The world of orthodontics has changed dramatically in recent years, thanks to the rise of at-home teeth straightening services.
Two of the most popular options on the market today are Smile Direct Club and Alignerco.
Both companies offer clear aligners that can help straighten teeth without the need for traditional metal braces.
While both Smile Direct Club and Alignerco have their unique selling points, there are some key differences between the two services that patients should be aware of before making a decision.
For example, Smile Direct Club has been around since 2014 and has a more established brand, while Alignerco offers some of the industry’s lowest prices.
Additionally, there are differences in the way that the two companies handle the teeth straightening process, with Smile Direct Club offering in-person consultations and Alignerco relying entirely on remote communication.
Ultimately, the decision between Smile Direct Club and Alignerco will depend on a variety of factors, including a patient’s budget, timeline, and personal preferences.
In this article, we will take a closer look at both services and compare them in terms of effectiveness, affordability, convenience, appearance, customer experience, and company backgrounds.
By the end of the article, readers should have a better understanding of which at-home teeth straightening service might be right for them.
Overview of Smile Direct Club & Alignerco
Smile Direct Club and Alignerco are two popular companies that offer at-home teeth alignment services.
Both companies provide custom invisible aligners that are shipped directly to the customer’s home, eliminating the need for in-person consultations with a dental provider.
Smile Direct Club was founded in 2014 and has since become one of the most well-known at-home teeth alignment companies.
The company offers two treatment options: a standard treatment plan that lasts an average of six months and costs $2,400, and an accelerated treatment plan that lasts an average of four months and costs $2,700.
Smile Direct Club also offers a Nighttime Aligner option for those who only need minor adjustments.
Alignerco, on the other hand, is a newer company that was founded in 2019.
The company offers a standard treatment plan that lasts an average of six months and costs $1,145, as well as an accelerated treatment plan that lasts an average of three months and costs $1,345.
Alignerco also offers a SmileAdvantage program for those who need more extensive treatment.
While both companies offer similar services, there are some differences to consider.
Smile Direct Club has been around longer and has a larger customer base, which may provide a sense of security for some customers.
On the other hand, Alignerco offers more affordable treatment options and has a faster turnaround time for the accelerated treatment plan.
Overall, both Smile Direct Club and Alignerco are reputable companies that deliver quality products and satisfying results.
It is important for customers to do their own research and consider their individual needs and preferences before choosing a company for at-home teeth alignment.
Treatment Process Comparison
Both Smile Direct Club and Alignerco offer a similar treatment process for straightening teeth at home. However, there are some differences in the way they operate.
Smile Direct Club starts with an in-person visit to one of their SmileShops for a 3D scan of the teeth or by using an at-home impression kit.
After the scan or impression, a licensed dentist or orthodontist will create a treatment plan and oversee the process remotely.
The aligners are then shipped to the customer’s home, and they wear each set for one to two weeks, depending on the treatment plan.
On the other hand, Alignerco offers a completely remote treatment process. Customers can order an impression kit online and take their own dental impressions at home.
Alignerco’s dental team will then create a customized treatment plan, and the aligners will be shipped directly to the customer’s doorstep.
Both Smile Direct Club and Alignerco offer clear aligners that are virtually invisible and can be removed for eating and brushing. Alignerco offers both day and night options, while Smile Direct Club only offers day aligners.
It is important to note that neither company offers in-person visits with a dentist or orthodontist during the treatment process.
Instead, customers can communicate with their assigned dentist or orthodontist through the company’s online portal or app.
Overall, both Smile Direct Club and Alignerco offer a convenient and affordable option for straightening teeth at home.
The main difference is that Smile Direct Club requires an in-person visit to a SmileShop or using an at-home impression kit, while Alignerco offers a completely remote treatment process.
Cost Comparison
Smile Direct Club Pricing
Smile Direct Club offers two payment options: a one-time payment of $1,950 or a monthly payment plan of $89 per month for 24 months.
The total cost of the monthly payment plan comes out to $2,136.
Keep in mind that these prices are for their standard treatment plan, which includes up to 40 sets of aligners and one set of retainers. Smile Direct Club also offers a nighttime aligner option for an additional $100.
Alignerco Pricing
Alignerco offers a more affordable option for teeth aligners.
Their standard treatment plan costs $1,145, which includes up to 22 sets of aligners and one set of retainers. They also offer a nighttime aligner option for an additional $345.
Alignerco also has a referral program that allows you to earn $100 for each person you refer who signs up for their aligner treatment.
It’s important to note that the cost of teeth aligners can vary depending on the severity of your case and the length of your treatment plan.
