to see if their plan covers Smile Direct Club’s treatment.
-
FSA/HSA: Customers can also use their FSA or HSA funds to pay for Smile Direct Club’s treatment. This option allows customers to use pre-tax dollars to pay for their treatment, which can save them money in the long run.
It’s important to note that not all financial assistance options may be available to every customer. Customers should check with Smile Direct Club to see which options are available to them and which ones they qualify for.
Overall, Smile Direct Club’s financial assistance options can help make their teeth straightening treatment more accessible to a wider range of customers.
By spreading out the cost of treatment over a longer period, accepting insurance plans, and allowing customers to use FSA/HSA funds, Smile Direct Club is helping to make their treatment more affordable for those who need it.
Conclusion
Smile Direct Club is an affordable and convenient way to straighten teeth without the hassle of traditional braces.
The standard treatment option costs $2,050 if paid in full or $89 per month with a $250 deposit.
The nighttime clear aligners cost $2,290 if paid in full or $99 per month with a $250 deposit.
Smile Direct Club is a great option for people who want to straighten their teeth but don’t want to pay the high cost of traditional braces or Invisalign.
It is also a great option for people who want to straighten their teeth from the comfort of their own home.
Smile Direct Club has received positive reviews from customers, with an average rating of 4.7 stars on Trustpilot based on more than 28,000 reviews.
Customers have praised the convenience and affordability of the service.
However, it is important to note that Smile Direct Club may not be suitable for everyone.
People with severe dental issues may require more extensive treatment, and Smile Direct Club may not be able to provide the necessary care.
It is important to consult with a dentist or orthodontist to determine the best course of treatment.
Overall, Smile Direct Club is a great option for people who want to straighten their teeth affordably and conveniently.
It is important to weigh the pros and cons and consult with a dental professional before making a decision.