Both Smile Direct Club and Alignerco offer free smile assessments to determine if you are a good candidate for their treatment plans and to provide you with a more accurate cost estimate.
Overall, Alignerco offers a more affordable option for teeth aligners, but it’s important to weigh the cost against the level of orthodontic guidance and support you will receive during your treatment plan.
Smile Direct Club has a longer track record and a more established brand, but Alignerco has received positive reviews for their customer service and affordability.
Effectiveness and Results
Both Smile Direct Club and Alignerco provide clear aligners that can effectively straighten teeth.
However, the effectiveness of the treatment largely depends on the severity of the misalignment.
Smile Direct Club claims that their aligners can straighten teeth in an average of six months, with some cases taking up to ten months.
Alignerco, on the other hand, claims that their treatment can take anywhere from six to eleven months, depending on the severity of the case.
In terms of results, both companies have many positive reviews from satisfied customers.
However, it is important to note that individual results may vary. Some customers have reported experiencing discomfort during treatment, while others have reported no issues at all.
It is also important to note that clear aligners are not suitable for everyone. Severe cases of misalignment may require traditional braces or other orthodontic treatments.
It is recommended to consult with a dentist or orthodontist to determine the best treatment option for individual cases.
Overall, both Smile Direct Club and Alignerco provide effective treatment options for mild to moderate cases of misalignment.
However, it is important to consider individual circumstances and consult with a dental professional before starting any treatment.
Customer Reviews and Satisfaction
When it comes to customer reviews and satisfaction, both Smile Direct Club and Alignerco have received mixed feedback.
Smile Direct Club has been in the business for longer and has a larger customer base, but this has also led to more negative reviews.
Some customers have complained about poor customer service, long wait times, and issues with the aligners not fitting properly.
However, many customers have also reported successful treatment and are happy with their results.
Alignerco, on the other hand, is a newer company with a smaller customer base. This means that there are fewer reviews available, but the majority of them have been positive.
Customers have praised the affordability of Alignerco’s aligners and the quality of customer service. However, some customers have reported issues with the aligners not fitting properly.
It’s important to note that every customer’s experience is unique and may vary. It’s recommended to do thorough research and read reviews before making a decision on which company to choose.
Overall, both Smile Direct Club and Alignerco have their pros and cons when it comes to customer reviews and satisfaction.
It’s important to weigh these factors against other considerations such as price and treatment options before making a decision.
Availability and Accessibility
Smile Direct Club Availability
Smile Direct Club is available in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
They have over 300 SmileShops in the US and Canada where customers can have a 3D scan of their teeth taken.
In addition, they offer at-home impression kits for customers who are not near a SmileShop. These kits can be ordered online and shipped directly to the customer’s home.
Alignerco Availability
Alignerco is available in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
They do not have physical locations for customers to visit, but they offer at-home impression kits that can be ordered online and shipped directly to the customer’s home.
Alignerco also offers a Smile Assessment tool on their website where customers can upload photos of their teeth and receive a free assessment from a licensed dentist or orthodontist.
Both Smile Direct Club and Alignerco offer online platforms where customers can track their treatment progress and communicate with their assigned dental professionals.
However, it is important to note that there are some states in the US where Smile Direct Club is not available due to regulations on the practice of teledentistry.
In terms of accessibility, both Smile Direct Club and Alignerco offer affordable pricing options and financing plans to make their products more accessible to a wider range of customers.
Smile Direct Club offers a single payment of $1,950 or a payment plan of $85 per month for 24 months. Alignerco offers a single payment of $1,145 or a payment plan of $110 per month for 12 months.
Conclusion and Verdict
Both Smile Direct Club and AlignerCo offer affordable at-home teeth aligner options for those seeking a straighter smile.
Smile Direct Club has a longer track record and a more established brand, but AlignerCo offers some of the industry’s lowest prices. Smile Direct Club also offers free scanning of teeth, which AlignerCo does not.
AlignerCo has a 4.9-star rating on Trustpilot, while Smile Direct Club has a 3.8-star rating on the same platform. However, Smile Direct Club has a larger number of reviews on Trustpilot, which may affect the ratings.
Ultimately, the choice between Smile Direct Club and AlignerCo will depend on individual preferences and needs.
Those who prioritize brand reputation and free scanning may prefer Smile Direct Club, while those who prioritize affordability and high customer ratings may prefer AlignerCo.
It is important to note that at-home teeth aligners may not be suitable for everyone, and it is always recommended to consult with a licensed orthodontist before starting any orthodontic treatment.
